Agenda Packets - 2014/09/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council July 28, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 12 1 B. Reports of Staff. 2 3 Acting City Administrator Crane provided the Council with information on the upcoming 4 election. She noted the primary would be held on August 12th with the general election held on 5 November 4th. She discussed the open Council seats and encouraged those interested in a 6 position to visit City Hall. 7 8 Finance Director Beer was pleased to report the City could now accept electronic payments for 9 utility bills. 10 11 C. Reports of City Attorney. 12 13 City Attorney Riggs reviewed his monthly status report. 14 15 Mayor Flaherty discussed a recent incident a Mounds View Police Officer had with a local pet. 16 This pet required veterinarian services and surgery. The pet owners were notified that the City 17 would cover the expense for the medical pet services. He requested the Council discuss this 18 matter and provide direction to staff. 19 20 Council Member Meehlhause stated he had little knowledge of the incident but he understood the 21 pet bit a Mounds View Police Officer and the officer responded. He believed that statements 22 were made to the pet owner that should not have been made. These statements were putting the 23 Council in a difficult position. 24 25 Council Member Hull believed this was a tragic situation and was in favor of the City paying for 26 the vet bills. 27 28 Council Member Mueller understood the medical bills for the animal exceeded $7,000. She 29 indicated she was a pet owner but did not believe she would proceed with surgery on her pet if 30 the expense was this great. She commented the entire situation was unfortunate. She further 31 discussed the actions that occurred between the Police Officer and the pet. She understood that a 32 figure of authority told the pet owner the City would cover the expense; however, she was not 33 clear how the City would find the money for this unbudgeted expense. She suggested the 34 expense be compromise and split with the pet owner. 35 36 Council Member Gunn agreed this was an unfortunate situation as the dog was behaving in an 37 aggressive amount. She commented the vet expense of $7,000 should be the maximum amount 38 offered to the pet owner and any future expense would be the responsibility of the pet owner. 39 40 Mayor Flaherty stated assurances were made to the family that the City would cover the expense 41 of the veterinarian fees. For this reason, he believed the City should cover the initial bills and 42 any after care will be the responsibility of the pet owner. 43 44 Council Member Meehlhause indicated he could agree with this recommendation. 45