09-06-06 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

September 6, 2006 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 Council Member Pfeifer stated that she have received complaints from neighbors that Code Inspectors do not communicate with them. Ms. Toppel stated that the Department is going to hand-fields and wireless devices for the Inspectors, and that they do not receive emails currently. Inspectors have not been rotated since 2002 and she attends many neighborhood meetings to hear the concerns of the neighbors. In response to a question from Council President Rouse, Ms. Toppel stated that the electronic system is to be purchased early next year. Council Member Dieter inquired about the procedures addressing abandoned vehicles, noting that there may be a substantial cost-savings if the impounded vehicles from Code and Police would be combined. He added that he did smock-up with the City owning their own yard which may result in revenue coming back to the city. Mayor Luecke stated that the state law holding times have caused much frustration, especially with regard to junk vehicles. No changes are proposed to the Weights & Measures budget which is again proposed at $43,000 for 2007. Na changes are proposed to the Code Hearing Officer budget proposed at $56,976, with Andre Gammage being the Hearing Officer. Ms. Toppel and Administrative Services Director Gary Llbbey Hated that from January 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006 351 pit bu11s have been brought in to their operations. Forty {40) pit bulls were returned to their owners with proper licensing and 311 pit bulls were euthanized. Fifty-five (55) warrants were served from January 1, 1006 through September 5, 2006. They have a total of five {5} Animal Control Qfficers. Council Member White stated that she has heard conflicting stories with regard to enforcement ranging from "slim to none". Ms. Toppel stated that is why they are presenting the facts on pit bulls, noting that dogs are protected under the 4f'' amendment citing a San Jose, California case. Council Member White asked for Indiana or Midwest cases may be a better comparison in this area, especially Haw that dog fights appear to be increasing. Ms. Toppel stated that Gary and Fort Wayne are not doing what South Bend is doing, with South Bend being very pro-active in this area and not ignoring such situations. She stated that she would be willing to meet with the Council's Health and Public Safety Committee, noting that the City of Denver now bans pit bulls.