Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-20 Finance and Safety Minutes Finance Safety Committee February 20, 2007 5:00 p.m. Present: Jim Haggerton, Chair; Joan Hernandez and Pam Linder, Council members. Rhonda Berry, City Administrator; Diane Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the City Council; and Al Dams, Assistant Manager, King County Animal Services. Business Agenda A. Contract with M. J. Durkan for 2007 lobbying services Ms. Berry reviewed the revised contract with M.J. Durkan for 2007 lobbying services. A new section on conflict of interest was added. This is pre emptive so that when new clients are added it addresses what happens when there could be a possible conflict of interest. Mr. Haggerton expressed his appreciation on the services provided by Mr. Durkan at the recent AWC legislative conference. Unanimous approval. Forward to February 26 COW. B. Draft contract for animal control services Ms. Berry indicated that at the request of the committee members at the February 5 CAP meeting, changes were incorporated. The changes are denoted on the margin of the contract. She reviewed the changes. In Section 1C, it states that the city will be provided with a monthly calendar; Section 2 specifies that the contract will not exceed $35,000 per year; and Section 6 clarifies how the contract will be terminated. Other items discussed were input into the performance evaluation and the process to be used to express concerns with the services; if these items were included in the contract, it may delay implementation of the contract. Ms. Berry continued and explained the appeal process which would be used for enforcing Tukwila's ordinance regarding dangerous dogs. Mr. Dams explained that the City's ordinance regarding dangerous dogs (TMC 7.04.085) is different than King County's ordinance on vicious animals (KC 11.04.290). Tukwila allows that a dog which is declared dangerous can be destroyed; this cannot be done under King County ordinance. The dog can be removed. King County would confine the animal based on the circumstances. If the situation warrants that the animal needs to be euthanized, this would be governed under RCW 16.08.30, Marauding Dog Duty of Owner to Kill. This RCW provides that it is the duty of a person to kill an animal within 48 hours after notification otherwise they are deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Tukwila's code is stronger. Since there is a difference in the ordinances, if this action were taken, the process of appeals would be done through Tukwila's municipal court process since King County Board of Appeals cannot rule on a code other than King County. A citation would be issued through Tukwila. Tukwila would not be able to access King County free legal service on this type of case; Tukwila would have the benefit of legal service from King County on other animal control citations. Ms. Berry noted that the animal control officer would be educated on this issue. Mr. Dams referenced RCW 16.08.070, Dangerous Dogs and Related Definitions. If an order is placed in King County, that order is valid throughout the State of Washington; the order follows the animal. If they violate a removal order, it is unredeemable. Ms. Linder described a problem that occurred that created problems with the neighbors when differing information was shared with them. It is important that accurate information be shared. Ms. Berry asked if King County maintained a database to know how many animals are licensed to a residence. Mr. Dams replied that it does maintain a database. Mr. Dams noted that there would be additional "boiler plate" language added to the contract. Ms. Berry related that this contract would be presented at the Committee of the Whole and entire contract presented at the regular council meeting. Minutes - Finance & Safety Committee February 20, 2007 2 Ms. Hernandez asked where the animal control officer would be housed. Ms. Berry indicated that he/she would be housed at either the police department or code enforcement. Mr. Dams pointed out that this is a pilot program; if enough cities participate, a full-time animal control officer would be hired. The contract would be increased in order to cover benefits. The contract is being fulfilled with part-time seasonal employees. A full-time officer would provide greater stability and more familiarity with the cities. Unanimous approval to forward to February 26 Committee of the \Vhole meeting. Adjournment: 6:00 p.m. .. \ \ ~eSbYDJ. Committee Chair Approval