4/14/2025

COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS April 14th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Special Council and Hearing Mayor Hauser, Presiding Present: Johnson, Mathson, Morris, Sendelbach, Solsrud Paul Laursen, Chief of Police; Amber Molitor, Sergeant; Christopher Gierhart, City Attorney with Weld Riley, via phone; Kaitlynn Koval, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer; and Karen Witte, Clerk-Treasurer Absent: Sunday Public Hearing for the purpose of reviewing a sworn affidavit from petitioner, Andrew Pratt, requesting a dog which resides at 36525 Hancock Street and owned by Melissa Hansen, be deemed a dangerous dog and be required to be removed from the City of Whitehall corporate limits. Testimony from petitioner, Andrew Pratt Andrew Pratt presented the Council with video/audio and stated why he believes the dog should be considered a dangerous dog and be required to be removed from the city. Testimony from dog owner, Myrissa Hansen Myrissa Hansen addressed the Council stating she has gone through the necessary channels to get the dog registered as an emotional support dog for her son who is autistic and to have a composite fence installed. Jena Pratt spoke during the public comment period on the matter of the dog being dangerous. She expressed her fear of being unsafe when using her own backyard. During council deliberations, Council Members asked questions of Andrew Pratt, Myrissa Hansen, City Attorney, Christopher Gierhart, and Police Chief Laursen. The City Attorney advised the Council that under the Fair Housing Act it would be difficult to deem the dog dangerous and have it removed from the city limits. He advised the Council to require Ms. Hansen to have steps in place to contain the dog on her property with a fence, and to see that when the dog is outside of the fence that it be leashed and under the control of an adult. Council Member Johnson made a motion to have the recently installed fence properly maintained by Ms. Hansen as to secure the dog while outside and on her property; and that the dog be leashed and under the direct control of an adult whenever outside of the fence. Council Member Sendelbach seconded, and the motion carried on a voice vote as follows: Ayes – Johnson, Mathson, Morris, Sendelbach, Solsrud Nays – 0 Upon motion by Council Member Mathson and seconded by Council Member Morris, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. The foregoing reports, resolutions, motions, ordinances, etc. contained in this are These minutes are the true and correct herewith approved by the undersigned. original and consist of one page. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Jeff Hauser, Mayor Kaitlynn Koval, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer