06-09-03 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JUNE 9, 2003 Police Department Uniform Division Chief James Hassig, no address given, made the presentation for this bill. Chief Hassig advised that on behalf of Police Chief Thomas Fautz, the position of the South Bend Police Department is to support this ordinance. He noted that it has long been a concern of the South Bend Police that dogs in particular but also very large snakes are being introduced into a densely crowded situation such as the Summer in the City Festival. This presents a public safety hazard to both the public and the animals themselves. In a dense crowd children may come face to face with large dogs. They may panic or startle the dog and be bitten. Adults may inadvertently bump, step on or kick the animals resulting in an adult being bitten. Chief Hassig noted that it is in the best interest of public safety that animals be prohibited from large gatherings of fifty thousand (50,000) or more individuals on public property. It is also felt that this type of environment is also detrimental to the animals themselves and prohibiting their presence at such large gatherings would be in their best interests as well. This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and opponents were given an opportunity to be heard. Mr. Phil St. Clair, Superintendent, Department of Parks and Recreation, 321 East Walter Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that as the spokesperson for the Department that organizes and operates the Summer in the City Festival, he is in support of this bill. He noted that over the years he has witnessed some close encounters with some of the larger animals at the festival. It has been their objective from day one to provide a safe and wholesome environment for the community. Mr. St. Clair stated that addressing the issue of large dogs and exotic animals at the festival is a good plug for the safety and nice environment of the festival. Ms. Kathy Brucker, Director, Department of Code Enforcement, 1300 County -City Building, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is in support of this bill. Viewing it from the animal control perspective she stated that it is important for animals to not be taken out of an environment where they are safe and secure such as the family home and put in an environment with fifty thousand (50,000) plus people to where they might possibly be stepped on, hurt, kicked accidently and might become aggressive and they hope to prevent that from happening at the Summer in the City. There being no one present wishing to speak to the Council either in favor of or in opposition to this bill, Councilmember Kelly made a motion for favorable recommendation to full Council concerning this bill as substituted. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes. BILL NO. 23 -03 PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE SOUTH BEND MUNICIPAL CODE BY THE INCLUSION OF NEW ARTICLE 5 ENTITLED PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR LARGE EATING/DRINKING T'O'r A T-IT TCITTN XT`AT'rO