03-18-96 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committss Uport: Health and Public Safety Committee to tin Common Counttl of Os Cit! of *owl) lstttf: The March 18, 1996 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Vice-Chairperson, Council Member Tom Zakrzewski at 4:10 P.M. in the Council informal meeting mom. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Kelly, Zakrzewski, Luecke, and Broden; Kathy Dempsey, Ann-Carol Simons, Mary Wadsworth, Jackie Wrolorski, Dr. Carol Ecker, Dr. Krider,Mike Fox and Mark Rickter,DNR Conservation Officers,Don Porter,and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. In the absence of Chairperson Cleo Washington, Vice-Chairperson Zakrzewski stated that the meeting should commence and noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue discussion of Bill No. 2-96 which would amend Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code addressing Animal Regulations. Kathy Dempsey noted that her department with the assistance of Ann-Carol Simons, Assistant City Attorney had prepared a Substitute Bill No. 2-96 which has been filed with the City Clerk. She noted that it incorporates the majority of the requested changes of the Council Attorney. Ann-Carol Simons then reviewed the major changes (copy of March 14, 1996 summary of changes attached). Kathy Dempsey noted that there are basically two(2)major concerns raised to date, the microchipping and the"free ride home"program. She then introduced the two(2)DNR Conservation Officers to the committee. They reviewed the wild life concerns addressed in § 5-23 and § 5-24 of the Substitute Bill. Council Member Washington joined the Committee meeting at this time. The DNR Conservation Officers noted that there are basically two(2)categories in the wild life area,namely those that are indigenous to Indiana and those which are exotic. Pens as expensive as$10,000 for certain types of exotic animals are required. It was noted that rabies are a concern since it has taken approximately two(2)years to strengthen DNR regulations especially with regard to lions. Mr. Fox noted that there are very few DNR regulations addressing reptiles. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke,it was noted that DNR permits are specific with regard to the type of animal,ie.,., a quail,fox,etc,with one permit per location. Mary Wadsworth noted that a person who wants to maintain a wolf, fox, or raccoon for example is required to notify each person within a 1/4 miles of the site or point in common border, with proof of service being required before a DNR permit can be issued. Mr. Fox, the DNR Conservation Officer stated that he does not see the need for wild animals in residential areas since there is a potential for rabies. He does not see them as pets. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke,Dr. Krider noted that • in light of the federal laws being strengthened since the City passed its ordinance