HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/06/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session OFFICIAL MINUTES
J1/ St. Louis Park SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MINNESOTA ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
June 2, 2008
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, John Basill, C. Paul Carver via phone, Phil
Finkelstein, Paul Omodt and Susan Sanger. Loran Paprocki arrived at 7:21 p.m.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Chief of Police Luse,
Community Liaison Officer (Ms. Olson) Deputy Chief DiLorenzo and Recording Secretary (Ms.
Schmidt).
1. Proposed Ordinance amending Article III, Chapter 4 of the City Code concerning
dogs, dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous dogs
Chief Luse presented the staff report.
Council and staff had discussion on revising the proposed dangerous dog ordinance.
Councilmember Sanger stated concern with the definition language Mr. Scott explained that most
of the included language was State Statute and could not be changed.
Councilmember Carver agreed the ordinance should follow the State Statute and also stated concern
with the differences in leash length used throughout the proposal. He also suggested they add a
statement within the "at large" definition to include leash, cord, chain, or other means of control,
which is sufficient to prevent a dog from making unwanted contact with people or animals or from
damaging property. Councilmember Carver suggested staff relook at the requirement of displaying a
license on the dog at all times and would like a better definition for "under control."
Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Carver, stating the license display requirement
didn't make sense, suggesting it state when off the owner's property, as originally written.
Mr. Harmening stated staff was looking for direction on the language relating to "other means of
control."
Mr. Scott explained that recently the legislature amended the dangerous dog statute, stating that
most of the changes in the ordinance were procedural changes to match up with changes. He stated
the dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog definitions were State Statute. He further stated
the City did not have to regulate potentially dangerous dogs, but they could change its definition.
Mr. Scott requested direction from Council, asking if they wished to regulate dangerous dogs or
have the same regulations as they do for potentially dangerous dogs and if they wanted staff to look
at the language defining a dog being on and off a leash.
Councilmember Basill asked if they could alter the "at large" language. Mr. Scott stated that it could
be changed. Councilmember Basill suggested they come up with a better definition.
Study Session Minutes -2- June 2, 2008
Councilmember Sanger suggested using the public nuisance section for regulating dangerous dogs.
Mr. Scott stated they have the option of not regulating them at all. Councilmember Basill suggested
it be defined within the dog ordinance.
It was the consensus of Council to have staff gather more information and various options on what
"at large" and "under control" means; and to survey other cities regarding what is being done to
regulate their dog concerns and how well it is working.
2. Community Open House
Ms. Olson presented the staff report.
Councilmember Sanger asked what type of events would be planned. Ms. Olson stated there would
be various booths set up, city vehicles such as fire trucks and police squads, the aquatic center would
be open for free swimming and various fun activities at the Rec Center such as free skating, music
and food. She further stated it would be a great way for residents to connect with the City and their
neighbors.
Councilmember Sanger asked if they would seek any Board and Commission involvement. Ms.
Olson stated nothing had been finalized yet.
Councilmember Basill asked when the first open house would be. Ms. Olson stated June 2009.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated it would be a great way to have citizen interaction.
It was the consensus of Council to proceed with planning a Community Open House for June
2009.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. /
ev.„ di
Nancy Stroth,City Clerk Jeff J.cob•/May•r