12/10/1980 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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staff to analyze the need for the Boundary Commission after LCDC approves the plan. The Boundary Commission may no longer be needed. Mr. Farah indicated . that this would be done; He reiterated the changes to the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. Council consensus was to not discuss the issue of raising fees for residential applications to recover 60 percent of the processing cost at this time. IV. ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS (memo distributed) Mr. Henry stated that the Tri-Agency Policy Committee has requested the proposed amendments. These changes will increase maximum fines and penalties for some areas of animal control and will change the certification requirement 'for an animal technician. The definition of animal technician would include graduates of accredited programs in animal technology. Mr. Delay stated that these are routine measures which have been worked on for a long time. The changes are non-controversial but necessary. Mr. Obie stated that the increases are staggering. $250 for a dog-at-large would be more than routine for those who receive that fine. He is concerned with the size of the increase. Mr. Delay stated that it is needed to be able to better deal with repeat offenders. This is not a bail schedule; that will be established by the court and probably will not be much different than the current one. This change would allow more room for the judge to deal with specific situations. Without knowing the bail schedule, he does not know what . difference there would be for first offenses, but he would not think it would be much higher than now. Ms. Smith shared the concerns already presented about the fine schedule. Dave Whitlow, Assistant City Manager, stated that citations would be issued while the fine would be determined in court. The maximum penalties would be for more serious offenders or repeat offenders. Ms. Smith asked if the judge would determine the fine. Mr. Delay responded that that would be the case. It would be the same as the current situation with parking tickets. There is currently a bail schedule for minor offenses and it will probably not change much. The court can require an offender to appear and then determine a fine based upon all of the circumstances and testimony. This gives the judge latitude to deal with repeat offenders or those who represent significant problems. This also can allow the judge to prescribe conditions under which animals must be held on their owners' property if a dog attacks someone. This has not been possible in the past. With ordinances, most are open-ended and revert to a fine of up to $1,000. Ms. Smith stated that she had read the definition of a vicious dog and asked what discussion is held to determine what a vicious dog is. Mr. Delay stated that Mr. Spickerman had brought this problem in definition to their attention. Previously, unless a dog had bitten more than one person, one could not deal with other kinds of behavior to force them to confine a dog. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 10, 1980 Page 4