ENGLEWOOD — City council April 25 adopted an ordinance to bring the city into compliance with state law regarding legislation defining dangerous and vicious dogs.
The new legislation no longer identifies by breed what defines a dog as vicious. In the past pit bulls had a reputation for being vicious. Now, according to state law, all breeds are considered equal and it is the behavior of the dog that will be judged, which has to be determined by the court.
Numerous cities had similar legislation in its codified ordinances regarding put bulls, but the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a particular breed could not be targeted.
Englewood’s ordinance was amended to read:
A) A dog that, without provocation and subject to Division B, of this definition, meets any of the following criteria:
1. Has killed or caused serious injury to any person;
2. Has caused injury, other than killing or serious injury, to any person, or has killed another dog.
The ordinance amends Section 618.195 of the codified ordinances, which provides for the definition and regulation of dogs that have demonstrated problematic or menacing qualities.
Council also passed a resolution accepting the recommendation of the Englewood Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) resulting from its annual review.
The TIRC is comprised of city, county, and school officials. It meets on an annual basis to review all existing tax abatements within the city. The TIRC makes a recommendation to city council regarding compliance with those abatements.
This year the TIRC met March 29 to review all active abatements, and determined all were in compliance.
Council passed a resolution to authorize the city manager to purchase 2023 model year extrication tools for the fire department. Often referred to as “Jaws of Life,” these extrication tools are carried on an engine or fire truck at each fire station.
Englewood received a $40,000 grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to assist with the purchase of these tools. The city will spend $70,000 to assist with the purchase of two sets of tools from Horton Emergency Vehicle Sales at a total cost of $110,000.
According to Fire Chief Anthony Terrace, the life expectancy of the tools is 10 to 15 years.
“These tools will replace extrication tools that are approximately 17 years old. This replacement was planned as part of our routine equipment replacement plan,” Terrace said.
The new tools will be battery operated and will no longer require a cumbersome hydraulic generator and associated hydraulic lines.
Reach Ron Nunnari at [email protected].
