HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-14 Health and Public Safety.[*1SI .1711:]R1 **f_19 A\I
Committee Members Present:
Citizen Members Present:
Other Council:
Others:
Agenda:
MAY 28'", 2014 5:04 P.M.
Derek Dieter (AB), Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott
Vacant
Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Karen White,
Gavin Ferlic, Oliver Davis
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Bill 17 -14 Amends Chapter 5 of the South Bend
Municipal Code Entitled Responsible
Animal & Pet Ownership Care and
Control Regulations
In Health and Public Safety Committee Chair Derek Dieter's absence, Vice -Chair Dr. Fred Ferlic opened
the hearing on bill 17 -14.
Valerie Schey made the initial presentation. She noted the bill was now being presented in its third
iteration. The motion to officially consider this third substitute was made by Henry Davis, seconded by
Tim Scott and approved by all. Valerie the proceeded with her presentation which by unanimous
Council consent would be limited to 45 minutes. The presentation began with Valerie reading into the
record a letter of support for the bill from Derek Dieter who would not be present for action on the bill.
Using an overhead slide, Valerie reviewed the timeline from her introduction of the issue through the 14
public meetings held to develop the bills content. Valerie had formed a special committee of animal
rights and owner responsibility advocates that spent countless hours incorporating "best practices" into
the drafting of the bill before the Council today.
Valerie made a point to give thanks to the "special committee" volunteers, the council, the City legal
Department, the Council attorney and the media for their contributions. The overhead presentation is
attached.
Moving along to the Council comment portion, Dr. Ferlic recognized Henry Davis first.
Henry offered his full support for the bill reminding everyone he had signed on as an early co- sponsor of
the bill. He went on to thank Valerie and all those who worked so hard through the year long process.
Tim Scott asked some more technical questions regarding the definitions of vicious and dangerous dog
designations. He also suggested the fees mentioned in the bill were not adequate.
Gavin Ferlic had some of the same concerns which Valerie said could be worked out before the evening
vote. In particular regarding fees Valerie said the fees could be evaluated after the first year they were
in effect.
Other discussion followed before Henry Davis made a motion to send the bill to full Council with no
recommendation. This was to allow the Council attorney, Valerie, Tim Scott and Gavin Ferlic to agree
upon suggested amendments. Dr. Ferlic seconded the motion which was supported unanimously.
Dr. Ferlic adjourned the meeting at 6:05 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Dr. Fred Ferlic, Vice - Chairperson
Health & Public Safety