Explanation
BACKGROUND: Canine "Andor", a police dog, was purchased by the Division of Police in June of 2005. Officer Charles Distelhorst, the canine handler, has taken another position within the Division of Police, which normally requires that the canine be re-trained to work with a new handler. However, after a committee review of Canine Andor's age, present health condition, and cost to board/re-train versus remaining work life, it has been recommended that canine "Andor" be retired immediately from active police service. The Division of Police is requesting that "Andor" be sold to Police Officer Charles Distelhorst, who is willing to provide canine Andor 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 "Andor", and assigns that liability to Officer Distelhorst. 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 a police officer. A replacement dog will be purchased from Drug Seizure 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 Charles Distelhorst for the sum of $1.00, a police canine with the registered name of "Andor", 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 "Andor" has been a working police dog with the Division of Police since 2005, and
WHEREAS, canine "Andor's" retirement from active police service is due to a vacancy in the Canine Unit, and
WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the Division of Police to retire him rather than attempt to provide a new handler for him with the associated costs and health risks; and
WHEREAS, no City of Columbus Government Agency except Police and Fire Divisions use canines, and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City that City Code 329.30, Sale of City-Owned Property, be waived, and
WHEREAS, because canine "Andor" 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 Charles Distelhorst, "Andor'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, the Division of Police respectfully requests that the City allow this canine to be purchased by Officer Distelhorst 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 "Andor" to Officer Charles Distelhorst 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 329.30, Sale of City-Owned Personal Property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific police dog to Officer Charles Distelhorst.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.