Living in a small community, and Le Mars is a small community, no matter what you would like to believe, it is not essential, but quite helpful, to know and get along with your neighbors.

The benefits of getting along with your neighbors are too numerous to list here, but a helpful neighbor can keep an eye on your property when you are away, help with all sorts of things from remodeling projects to snow removal to babysitting.

Communities work much better when people get along and watch out for one another. That being said, it is often easier said than done. Sometimes it can be just as easy to be annoyed with your neighbor than to like them. Noisy or messy pets, children or vehicles can often lead to frustration and confrontation.

The city of Le Mars is in the process of updating ordinances and a couple of specific items in the code book have had folks talking to their neighbors, as well as to their elected officials.

Tuesday the council decided to keep the current restrictions on accessory vehicles like campers. Owners of such vehicles will continue to be allowed to park them in their driveways, back yards or side yards. They are, at the same time, reminded that such vehicles may not be parked longer than 48 hours on city streets.

Another item being explored is an ordinance requiring owners of dogs and cats to register or license the estimated 3,000 canines and felines in Le Mars. These fees would be used to fund an animal control officer, something that was among the nearly $700,000 in cuts made to next year's budget. Currently, the "dogcatcher" duties will fall to the police.

This ordinance is in its infancy, and there will be public input before any new regulations are put into effect.

Both of these issues highlight the need for communication with and consideration for our neighbors. The golden rule that we were taught as children: "treat others as you would be treated" can go a long way to heading off potential problems and lead to good neighbors.