The Walnut Cove Board of Commissioners had their regular meeting on September 1 at 7 p.m. at the Walnut Cove Senior Center. In addition to taking care of a number of items of business, the board received an update on numerous items from Town Manager Homer Dearmin. All members of the board were present for the meeting.

Proposed changes to the Walnut Cove Animal Ordinance drew a large crowd as well as television news reporters from WXII.

During their August meeting, the board discussed making some changes to the current ordinance to make it more easily enforceable as the current ordinance focuses on livestock. The changes were intended to make pet owners more accountable for their animals and to address problems with stray dogs and feral cats. Debbie Cowan, a board member and local veterinarian, offered to bring some more information back to this month’s meeting.

Approximately 25 people attended the meeting to advocate for the feral cats, fearing that the town intended to somehow harm the cats.

After conferring with Phil Hamby, director of the Stokes County Animal Shelter, Cowan presented several recommendations. Among the proposed revisions is a requirement that all pets within the town limits be kept humanely; have an appropriate shelter which protects them from wind, rain, and inclement weather; have water available at all times and food provided at least every 24 hours.

Another proposed revision is that animals be licensed by the town (at a rate of $5 for neutered pets and $30 for unneutered pets) and all animals be vaccinated against rabies. Proceeds from fees and fines would be donated to the Stokes County Animal Shelter, which currently holds animals for three days and then euthanizes them. Over 70 percent of animals are euthanized.

Cowan is heading up a citizens’ task force to make recommendations to the board about changes to the existing ordinance. Citizens are encouraged to participate and may contact Town Hall at 591- 4809 or Dr. Cowan at 591-8250.

Lieutenant Jerry Bullins presented the quarterly report from the Walnut Cove Volunteer Fire Department (WCVFD). The department is working toward lowering fire insurance rates for residents and have been testing and painting hydrants, doing additional training, and maintaining documentation. The average homeowner should realize a savings of approximately $100 per year as improvements continue and are completed.

In other business, the board discussed the demolition of a house at 915 Dalton Street. While the owner of the property is willing for the demolition to proceed, there is an existing mortgage, and town officials are in the process of contacting the mortgage holder before proceeding with demolition.

The board also approved a new internal control policy for the town finances that identifies possible areas where fraud or loss could occur and addresses preventive actions.

The only budget amendment for the first quarter was an additional $5,000 being approved for the Walnut Cove Volunteer Fire Department, bringing their total budget from the town to $36,000.

The board also discussed the Walnut Cove Interim Capital Improvement Plan, which includes long-term plans for water and sewer improvements and a new town hall and public works facility. Water improvements planned include replacement of water lines on Summit Street, and sewer improvements include replacement of lines on Stokesburg Road as well as replacement of the lift station on Hairston Street.

Dearmin also presented the board with the following information in his manager’s report:

Recycling bins have been ordered and should be shipped during the first two weeks of September.

Kiser’s Garbage Service is delivering rolling carts to residents for trash pickup. The first streets to receive the carts include Dodson Street, Montgomery Court, NC Highway 65, Stokesburg Road and Lakeside Drive. The carts will have a letter attached, informing residents of how to use and where to place the carts for pickup. The carts will remain the property of Kiser’s, and should the property owner move, the cart will remain with the house.

The Main Street meeting had good attendance this month, and citizens are encouraged to participate. Cowan and Dearmin are applying for two grants from the state-sponsored Main Street Awards programs. Volunteers are welcome to help. Citizens can call Town Hall for more information.

Police Chief James Hill and Dearmin traveled to Raleigh to the Highway Patrol Training Center to pick up five mobile data terminals. Eventually the terminals will interface with the state system so Walnut Cove officers can check license plates and drivers’ licenses without having to use the Stokes Communications system.

Any church or civic groups interested in participating in the Fall Litter Sweep, sponsored by the NC Department of Transportation, should contact Town Hall.

Dearmin also welcomed David Collins, who joined the Walnut Cove Police Department on August 24. Former administrative assistant Brandi McGlamery will become the deputy town clerk on September 8.