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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE May 9, 1988 5: 00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Dell, Buck and Budak. Also present: Councilpersons Angel and Wright. Moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Motion carried. The item of discussion was amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance as it relates to vicious and exotic animals. Tim Luce, Assistant City Attorney, stated that a draft of several amendment changes are being brought to the Committee for review. He stated that he personally felt that there may be problems with an ordinance that would be a breed specific ordinance as to vicious animals. In consultation with the Animal Control Department, he stated that ordinance changes are needed from an enforcement standpoint. Concern was expressed by the Animal Control Department that a greater problem exists with the trapping of animals inside the city limits. Traps have been found in areas that could be dangerous to school children. Sharon Spears, Animal Control Officer, stated that the current Animal Control Ordinance does define vicious animals and is not breed specific and that this ordinance has worked in the past. Councilpersons Buck and Budak stated that they were more concerned about exotic animals than vicious animals at this point. Mike Mrzlak, Director of Animal Control, stated that they are also proposing a change in the Animal Control Ordinance that would require three signatures to a barking animal complaint. This is what the judges require and should be made a part of the ordinance. Councilperson Brown now present. It was the consensus of the Committee that a breed specific ordinance for vicious animals not be considered. A definition of "vicious" will be prepared, but not name a breed. In regard to the trapping issue, it was stated that the City should consider only allowing box traps, and that consideration be given to banning trapping near residential areas. A minimum acreage where trapping can take place was also discussed. Mike Mrzlak stated that the holding period at the Humane Society is being dropped from ten to seven days in the ordinance. This will reduce cost for the City and has been reflected in the F.Y. 1989 budget. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE February 22, 1988 4: 45 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Buck, Budak. Members absent: Chairperson Dell. It was moved by Budak, seconded by Buck that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Mark Linda, Black Hawk County Health Department, informed the Committee of the public health implication of the storage and disposal of used tires in the community. He presented a letter that the Health Department will be sending to all new and used tire dealers asking them to store used tires indoors or under cover to prevent the collection of rainwater. Water found in tires stored outdoors is a common breeding place for a variety of mosquito that breeds approximately 4,000 times faster in tire piles than in the forest. No action of the Committee was requested other than to inform them that they may receive calls from tire dealers who oppose the proposed prevention measures. It was suggested that perhaps the City needs to review its ordinances and prohibit the storage of tires outside. There was discussion on the disposal methods of tires at landfills and the problems they create. No official action of the Committee was taken. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES January 11, 1988 6:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Dell, Buck, Budak It was moved by Buck, seconded by Budak to approve the Agenda, as proposed. Motion carried. 1. Discussion of 28E Agreement with Black Hawk County on housing female prisoners--Police Chief. Rosemary Hayes, representing the Teamster' s Union, stated that the Teamsters were not opposed to the concept of the 28E Agreement for the housing of female prisoners at the Black Hawk County Jail, but were opposed to losing a position from their bargaining unit due to a layoff in July 1, 1988. Jim Rodemeyer, Personnel Director, reviewed the process that has taken place between the City of Waterloo and the Teamster' s Bargaining Unit asking for a declaratory judgment from the PERB Board (Public Employee' s Relations Board) . Rodemeyer continued that if the Board rules that the contract has precedent over Civil Service Laws then Gracie Thompson, the employee in question, would have bumping rights under the contract. If the Civil Service Law rules, Gracie Thompson would then be laid off July 1, 1988. Councilperson Buck questioned whether there were two part-time positions also affected by this merger. Rodemeyer stated that there were two part-time Matrons used in the Jail who would be laid off and would be eligible for unemployment benefits as would Gracie Thompson. Roger Shook, Police Chief, stated that he had been in communication with the County regarding additional staff needed and a possibility of Ms. Thompson transferring to the County. Shook continued that the Sheriff would not increase its staff at this time based on the Agreement. Shook continued that in earlier reports he had stated that the potential savings for the joint housing of female prisoners in the County Jail would be approximately $50,000. Due to some additional costs to the County, the potential savings would now be approximately $40, 000. Councilperson Dell questioned what would happen to the position that Ms. Thompson presently occupies as a Clerk II in the Police Department on July 1, 1988. Shook stated that the position of the Clerk II would then be eliminated from the budget, resulting in some slower processing and public responses. Councilperson Wright stated that she agreed with th, proposal of the 28E Agreement and would hope that something could be worked out prior to July 1, 1988, so that the person is not lost to the City. Councilperson Dell questioned whether an answer would be back from the PERB Board regarding the declaratory judgment by July 1, 1988. Jim Rodemeyer stated that he anticipated a decision by mid-March or the first part of April. Rodemeyer continued that it is an extremely busy time for the PERB Board because of the contract negotiations going on throughout the State. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE January 11, 1988 Page 2 Rosemary Hayes stated that she would rather work the situation out through the process of the declaratory judgment rather than filing a grievance. Roger Shook stated that Ms. Thompson would continue working in the Police Department until the decision has been received from the PERB Board. Chairperson Dell asked if there were any more comments. Hearing none, he asked if there was a motion. Moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the Public Safety Committee recommend to the Council that the 28E Agreement between the City of Waterloo and Black Hawk County for the housing of female prisoners be adopted, and that the Bargaining Unit and Personnel Department continue to work out the details on the elimination of the Matron' s position. Motion carried. Moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor