By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

Last Monday, the Buckhead Town Council had their November meeting, discussing the recent repairs on sidewalks in Buckhead, planning for Old Buckhead Days and Buckhead’s leash laws.
In the last month, the project to repair the sidewalks in Buckhead was completed.
Although most people have been pleased by the progress, there were some mixed reviews, according to mayor Ricky Walker.
“Some people thought we were tearing up sidewalks that didn’t have anything wrong with them, but it costs more to leave four- or five-foot chunks than it does to just pull it up.”
Next, the council discussed a brainstorming session, which had taken place in order to generate ideas for the Old Buckhead Days festival.
Some council members acknowledged that, in past years, the festival has suffered because of a lack of proper leadership and initiative. ‘
The first problem discussed was the lack of a solid, annual date, on which the festival should occur. The first Saturday in April was proposed as a date for the event, but no clear decision was made on whether that proposal was accepted.
Additionally, the council suggested setting up attractions for the festival such as a 5K run or a food judging competition.
Although Walker was baffled as to why people would pay to run in a 5K race, he supported the idea of a food competition.
“People like to eat,” said Walker.
The biggest problem facing the council’s ability to implement these events is the lack of manpower that they face, which typically comes down to the members of the fire department.
The council decided to put off making concrete plans until the January meeting.
After going through the new business on the agenda, Council member Robert Saye suggested amending the city’s leash laws to raise the fines for first offenders, who allow dogs to run freely within city limits.
Saye believes the current fines, which were set in 1998, to be outdated, and thinks that larger fines will convince Buckhead’s residents to keep a closer eye on their animals.
Stray dogs, that roam in the city without owners, are the responsibility of Morgan County’s Animal Control department, and, although Buckhead has a contract with the county, Saye doesn’t believe that the county is living up to their end of the deal.
“Animal Control is contracted to work in Buckhead, just like everywhere else,” said Saye, “but they don’t come to Buckhead. You can call them, but they don’t come.”
The council agreed to send out a letter to the residents of Buckhead, restating the leash law as it currently stands, before going through the legal process of changing the existing law.
Ultimately, the council’s ability to enforce the leash law, however it stands, comes down to the county’s assistance in taking enforcing Buckhead’s codes.
“I don’t have a problem trying to enforce it,” said Walker. “but we are at the mercy of the county because we don’t have the personnel.”

Printed in the November 29, 2012 edition.