Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER OPTIONS FOR ADDRESSING PUBLIC REQUESTS FOR OFF-LEASH DOG PARK OR DOG RUN OR PERMITTING ON-LEASH DOG PATHS AT CITY PARKS (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
Staff will present a PowerPoint presentation with the following information and opportunities for City Council to consider based on Community suggestions and desires:
• Designated “dog on leash” paths in City parks
• Establishing a fenced-in “dog off leash” park or dog runs at parks
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
DISCUSS and PROVIDE direction to staff.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
Animal Control Ordinance 10.40.110 prohibits dogs in public parks, with the exception of service dogs and dogs that are on park property for teaching uses when approved by the Director of Community Services. Individuals have met and spoken to Community Services staff about the desire to change the ordinance restricting access of dogs to public parks and also about the possibility of adding amenities for dogs to current parks or developing stand-alone dog parks. Several nearby cities have recently built dog facilities and/or changed ordinances to now allow dogs in parks while on leash.
The following information in the PowerPoint presented to City Council is based on Community suggestions and desires:
• Designated “dog on leash” paths in City parks
• Establishing a fenced-in “dog off leash” park or dog runs at parks
V. FISCAL IMPACT
Unknown at this time.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Municipal Code Section 3301 Addition to Animal Control Ordinance, 10.40.110 Dogs - Prohibited in Public Parks. (pg. 3)
2. Parks and Recreation Magazine Feature on Dogs at City Parks. (pgs. 4-41)
3. PowerPoint Presentation. (pgs. 42-52)
Prepared by: Scott Griffee, Recreation Program Manager