Anna Hudson, “The Seed Lady,” owner of Hudson’s Hardware and Richard Goodwin, owner of Glam-O-Rama were honored for their service to Garner citizens over the last several decades.

Goodwin has owned and operated Glam-O-Rama in Garner for 42 years now.

Hudson said when she moved to the area, people were very close-knit and didn’t take well to new comers. That didn’t stop Hudson and her husband from starting the hardware store on Benson Road and creating lasting relationships with many Garner residents, even Town Council member Gra Singleton who worked for the hardware store for several years. Ruffled feathers

Although the Council decided not to allow chickens on lots smaller than one acre within town limits, the birds still have Garner residents crowing. A residence outside of Garner’s Extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) off of Grovemont Road has become the spot of much debate for many who feel the large flock of chickens in the back yard is an eye sore.

Greenbrier Homeowners Association President Wanda Nicholson said it is an environmental issue because there is a stream behind the residence that could be contaminated by the poorly kept yard.

She also said it could be an economic issue because the birds may turn off businesses thinking of moving into Garner.

Town Council member Buck Kennedy said passing by the residence, he noticed a bad smell from the property.

“That is becoming a nuisance,” he said.

Although the Council sympathizes with disgruntled residents, the home is in Wake County territory.

While Garner has say in zoning for the area, the County police enforce nuisance laws. So, Garner won’t be saying goodbye to its feathered friends just yet.

Tethered dogs

Donna Frieda followed up on a letter she sent to the Town Council concerning tethered dogs in hopes to get the Council to create an ordinance regulating the practice within town limits.

Hailey Queen, a member of the Raleigh Coalition of Unchained Dogs said the organization volunteers to build fences for dogs that are continuously tethered or chained. The fences are built for free.

The group has helped to unchain nearly 450 dogs already.

The Coalition of Unchained Dogs began in Durham and moved to Raleigh about a year ago. Now, Queen said, the organization would like to extend its helping hand to Garner’s canines.

The free fences help dog owners, who could not otherwise afford to, come into compliance with Town and County ordinances mandating that dogs should not be chained or tethered.

Above and beyond helping dog owners with fences, the organization seeks to educate people in the process about the risks of keeping dogs tied up outside constantly.

The group also requires all dog owners that are helped to have their animals spayed or neutered.

Queen said mostly owners tether their animals because they have moved to an area where they cannot keep the dog inside or because they have always done it; they lack education about the risks.

The topic will make its way to the Law and Finance Committee, where members will research the topic and recommend whether the Town should create an ordinance concerning tethered dogs. Making Garner a safer place to be

Town Manager Hardin Watkins presented an update about School Acres. Neighborhood Improvement Manager Reggie Buie is working with the North Garner Middle School principal to better the area. Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department have helped by cleaning up the area around the school ball fields and creating a mentoring program.

“We have a dedicated team,” Watkins said. “I can’t say enough.”