By By Lydia Grimes
features reporter
New East Brewton City Councilman Byron Palmer was sworn into office Monday at the council’s regular meeting.
Palmer has been appointed to the position left vacant by the recent death of Wayne Howard.
Palmer has previously served on the council.
While all old business was put on hold because two members of the council were not present, there was some discussion with Rene Jones, director of the Escambia County Humane Society, about the proliferation of dogs in the city and what to do with them.
Jones said animal control officials have limited resources.
Police Chief B.C. Cooper said he had some trouble getting in touch with someone at the Humane Society. Jones assured him she would furnish him with her telephone number to call.
Cooper also wanted to know what to do with the dogs that are seized. If someone is bitten by a dog, there are certain precautions to be taken. The dog has to be quarantined  for 10 days. Jones said there is no law to keep the owner from taking that dog back home at the end of 10 days and letting him loose to run around again and maybe bite someone else.The council also talked about the possibility of issuing warrants for people who defy the law, which states that any animal must be tied up, confined, or on a leash.
The council also discussed passing an ordinance, requiring liability insurance on some skilled workers. It was tabled for the next meeting as well as a decision about a sign variance.