HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/05/1976 Council Minutes1
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April 5, 1976
The special meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 8:05
P.M. on April 5, 1976 by Mayor Bohjanen. Council members present; Karth, Schneider,
Zelinka. Absent; McLean.
This meeting had been called for the express purpose of hearing public opinion con-
cerning the proposed changes in the Dog Ordinance.
Mr. Jorgenson asked what the present ordinance contained. Mr. Karth read from the
the current ordinance in effect.
Mr. King, who lives on 77th Street asked if this ordinance was being enforced at
the present time. He is having trouble with dogs chasing his horses at 3:00 A.M.
Mr. Zelinka said that when this occurs, Mr. King should call the Police. The Animal
Control contract is effective on a 24 hour per day basis.
Mayor Bohjanen added that if the dogs could be caught, the Police have a cage they
are kept in until the animal control can pick them up.
Mr. Schneider suggested the proposed ordinance be read and commented on.
The Clerk read the proposed ordinance. Mr. Jorgenson commented on the requirement
of having the dogs on a leash. He said children have enough problems riding their
bikes without having to contend with loose dogs.
Mr. Schneider asked for comments on whether a dog should be allowed off the leash
if the owner is present.
There were various reactions. Mr. Zelinka felt that working dogs on a farm should
be allowed for. Some allowance for this type of animal clearly stated should be
included.
Mr. Bill Houle felt that some provision could be made for this type of animals.
There was discussion of delivery men and utility men having to cross private property,
with the possibility of being bitten by uncontrolled animals.
Mr. Karth felt that the general opinion of this audience was a leash law is nece-
ssary.
Mr. Schneider felt the animals should be allowed off the leash to run. It was su-
ggested that under Section I, Subdivision 'C', the following; 'under control of
owner at all times on owner's property in presence of owner, or on a leash, or inside
a fence high enough to contain animals' be added.
Mr. Zelinka felt "anyone who has more than two (2) dogs should be required to have
a kennel license, except for a litter of a female owned and licensed by owner and
said litter is under six (6) months of age ".
Chief Myhre arrived and was asked to explain the working arrangements with the an-
imal control. He also said the State Statutes allows a private citizen to shoot a
dog molesting domestic animals.
Mr. Zelinka felt that some provision for a penalty against parents of children who
tease dogs to the point distraction. There was discussion on this subject.
April 5, 1976
There was also discussion on the provisions of fines - how much and how they are
decided. The Attorney will be asked to clarify this matter.
The provisions of allowing dogs to run on private property with the owner's per-
mission and under immediate control of the animal owner was discussed. The gen-
eral consensus was that this could be allowed.
The difficulties in enforcing the present ordinances was discussed. The problem of
ascertaining the owner of the animal and if under control.
The fees were discussed. Mr. Schneider felt the present fees are sufficient but
a penalty should be added after a certain date. Mr. Zelinka moved to leave the fees
as they are but, if the animal is not licensed within the first sixty (60) days,
the fee is $10.00, except for newly purchased animals (owner must present proof of
purchase or certification or paid invoice within thirty (30) days) or puppies who
have come of age. This requirement to become effective January 1, 1977. Seconded
by Mr. Karth. Motion carried.
Mr. Schneider felt this ordinance affects all residents of the City and should be
published in more than just the official newspaper. The Council agreed it should
also be published in the Circulating Pines and the Blaine Life. There was also dis-
cussion of making copies of the new ordinance and haveing them delivered at the
same time the Information Guides are delivered. This will be decided at a later date.
Mr. Zelinka moved to approve the suggested changes. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Motion
carried.
Mr. Zelinka moved to adjourn at 9:40 P.M. Seconded by Mr. Karth. Aye.
These minutes were approved, with corrections on
CLERK - TREASURER
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