05-28-14 Health and Public Safety

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.[*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 IPFSi7:ETTN * a 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.