Explanation
BACKGROUND: “Patriot” a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit since February of 2014 needs to be retired.
“Patriot” was accepted as a donation and appeared to be street worthy. He has not responded to training and has become unpredictable when deployed on the street. This has created a risk of injury to the officer riding “Patriot” and to citizens as well, which could create a liability for the Division and the City. It would be in the best interest of the Division to take “Patriot” out of service and retire him.
It is recommended that “Patriot” be sold to Officer James Gravett, who is “Patriot’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 “Patriot”, and assigns that liability to Officer James Gravett.
FISCAL IMPACT:
At this time there are no plans to replace this donated horse.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Officer James Gravett, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Patriot” 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, “Patriot” has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since February of 2014; and
WHEREAS, "Patriot” was accepted as a donation and appeared to be street worthy; and
WHEREAS, "Patriot" has not responded to training and has become unpredictable when deployed on the street; and
WHEREAS, This has created a risk of injury to the officer riding “Patriot” and to citizens as well, which could create a liability for the Division and the City; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer James Gravett 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 “Patriot” to Officer James Gravett 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 329.34- Sale of City-owned personal property, be and is hereby waived to permit the sale of this specific horse to Officer James Gravett.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.