HOWELL— After several years of discussion, the Howell Township Council has unanimously approved the construction of a dog park in the municipality. The governing body took final action at its Oct. 4 meeting.
An ordinance adopted by the council authorizes the use of $22,000 in reserve funds to build a dog park at Oak Glen Park, Old Tavern and Preventorium roads. The facility will provide an area where dogs will be permitted to run off-leash.
Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey L. Filiatreault said the reserve fund includes payments that private developers have made to Howell over the years. The construction of the dog park will not deplete the reserve fund, which can only be used for park improvements, he said.
Resident Barbara Dixel expressed concern about the manner in which officials are funding the construction of the dog park.
“I’mstill not in favor of it,” Dixel said. “I do not think it is an appropriate amount of money to spend now that money is tight. I think it’s more prudent to hang on to this money.”