HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.22.2003•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 22, 2003
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Kincaid, Welper, Clark, Hurley, Getty.
Members absent: Greenwood, Jordan.
Moved by Clark, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Greenwood, Jordan. Motion carried.
Council Members discussed the Animal Control Ordinances as it pertains to the definition of an
animal at large. The definition currently states that the animal must be under the control of a
person competent to restrain and control the animal, with said person being in public view with
the animal, and either having the animal under control by a leash, cord, chain or other means, or
is properly restrained within a motor vehicle.
Councilperson Clark stated he asked that the definition of animal at large be reviewed because of
an issue on Reed Street where a post office worker would not deliver the mail because a dog was
loose, and she is afraid of dogs. Councilperson Clark stated he thought dogs had to be on a
leash, but the ordinance says voice control is sufficient, but the Post Office says this is not
sufficient. Councilperson Clark asked that the words "or other means" be stricken from the
ordinance and suggested that the words "voice control is not allowed" and that if the animal is
on a street or sidewalk they must be on a leash be added to the ordinance. Councilperson Clark
stated he does not think dogs should be allowed to be on a sidewalk without a leash.
Councilperson Welper agreed with Councilperson Clark as he always thought the animals had to
be on a leash, but was concerned if the ordinance is changed that would mean animals playing
with their owners would have to be on a leash.
Councilperson Getty stated that he met with the Post Master and Randy Herod regarding loose
dogs, and this does not seem to be a problem except for one female mail carrier. There have
been lots of calls and they have been in touch with Senator Grassley's office.
Councilperson Hurley suggested that animals on public rights -of -way would need to be on a
leash, but not if on private yards. Councilperson Hurley was concerned that pet owners with
voice control would be penalized.
Councilperson Greenwood now present at 4:40 p.m.
Councilperson Hurley stated that it is prudent for the owner walking the dog on a street or
sidewalk to have the dog on a leash. It is the pet owner's responsibility to have control of the
dog. If the dog bites or scares someone and the pet owner does not have control of the dog, they
could be cited.
Councilperson Getty stated that the Cedar Bend Humane Society has offered to go with the mail
carrier, but they have not receive a response on the offer.
Councilpersons Welper and Clark will work Sandie Greco to write verbiage that will be
acceptable to everyone.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Welper that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:44 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk