01-22-1998
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CITY OF EDGEW ATER
ANIMAL CONTROL BOARD
JANUARY 22, 1998
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL
MINUTES
ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER
Legal Assistant, Robin Wolf call~d the first Regular and Organizational Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m
in City Hall.
Members present were: Robin Hendricks, Melissa Mitchell, Elizabeth Scavarda, Robert Schmitt, and
Donna Wagner. Also present were Animal Control Supervisor Robin Feger, Volusia County Animal
Control Board Members, Virgina Roach and Michael Brim.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
There were no minutes to be approved.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to be discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Members
Appoint Chairman and Vice Chairman
Robin Hendricks volunteered to be a Chairperson, Elizabeth Scavarda made a motion to nominate
Robin Hendricks to be Chairperson and Donna Wagner to act as Vice Chairperson. The motion
was carried 5-0.
The board discussed when they would hold regular meetings. It was agreed to hold the meetings in
the evenings since most board members have daytime obligations. It was agreed the meetings would
start at 7:00 p.m on the fourth Thursday of each month in City Hall. A motion was made and
carried 5-0. The next scheduled meeting will be Thursday, February 26, 1998.
Discussion re: Future goals and what the committee wants from the community for pet ownership.
Mrs. Hendricks suggested a "Spay and neuter program". Mr. Schmitt discussed the three major areas
of the board's character the first being the welfare of animals, the rights of the owners, and the safety
of the community.
Mrs. Hendricks suggested providing a forum for impartial equitable mediation for any situation.
Secondly, evaluate the ordinances, the enforcement policies, the appeal processes, and make
knowledgeable recommendations to the City Council in order to improve the Animal Control
Ordinances or pet ownership in the City of Edge water.
Robin Feger discussed certain goals in which she would like accomplished by the Board, one being
"Sterilization Rebate Program", and a variance in "Sterilized verses Unsterilized License Fee". The
present fee is $5.00 regardless if your altered or unaltered. She would like to charge more for
unaltered. There was discussion regarding "Breeder Licenses" and ''friends of Animals".
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Animal Control Board
January 22, 1998
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Mr. Schmitt suggested that the Board needed to prioritize developing a Breeder license and assigning
a fee which would be extra income. Up the return of a pet fee, and the difference in sterilized verses
unsterilized fee would pay for a Sterilization Rebate Program, then these figures could be presented
to the Council.
There was a brief discussion regarding changes in the resolution or the ordinance. Robin Hendricks
suggested that the Board should read each page and make any notes or changes to be discussed at
the next meeting.
Robin Hendricks asked Mr. Briin of Vol usia County to explain his appeal process on dangerous dogs.
He stated how hard it was ~o get the Board together for a hearing, but nothing should be discussed
outside of the Board meetings with respect to the Sunshine Law. He explained that first the Animal
Control Officer classifies the dog as dangerous. (To be classified as dangerous, the dog does not
have to bite somebody it merely has to chase someone or comer a person). The owner has an option
within ten (10) days to appeal that in writing, that is when the appeals board comes into play. The
Board meets to establish a hearing committee. The Animal Control Officer will come before the
Board with copies of the Dangerpus Dog Statute. Witnesses will be called to testify and statements
will be taken from the victim who was bitten or scratched.
Mr. Brim advised that in the CQunty you can deem a dog to be destroyed and that procedure goes
through the Court. Any decision the Board makes can be appealed by the dog's owner, and you
cannot force the owner to spay or neuter an animal until after the appeal process is over.
Mr. Schmitt asked about the format of the dangerous 3nim31~ appeals. Mr. Brim reiterated to process
adding that all affidavits should be sworn and notarized, or not accepted.
Robin Feger explained her pro~edure for designating a dog as dangerous.
Mr. Brim stated that if the owner doesn't appeal, they must abide by the restrictions that are in the
ordinance. The owner cannot move the dog or sell the animal without notifying Animal Control.
He also explained that at the hearing they keep all the witnesses out of the room, and that after they
testifY they leave. The owner of the dog is in the room at all times. Occasionally the owner retains
an attorney to represent them There was further discussion concerning the preparation for these
hearings.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Donna Wagner moved to adjourn, second by Robert
Schmitt. The meeting adjourne4. at 8:58 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
JoAnn Richard
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Animal Control Board
January 22, 1998