Memorandum 16-111 Animal Control

Memorandum 16-111

TO:                       MAYOR WYTHE AND THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                  MELISSA JACOBSEN, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

THROUGH:         KATIE KOESTER, CITY MANAGER

DATE:                   JUNE 21, 2016

SUBJECT:           FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL CONTROL REVIEW COMMITTEE

In August 2015 City Council established the Sustainable Animal Control Review Committee via Resolution 15-075 in an effort to strengthen the sustainability of the shelter as the City worked on the 2016 budget.

The Committee held their last meeting in January 2016 and in February made their final report and recommendations in Memorandum 16-026.  Several of the committee’s recommendations have been completed including an update of the animal shelter fee schedule, the contractor increased their liability insurance, and Veterinarians from the Homer Veterinary Clinic have been visiting regularly.

With permission from City Manager Koester, Lt. Will Hutt, former committee member Casey Moss, and I took on another recommendation of the committee and reviewed HCC Title 20.  We considered the committee’s suggestions and looked at municipal code for the City of Soldotna, City of Kenai, and Municipality of Anchorage.  As a result, Ordinance 16-38 was written.

While a good portion of the language didn’t change, we simplified and clarified definitions including Animals, Kennel, License Period, Prior Conviction, and Restraint. We also changed the order of some of the sections for a better flow. 

Significant changes within the chapter include:

Added more specific language regarding animals at large;
Clarified Impound Procedures;
Added reference to birds under Nuisance animals;
Added more specific language and added reference to the penalty for cruelty and penalty to animals;
Added a section specific to records;
Increased penalty fees.

We also drafted an amendment to Title 7 Animals in Vehicles, specific to tethering animals riding in the back of a vehicle that is not enclosed; and prohibiting animals in the lap of a person operating a vehicle.

Lastly we propose adding impoundment fees for livestock. Livestock impoundment is referenced in Title 20, but currently there are no associated fees in the fee schedule.