Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director to sell police horse “Poncho” that has been in service with the Division of Police’s Mounted Unit since September 17, 2020. "Poncho" is to be retired and sold.
“Poncho” has yet to be utilized in the public by the Mounted Unit. It would be in the best interest of the Division to take “Poncho” out of service and retire him.
It is recommended that “Poncho” be sold to Sgt. John Blubaugh #5257. Sgt. Blubaugh has the resources to properly care for “Poncho”
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 “Poncho”, and assigns that liability to Sgt. John Blubaugh #5257.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no replacement horse.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Sgt. Blubaugh is immediately ready to take ownership of "Poncho" and therefore, the Public Safety Department, Division of Police, requests an emergency designation for this ordinance so as not delay the transfer of ownership.
Title
To authorize and direct the Finance and Management Director to sell to Sgt. John Blubaugh, for the sum of $1.00, a police horse with the registered name of “Poncho” which has no further value to the Division of Police, to waive the provisions of City Code-Sale of City-owned personal property, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, “Poncho” is a 7 year old Tennessee Walker and he has never been put into service with the Mounted unit due to behavioral issues; and
WHEREAS, “Poncho” behavioral issue consist of head thrashing and outward kicking; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to allow this horse to be purchased by Sgt. John Blubaugh #5257 for the sum of $1.00; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Safety in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Department of Finance and Management to sell police horse "Poncho, which has no further value to the Division of Police, for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare: 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 “Poncho” to Sgt. John Blubaugh #5257 for the sum of $1.00.
Section 2. That this Council 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 Sgt. John Blubaugh #5257.
Section 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.