06-24-85 Public Safety Committee

Home Browse Search

annunittor Ervnrt • an the Mom= Mound! of the (Mg of f►outll PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE The June 24, 1985 meeting of the Public Safety Committee was called to order by .its Chairman Councilman Robert Taylor at 5: 05 in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Councilmen: Serge,- Beck, Voorde, Paszek, Puzzello, Crone, Braboy and Taylor, Kathy Barnard, Eugenia Schwartz, members of the Humane` Society, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand °and members of the news media. Councilman Taylor opened the meeting stating that this would be the City' s third or fourth opportunity to amend the animal regulations in the past fourteen (14) years. He called, upon the Council attorney to update the Committee on the progress made to date. The Council Attorney then reviewed Bill No. 56-85 which would totally replace the present Chapter 5 in the City Code. She noted that the draft incorporates many of the positive regulations recommended by the Humane Society of Washington, D.C. , ' provisions of current ordinances in effect in the cities of Columbus and Fort Wayne and various updated material from the current ordinance in effect in South Bend. Mrs.. Farrand then reviewed the bill by section highlighting some of the various changes throughout. She noted that it called for an animal control commission, would update and set forth specific animal care regulations ,addresses,trapping within the City, addresses certain square footage requirements for various animals, would restrict keeping of wild animals and various exotic poisonous 'animals and reptiles and sets forth enforcement provisions which require the cooperation of the City, the Humane Society, the Night Prosecutor' s Office and the public. She noted that there has been excellent cooperation between Eugenia Schwartz and Kathy Barnard and the staff of the Humane Society. She has met with Kathy and Eugenia on three occasions to date in reviewing the draft ordinance. We are all very much concerned that the new ordinance have reasonable regulations which can be enforced. Kathy Barnard and Eugenia Schwartz noted that there has been ongoing cooperation and that we would be coming to the Council for policy recommendations in specific areas. Theresa, from the Humane Society also noted their willingness to cooperate and make recommendations . Councilman Puzzello voiced concern over special types of dogs which are bred and are known to be dangerous. Pit bulls were given as an example, and recent problems at Almond Court were cited. Councilman Taylor recommended that the Council Attorney continue to meet with the City Administration and the Humane Society and take the time necessary in finalizing a bill that would be model legislation. Councilman Crone recommended that a copy of the revised bill be sent to the Council prior to the next meeting of the Committee. Councilman Taylor recommended that his Committee meet again on July 22d to consider a revised version, lil