Pit bulls headed to rescue for rehab

Philadelphia Animal Control will transport two pit bulls to a rescue facility in Lucedale so the dogs can receive specialized training, easing the burden on the city’s no-kill animal shelter.

According to Animal Control Supervisor Arthur Breakfield, the pit bulls have shown overly aggressive behavior after spending several months at the shelter, making them unsuitable for adoption.

The dogs will be sent to trainer Mandee McClain, who operates North Star Rescue in Lucedale. McClain and her family have extensive experience in fostering and training dogs.

“We want every dog to live the life they deserve,” states North Star Rescue’s website. “We provide dogs with the shelter, food, medical treatment, training, and the love of being part of a pack to get dogs physically and mentally ready for their forever homes.”

Aldermen have approved the plan and agreed to cover the travel costs, which are estimated to be a gas tank. McClain will also sign a form taking ownership of the dogs.

In other business, aldermen voted to:

• Approve a motion to approve the CDBG Resolution funds request with a match amount of $70,212.00. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to reimburse petty cash in the amount of $200 at City Hall. The motion was approved unanimously; 

• Approve a motion to pay Allen Engineering two invoices for airport projects in the amounts of $6,769.62 for the runway and taxiway seal coat project and $141.25 for the lighting improvement project. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to approve a road bore for C-Spire along Weyerhaeuser Street for 822 feet and Sistrunk Avenue for 1295 feet. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to hire Grantham Sullivan for the Cemetery Department part-time at $10 per hour. The motion was approved unanimously; 

• Approve a motion to move street closure for a food truck event over onto Beacon Street to Myrtle Street on Center Ave. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jun. 8 and Aug. 17 instead of the previous closure of Center Avenue. for the same dates. The motion was unanimously approved;

• Approve a motion to refund Carlos D. Martinez a $686.25 payment from Court Services upon providing proper identification. The motion was approved unanimously; 

• Approve a motion to accept the resignation of Lathan Davis from the Fire Department effective May 30. The motion was approved unanimously;

• Approve a motion to hire Ethan Kinard as a probationary firefighter at $12.50 per hour, effective May 30, pending drug screen. The motion was approved unanimously.