By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — At its last regular meeting before the new year, the City Council gave second passage to a new kennel license ordinance that will allow one anxious pet care business owner to begin operating and pave the way for others to follow.

The council's action approved several amendments to a 1996 animal ordinance that includes a provision for kennel licensing. The revised ordinance allows for a facility to hold a maximum of 50 dogs during the day and no more than 30 animals at any one time overnight. It also requires that kennel facilities be located in an industrial zone and that a public hearing be held on each application for a kennel license.
The city previously had no license of this type available. The amendments are the response to an application of Pawtucket resident Sue Price, who had sought permission last summer to open a “doggy daycare” and boarding facility at 425 Esten Ave.
For the past six months, Price and city officials were involved in sometimes tense negotiations over the number of dogs that should be allowed in a kennel facility such as the type that Price is intending to operate as the Ocean Dog Club. A compromise was finally reached between Price, Animal Control officer John Holmes, and the City Council's Ordinance Committee.
In other matters, the council also passed a resolution authorizing the city to extend to March 1, 2010 the maturity date of the promissory note with the developer of the former school administration building at 81 Park Place.
According to City Clerk Richard Goldstein, the developer, 81 Park Place LLC, had purchased the property from the city for $500,000 and paid $250,000 up front. The additional $250,000 was due in September, but the developer had been unable to lease the property and asked the city for an extension. He has reportedly agreed to refinance some other properties in order to pay off the remainder of the promissory note.
The council additionally approved a resolution from the Finance Committee authorizing the abatement of taxes on motor vehicle, real estate and tangible personal property for January, February, March, April, May and June 2009, in the sum of $636,132.34.
Also, the City Council voted to deny a donation request from the George Wiley Center based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, which cited a lack of funds.