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In response to Council Member Kirsits, it was noted that pit bulls are a growing problem in the <br /> city. Mr. Libbey stated that having a pit bull is now a "status symbol". A Pit Bull Task Force <br /> utilizing NEST and the Prosecutor's Office is in place, since it is a felony to own and use a dog <br /> for fighting and this also covers attack dogs. Fights are going on in vacant houses, in basements <br /> and the persons involved use lookouts. There are also dog fighting websites. The city will soon <br /> be reviewing the current dangerous dog ordinance to see if amendments are needed and will <br /> work with Council Member White and the Health and Public Safety Committee. <br /> Council Member Kirsits noted that Denver has banned pit bull ownership and inquired about <br /> after hour service. Ms. Toppel noted that St. Joseph County has been reviewing changes to their <br /> animal control ordinance which if passed would be more restrictive than the city's current <br /> ordinance. She further noted that pagers are used by Code employees and a voice mail will go to <br /> a pager for emergency situations. On-call is used. <br /> Mr. Libbey noted that"evidence of ownership"for pit bulls are things such as logging chains and <br /> tires in the yard. He noted in response to a question from Council President Pfeifer that tasers <br /> can be used and that he is aware that one pit bull was tasered twice before it went down. Pepper <br /> spray and tranquilizer guns are also used. He noted that there "is a huge concern for the safety" <br /> of the personnel and the public. Personnel use 2-way radios and cell phones. Pit bull fighting <br /> usually rotates among locations. Intimidation is present. <br /> Council Member Kuspa stated that two (2) years ago he brought locations to the departments <br /> attention, and that they are still a problem. The situation is becoming "a bubble with the <br /> problems spreading out and nothing is being done". Yet the department is going after a 94 year <br /> old lady living on Huron who now has a hearing date. He also cited the ongoing graffiti problem <br /> on Meade Street, and noted that if he can see it surely a code enforcement officer could see it. <br /> "Weeds in some locations are sky high". Dumping is going on at Gertrude. He stated that "if <br /> the city is to be a clean city these problems must be turned around". He urged the department to <br /> issue citations and take the violators to Small Claims Court. He noted that when he goes to <br /> events such as weddings the conversation always goes to Code Enforcement. <br /> Ms. Topple stated that inspections are done on a regular basis and that Council Member Kuspa's <br /> comments are a reflection on the department. She noted that she cannot disagree with some of <br /> the problems cited. Graffiti is a "huge problem". She stated that she personally toured the 6th <br /> District in June. Her department does not have the capability to make repairs. <br /> Council Member Kelly noted that Code Enforcement has a tough job, perhaps one of the <br /> toughest in the City. He thanked Ms. Toppel and Mr. Libbey for their presentations and then <br /> adjourned the Committee meeting at 5:57 p.m. <br /> Res tfully submitted, <br /> 0 41 :s <br /> Council Member Roland Kelly, C irperson <br /> Personnel and Finance Committee <br /> KCF:kmf <br /> Attachments <br /> August 16,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 6- <br />