Explanation
BACKGROUND: "Russell," a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police's Mounted Unit since 2004, needs to be retired.
Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., the Mounted Unit's veterinarian, has recommended that Russell be retired from duty as a Mounted Unit horse. Russell has been treated for a significant infection centered in his spine, for a very slow healing wound, and for several joint related problems. Russell has not been in active service with the Mounted Unit for several months. he is currently not able to perform the necessary duties of a police horse on the streets of the city. The Division of Police concurs with the recommendation of Doctor William Gesel that Russell be retired from duty as a Police Mounted Unit Horse.
It is recommended that Russell be sold to Officer Constance Louthen who is familiar with Russell's medical problems and his treatment and was Russell's last rider. Additionally, the Division of Police Legal Bureau has developed a general release document that relinquishes the City of Columbus from any liability as it relates to the post retirement care and control of "Russell", and assigns that liability to Officer Louthen.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time there are no plans to replace this donated horse. There is no impact on the General Fund due to donating "Russell" to Officer Louthen.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer Constance Louthen, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of "Russell" which has no further value to the Division of Police and to waive the provisions of City Code-Sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, "Russell" has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since 2004; and
WHEREAS, Mounted Unit's Veterinarian, Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., has recommended this horse to be retired due to health conditions; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer Constance Louthen for the sum of $1.00; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Finance and Management Director is hereby authorized and directed to sell a police horse with the registered name of "Russell" to Constance Louthen for the sum of $1.00.
Section 2. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it is in the best interests of the City that City Code 329.26 - Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific horse to Officer Constance Louthen.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.