Apr 9, 2014 By Terry Kish 2 min read

In response to complaints about cats running at large, discussion about ways to deal with the issue were discussed at the Scott Township Commissioners April 8 agenda meeting.

Scott’s Code Enforcement Officer Bob Fischer said that at least two commissioners, Eileen Meyers and Don Giudici, had received complaints about feral cats in their wards. Fischer said the problem is that there is no ordinance in place for animal control to collect cats.

Scott Chief of Police Jim Secreet said that most cats don’t usually wear collars, adding that the ordinances regarding the control of cats that he has seen require pet owners to have their cat chipped to identify them. Secreet said the requirement protects the township if a pet is picked up and destroyed.

Secreet said another option would be to consider a nuisance animal ordinance.

Meyers, who has received complaints about a number of feral cats in the township’s Glendale area said, “I think it’s the only way to control the problem.”

The board directed Fischer to gather information about existing ordinances regarding control of cats that local communities have in place for presentation at the board’s May 13 agenda meeting. Fischer said he would also try to have an animal control officer come to the meeting.

Also discussed was the possible sheriff sale of properties at 200 Locust, 134 Boroview, 209 Magazine and 1444 Scrubgrass. Fischer said the properties have all been vacant for seven years and attempts to contact owners or their families have been unsuccessful. The board is expected to vote on the matter at its April 22 regular meeting.

In other business, the board discussed hiring an entry level police officer to replace retired officer Dave White. Chief Secreet said he would like to see the new officer selected at the board’s April 22 voting meeting, since after giving notice at his or her old job, it would be the third week of May before the officer would be eligible for hire.

Commissioner Pat Caruso said that written testing was complete, and Chief Secreet said oral interviews for candidates were set for April 12. Secreet said Civil Service would certify the list on April 17. He said he could have the top three candidates available for interview before the board’s April 22 meeting. The board agreed with Secreet’s recommendation and interviews were set for 6:30 p.m., prior to the commissioners’ regular meeting.