Council approves housing funding, several time extensions and adopts revised animal-control ordinance

At its regular meeting the Red River Town Council approved several administrative items, including acceptances of additional housing funding, time-extension resolutions for capital projects, and adoption of an updated animal-control ordinance.

Funding and resolutions: Mayor (speaker 4) told the council the town had secured an additional $1.4 million in workforce-housing funding (a governor-level pass-through via workforce solutions) to add to an existing housing effort. Council voted to accept the funds; during discussion staff said the town previously received $1.6 million and planned to add approximately $340,000 from local resources to increase unit counts. The mayor characterized the extra funds as a pass-through allocation that will be applied to the town’s workforce housing work.

The council also approved three time-extension resolutions for in-progress projects (2026-10, 2026-11, 2026-12), each brought forward to allow contractors and capital projects additional time to complete work without penalty.

Workforce-housing policy: Council reviewed a draft workforce-housing policy that separates legacy units from new units, establishes a tiered priority system (priority for active employees and local-business employees), and sets financial terms for tenants and employers. The policy discussion included a proposed nonrefundable move-in fee ($200), a refundable deposit and a monthly fee; J-1 student payment arrangements and a cap on employer obligations were explained. Council discussed pet restrictions for new units (staff described a proposed 55-pound maximum and a list of restricted breeds) and agreed to adopt a policy framework to be finalized by staff and the town attorney.

Animal-control ordinance: Council considered a rewrite of the town’s animal-control ordinance (referenced in materials as 23-6-01 / ordinance 2026-01), which updates definitions, adds short-term-rental expectations, clarifies wildlife protections and establishes tiered fines for violations (an initial warning/fine structure was discussed, with a suggested $50 first fine and escalating amounts thereafter). After public comment about enforcement practicality, council adopted the ordinance by roll call (majority approved).

Other business: The council approved a procurement solicitation (RFP) to put town ordinances and codes online in a legible, authoritative format and heard updates on parks, Main Street improvements (elevations and drain pans prompting full asphalt replacement per DOT requirements) and public-safety planning for Memorial Weekend parking. The meeting concluded with routine adjournment.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 2026-10 (time extension for mainstream program): approved.
- Resolution 2026-11 (sidewalk replacement time extension): approved.
- Resolution 2026-12 (project time extension): approved.
- Acceptance of additional workforce-housing funding ($1.4 million): approved.
- Ordinance 2026-01 (animal-control rewrite): adopted (roll call majority).