Council asks landowner to remove electric fence near Snowville park, plans ordinance change if unresolved

Council members raised public-safety concerns on May 13 after a resident reported that a child was shocked by an electric fence installed around livestock adjacent to the town park.

Mayor James Begley described the report and said he had documented the child’s injury. Councilmembers and residents said electric fencing is not appropriate next to public property in residential zoning. "If her child had a heart condition, they might not be here," the mayor said while discussing the safety risk. Several councilmembers said the livestock and fencing arrangement also violates town ordinances limiting large animals in R1/R2 residential zones.

Council agreed on a two-step approach: first, staff will send a written letter to the landowner asking that the fence be removed or otherwise secured and giving a 14-day deadline to comply. Second, if the landowner does not resolve the issue, council directed staff to draft an ordinance amendment explicitly banning electric fences in town residential zones and near public property and to include enforcement timelines.

Councilmembers emphasized taking a measured, documented approach: Trisha Arbon said the initial outreach should be polite but firm, setting clear expectations and a timeline. "Let's write them a letter, tell them to rectify their situation," Arbon said. If the letter does not work, the council said it will pursue formal ordinance changes and enforcement measures, including potential livestock seizure and fines if animals roam and create hazards.

Staff will draft the letter this week and place an ordinance-drafting item on a future agenda; council also asked staff to research enforcement steps and to work with county brand inspectors or the sheriff’s office as needed.