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Council reviews code updates for leash exemptions and tow hearing process; authorizes RFP work for towing services
Summary
Council considered municipal code updates clarifying exemptions to leash laws for working police canines and ADA-permitted service animals and a change appointing the city attorney's office to select tow hearing officers; staff also recommended issuing an RFP for police towing services with options for a primary and backup tower and distance/storage requirements to be finalized by the interim administrator.
Council reviewed two related agenda items: proposed municipal code updates for animal control and vehicle impoundment hearings, and an RFP for police towing services.
Staff described proposed code changes to clarify that police canines performing law-enforcement duties and ADA-covered service animals under handler control are exempt from leash requirements. The update also clarifies that the city attorney’s office — not the police chief — will appoint the hearings officer for vehicle tow appeals. Staff recommended the council approve ordinance number 3324 and the associated code updates.
Several councilors asked if the exemption should explicitly include organized search-and-rescue canines and not only police K-9s. The mayor and council asked staff to add language to include organized search-and-rescue teams; staff agreed to draft revised wording for the regular session agenda.
On towing services, staff said the city has had an exclusive tow contract with one local tower for about five and a half years and proposed an updated RFP that would select a primary tow company with an optional backup. The RFP sets contract rates for towing fees, mileage and storage; council discussed whether storage must be within city limits or within a specified number of miles, noting proximity matters for citizen convenience and for police evidence handling. Staff recommended authorizing the interim city administrator to finalize and issue the RFP, incorporating any guidance the police chief and council provide.
Councilors praised the current local tow company for responsiveness and urged the police department and city administrator to set response-time and storage-distance requirements that balance convenience and competitive procurement.
