Discussion about limitations on number of dogs  at a residential property dominated the early discussion during the July 8 meeting of the Douglas City Council.

Former Douglas Librarian Glenda Bavier said she was concerned about how the new ordinance which limits the number of dogs on a property (before it is listed as a kennel) was approved.

“We didn’t have the opportunity to comment,” Bavier said,  because the number of dogs per property was changed from four to two on the third and final reading of the ordinance.

“If a change like that is going to occur, the process should begin all over again,” she said.

“Why wasn’t this tabled? People should have the opportunity to comment. This subject should be revisited.”

The council could not comment because the issue was not on the agenda and came during the “Call to the Public.

Concern over communication between the city and public weaved its way  throughout the meeting.

In other action, the council:

• Approved the first reading of user fees for the parking lot on 1st Street and Customs Avenue. It increases the first hour rate from $1 to $2 and the maximum cost for any one day from $5 to $8.

• Approved the first reading on an ordinance authorizing the city to accept a donation of real property from the Halpern and Margolis family. It turns out that the  donation only covers ownership of half of the property donated, but the city will seek donation of the property from the rest of the owners.

• Approved authorizing the submittal of an application for a Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and certifying that said applications meets the community needs, community development needs, and the requirements of state housing programs.

In other housing action, the council also authorized the city and Public Housing Authority to enter into a consortium agreement with SEAGO in a joint application for Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding; adopt a residential antidisplacement and relocation assistance plan for 2009; and adopt revisions to the Housing Rehabilitation Guidelines.

• Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the city and the State of Arizona in the amount of $120,684 for the restoration of the El Paso Southwest Railroad Depot Fountain in and around the Douglas Police Station.

• Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Arizona through its Department of Transportation in the amount of $467,194 for the construction of a 600-foot pathway  parallel to US Highway 191-B from the International Port of Entry to Third Street.

• Approved a contract between the city and Albert Holler and Associates for professional sales tax auditing services. It is believed that sales tax revenue is being underreported and underpaid by more than $100,000 annually in collected taxes.

• Approved committing a maximum of $60,000 annually for a total of three years for nearly $14 million in grant funding. If the funding is not approved, the city is not liable for the annual contribution.