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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/2012 COW MinutesW k , COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES February 14, 2012 CALL TO ORDER — ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Village Board Room of the Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Irvana Wilks. Trustees present included Arlene Juracek, Paul Hoefert, John Matuszak, Steven Polit, and Michael Zadel. Trustee John Korn arrived at 7:26 p.m. Staff present included Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Police Chief John Dahlberg and Deputy Police Chief Michael Semkiu. II, APPROVAL OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES FOR JANUARY 10, 2012 Motion made by Trustee Hoefert seconded by Trustee Juracek minutes were approved. III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None IV. REVIEW OF VICIOUS DOG REGULATIONS Police Chief John Dahlberg provided an overview of the police department's position regarding this ordinance. He stated the ordinance has worked relatively well; however, he is requesting the Village Board consider some options regarding the application of the ordinance. He is suggesting that dogs that had previously been declared vicious be allowed to be walked beyond the owner's property if properly controlled. He is recommending that a muzzle and a three point harness be required along with the dog being under the control of a person of at least 18 years of age. He stated he feels comfortable with these modifications in terms of the application of the ordinance and if the owner of the animal does not adhere to these modifications the dog would be relegated to remain on the owner's property as previously required for declared vicious dogs. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: • There was general support for the change and board members felt it was a good compromise between community needs and dog owners, but still retaining enforcement capabilities. Consensus of the Village Board was to support the changes as described by the Police Chief along with a limit on the length of the leash to be included as part of this Ordinance change. V. DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITATION REGULATIONS Assistant Village Manager David Strahl provided an overview of the existing ordinance in relation to a number of court rulings that have significantly weakened the ability for local regulation. He suggested that the village ordinance be revised to reflect a Committee of the Whole Page 1 of 2 2/14/12 number of these court changes since leaving the existing regulations in place would create a false sense of enforcement on behalf of the residents which is unenforceable. Among the items to be changed is the regulation of requiring registration with the local police department. A modification of the no solicitors notice sign posting language reflect actual signage wording. The courts have ruled that the posting of a no soliciting sign protects residents from unwarranted visitors compared to registration requirements. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: • There was discussion regarding the option of including additional education regarding solicitation and reminding residents that they are under no obligation to answer the door if a solicitor appears there. • There was also a discussion regarding the definition of trespass and how trespasses are enforced regarding solicitation efforts. • It was noted that the regulations limiting the solicitation late hours remain enforceable, however; a modification to the ordinance would be necessary to address daylight savings time modifications. Chief Dahlberg noted that residents will need to sign a complaint if they feel the solicitation resulted in a trespass. He stated between January 2011 and December 2011 there were approximately 147 complaints from residents regarding solicitors. He also noted that there is extensive staff time investment required to issue permits for solicitors even though such permits are unenforceable. He stated the new resident packets do include no solicitation signs for residents to post if they so desire. Consensus of the Village Board was to modify the ordinance based on the court preemptions. VI. MANAGER'S REPORT None VII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Hoefert commented on the Rainbow Hospice public art project. A brief discussion by the Village Board members ensued in which a consensus was reached supporting the project. VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager Committee of the Whole Page 2 of 2 H: \VILM \Cow\2012 \Minutes \Cow Minutes 2- 14- 12.docx