Westchester Council Schedules Hearing to Prohibit Sale of Dogs Cats and Rabbits in Stores

The Borough Council of West Chester convened on July 16, 2025, for a voting session that addressed several key agenda items, including a proposed ordinance regarding the sale of animals in retail stores and budget modifications for local capital projects.

The meeting commenced with a motion to schedule a public hearing on August 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM to discuss an amendment to Chapter 37 of the borough code. This amendment aims to prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in retail stores. Council members discussed concerns raised about the implications for breeders and free enterprise. It was clarified that while retail stores would not be allowed to sell these animals, breeders could still hold events to sell pets directly. The council unanimously voted to schedule the public hearing.

Following this, the council moved on to budget modifications related to the Goose Creek Green Public Works and Meadowlack Street rain garden stormwater project. A specific motion was made to approve a final payment certification, which included a change order amounting to $73,002.10. Council members engaged in discussions about the responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in grant-funded projects, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and accountability among grant managers, engineers, and contractors.

The council highlighted the need for improved processes to ensure that all aspects of project management are effectively monitored and documented, particularly regarding reimbursement for grant expenditures. The discussion underscored the collaborative efforts required to manage projects successfully and the importance of maintaining accurate records for reimbursement requests.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed significant regulatory changes regarding animal sales and financial oversight for capital projects, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and accountability within the borough's management processes. The council's next steps include the upcoming public hearing and continued discussions on project management improvements.