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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1971/03/29A Special Meeting of the Mounds View Village Council was called to order by Acting Mayor Blanchard at 7:10 P.M. on March 29, 1971, at the Mounds View Village Hall, 2401 Highway #10, St. Paul, Minnesota 55112, to consider amending Ordinance #58 referred to as the Dog Ordinance to prohibit persons from allowing dogs to be at large meaning off the premises of the owners and not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family by leash. Present: Also Present: Acting Mayor Blanchard Councilmar Hodges Councilman Neisen Councilman Johnson Absent: Mayor Rustad Attorney Meyers Engineer Boehm PROCEEDINGS OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL VILLAGE OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA March 29, 1971 Clerk- Administrator Zylla Clerk- Administrator Zylla read the legal notice and attested to its publication in the New Brighton Bulletin on March 18th and March 25th, 1971. About 50 persons were in attendance. Acting Mayor Blanchard commented on the rules to be followed in conducting the hearing. He called for those in favor of the leash law. Roger Baumgartner, 7585 Knollwood, stated that he was in favor of the leash law. Herbert Widmer, 2126 Oakwood, stated that he was in favor, that in the last two years he has lost approximately $200 worth of shrubbery. He stated that dogs run in packs in his neighborhood. Robert Halseth, 7666 Knollwood, also stated that he has been involved with dogs running in packs, referring to an incident when the police and dog catcher rounded up seven at his home. Mr. Trautner, 5105 Eastwood, stated that he had encountered dogs looking in his window standing on his elevated patio, Harold Hjelle, 5161 Red Oak Drive, inquired as to what the leash law under consideration would mean. Acting Mayor Blanchard answered that dogs would have to be leashed only when they were off the premises of the owner. Mrs. James Buckley, stated that she was against the leash law because of the Lack of enforcement ability. 2 Daniel McFarlane, 1936 County Road 1, stated that he was in favor of the leash law. Mr. Thompson, 8347 Spring Lake Road, is in favor of the leash law. Mrs. Engquist, 1850 Spring View Lane, inquired as to how dogs were taken care of now. The Village B E dogcatcher services were explained to her in brief. Acting Mayor Blanchard asked for those in opposition to the leash law. Russell Pahl, 794C Greenfield, said that laws without enforcement were no good. He stated that the leash law would infringe on his rights since he had a hunting dog and could not let the dog run in open fields. Mr. Pahl read the 1970 B E Patrol report summaries stating that the problem appeared to be that the people who were not interested in their dogs were causing the problem in that approximately two- thirds of all the animals picked up were not claimed by the owners. In fact 142 animals were disposed of by the B E Patrol. He mentioned that the suburbs had become a dumping ground for stray animals. Mr. Pahl stated that what was needed was larger expenditures to enforce the present ordinance and tighter policing. Mr. Gum, 7805 Greenwood, inquired as to how many licenses were sold last year. When the reply was that 170 licenses were sold, he stated that we cannot control our ordinance that is in effect now, and that he was against the leash law. Mrs. Bourke, 8051 Woodlawn, stated that she concurred with statements made by Mr. Pahl and was against the leash law. Mrs. Baumgartner, stated that people lotting dogs run were invading her privacy. Stricter laws meant more concern. Mrs. Halseth stated that if people don't want the leash law they should put up a fence. Mrs. Pulaski, 2650 Sherwood Road, was against the leash law. Mrs. Adleman, stated that she was against the leash law and wondered how many dogs that were actually picked up were licensed. Councilman Neisen read the proposed license and impounding fee ordinance under consideration by the Council also. Daniel McFarlane wanted to know what the pena�L; was for a violation of the ordinance. Acting Mayor Blanchard explained that it was a misdemeanor to violate any Village ordinance. Mr. Pahl stated that the command law was held sufficient for a leash law in court.. Mrs. Halseth inquired why it was up to the citizens to prosecute their neighbors. 3 The policing limitations of the B E Patrol was explained in that unless the dog catcher witnesses the violation he cannot sign a complaint. 0 Helmut Feige, 8325 Spring Lake Road, asked everyone to come over and take a look at his front steps. He wanted to know what the cost of the B E Patrol was. It was explained in that it is $2,960 in 1971. Linda Dickmann, 7854 Eastwood Road, stated that she had had a bad experience with dogs, but had good experience with the B E Patrol. The reaction of Don Bona to the B E Patrol,who was in attendance at a recent Council meeting, was discussed. Mr. Bona had previously stated that he felt the leash law was not a good law. Mr. Baumgartner stated that it was an economic situation for the B E Patrol not to have the leash law. He feels that the $3,000 spent last year was a waste of money. Charlotte Forslund, 7886 Sunnyside Road, stated that she was not in favor of the leash law. She had seen too many de3s become vicious. While a dog is in heat a person should keep their dog in. She stated that we cannot enforce the ordinance that we have now. Mr. Pahl stated that it was hard to say whether B E was a waste of money. It's possible to have misuse of funds in any area. However, he felt that it was also difficult to curb violations without stepping on the feet of the guy that cares. He again stated that violations could be curbed by stricter enforcement. Councilman Johnson inquired as to what the solution to the problem would be from Mrs. Pulaski. Mrs. Pulaski replied that the solution would be to increase the service. Mr. McFarlane stated that if you have a dog you should have a fence. Carol Baumgartner stated that some people with a dog want the leash law. Russell Pahl stated that Minneapolis has a leash law and has trouble enforcing it. Mr. Halseth stated that the police are picking up dogs in Minneapolis. The discussion turned to dogs, garbage cans and plastic bags for a few minutes. Halseth felt that the police should be given more authority. Councilman Blanchard felt the police have all the authority they need. The legal ramifications of having a dog and of harming an animal was discussed. Charlotte Forslund stated that we needed a working solution to enforce what we have already on the books. Carol Baumgartner inquired whether persons could form a dog club similar to the snowmobile club. Councilman Blanchard stated yes if there was any interest. Councilman Blanchard stated action would be taken on the proposed amendment at the Council meeting on April 12th. A letter from James Neardahl, 7941 Edgewood, in opposition to the leash law was received by Acting Mayor Blanchard. 4 MSP (Hodges /Johnson) To adjourn at 8:47 P.M. 4 Ayes R espectfully Submitted, l'i Lc�� N• St I Dennis S. Zyll Clerk- Administ tor