04/17/2007 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 4/17/2007 the future having a less responsible group wishing to sell beer at the park. The Mayor stated the administration is willingly opening the door to this type of use at the park, with their eyes wide open and knowingly understanding the consequences of their actions. From Councilman Orlowski's personal experience, the AFL-CIO Labor Day parade has always been a friendly, family oriented affair which is well run and well organized. The Mayor asked Council to support this ordinance to showcase our park and city. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval to Council. • Ordinance 2007-25, an ordinance amending Section 505.16 of Chapter 505 (Animals and Fowl) of the General Offenses Code, entitled "Vicious and Dangerous Animals," in order to require registration of pit bulls, wolf hybrids and vicious animals kept in the City of North Olmsted, and to impose liability insurance and other requirements upon the owners of such animals, and declaring an emergency as amended. Some of the amendments were: (1) Several breeds of dogs were added to this ordinance, most notably Canary dogs and all American Bulldog breeds. (2) Anyone owning or having under their control an animal as previously defined shall be strictly liable if certain conditions which are listed occur. (3) In the penalty section, language is contained concerning restitution to the victim for other out-of-pocket or incurred medical expenses. (4) A violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a first degree misdemeanor. The Law Director can petition a court to seize the offending animal and take appropriate action to protect the safety of the residents of the city. Also added was language suggested by Mr. Miller and Mr. Orlowski that a person of suitable age and size have control of the animal off of the premises of the owner. The Animal Warden requested an age restriction for individuals in control of certain animals while off the premises of the owner. This age is 17 years old. Currently, there are only about a dozen animals which would be classified under this ordinance. The Animal Warden plans to personally notify these individuals. Councilman Orlowski would like to see more specific language within this ordinance which would specify the minimum standards for housing a particular animal outdoors and requirements of size, color, and placement of signage required in this ordinance. These requirements are minimum standazds; they should easily spell out what is required of an owner. The Animal Warden has the discretion to effect more stringent requirements based on his knowledge, experience and expertise with a particular animal. Councilman Barker believes this is a work in progress and can be reviewed in the future. Councilman Orlowski agrees. First and foremost is the safety and security of the residents of our city. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval to Council with all amendments as currently written and with passage under suspension of the rule. Councilman Orlowski made a motion to approve the amendments to Ordinance 2007-25. The motion was seconded by Councilman Barker and passed unanimously. Ordinance No. 2007-25 was amended. Council Member Dailey Jones, representative to the Fair Housing Board: 1) She and the Law Director attended an awards ceremony sponsored by the Housing Research and Advocacy Center presenting awards to Assistant Law Director Carole Heyward and 10