NL Council says the pig can stay

BY KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? This little piggy can stay.

In March, the Garrels family, of New London, were told their pet teacup potbellied pig could stay as part of the family; at least for three months, when the city council would take another look at the case. However, June came and went without a decision. Finally, after eight months, the family found out once and for all, the piggy can stay.

The New London City Council had held off on making any decisions regarding continuing to allow a potbellied pig at 104 Orchard Lane until a judgment confirmed it was within the city?s jurisdiction to do so.

Last February, Jessica Garrels and her family petitioned the city to allow a variance on the city?s ordinance stating farm animals and livestock were not allowed within the city. The Garrels family had a pet teacup potbellied pig they were hoping to bring to the city with them. Despite some neighbor?s request to keep the animal out, the city approved an exception to allow the teacup potbellied pig at the residence. The exception allowed the family to have the pet for a three-month trial period. After the three months, the city would review the case to see if there had been any issues with the animal. The city also reserved the right to pull the exception at any time.

Before the three months were up, neighbors Ron and Karen Osborne filed a lawsuit against the city, questioning the city?s ability to grant variances.

?The judge came back and ruled in our favor,? said City Clerk Kasi Howard. ?We were within our rights as a council to do that.?

Following a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen Greg Malott and Frank Staley casting the ?no? votes, the pig remains a pet for the Garrels family.

Once again, the council discussed developing residential lots on West Adams Street. And once again, the council has tabled the discussion, citing the need for more information.

Last month, the council said they wanted a firm number on how much it would cost to lay the infrastructure to the five possible properties and to survey it. Howard said the city had several different options for sanitary sewer, but the most expensive option came in at $27,000. Surveying the area would cost $4,300.

?There was still some contention about it,? Howard said of moving the project forward. ?There is one council member who brought up they want all the costs, which to them includes installing electric and the water main.?

As the city had not received quotes for the aforementioned items, the council tabled the item for further discussion.

Moving on in the meeting, the council discussed changing the speed limit on West Main Street. In October, the council approved reducing the speed limit on East Main Street form the old Casey?s into town. The speed limit was reduced to 25 miles per hour.

Howard said the city would contact the county about using the speed trailer to see how fast drivers are going along the stretch on West Main Street, as well as increase police presence.

Lastly, the council discussed changing the city?s motto back to ?Gateway to Geode State Park.?

In October, several residents had approached the council regarding changing the motto back as the city doesn?t have many red buds anymore. Howard said residents should expect a resolution in December.

The next regular meeting of the city council will be Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at 6 p.m., at the City Office.

The council will have a work session on Monday, Nov. 14, regarding municipal infractions penalties.