HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-15 CEAC MINUTES•
I.
II.
Englewood Code Enforcement Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2006
Call to Order
Co-chair Chris Hoagland called the regular meeting of the Englewood Code Enforcement
Advisory Committee to order at 6:36 p .m.
Roll Call
Members Present: Co-Chair Chris Hoagland, Brian Bleile, Darryl Estes and Paul
Hendricks
Members Absent: Dooley Gehr (excused), Randia Laga, Marty Mosman, and Tom Rothe
(alternate)
A quorum of the Committee was present.
Ex-Officio Members Present: Council Liaison Laurett Barrentine, Council Liaison Jim
Woodward, Council Member Bob Mccaslin, Sergeant Gary Condreay, and Deputy City
Manager Michael Flaherty
Guests: Tracie Bleile, 4201 S. Clarkson Street
Approval of Minutes
Member Bleile stated that his name was misspelled in the minute of January 18 , 2006 ,
then made a motion to approve the minutes, as corrected. The motion was seconded by
Member Estes. The minutes were unanimously approved.
III. Open Public Forum
Ms. Bleile stated that she was present only to listen to the discussion regarding dangerous
dogs .
IV. Unfinished Business
A. Dangerous Dogs Discussion
Co-chair Hoagland opened the discussion by explaining that he had requested
information from the City Attorney on the possible application of regulations of
Section 5-28-1 (Guard or Attack Dog) of the Englewood Municipal Code to regulate
dangerous dogs . The City Attorney stated that the language of that section would
need to be changed to specifically address dangerous dogs. Hoagland then suggested
that the committee discuss the current code language related to dangerous dogs as
contained in Section 7-lA-10 and 11 of the Code (Attack by Dog or Cat), which
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places responsibility on the animal owner for any attack committed, provides an
affirmative defense for a dog or cat protecting premises, and calls for a destruction •
hearing when the actions of a dog or cat has resulted in two attack convictions in a
two year period or one attack that causes death or grievous bodily harm upon a human
being. After some discussion on the current code, Member Hendricks stated that a
public relations campaign to publicize the current regulations could address the
current concerns. Council Liaison Woodward added that insurance requirements and
signage might be additional requirements that should be considered with known
dangerous dogs. Member Estes asked if or how the current code applied to a
threatening dog. Sergeant Condreay responded that the cmTent code has been
effective in protecting from charging and snarling dogs that pose a threat. Co-chair
Hoagland stated that he feels that there is a lack of an intermediate stage in the code
between an initial attack conviction and a destruction hearing. He suggested a
possible "probation" period after an initial attack conviction in excess of the cmTent
two-year window might be established. Other inte1im options for animals guilty of
prior attack were then discussed including requirements for neutering of intact
animals; further limitations on cruelty and on chaining of dogs; and the extension of
Section 5-28-1 to regulate dangerous dogs by requiring signage, fencing and
inspection. Sergeant Condreay said that he would ask the code enforcement officers
to review and comment on these suggestion. Member Bleile made a motion to
continue discussion of the topic to the next committee meeting specific neutering,
signage, and containment (fencing and short-lease) as interim measures following an
initial attack. The motion was seconded by Member Hendricks and was approved
unanimously. •
B. Field trip discussion
Co-chair Hoagland stated that during the previous meeting Sergeant Condreay had
stated that he would provide a list of addresses for committee members to view.
Sergeant Condreay apologized for having failed to provide such list and offered
committee members the opportunity to schedule a "ride-along" with one of the Code
Enforcement Officers. Council Member McCaslin mentioned that he had ridden with
Officer Medina and found that experience to be very helpful.
V. New Business
A. Review of EMC Section 11.5.5 (Property Owner's Responsibility for Public
Right of Way)
Co-chair Hoagland opened the discussion by explaining a court case that resulted
from an Englewood property owner's failure to maintain vegetation in the right-of-
way adjacent to her prope1iy . While this case went to the Colorado Supreme Court
and ruling was made in favor of the City, Hoagland stated that he believes the
language of the code to be far too broad and asked the committee to review. Member
Bleile asked for the applicable City of Englewood code and Colorado Statute
citations. Bleile then made a motion, which was seconded by Member Hendricks, for •
the Committee to review the Section 11.5.5 at a future meeting. The motion was
approved.
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B. Council Review of CEAC Recommendation on 15.9.2 (Off-Road Vehicles)
Deputy City Manager Flaherty reported that City Council would discuss the
co1mnittee's proposed amendment to the Off-Road Vehicle ordinance at the City
Council Study Session on March 6, 2006. Committee member are invited to attend.
VI. Monthly Activity Report
Sergeant Condreay distributed and discussed the January activity (copy attached)
along with an area map indicating the sections of the City for which each code officer
has responsibility. Items of interest included 129 animal control contacts, 97
inoperable vehicle and 4 off-road vehicle cases, and 25 graffiti cases. Condreay also
reported that charges, including felony charges are pending against five individuals for
graffiti offenses . Member Estes said that City of Denver was issuing "graffiti wipes"
to citizen groups. The graffiti wipes work well in removing most marker or spray
painted graffiti. Estes asked it that were a possibility for Englewood. Sergeant
Condreay replied that the cost of graffiti wipes was fairly high, but might be an option
for Neighborhood Watch to consider. Condreay added that the City does have paint
available to use for graffiti removal and is looking at increasing use of community
service workers to remove graffiti .. Co-chair Hoagland asked about the status of the
field reporting computers. Condreay responded that one of the code officers is
currently field testing a lap top and that hopefully all units would be in place in March .
VII. Topics for Future Meeting
A. Dangerous Dogs (7.lA.10/11)
B. Property Owner's Responsibility for Public Right of Way (11.5.5)
VIII Adjournment
Member Bleile made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Member Estes.
The motion carried. The meetin was adjourned at 8:20 p.m .
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