Phew! There might be a skunk problem in Alliance

Benjamin Duer, The Repository
·2 min read
The Striped Skunk is found in every Ohio county.
The Striped Skunk is found in every Ohio county.

ALLIANCE ‒ Is there a skunk problem in the Carnation City? Possibly.

Councilman Jim Edwards said he has fielded recent calls regarding an influx of critter problems, mostly skunks, and asked if there was a remedy.

"I know its bad," said Michael Dreger, director of public safety and service.

Edwards raised the stinky issue during City Council's regular meeting at the Alliance Senior Citizens Center. He asked if the city should hire a part-time critter control officer.

More:Alliance City Council members discuss eyesores, demolition work

Dreger told Edwards he would explore options but he could not promise a solution. Dreger does not know the reason for what sounded like a skunk invasion.

"There is just an amazing proliferation (of skunks). My dogs got sprayed twice," Dreger said after the meeting. "I've seen six (skunks) at a time."

After the meeting, Edwards said he has lived in his home for 40 years and has never seen a worse skunk situation.

In other business:

  • AUTHORIZED Mayor Alan Andreani to appropriate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for non-profits via grants. Andreani said he expected to announce recipients by Nov. 1.

  • AUTHORIZED Dreger to enter into a consent agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for bridge inspection services.

  • AUTHORIZED Dreger to prepare and submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program to seek a grant and/or loan for up to $150,000 to pave and rehabilitate a stretch of Vine Street east of Klinger Avenue.

  • APPROVED a resolution to request the Stark County Auditor's Office to certify the current tax valuation and the amount of tax revenue that would be generated by a 3-mill renewal levy for the Parks and Recreation Department. The levy would be put on the May ballot.

  • HEARD A COVID-19 and flu shot clinic will be available at the Mayor's Commission on Aging Senior Expo on Wednesday at the Alliance Senior Citizens Center. The event is free and starts 9 a.m. Bingo begins at 1:15 p.m.

  • HEARD The owner of the former McCaskey Register property plans to complete demolition work by or near Dec. 1.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Skunks, grants and renewal levy top Alliance City Council discussion