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Mounds View City Council July 28, 2014 <br />Regular Meeting Page 12 <br /> <br /> <br /> B. Reports of Staff. <br /> <br />Acting City Administrator Crane provided the Council with information on the upcoming <br />election. She noted the primary would be held on August 12th with the general election held on <br />November 4th. She discussed the open Council seats and encouraged those interested in a <br />position to visit City Hall. <br /> <br />Finance Director Beer was pleased to report the City could now accept electronic payments for <br />utility bills. <br /> <br />C. Reports of City Attorney. <br /> <br />City Attorney Riggs reviewed his monthly status report. <br /> <br />Mayor Flaherty discussed a recent incident a Mounds View Police Officer had with a local pet. <br />This pet required veterinarian services and surgery. The pet owners were notified that the City <br />would cover the expense for the medical pet services. He requested the Council discuss this <br />matter and provide direction to staff. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause stated he had little knowledge of the incident but he understood the <br />pet bit a Mounds View Police Officer and the officer responded. He believed that statements <br />were made to the pet owner that should not have been made. These statements were putting the <br />Council in a difficult position. <br /> <br />Council Member Hull believed this was a tragic situation and was in favor of the City paying for <br />the vet bills. <br /> <br />Council Member Mueller understood the medical bills for the animal exceeded $7,000. She <br />indicated she was a pet owner but did not believe she would proceed with surgery on her pet if <br />the expense was this great. She commented the entire situation was unfortunate. She further <br />discussed the actions that occurred between the Police Officer and the pet. She understood that a <br />figure of authority told the pet owner the City would cover the expense; however, she was not <br />clear how the City would find the money for this unbudgeted expense. She suggested the <br />expense be compromise and split with the pet owner. <br /> <br />Council Member Gunn agreed this was an unfortunate situation as the dog was behaving in an <br />aggressive manner. She commented the vet expense of $7,000 should be the maximum amount <br />offered to the pet owner and any future expense would be the responsibility of the pet owner. <br /> <br />Mayor Flaherty stated assurances were made to the family that the City would cover the expense <br />of the veterinarian fees. For this reason, he believed the City should cover the initial bills and <br />any after care will be the responsibility of the pet owner. <br /> <br />Council Member Meehlhause indicated he could agree with this recommendation.