HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.13.2009•
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
July 13, 2009
4:50 P.M.
Council Chambers
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.
Members present: Chairperson Reggie Schmitt, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Welper.
Members absent: Steve Schmitt.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Six. Absent. Steve Schmitt. Motion carried.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the request from Debbie Scott to allow pot bellied
pigs within the city limits.
Councilperson Getty explained that he was contacted by Debbie Scott requesting he bring this
item back to the council. Ms. Scott is interested in having pot bellied pigs as pets in the home
and not outside.
Councilperson Cole asked if the code says anything about small farm animals and wondered how
the city could discriminate against this class of animal.
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt noted that the current Code of Ordinances does not allow all farm
animals. Non -husbandry animals are allowed as long as you don't drink, milk or eat them.
Section 5-1-2 prohibits swine. The Code of Ordinances talks about pets and pets are dogs and
cats.
Councilperson Getty asked if the ordinance could be changed to allow pot bellied pigs if they are
kept indoors and not allowed outdoors. Councilperson Getty asked that this item be referred to
the City Attorney to draw up proper wording to bring to the council.
Councilperson Welper stated it sounds to him that council is asking the City Attorney to
determine what is a pet.
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt inquired if the pot bellied pigs are classified as pets should the
city license them as we do cats and dogs.
Debbie Scott, 238 Sullivan„ stated pigs present no problems as long as they are taken care of.
When people walk down the sidewalks with pit bulls, kids are afraid. Pot bellied pigs don't do
any more harm than other pets as long as they are taken care of. Ms. Scott presented letters from
her landlord and her neighbors in support of allowing the pot bellied pigs within the city limits.
Councilperson Hart noted that he received a letter from Ms. Scott today.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Cole that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:11 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Steve Schmitt. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk