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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 06.25.2012 MINUTES EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 25, 2012 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:30 P.M. Members Present: Doug Poehls Dick Fritzler Tom Nelson Bruce McGee Others Present: Rick Musson Brent Peters Animal Ordinance Doug Poehls handed out copies of the current animal ordinances in Laurel and Billings. He received other ordinances, but the committee looked at the Billings' ordinance since it is close to the vicinity of Laurel. Discussion included items of interest in the ordinance, definitions of dangerous animals and potentially dangerous animals, and small animal permits for ownership of four or more dogs. A topic of interest is that female animals in heat shall be confined to a house, garage, or enclosed area. Another area of discussion was noisy animals. An issue of interest is small animals at large. They cannot be separated from owners by more than six feet except on private property. Small animals in city parks or public lands are restricted except for dog parks. There was further discussion of assigning a park in the City of Laurel for a dog park. Rick commented on the definition of animal shelter in the Billings ordinance as a place operated or contracted by the city for the purpose of impounding and care of dogs. Rick and Connie took a tour of the City of Billings Animal Shelter recently. He said the City of Laurel transports dogs to the Billings Animal Shelter after temporarily holding them. The City of Laurel's ordinance has a five day impound limit and then they are transported to Billings. Rick said he has been trying to get the five days changed to three days. The City of Laurel has a limited space for boarding dogs. He has just purchased four new dog kennels to use in a bay at the police department. He said seventy -two hours would be a better description of a time period for holding a dog. The owner would have seventy -two hours to identify their missing pet. The City of Laurel charges $25.00 for impound fee and $10.00 a day fee for boarding, which is the same as Billings charges. The City of Billings has not billed the City of Laurel recently for boarding dogs. Laurel was billed in the past when a vicious dog was held in court litigation. The City of Billings tries to adopt out the dogs and has succeeded in doing this with the few that are transported there. If they euthanize the dog, then Laurel would get charged. Tom Nelson handed out a sheet of Billings' penalties and execution of fines. Chief Musson stated each case has to be looked at. It is hard to say a ticket will be written for each violation. It is up to the discretion of the officer to issue a ticket or take care of the matter with the owner. The officer knows if there have been multiple warnings or not and takes that into consideration. Rick stated there are owners who own multiple dogs. The City of Laurel animal ordinance states that in residential districts each household shall not possess more than two adult dogs and cats. There are dog owners that have more than two dogs. The city does license for more than two dogs for many owners. The city needs to look into this matter once again. Rick said that the City of Laurel may want to look into spending funds to have dogs chipped in order to license them. The equipment would have to be purchased. He said Laurel's goal is to return the dog to the owner so the dog doesn't have to be boarded any longer than necessary. Discussion continued on penalties and bond schedules. Chairman Poehls suggested the committee look at making changes to the city ordinance and then ask the judge to be involved in bond schedules. Bruce McGee suggested rewards be offered for positive behavior of dog owners and not just the bad behavior. The reward system wouldn't come in the ordinance but in the animal control officer policing. The city could provide information suggesting positive items to instruct owners on preventing dog barking, veterinary care, etc. and also provide coupons as incentives. Bruce McGee suggested the committee look at more definitions to start working with the City of Laurel's ordinance and then decide what they want the ordinance to look like. Doug asked that they use the handouts from Billings Animal Code of Ordinances, list of general penalties, and Laurel's animal ordinance. Other Items Fire Chief Peters stated Duane Winslow of Yellowstone County asked all fire chiefs about fire restrictions prior to July 4 It was decided that may be premature, possibly a fire restriction would be put out July 5 Laurel Fire Dept's fireworks will still go on regardless if there were restrictions prior July 4 Laurel fireworks are governed by the city council. The Laurel City Ordinance states it is up to the Fire Chief to be the main source of assessment. The council has the ability to consider fire dangers, such as dry conditions, before determining how long the fireworks season will be in the city. Brent suggested that if the county puts fire restrictions out prior to July 4 the City Council should put out the same restriction, because everyone from the county would come into the City of Laurel to shoot fireworks, which were never Laurel's intentions. It was discussed that the council would take immediate action if the county puts out a fire restriction. The news release would be throughout Yellowstone County. Chief Musson announced the week of July 4 is a very busy time for the Police Department with the street dance, Chief Joseph Run, and fireworks. He will have all the police reserves working. Tom and Bruce attended the 911 regional dispatch meeting that the county commissioners held. He suggested that the City of Laurel discuss if the city wants to get on board with 911. Other suggestions were to continue to look at other outlying areas that may be interested in partnering with Laurel, the separation of the dispatch center, and ability of cross - agency communications. Chief Musson stated the idea of the meeting was to start looking at the different possibilities. The issue is that the 911 centers are only for 911 calls. There would still be the need for local dispatching. There has been discussion with Stillwater and Carbon Counties and they may be the most likely to partner with Laurel. If our dispatchers are pulled to go to the comp center, it is financially a wash, but just for dispatching. He questioned what happens to the multiple jobs our dispatchers do. There still is a need for record keeping, secretary duties and answering to the public who come into the station. It is a viable idea to look at, but it could cost us more money. Tom suggested that the police, fire and ambulance departments discuss and look at agency communications before another meeting is held. Chief Musson stated that it is difficult to stay with Billings on the same frequencies and communications are lost. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, 11-60-7`" 7F7 Neva Hall, Secretary