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Hanftn said the forsstexs were hopeful that the caterplllar*-Both outbzeak, now in ita
third year, would not reappear next spring because "they consider it strictly cyclica^^^
liks the 17-year locusts." But if their evaluations next winter indicate another outuRk
next spring they aight recouiend aerial spraying with B-T which is haraful only to the
caterpillars. He said aerial spraying aight cost as auch as $18,000 and that public
hearings would be held to*^t the feeling of the people about what they want."
Jia Saith, a state pest control forester, was asked if the white narked tussock aoth
is considered as serious a threat as the gypsy moth which has defoliated millions of acres
of trees along the Atlantic coast to the north of here.
"We do not consider them to be so because the idiite narked tussock moth is native
to this country while the gypsy moths are imported"~and hence have no natural enemies
over here. Smith replied.
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At its June meeting, the PKS Board of Commissioners completed action on the 198^-85
town budget and adopted a fence ordinance that prohibits any fence "iriiich could cause harm
to anyone." Taking heed of objections raised at a May 25 public hearing, the new ordinance
BOARD APPROVES would allow electric fences approved by Underwriters Laboratory. Elec-
trie fences could not be over two feet high and would be used solely for
WBW FgyCE RUT.WS protecting gardens.
In response to questions raised by Conmissioner Jack Thompson, Commis
sioner Fred Libby said UL approved electric fences would not ham animals or human beings
but would keep them away. Building Inspector Bill Ballantine pointed out that such fences
are not charged constantly but carry pulses of low-voltage electricity that saps intruders
without harming them.
The fence ordinance, which applies only to residential areas, would prohibit fenAr
with barbs or spikes or similar protrusions, and says fences cannot be over five feet high
and must be readily visible. It would also prohibit erection of chain link or wire fences
around front yards and would require the more unfinished side of a fence to be turned toward
the property owner who erected it.
During discussion of the budget. Town Attorney Ken Kirkman noted that the Wialer Inn,
which is being converted to time-sharing condominiums has been placed in receivership. He
said its debts were so extensive he doubted the town would be able to collect its 198^
taxes on the property. Town Clerk Corinne Geer said the 1983 taxes had been paid.
The l9®fr-85 budget calls for spending $498,16? during the fiscal year beginning
JtOy 1, and is predicated on a 19-cent tax rate — same as this year — on a $l2l million
tax valuation. The budget for this year is $428,000 on a $106 million valuation.
The budget will provide a pay raise of 5 percent for all the town’s employees. It
also includes funds for hiring an additional policeman, $9#500 for replacing a police car
and $50,000 to purchase an additional fire truck, an attack or mini pumper for which bids
will be opened in July. The budget calls for the promotion of Brenda Cox to tax collector.
Public Works Commissioner Xen Hanan told the board that Waste Industries, which
collects garbage for the town, is complaining that many residents are putting out brush for
it to pick up without tying it in bundles, not over four feet long. Mayor Haller said he
had noted large quantities of grass clippings in the canal, presumably thrown in by residents
in violation of a town ordinance. Hanan said efforts were being made to track down the
culprits.