03-26-96 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commfttst Z port: Health and Public Safety Committee to the common CountU1 of tbt City of foutb Nsnb: The March 26, 1996 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Cleo.Washington at 4:50 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Coleman, Zakrzewski, Kelly, Luecke,Peifer,Broden, and Varner, Kathy Dempsey,Ann-Carol Simons,David Duvall, Mary Wadsworth, Jackie Wrolorski, Dr. Carol Ecker, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Cleo Washington 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, the Director of Code Enforcement noted that proposed changes were sent to the Council in a letter dated March 14, 1996 to the City Clerk(copy attached). Those changes were discussed at the Health and Public Safety Committee meeting of March 18, 1996. Ms.Dempsey noted that the Substitute Bill contains the"free ride home"program which is an in house program where there are no redemption fees. In January and February there were 7 dogs released each month. Council Member Coleman questioned what the profiles of the households were where dogs were returned. He noted that this is important since an educational component with regard to animal care regulations must be ongoing. Ms. Dempsey noted that most were cases where the dog was inadvertently left out by a child. Council Member Broden voiced concern regarding the language on page 4 (7) addressing an animal has been found at large three (3)or more times in a 12 month period. He noted that he would prefer additional language specifically stating who makes that finding and who maintains the necessary documentation. Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern regarding the language on page 9, § 5-3 sub-paragraph(h)regarding the quorum of the Commission. Ms.Dempsey noted that they have had quorum problems in the past. Council Member Pfeifer also questioned the composition of the Commission and stated that she would prefer at least one member of the public on the Commission to have a greater balance. Several Council Members voiced concern regarding terminology of declaring an animal dangerous if it has been found at large three (3) times. Council Member Luecke gave the example of a neighborhood dog which residents know who walks with the mail man. Council President Kelly shared a story of their household pet who had inadvertently left his yard and was subsequently hit by an automobile. He noted that the personal agony of seeing the hurt animal eventually recover coupled with the concern for the driving motorist raise safety concerns both for the pet and the public. • Dr. Carol Ecker noted that at least sixty(60)ordinances from throughout the nation have been reviewed. The conclusion was that dogs at large should not be at large. Dogs or animals at large pose a problem waiting to happen whether it be a dog that runs onto a street,or runs after a child,a jogger or a walker. Dr.Ecker also stated that she opposes the