HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Services Committee Minutes 04.21.2014 MINUTES
EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE
APRIL 21, 2014
COUNCIL CHAMBER
5:30 P.M.
Members Present: Doug Poehls Tom Nelson
Bill Mountsier Pat Kimmet
Others Present: Rick Musson Brent Peters
Kurt Markegard
Animal Ordinance:
Chief Musson said an issue was brought to his attention regarding clarification of commercial
and non - commercial dog kennel licenses. The City's schedule of fees and charges does not list a
dollar amount for either one of these.
Per Ordinance No. 013 -03, "A commercial kennel means a place where dogs or cats other than
those owned by the kennel owner are kept and boarded for any period in excess of twenty -four
hours. Female dogs or cats bred for the sole purpose of the sale of puppies or kittens for profit
and female dogs or cats numbering more than two constitute a commercial kennel "). Discussion
on fees for boarding animals, which is a separate fee than a business license. This will be
discussed further by the committee.
Per Ordinance No. 013 -13, "A non - commercial license means a kennel at, in, or adjoining a
private residence where hunting dogs or other dogs or cats are kept for the hobby of the
householder in using them in shows or field or obedience trails or for the guarding or protecting
the householder's property. The occasional raising of a litter of puppies or kittens at the kennel
should not change the character of the residential property (no more than one litter of puppies or
kittens shall be allowed in a calendar year). In residential districts each household shall not
possess more than two adult dogs and two adult cats (an adult dog or cat is herein defined as any
dog or cat over the age of twelve months)."
Tom Nelson stated the City of Billings Animal Ordinance has a small animal permit fee for up to
four dogs. It was determined that the committee would do more checking into this small animal
permit.
The subject of exotic animals was presented to the council at the April 15 meeting by an
audience of citizens with concerns on the restrictions of reptiles. The current ordinance states
that no person shall keep or be permitted to keep on his or her premises any wild/exotic animal
as a pet. It states any wildlife species that is not native to Montana. One of the citizens was told
by a police officer that she had 30 days to get rid of her reptiles. Doug suggested to the
committee to consider making a change to the ordinance so the city complies with any wildlife
species that are allowed by the State of Montana.
Kurt stated that the verbiage in 6.04.030, "Unlawful to interfere with an enforcement officer,"
used to say "law" enforcement officer. Under definitions, "Enforcement officer" means any
employee, agent or officer of the city authorized to enforce city ordinances. Kurt said that he
and anyone else in Public Works or other departments are enforcement officers in their own area
of expertise. He feels that the animal ordinance should go back to saying "law enforcement
officer" and pertain to the animal control or police department.
Safety Mill Levy:
There isn't anything to report on the mill levy at this time. The new budget is currently being
worked on. After it is completed, then the committee will use it to continue discussion on a
safety mill levy.
Fire Siren:
Doug stated the current fire siren is scheduled to be taken down when work is done on the roof.
Then there won't be one. Kurt did some research on the current siren. It is an old siren that was
manufactured by Fred Enterprises in the 1950's, and the company doesn't exist any longer. It
was made and intended for air raid.
Doug handed out information to purchase a new siren from Motorola for approximately
$16,000.00. It could be located on a pole behind city hall. Brent said according to the ISO, there
does have to be a secondary use of fire alert. Brent said he would do some research into sending
e -mails to fire fighters' cell phones for a second alert. Kurt stated that it may be time to retire the
old siren from the 50's. It could take as many dollars to relocate or get the old siren working as
it would be to purchase a new one. Discussion suggested another secondary call out approach
with the phone system, which could be digital or wireless.
Other:
Heather Mitchell, P.O. Box 1114, arrived at the end of the meeting to speak about the Animal
Ordinance regarding reptiles. She had attended the council meeting of April 15 and was aware
of the concerns of owners of reptiles. Discussion was the same as early in the meeting, and it
was decided that the city will look into complying with any wildlife species that are allowed by
the State of Montana.
Respectfully submitted,
Neva Hall