Keen observations from the Whiney Coyote...
If I sound a little whiney as you read this article, well, it’s because I am whiney. Having lived on this island for 30 years and married to a 5th generation Sullivan’s Islander, I am, sadly, a cranky, old soul who hates watching this island fall slowly into the sea. Do you think the island has lost a lot of its charm? Do you think we no longer honor or protect our history?
I worry about the old island cottages that are now scant, rare treasures. Do you think the Commercial District is out of control? Did you know it’s going to get larger? All the way down Middle Street to the Post Office.
That’s why I’m cranky. I am sickened by the fundamental transformation of our island. I find most of the changes unwanted, self-indulging, and unnecessary. I also think that the majority of us don’t like the changes that have been forced on us by a tyrannical council who continues to act according to its own agenda.
So here’s what I am whining about today:
I sat through another painful Town Council meeting Monday night.
1. Let’s start with the Coyotes on the island. Councilperson Clark, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, presented a reasonable, immediate approach to this problem. After listening to islanders, he proposed the hiring of an agency to trap and remove them. In response, Councilperson Kaynard shut down Clark’s opinion and stated that he wanted to “study” the coyote problem and further suggested that $25,000 of our tax dollars could be used to fund the study.
After an achingly long, unnecessary discussion, Mayor Perkis and Councilmembers O’Neil, Middaugh, Watson, and Cooper supported Kaynard’s plan. Mr. Kaynard said that he didn’t want a “wild west show” on the island by allowing islanders to protect their animals on their property with ... GUNS!
It was decided by the majority of Council that if an islander sees a coyote on his property, he is to call the police. The police will come and shoot the coyote (if necessary). So how does the coyote know to stay there until the police arrive? Since coyotes are nocturnal hunters, wouldn’t one wonder if the police might be dealing with nocturnal criminals or nocturnal drinkers getting rowdy at our nocturnal bars? Let me add that there were 2 Animal Removal Companies at the meeting. No councilmember took the opportunity to ask them their professional opinion. One homeowner stated that she had 5 coyotes in her yard. One stood his ground even after a rock was thrown at him. She hired the pros, and they have removed 4 coyotes (@ $200 per animal).
And you will love this suggestion from Councilperson Cooper. She suggested that perhaps those homeowners whose properties abut the accreted land should be allowed to cut some of the accreted land “to feel safer“.
What????? What does the accreted land have to do with the coyotes? I live on the back of the island, and most of the sightings have occurred in that area. January through March is the breeding season for coyotes. They are more aggressive when they feel their pups might be threatened. So now this council wants to “study” the coyote situation?
The next scheduled meeting of the Public Safety Committee is on February 3, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall. The coyote issue is certain to be on the agenda, so plan to attend if you want to make sure your voice is heard.
The next scheduled meeting of the Public Safety Committee is on February 3, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall. The coyote issue is certain to be on the agenda, so plan to attend if you want to make sure your voice is heard.
2. Mayor Perkis said that property taxes will go up in order to pay for the new Town Hall. About $60/year. That figure is based on a $600,000 house. Not many of those around. Were you ever asked if you wanted a new Town Hall? Yeah, me neither.
3. One Councilmember left the meeting early because she had to go home and finish her report cards. Unbelievable! Does this elected official ever give “busy” work to her students so she can take care of town business while in the classroom?
4. The meeting concluded with members going into Executive Session to discuss… VACATION RENTALS!! Can this really be happening?
5. On the bright side, I have noticed that in the past 2 meetings, Councilmembers stayed off their cell phones and iPads during the meetings. Now that’s progress, folks!
Hope to see YOU at the February Council meeting on February 18!
A cranky old soul,
