Resident asks help to keep neighborhood clean; pick up pet waste

NWA Democrat-Gazette/DAVID GOTTSCHALK The Springdale City Hall is seen in downtown Springdale in this 2017 file photo.
NWA Democrat-Gazette/DAVID GOTTSCHALK The Springdale City Hall is seen in downtown Springdale in this 2017 file photo.

SPRINGDALE -- Michael Russell of the Willow Bend subdivision came before the City Council on Tuesday night hoping to make his neighborhood a little nicer.

He wanted people to pick up after their dogs when they're walking through his neighborhood. Most do a good job, he said.

"But sometimes it's on the sidewalks. It's on the streets. It's where children play," Russell said. "It's a lack of respect for personal property,"

Russell asked the city to consider adding an ordinance to city code considering animal waste as it does litter, with a fine for those who don't pick up after their animals.

City Attorney Ernest Cate said he looked at a similar law from Fayetteville. "The owner or the person in possession of the animal is responsible for the removal of its waste," Cate read.

He said response to the problem could be more specific under the city's animal code than the laws about litter.

"I believe it's important. I believe that it's disgusting," said Courtney Kremer, of the issue. Kremer is the city's director of animal services. "People should be responsible for their own animals."

But she asked who would hold the responsibility to enforce a new measure -- animal control officers? Springdale police officers?

"Some of these are just common sense enforcement," Cate said. "Some people just need proof. We hope they completely comply once they hear about it."

Cate said the city has several other ordinances t0 encourage common sense.

"Don't park in the grass, is one," he said. "Don't park next to a mailbox -- which the council approved last year."

Russell said the property owners' association of the neighborhood just off Carley Road is working to provide a couple of "Sanitation Stations" to the neighborhood. A sign would remind walkers of their responsibility and bags provided for clean up.

"And an ordinance that you could list on the sign would add just a little teeth to the issue," Council member Kathy Jaycox said.

"It's another opportunity to bring awareness," she continued. "It's a shame we have to teach people to be good neighbors."

"And not just in Willow Bend, but other subdivisions, trails and city parks," Russell said. "We want a healthy, safe and clean city."

Council members weren't sure if the issue affects the entire city, although several members said they often see waste along the trails and city trail heads.

"I've got one neighborhood in the east where people like to ride their horses through a neighborhood, and they aren't stopping to clean up what their horses leave," Kremer said.

Council members were reluctant to pass an ordinance, saying they were unsure the problem affects the entire city.

Mayor Doug Sprouse said he will bring some of the Parks Department employees who maintain the city's parks and trails to come to the council's next committee meeting.

"You probably don't even know it's there unless you step in it," Russell said.

NW News on 06/02/2020

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