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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 02 13 Consent 201 Acceptance of Donation for Purchase of Police K-9s and Retirement of Active K-9 Animals COMMISSION AGENDA     Informational Consent X ITEM201 Public Hearings Regular       February 13, 2012KSKB Regular MeetingCity ManagerDepartment         REQUEST: The Police Department requests the Commission to accept donations received for the purchase of two (2) new police canines totaling $17,100. from the Highlands Homeowner's Association and Dr. Jerry Eans, owner of the Winter Springs Veterinary Clinic.  In addition, the Police Department requests Commission approval to retire K- 9 "Mark" after his career of service to the city and transfer his ownership to his handler, Cpl. Kevin Crager. The department requests the Commission approve the City Manager to execute any and all documents related to this item.   SYNOPSIS: The Police Department has received donations totaling $17,100. for the purchase of two (2) new canines.  As a result of having to medically retire K-9 "Mark" and the imminent retirement of K-9 "Rico" in the coming months we find ourselves needing to select and train their replacements so as not to interrupt their valuable service to our community.  The Police Chief and City Manager also recommend K-9 "Mark" be retired and allowed to remain in his home with Cpl. Crager. CONSIDERATIONS: While the Police Department has been planning for the eventual retirement of both of our full-service K-9 officers, we find ourselves having to make this consideration ahead of schedule with the unfortunate medical retirement of K-9 "Mark" after his multiple years of service to the community.  K-9 "Rico" has been working for nearly ten years and his serviceable life as a working animal is near.  Upon learning of our plight, the Police Department received two generous donations to be used to purchase the K-9's replacements: one from the Highlands Homeowner's Association and one from Dr. and Consent 201 PAGE 1 OF 2 - February 13, 2012 Mrs. Jerry Eans, the owner of Winter Springs Veterinary Clinic and a long time free care provider to these fine animals for their entire service life.  We are humbled by their generosity and request the approval to formally accept these donations.   In police work, it is customary for retired service animals to remain with their handler and his/her family for the duration of their lives.  Both "Mark" and "Rico" have made their respective homes with their handlers since their time in police service. We are requesting the Commission approve the transfer of ownership of K-9 Mark to his handler Corporal Kevin Crager.  FISCAL IMPACT: There will be no cost impact to the General Fund; conversely, a positive impact will be realized in the General Fund by accepting these donations since the Police Department will not need to seek a supplemental appropriation for purchasing new animals. There will be no fiscal impact on the city for allowing the K-9 to retire with his handler as the handler has agreed and will assume responsibility of all care and feeding of K-9 Mark. COMMUNICATION EFFORTS: This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney/Staff, and is available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals noted above, and which is also available on the City’s Website, LaserFiche, and the City’s Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, eAlert/eCitizen Recipients, Media/Press Representatives who have requested Agendas/Agenda Item information, Homeowner’s Associations/Representatives on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested individuals.   RECOMMENDATION: The Police Department recommends the Commission approve the acceptance of the generous donations from The Highlands Homeowner's Association and Dr. Jerry Eans, totaling $17,100, for purchase of two new police canines, approve the transfer of ownership of canine "Mark" to Corporal Crager upon the animal's retirement from service with the Police Department, and authorize the City Manager to execute and approve all documents associated with this item. ATTACHMENTS: N/A Consent 201 PAGE 2 OF 2 - February 13, 2012