Regular 2.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/25/2016
- TITLE
- Public Hearing and Adoption of Animal Control Ordinance Allowing Dogs in Parks
- Department:
- City Hall Administration
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Animal Control Board and Parks Board have conducted several meetings to review the existing ordinance prohibiting dogs in parks. Both boards were unanimous in the decision to recommend to the Mayor and City Council that dogs and cats be allowed in developed City parks while on leash. Staff introduced the topic to the City Council at its April 18, 2016 work session and Council directed staff to produce an ordinance amending the City Code and schedule it for public hearing and first reading. The proposed code changes include the following:
- Definition of public lands
- Dogs and cats allowed within City parks and public lands, with limitations and exceptions
- Restrained by a ≤ 6 ft. leash and under physical control of handler
- Service animals exempt from leash requirement
- Not allowed within certain developed park areas for safety and health reasons
- Remove animal feces and owner must possess necessary equipment
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
- The City Council may approve or disapprove the proposed ordinance. Approving it would allow for dogs and cats in City parks. Disapproving it would bring no change to the existing ordinance which prohibits dogs and cats in City parks.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed costs for the implementation would be approximately $30,000 in one-time costs for signage and “mutt-mitt” dispensers and annual costs projected around $12,000 for replacement pet waste bags
RECOMMENDATION
The Animal Control Board, the Parks and Recreation Board and City staff recommend that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve first reading of the ordinance amending the Animal Ordinance to allow dogs and cats in City parks while on leash.