Sweden, Ogden to share animal holding facilities

Stray animals from Sweden and Ogden may soon share the same quarters. Following a request from Ogden's animal control officer John Eeckhout, Town of Sweden officials will be looking into an inter-municipality agreement to house Ogden's strays.

"We're looking for a place to take our strays," Eeckhout said at the March 23 board meeting. Ogden presently houses their strays in a local veterinarian's office. "Because of the vet's office expansion we have to move our strays."

Sweden's animal control officer Kathy Beaumont said there is space in the town's kennels. "We'll need Ogden to provide the plastic forms to get the animals off of the ground ... but we do have the space."

Ogden's regulations state they keep strays a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven. In 2003, they had 48 total impounds and in 2002 there were 47.

Sweden Councilperson Rob Carges said the town's kennel facility could handle that volume.

Eeckhout said that individuals whose dogs are picked up in Ogden will have to deal with Town of Ogden officials to redeem their animal. "This won't place any burden on Sweden officials," he said. "We will still handle our animal redemption."

In other matters the board:

• Heard from Frank and Julie Lapinski in their continuing quest for public water on Sweden-Walker Road. "Isn't it the town's responsibility to act on behalf of its residents?" Lapinski questioned board members. Town Supervisor Nat O. Lester, III said he will ask the Monroe County Water Authority to review information the Lapinski's recently submitted, will look at the costs, the number of properties available and willing to pay the indebtedness of installing a water line and will ask the engineer for updated figures. "There are guidelines that must be met to make it cost effective," he said.
• The town plans to switch its internet provider from Roadrunner to Choice One DSL lines. The switch will save about $120-$130 per month. Choice Once is the town's phone service provider.