During citizen participation and later in reports, residents described repeated loose-dog encounters and at least one attack that required the speaker to carry defensive tools. Opal Stone detailed several attacks near North Franklin and asked the council to “change the law and enforce it.” Bill Peterman raised maintenance and erosion concerns in a development, and resident comments included requests for better sidewalk installation timing.

Staff response and legal limits: staff explained some enforcement limitations stem from the ordinance’s current language: when animals remain on private property, existing code gives little enforcement authority; electronic collars and other measures currently may be interpreted as “owner control” under the ordinance. Staff said code enforcement has issued letters in specific cases and will mow properties when owners do not comply with grass/maintenance orders.

Council direction: council members expressed urgency and asked staff to evaluate changes including animal registration/licensing, special pet permits and clarifying the definition of “physical control.” Staff said they will discuss the matter with the city attorney and prepare recommended ordinance revisions and targeted enforcement strategies. Council asked staff to identify steps that will address repeat offenders while protecting responsible pet owners.

Why it matters: residents said attacks and repeated loose-dog incidents threaten walkers, children and pets, and asked for near-term remedies. Staff cautioned that some remedies require ordinance drafting and that certain enforcement actions cannot be taken on private property without revised code language.

Next steps: staff will meet with the city attorney and present proposed ordinance revisions, licensing options and an enforcement plan at a future council meeting; staff also said they will continue code-enforcement steps already underway where violations are clearly documented.