Explanation
BACKGROUND: “Knox”, a police horse that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit since March of 2017, needs to be taken out of service.
“Knox” is a 10 year old Quarter horse breed and as a result of continual health and pain issues with his hocks and legs, Knox can no longer be utilized as a reliable Mount. He can no longer stand the stress of a normal day on the hard pavement. 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 “Knox” and the Division to take him out of service and retire him. Retiring “Knox” would keep the Division from paying the additional costs for feed and medical expenses with no guarantee that he would be street worthy.
It is recommended that “Knox” be retired and to permit his last rider Officer James Gravett #263, to assume custody and care of “Knox” 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 “Knox”.
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 “Knox”, and assigns that liability to Officer James Gravett #263.
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 #263, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Knox” which has no further value to the Division of Police; and to waive the provisions of City Code- 329 Sale of City-owned personal property.
Body
WHEREAS, “Knox” has been a Mounted Unit horse with the Division of Police since March of 2017; and,
WHEREAS, it is recommended that “Knox” be retired due to continual health and pain issues; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Officer James Gravett #263 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 the police horse with the registered name of “Knox” to Officer James Gravett #263 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 #263.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.