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requirement. She stated that this provision is not backed up with research and data to justify it. <br />She gave examples of logistical and financial issues that some residents will face trying to <br />comply with this requirement. She asked Council to study this issue further before requiring <br />universal insurance. <br />Candi Rogers <br />Ms. Rogers spoke from her role as President of the Lorain County Pit Group. She spoke of the <br />work that her group does. She asked Council to please reconsider the ordinance's requirement <br />for universal liability insurance. She thanked Council for the progress made on the ordinance. <br />Jacque LaBou <br />Ms. LaBou thanked the City for helping pit bulls and other dogs through this ordinance and also <br />asked that Council reconsider the insurance requirement. <br />Discussion: <br />Mr. Litten applauded colleagues, the administration, the APL, LAS WAB and others for their <br />work on this ordinance. He briefly addressed citizen concern about the insurance requirement, <br />stating that the requirement is intended to ensure public safety in a proactive manner while <br />remaining breed neutral. He stated that he doubts that implementation of the ordinance will <br />require owners to keep proof of their insurance on them at all times, as some have speculated. He <br />expressed a desire to hold town hall meetings to educate the community about the new law. <br />Mr. Rader asserted that the City is "with Charlie." He stated that the new law is not perfect. He <br />voted in committee to remove the universal insurance requirement. He noted that the requirement <br />will take effect in six months and that he intends that Council will revisit it six months after that <br />and have an open mind to making any needed changes. He encouraged residents to continue to <br />stay engaged. <br />Mr. O'Malley expressed his support for the ordinance as written and explained why. He stated <br />that the existing law is not supported by science, is not enforceable, and also not supported by <br />the community. He thanked the community and LAS WAB for all of the education they have <br />provided on this topic and for their activism. He thanked colleagues, the Police Department, the <br />Law Department, and Mayor for their willingness to work together. <br />Mr. Bullock expressed thanks to citizens, colleagues and the administration for working together <br />on this ordinance. He expressed his support for the proposed ordinance. He credited citizens for <br />leading the way in voice and information. He remarked that the ordinance takes a better approach <br />but will require more resources from the City and partnership from the residents. He briefly <br />addressed citizen concern about the insurance requirement, stating that the intent is not to have a <br />chilling effect on pet adoptions. He listed some outstanding questions about the implementation <br />of the insurance requirement and asked that the administration seek to provide answers <br />publically before the law goes into effect around October 1. He expressed willingness to revisit <br />the insurance requirement should it prove too great a burden for residents. <br />EI <br />