[MissoulaGov] Highlights for Monday's public hearings

[Derek Goldman]

thanks for the heads up, Bob. Re the cat ordinance:
I'm not sure why the ammendment proposes to change the definition of a bothersome cat from "nuisance" to "unnattended." I looked up the dog ordinance, and bothersome DOGS are indeed referred to as "nuisance." So why not cats? We should be consistent so as not to send a message that dogs can be bothersome, but cats cannot be.
I would also recommend one additional change to close a loophole in the cat ordinance:In the definition of a nuisance/unattended cat, please strike the last 4 words of the sentence that requires a cat to be unaltered in order to fit the definition.  If a cat is off it's owner's property, then it may be causing problems with its neighbors irrespective of its reproductive status.Excessive cat breeding is indeed a problem, but it is only one problem caused by loose cats. Urination and defecation in private and community gardens, flower beds, compost piles, and under decks, as well as harassment of native wildlife and other pets also present problems. But as the ordinance is currently writen, a cat can legally do all these things as long as it is neutered or spayed. That seems odd (and also inconsistent with dog ordinance, which lists "defecation..." as one of the many activities that define a nuisance dog). Please send this back for reconsideration. Thanks, Derek Goldman

 

Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 10:53:32 -0700From: BJaffe at ci.missoula.mt.usTo: missoulagov at cmslists.comSubject: [MissoulaGov] Highlights for Monday's public hearings



We have five public hearings scheduled for tomorrow.
Here are some highlights in case anyone wants to come and comment (you can also comment by sending mail to council at ci.missoula.mt.us).
 
Cats:  
ftp://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/Packets/Council/2008/2008-12-15/2008CatOrdinanceAmendment%5B1%5D.pdf
 
There are a few changes to the ordinance being proposed. 
‘Nuisance cat’ is replaced by ‘unattended cat’. An unattended cat is an unaltered cat off of its owner’s property. To be the owner of an unattended cat is illegal.
A breeding cat is an unaltered cat 4 months old. It used to be six months.
 
It is unlawful to own a pair of unaltered cats of the opposite sex without a breeders license.
It is unlawful to own more than five cats without a breeders license (this appears to be the controversial one)
 
A breeders license costs $50 and requires an inspection.
 
Dogs:
Pet Day Care Centers are defined.  
Leashes are required within 200 feet of trailheads.
If an unaltered dog is picked up three times in its life it gets sterilized. There used to be an option to pay $250 to avoid sterilization.
The following paragraph is included in the unlawful section:
 
For a dog owner to cause, allow, permit, either willfully or by failure to
exercise due care, to allow a dog to be a nuisance barking dog. EXCEPT:
that such sounds made at animal shelters, commercial kennels, pet daycare
centers and veterinary hospitals which meet the proper zoning requirements
2. shall be exempt 
 
The “Pet Daycare centers” were included in the exemption when it was originally presented to us. I asked that this be removed. I am hoping to hear from people on this prior to making a final decision.  These businesses can have a very high impact on their neighbors.
 
Park Fees:
General incremental increase in the parks fees. There may be some open issues on the rate set for the 50 meter pool. There was an expectation that it would be rented out at full cost this year but I believe the proposal still has a general fund subsidy.
 
Other Public Hearings:
We also have a couple of annexations including the large Linda Vista Estates subdivision.
 
Bob Jaffe
Missoula City Council, Ward 3
bjaffe at ci.missoula.mt.us
               406-728-1052        
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