TAMRMS#: B06
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Animal Bylaw Amendment - Dog License Discount for Seniors
Presented by: Aaron Giesbrecht, Manager, Policing Services
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
1. That Bylaw 31/2020 be read a first time.
2. That Bylaw 31/2020 be read a second time.
3. That unanimous consent be given for consideration of third reading of Bylaw 31/2020.
4. That Bylaw 31/2020 be read a third and final time.
5. That Administration prepare and present a report to Council by September 30, 2021 showing the total cost and usage rate that is available for the 2021 seniors dog license discount program for Council consideration of continuation of the program into 2022 and beyond.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
This amending Bylaw is being brought forward to Council to action the direction provided by Council on February 18, 2020 in relation to reducing some of the dog license fees for residents who are 65 years of age and older.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On February 18, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
(CM 20-005)
That a one year pilot project be conducted whereby the dog licensing fee for spayed or neutered dogs be reduced by 50% for residents over the age of 65 and that the estimated cost of $32,300 be funded from stabilization reserve fund. After one year the pilot shall be assessed including among other things, the total cost to the municipality and usage, excluding dangerous dogs.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Following Council’s motion on February 18, 2020, Administration has prepared the attached bylaw that will amend schedule A of Animal Bylaw 11/2013 by adding in the appropriate fee table to allow for a one (1) year senior resident dog license rate that is reduced by 50%.
The fee table does not reflect a reduced rate for the dogs that are not spayed/neutered, dangerous dog fees, late dog license fees or the dog park improvement surcharge.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Administration has not conducted any stakeholder communication or engagement work on this matter.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Based on an assumption that 18% of the current dog license owners are 65 years of age and older, the potential loss in revenue is estimated at $32, 300 for the 2020 license year.
Legal / Risk:
None
Program or Service:
None
Organizational:
None
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Should Council not wish to pass the recommended motions, alternatives that could be considered include:
1. Rescinding the previous motion passed by Council on February 18, 2020 (CM 20-005). Should this occur, Administration would process the 2020 Dog Licence fees without a senior resident discount rate. This would eliminate the potential loss in revenue that is associated but may also result in some negative feedback from residents who would have benefited from this program.
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Report Date: September 8, 2020
Author: Aaron Giesbrecht
Committee/Department: Emergency Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble