Animal control officer's request has Red Bud council snarling, howling
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[When is a routine agenda item not routine? When the agenda is for the Red Bud City Council.
Training requests for city employees are usually routine matters approved unanimously, as were three training requests at the council's March 1 meeting.
Two requests for Officer Carl Williams and one for Joanne Cowell were approved. Each request is for a one-day training program. None of the requested training requires a registration fee, but each involves mileage and meals.
Not so, though, the request of Jeanne Fithian, animal control officer. The council divided over the request to pay for a five-day training program, including a registration fee, lodging, meals, and mileage.
The request was for a National Animal Control Association Level 3 course, with a registration fee of $575. The NACA was formed in 1978 and offers certification for animal control officers. Fithian has previously been approved for and completed the first and second level courses.
The training, according to Alderman Bill Hanebutt, is more than required to meet the city's animal control needs. Alderman Clarence Nail wanted to know the city's liability for Fithian should she be involved in an accident.
The question annoyed Mayor Ken Mueller. Fithian would be driving herself in her own vehicle, so she and her insurance provider would be responsible for any damage ensuing from any accident in which she would be involved.
Fithian said the training would benefit the city by teaching her to euthanize cats. Currently holding and disposing of one cat costs the city $56, she said. With spring coming there will be lots of calls about unwanted cats.
The vote was a four-four tie. Aldermen Nail, Don Glasscock, and Scott Schubert joined with Hanebutt in voting against the request, while Aldermen Glenn Linnertz, Dennis Braun, Harold Cowell, and Richard McCarthy voted for it.
Mueller broke the tie, voting in favor of the request, calling the NACA training "valuable."
There was no disagreement, though, on the recognition of Curt Guebert, who recently retired as the city's fire chief. Mueller presented Guebert with a plaque, with many members of the department on hand to observe.
Calling it a special night, Mueller said of Guebert, "He's a great testament to the city and the department. I can't say enough about volunteer firemen. It takes a lot of dedication and time away from family."
It was indeed a special night, as the Red Bud Lions Club was also honored. Mueller read a proclamation noting the 75th anniversary of the club's providing public service.
Bids for electrical and boring for the city's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system were awarded to North County Electric and Diewald Utility Service.