Police chief presents ELEA changes; council asks staff for revised ordinance and more data

Police Chief Tighe O’Meara presented proposed changes to the Enhanced Law Enforcement Area (ELEA) process at the May 20 council meeting. The presentation clarified that failure to have a dog license would not be a qualifying violation for ELEA, while dog control violations would remain qualifying violations. The item prompted public comment and council discussion about expulsion order notification, appeal procedures, the fee for appeals, and interest in an outreach court model.

Council provided direction for staff to return with an updated ordinance for review at the next study session that would clarify the distinction between dog control and dog licensing, include legal guidance from the City Attorney, provide statistics that inform suggested actions, and consider a separate discussion of an outreach court. Public commenters raised concerns about how residents would petition a judge and the rights of individuals subject to ELEA actions.

No ordinance was adopted at the meeting. The council’s action was recorded as a direction to staff to prepare revised language and supporting information for future consideration.