In a 5-1 vote, the Douglas City Council approved a first reading of the dog ordinance to increase dog owner accountability and reduce the number of dogs a residence can have without being considered a kennel.
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“This is a health problem. We need to come up with something better . This is no good, no response,” Fernandez said.
“We need to do something now.”
Police Chief Melis said that the city has always had a vicious dog ordinance, but the change puts more enforcement power in it.
The discussion, which went on for more than a half hour also discussed the need to reduce the number of dogs at any one address to only three.
“The proposed changes are a work in progress in a ‘project’ type endeavor designed to be modified and adjusted as effectiveness is gauged by Animal Control Administration,” said City Manager Curtis Shook.
According to the ordinance, allowing a dog to run loose is a violation. In the first offense, the owner may be fined $40 to $75 plus restitution; second offense, $75 to $150 plus restitution; and third and subsequent offenses, $150 to $500.
The ordinance will be reviewed again at the next regular meeting of the council.
During the meeting the city also reviewed the recommendation of the Finance Committee for the 2009-10 fiscal year budget.
The city also reviewed plans for a downtown Plaza in the old Phelps Dodge Mercantile building and other locations in close proximity to city hall.
The city also presented certificates of service to Juan Pablo Flores, one year; Victoria Leigh Yarbrough, two years; and Mario Novoa, 21 years.
In other action, the city council:
• Approved a liquor license for Jessica Marcyes of Club Hypnotik, located at 323 G Avenue in Douglas.
• Approved the third reading of ordinance 09-959 repealing a portion of the Municipal Code relating to business licenses in order to update the code.
• Approved a second reading of Ordinance 09-960 to correct an omission and amending the language pertaining to the effective date of the sanitation fee increase.
• Approved a second reading of ordinance 09-961 authorizing the city to lease to Catholic Community Services a western portion of the Douglas Municipal Airport for use for Douglas Rides.
• Approved Ordinance 09-962 authorizing the city to acquire from Irwin Union Bank property adjacent the the Douglas Municipal Golf Course at La Perilla Estates.
• Approved ordinance 09-964 increasing user fees at the Veterans Memorial Park Swimming Pool and at the Douglas Aquatic Center in order to recover operating costs.
• Approved a first reading of ordinance 09-965 authoring an execution of a lease agreement between the city and RPT, LLC to provide a fixed base operator service at the Douglas Municipal Airport.
• Approved the recommendations concerning the Douglas Police Officers Association request concerning pay increases. Due to current economic challenges, no increases will be available next fiscal year.
• Approved a contract with Health Net for employee health insurance for 2009-10. It was explained that the city had many large medical claims this year, and is offering a higher deductible plan which would offer employees some relief.
• Approved Pandemic flu guidelines set for by emergency services.
The next scheduled meeting of the Douglas City Council is Wednesday, June 10.
Comments
Loves Dogs Also wrote on May 28, 2009 11:10 AM:
I know I will be there, City is thinking revenue coming from these fines, if a person neglects his dog and knowing lets him run loose, what makes you think that they will reclaim him. (NOT). We need to educate the citizens and our neighboring community of AP on spaying and nuetring. Our culture is a throw away society, I'll just get another. "
John wrote on May 28, 2009 10:45 AM:
Leroy wrote on May 28, 2009 10:41 AM:
You are correct, we the responsible dog (pet) owners will be paying the price for those who are irresponsible, and neglect their pets. Once again we the responsible owners who vacinate, and license our animals, are paying the price, keeping our animals healthy is a priority, we are responsible in having our animals spayed and nueterd, while others let them reproduce like rabbits, and more unwanted and neglected animals are left alone to fend for themselves.
It is our right to own pets, and with this right comes responsiblity. Frederic Dog Catcher treats his animals with a lot of care, along with the many animals he has encountered. "
Ana wrote on May 26, 2009 12:37 PM:
loves dogs wrote on May 26, 2009 7:45 AM:
Stan Tucci wrote on May 21, 2009 7:06 AM:
What I would like to see is an ordinance banning owners from chaining up their dogs 24-7.
Dogs need a yard with shade and water. They don't deserve to be chained up like criminals.
Their is a big difference between someone who actually loves dogs and someone who loves to watch dogs (no pun intended). "
Here we go again wrote on May 20, 2009 10:06 PM: