Explanation
“Ed” is a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit since April of 2017 and needs to be taken out of service.
“Ed” has not been responding to training and has become unpredictable when deployed on the street. This has created a risk of possible injury to the officer riding “Ed” and the potential for citizens to become injured as well, which could create a liability for the division and the City. He currently cannot perform the duties necessary of a police horse on the streets of the City of Columbus on a daily basis. It is in the best interest of “Ed” and the Division to take him out of service and retire him. Retiring “Ed” would keep the Division from paying the additional cost for feed and medical expenses with no guarantee that he would be street worthy.
It is recommended that “Ed” be retired and to permit his last rider, Officer James Gravett #263, to assume custody and care of “Ed” and purchase him from the Division of Police for the sum of $1.00.(ORC 9.62, (C)). Officer James Gravett #263 has agreed to accept “Ed”.
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 “Ed”, and assigns that liability to Officer James Gravett #263.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Revenue of $1.00 will be deposited due to the retirement of "Ed". Furthermore, there is no impact on the General Fund due to the retirement of "Ed".
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer James Gravett #263, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Ed” which has no further value to the Division of Police; and to waive the provisions of Section 329.34 of the Columbus City Codes regarding the sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, “Ed” has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since April of 2017; ...
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