HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.11.2000 (3)• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 11, 2000
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
The services provided by the Cedar Bend Humane Society were reviewed. Linda Summerhays,
1327 Vine Street, stated that she asked for the work session to discuss areas that need to be
addressed by the Cedar Bend Humane Society. Ms. Summerhays reported that in March 2000
she had an experience with the Cedar Bend Humane Society when her son was attacked by a dog,
and during the process she found things that were unacceptable. Ms. Summerhays stated that the
city ordinance requires animals to be vaccinated when they are six months old, and she feels that
should be changed to four months old. Ms. Summerhays stated that she believes all attacks
should be promptly investigated. Ms. Summerhays stated that she wants it required that owners
put in writing the health of the dog and that the owner is responsible for all fees during the
quarantine process. Ms. Summerhays commented that there are a lot of issues that should be
addressed if Animal Control is separate from the Humane Society. Ms. Summerhays stated that
when an appeal is filed there is no requirement that the victims be promptly informed of when the
hearing will be held. Ms. Summerhays stated that some officers are not fully aware of the
procedures. In addition, the code does not define the number of bites or attacks necessary to
declare an animal vicious. Animal Control does not know if three bites is custom or law. Ms.
Summerhays stated that if a dog is found dangers and removed from the premises, she would like
the individual to be on probation for six months. Ms. Summerhays stated that it was a real battle
to have her family and neighbors protected from the vicious dog.
Mayor Rooff stated that there are a lot of dynamics involved, and he agrees that the city needs to
identify our plan.
Ms. Summerhays stated that Cedar Bend contributed to total chaos because of their rules and the
way her complaint was handled by Cedar Bend and their lack of action.
Mayor Rooff stated that he will ask the City Attorney, Acting Police Chief and the Cedar Bend
Humane Society to review Ms. Summerhays' concerns and to let him know in writing if we need
to add to the ordinance and to make sure the Cedar Bend Humane Society is fulfilling their
contract to provide animal control services to the city.
Ms. Summerhays commented that she does not like the idea that the dangerous animal can be
ordered out of the city limits, and we need to add some type of notification as to where the animal
is going.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Anders, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk