SOUTH PORTLAND - City councilors will vote tonight on whether to change the hours dogs are allowed to be on Willard Beach from the morning to the evening.

Homeowners along the beach have complained that barking wakes them in the morning.

Dogs are currently allowed on the beach from 6 to 9 a.m. in the summer. The proposal from Councilor Maxine Beecher would change the time from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The change would be in effect from July 8 to Sept. 30, or until the new Willard Beach Task Force comes up with recommendations on how to rectify problems between homeowners and dog owners.

Tonight's vote is preliminary. A final vote, and public hearing, will be held July 7.