Explanation
BACKGROUND: On Sunday June 7, 2009, police dog "Benny" suffered a major leg injury while on-duty. Additionally, he has been diagnosed with non-curable kidney disease. As a result of these events, it is immediately necessary to retire canine "Benny" from active police service. The Division of Police is requesting that "Benny" be sold to his current handler Police Officer Timothy Shepard #485, who is willing to provide canine "Benny" with a home as a pet. 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 canine "Benny", and assigns that liability to Officer Shepard. Upon approval of this recommendation, the legal form with one dollar will be submitted.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the sale of a police dog for one dollar to police officer Timothy Shepard. A replacement dog will be purchased from Grant Funds later this year. There is no impact on the financial status of the General Fund.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer Timothy Shepard for the sum of $1.00, a police canine with the registered name of "Benny", which has no further value to the Division of Police, and to waive provisions of the City Code-Sale of City Owned Personal Property. ($1.00)
Body
WHEREAS, canine "Benny" must be retired from active police service due to an on-duty injury and the recent diagnosis of an incurable disease; and
WHEREAS, no City of Columbus Government Agency except Police and Fire Divisions use canines; and
WHEREAS, this Council finds it to be in the best interest to waive City Code 329.30, Sale of City-Owned Property, and
WHEREAS, because canine "Benny" has been trained in police tactics, it would be in the City's best interest to provide the dog a good home during retirement; and
WHEREAS, Officer Timothy Shepard #485, "Benny's" only handler prior to his retirement, is able and willing to provide accommodations for this canine at his personal residence and expense, and
WHEREAS, a general release document that relinquishes the City of Columbus from any liability as it relates to the post retirement care and control of canine "Benny", and assigns that liability to Officer Shepard will be submitted upon approval of this request; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Police respectfully requests that the City allow this canine to be purchased by Officer Shepard 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 be and is hereby authorized and directed to sell a police canine with the registered name of "Benny" to Officer Timothy Shepard for the sum of $1.00.
SECTION 2. That the Council of the City of Columbus finds it to be in the best interests to waive City Code 329.30, Sale of City-Owned Personal Property, to permit the sale of this specific police dog to Officer Timothy Shepard.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.