Police Department
Reference: Brighton Municipal Code Chapter 6 Animals, Chapter 8 Health and Safety and Article 9-4 Government and Public Officers
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Jane Bais DiSessa, City Manager
Prepared By: Doug Imfeld, Commander Support Services
Date Prepared: December 30, 2020
PURPOSE
To request approval of amendments to Brighton Municipal Code Chapter 6 Animals, Chapter 8 Health and Safety and Article 9-4 Government and Public Officers.
BACKGROUND
In late 2019, a concerned citizen presented information requesting the city prohibit tethering animals as currently outlined in Brighton Municipal Code. This prompted a review of Chapters 6 Animals, Chapters 8 Health and Safety and Article 9-4 Government and Public Officers.
In addition, during 2019 the full integration of Animal Control Officers and Code Enforcement Officers was completed merging these roles into the Community Services Officer requiring clarification of Article 9-4 Government and Public Officers Code Enforcement Officers.
During the review of the Municipal Code staff found multiple items requiring amendment through revision or inclusion these included - confusing language regarding rabies vaccinations in Brighton Municipal Code Sec. 6-4-100 Rabies Vaccination Required, addition of Sec. 6-4-230 ( e ) Microchipping, revision to Sec. 6-4-440 Accumulation of Animals, clarification of Sec. 6-4-500 Improper Treatment of Animals (c) Unsafe tethering, addition of microchipping language to Sec. 6-4-600 - Impoundment; disposition; fees, revision to Sec. 8-8-30 Weeds - unlawful growth, adding language to Sec. 8-8-150 Outdoor Storage of Materials.
Current and proposed language within the Municipal Code was drafted. Through collaborative efforts with the city attorney’s office, the final language was placed into ordinance format for consideration by City Council.
CONCLUSIONS
The Community Services Division is requesting amendments to the Brighton Municipal Code Chapter 6 Animals, Chapter 8 Health and Safety and Article 9-4 Government and Public Officers. These amendments clarify confusing language within the Municipal Code, reflect the most common issues/complaints our Community Service Officers, reflect best practices with our Shelter partners and surrounding jurisdictions and support Strategic Focus Areas outlined by Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no additional financial impact to the city.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1) Approve
2) Decline
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Police Department, therefore, recommends approval of the Municipal Code Amendments.
ATTACHMENTS
● Municipal Code Updates PowerPoint Presentation
● Ordinance amending Chapter 6 Animals (draft)
● Ordinance amending Chapter 8 and 9 Health and Safety (draft)