HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 874 Updated Animal Control Ordinance First Reading ...............
1114—N
ifid,4 )
:
STAFF REPORT
� a`.•
•
.. 1 MEETING DATE _
a Li CONTINUED TO
'PASSED TO 2ND READING c ``4AT1
TO: The Honorable City Council
FROM: Hart H. Ponder, Jr., Code Compliance Superviso
SUBJECT: Updated Animal Control Ordinance
DATE: May 28, 1998
RECOMMENDATION: Repeal County Ordinance 630.3 and County Ordinance 716 as
Adopted by the City of Palm Desert and Approve Adoption of City Ordinance 874 (First
Reading)
BACKGROUND: In the past, Staff has had its hands tied when citizens have turned to us
to seek review of fines and penalties related to the licensing and keeping of animals within
the City. Right now, when a Citizen objects to a fine or penalty relating to Animal Control,
the Ordinance now in effect has no review or hearing procedure assigned to any specific
City Department to administer a due process proceeding to address a fine or penalty that
the Citizen may feel is incorrect.
In response to this situation, Staff has updated our Animal Control Ordinance to include
an appeal process with a specific duty to the Code Compliance Division to address any fine
or penalty that may come into dispute by a Citizen. This is in line with the Division's
current responsibility to oversee the City's Animal Control Contract with California Animal
Care.
How will the proposed Ordinance address this?
1. Section 6.08.150 (B.), ensures the right to a hearing before the Code Compliance
Supervisor or his designee to object to any fees, penalties or fines the citizen feels are
inaccurate or unjust.
2. Section 6.08.150 (D) allows City Staff's decision to be appealed to this Council within
five days after the decision. The City Council may affirm, amend or reverse the decision
•
and may take any other action deemed appropriate.
3. Under the Direction of the City Manager, Section 6.12.010 (A., B., C.) Would confirm
the City's authority to supervise the administration and enforcement of this Ordinance no
matter who is currently contracted to preform the actual service (also see Section
6.04.020).
Staff believes the proposed Ordinance is the next step in assuring that the Citizens of Palm
Desert have the highest possible consideration and service relating to Animal Control
Activities. Staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.