The discussion on the cat ordinance was initiated by Michael O’Brien from Animal Control, who presented the potential financial implications of implementing such an ordinance. O’Brien noted that Breezy Point currently lacks an ordinance specific to cats, and outlined potential costs associated with capturing, holding, and possibly euthanizing stray and feral cats. Specifically, he estimated that a contract for animal control services would increase by approximately $233 per month, totaling around $2,800 annually. Shelter costs were detailed as $17 per day for a seven-day holding period, with euthanasia costs at $144 per cat.

The debate included concerns about feral versus domesticated cats and the challenges of identifying pet owners. O’Brien highlighted that most pet owners do not tag their cats, complicating the identification process and potentially leading to higher city expenses. He also pointed out the volume of calls he receives about cats.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the ordinance. One council member noted, “it sounds to me like there’s a lot of outdoor cats in this community,” reflecting concerns about managing the population of outdoor and feral cats. O’Brien shared an incident where he captured 11 cats from one property, emphasizing the potential for hoarding situations that could escalate costs. He also referenced a case in another city involving 108 cats.

The discussion raised questions about liability, particularly in cases of cat bites. O’Brien explained the legal obligations on the city to hold a cat for ten days to observe for rabies, which incurs costs if the owner cannot be identified. The council considered the effectiveness of microchipping as a solution, but O’Brien noted that it does not guarantee immediate identification due to registration follow-ups required from the owner.

The conversation transitioned to the potential enforcement of a cat ordinance, with some council members expressing doubts about the city’s ability to manage the situation effectively. There were suggestions to consult the city attorney on liability issues and to gather ordinances from other communities for reference. It was proposed to revisit the matter in a workshop at the beginning of the next year when council priorities would be set.

In a separate but equally discussion, the council addressed the oversight structure of the police department. Concerns were raised about the high turnover of city administrators and its impact on the reporting structure of the police chief. A proposal was made to amend the police chief’s job description, removing the city administrator’s supervisory role over the police chief and establishing a direct reporting line to the city council. This change aimed to recognize the police chief’s accountability to the council and prevent potential conflicts with future administrators.

The police chief, who has been with the city for over 25 years, supported the proposal, emphasizing the importance of their experience in making operational decisions. The council discussed the need for clarity in the job description, particularly regarding responsibilities tied to personnel policy and fiscal matters. There was a consensus on the importance of providing stability in leadership roles within the police department.

The council also considered a proposed camping ordinance to regulate public property use. The ordinance aimed to address inconsistencies in current regulations, which prohibit camping on undeveloped private property but not on public spaces. The proposed ordinance would include provisions for individuals in need of assistance and focus on preventing potential disturbances associated with camping, such as noise complaints and waste disposal issues.

In addition to these discussions, the council reviewed traffic data from a speed sign placed on Percheron Drive, which showed an average speed of 20 miles per hour. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of the data due to the terrain’s layout, and suggestions were made to reposition the sign to better capture speeding patterns on other roads.