Eunice pet boarding ordinance tabled

A proposed ordinance to allow pet boarding in Eunice at facilities other than veterinary clinics was tabled by the Board of Aldermen Tuesday. 
Newly opened Barks Avenue Pet Spa and Boutique owners Andy and Rachael Young, through their attorney, Jay Caswell, proposed the ordinance. 
The Youngs presented a plan for a 10-animal kennel that would not have an outside run. The animals would be in a brick building, which is next to the Masonic Hall. 
Jack Burson, alderman at-large, pushed tabling the request to open up pet boarding. 
The current ban, except for veterinarian offices, arose from a problem with dogs kept in the Eunice High School area, he said. 
But Burson also cited the Barks Avenue Pet Spa and Boutique as in a historic district. 
Burson said he wants more public input on the pet boarding proposal. 
Vernon McManus, city attorney, raised concerns about the facility’s impact on the city’s sewer system and the cost of a required twice-a-year inspection. 
A proposed ordinance for a land swap between the city and Bayou State Investment was withdrawn from the agenda. 
Other items at the board meeting included: 
— Patricia Brown with the LSUE Community Garden, located between the nature trail and the city barn, said the garden has several issues, which include needing a cleanup and more public participation.
— Eunice High School students Sara May and Gage Alleman spoke about their idea for a non-profit, no-kill shelter for stray and abandoned animals. 
— Approving a request from St. Edmund School to make Magnolia Avenue one-way between 4th and 3rd streets during school hours. 
— Announcing the Kiwanis Christmas parade is scheduled at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 10.
— Announcing the Main to Main Festival will be held downtown Nov. 21.
— Announcing city departments will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the next day. 
— Announcing the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch is scheduled Dec. 10. Gifts are needed and may be dropped off at the Mayor’s Office in the Eunice Municipal Complex. 
— Fire Chief Mike Arnold announcing a Pictures with Santa event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 at Bijou’s Cottage on West Laurel across from the McDonald’s restaurant. Photos are $5 with the proceeds going to Toys for Tots.