3/26/2009 PLAN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES Minutes

Home Browse Search

Chief Collins asked whether or not their homeowner's insurer is aware that these dogs will be there. Applicant responded that right now they only have construction insurance and when done building then the dogs will be included. chief Collins said that may be an issue. He said his concern is that if a person gets bitten then the person bitten would have no coverage. Mr. Lopes said his dogs are not vicious, but Chief Collins noted that the nature of this breed is a legitimate concern. Ben Perry asked what plans are for fencing. Mr. Lopes said the whole area in back will be fenced. He said they will fence around the kennel area: then another fence just outside the kennel area; and then a stockade fence of 6 to 8 feet will fence in the yard. Mr. Lopes said other dogs have come into the yard where he is now and his dogs have not bothered them. He said his dog is blue nose pit bull and they are not vicious. Chief Collins said in preparation for this meeting he went to see the property site and saw camera surveillance system. He said the last time he saw than type of camera surveillance it was used by drug d ealrs. He said he is not saying that is applicant's purpose but he does want to establish intent. Mr. Lopes said 2 neighbors have a security system and that's why he put it in just like his neighbors. Chief Collins said there have been some lave enforcement issues and he is trying to figure out the real intent. Chief Collins asked whether there was any experience with dog bite or any other aggressive acts with these dogs. Mr. Lopes said "no". chief Collins said no animal complaints or investigation? Mr. Lopes said he had 1 ticket for$25 because they said his dog got loose but Mr. Lopes said he denied it was his dog. He said the dog could have jumped the fence and then jumped back into the yard but since they couldn't prove it was his dog he only got the $25 ticket. He said that was the only issue with his dogs. Chief Baker addressed the group. He said he went to a "pit bull positive:: website. chief Baker printed an article from the website entitled "Responsible Pit BullOwnership" and pointed out several f the statements 'made in the article. He then read the following from the article for the record; "Understand that Pit Bulls may be dog-aggressive. The breed,was initially created and developed for the sport of dog fighting. As a result, Pit Bulls have an important predisposition for dog-aggression. Tale precautions and use common sense. Don't allow your Pit Bull to run up to unknown dog and never allover unknown dogs to run up to your Pit Bull. Remember,ber, you are the leader! Pit Bull owners, should not expect their dog to be friends with unfamiliar dogs. Some Pit Bulls cannot be around any other dogs at all. With Pit Bulls, you cannot `train out' the desire to fight another dog anymore than you can "train out" the desire to chase running rabbits in the Greyhound. You can curb this behavior and often control it, but not stop it altogether. As long as you understand this and can love your dog for who and ghat he is, you've got it made!" A copy of this article is attached to the printed set of these minutes.- Chi f Baker said his concern is the safety of Fire EMT rescuer embers if they have to go to the site. His concern is also for public safety and the fact that Heritage Park abuts the property. He said on the public safety issue you can "hear the train corning'' and he is therefore opposed based on the ihforration we have. He said he would want to see a lot more information before issuing a permit. Also, the industrial park behind the property is sublicensing at least one unit right now to a gymnasium with a lot of activity and that is contra to what is recommended for safety. Chief faker explained that to vote he must have all information up front. He said, as an example, they don't approve plans based on someone saying they'll install a sprinkler system, they must see the plans up front. 2