For City Council Meeting [September 24, 2019]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Rod Foster, City Administrator
FROM: Mark P. Kling, Chief of Police
Title
Request City Council to Approve the Sale of a Police Service Dog for the Amount of $1.00.
Body
BACKGROUND
Police service dog "Bunker" has been in active service since September 11, 2015. Bunker is a 7-year-old Dutch Sheppard and has reached the normal age of retirement from police service. As a result of his years of service, Bunker has endured medical issues which have caused the department to evaluate what is in Bunker's best interest. Bunker has reached the end of an honorable police service career and his handler, Officer Dane Stordahl, has been reassigned to patrol operations.
Bunker was first assigned to canine handler Dane Stordahl in September 2015. The normal duties and responsibilities of our canine officers require the officer to keep their police service dogs at their residence during off-duty time. Police service dogs are fed, groomed, and maintained at the handler's residence, which is an important part of the required functions of our canine team. As a result, a strong bond between the handler and police service dog develops. Officer Stordahl has expressed his desire to purchase Bunker from the department. Officer Stordahl has agreed to provide a comfortable, humane and caring environment for the remainder of Bunker's life. Officer Stordahl has agreed to purchase Bunker for the amount of one dollar ($1.00) and sign a "Release of Police Service Dog" agreement authored by the City Attorney's Office. The sale of police service dogs to their handler is common and the department's past practice.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Staff recommends City Council approve the sale of the police service dog to the handler, who has worked alongside and bonded with the animal since 2015. Bunker has been medically retired after 4 years of service.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The request is not a "Proj...
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