Explanation
BACKGROUND: "Essex" a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police's Mounted Unit since 2009 needs to be retired.
Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., the Mounted Unit's veterinarian, has recommended that Essex be retired from duty as a Mounted Unit horse. Essex has been treated for and diagnosed with arthritis in both front shoulders and knees. In addition to this diagnosis, Essex has muscle deterioration and wear on his hips and back. Essex is also blind in his right eye. Due to these health conditions, Essex has been recently removed from the regular rotation. Essex is not fully capable of performing the patrol related duties required of a Police Mount. The Division of Police concurs with the recommendation of Dr. William Gesel that Essex be retired from duty as a Police Mounted Unit horse.
It is recommended that Essex be sold for one dollar ($1.00) to Officer John Shoopman who is familiar with Essex's medical problems and his treatment. Officer Shoopman has ridden Essex in the past. Several non-profit agencies with equestrian therapy programs have been contacted and showed no interest in Essex as a potential candidate for their group. Officer Shoopman has come forward and agreed to accept Essex at his home to join his other horses.
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 "Essex", and assigns that liability to Officer John Shoopman.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time there are no plans to replace this donated horse. There is no impact on the General Fund due to the retirement of "Essex."
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer John Shoopman, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of "Essex" 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, "Essex" has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since 2009 ; and
WHEREAS, Mounted Unit's Veterinarian Dr. William M. Gesel, D.V.M., has recommended this horse be retired due to arthritis in both front shoulders and knees, muscle deterioration, wear on his hips and back, and being blind in his right eye.
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer John Shoopman 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 "Essex" to Officer John Shoopman 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 John Shoopman.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.