Richard Higgins was a regular presence at Fort Dodge City Council meetings for years, and he was often asking lots of questions of the local officials.

He also ran for council several times.

Higgins, 88, died Aug. 27, just a couple of days after attending a council meeting.

His steady presence in the Municipal Building was recognized Monday when Mayor Matt Bemrich issued a proclamation declaring Higgins to be an honorary councilmember.

The proclamation singled out Higgins’ “lifelong commitment to civic engagement.” It also honored his “unwavering dedication and thoughtful voice.”

Bemrich presented the proclamation to his widow, Carol Etzel.

In other business, the council approved the first reading of a measure which will allow the animal control officer to decide where animals should be quarantined if they have bitten someone. The new proposal will allow the animal control officer to apply the least restrictive quarantine measure that still protects health and safety.

Councilman Cameron Nelson was absent from the otherwise unanimous vote to approve the first reading. The proposal must be approved two more times to become law.