HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Common Areas for Dogs Committee - 04/09/2024
Common Area for Dogs Committee
Meeting Minute
Tuesday April 9, 2024
Members present: B. Milizia (Chair), M. Joy (Clerk), R. Birgisson (Vice-chair), L. Yankowski,
(NRCC Representative), T Barritt (City Council Liaison)
Staff present: Adam Matth (staff liaison)
1.Welcome: Meeting was called to order at 6:06pm.
2. Adopt agenda with any changes:
Meeting agenda was accepted unanimously, with no changes, Yankowski motioned - Birgisson 2nd.
3. Comments from the public not related to the agenda: There were no comments.
4. Adoption of meeting minutes for February 13, 2024:
Yankowski motioned to accept February minutes, Birgissin 2nd, Minutes were adopted unanimously.
5. “To Leash or Not To Leash” Survey:
The final draft “To Leash or Not to Leash” survey was reviewed and is ready to be shared with others.
In reviewing the document, the survey acknowledges the challenges of enforcing “dog related”
ordinances. Mr. Barritt asked if there was knowledge regarding how many “dog bite” incidents have
been reported to the police. Rec & Park Dept started keeping a spread sheet of incidents reported, in
2023. The complaints reported were occasional, as were the complaints discussed on citizen Facebook
pages.
The question is: How do we change the behavior of dog owners and the general public? It is believed
that education and training about dog behavior and how to keep a dog under control would help to
alleviate some of the issues. The committee has talked about having dog trainers at some of the parks to
talk with dog owners. Perhaps we could use some of the funds from the dog license fees.
It was suggested that we reach out to the Humane Society to see if there are common interests, we
might collaborate on. It would be useful to find out what kind of trainings they provide for people who
adopt dogs and whether or not the general public can access them.
Enforcement of dog related ordinances was discussed. The city will be employing a couple of “bicycle”
patrol officers for the summer, who will travel around the bike paths and parks. However, it was
acknowledged that the city does not have the financial or personnel resources to monitor all of the
parks and recreation trails all of the time. It was suggested that having volunteers through a “Friends”
group, could be utilized to help.
6. Staff Updates:
Mr. Matth reported that the city is waiting for the Farrell Dog Park wetlands permit to be issued. Work
on the dog park should be started and completed sometime this summer.
A water pipe will be buried from the Wheeler House to the southern end of the dog park fence, to
provide a seasonal water source. Six new benches, 3 additional bag dispensers and several water bowls
have been installed. Mr. Matth reported he had discussed whether or not shade trees could be planted
in the dog park. DPW feels that is not an option and would recommend some type of shade structure,
instead. Ms. Milizia asked if DPW could recommend a couple of designs that we could see. Mr. Matth
will look into this.
Mr. Matth updated the committee on the Master Plan for Recreation that will overlap with the Natural
Resources Master Plan. Ms. Milizia expressed the importance of including our committee in the
process to develop these plans to make sure the impact of dogs is included in the Master Plans, beyond
just dog parks. It was ensured the committee will have a chance to express this, when it presented for
public feedback, part of Phase II.
7. Available funds- CIP/Dog License Special Fund
Mr. Matth reported that $60,000 is already in the CIP budget for the Farrell Park repair. After the
expenses for benches and water bowls at Wheeler, the Dog License Fund has $18,975 remaining. The
number of dogs licensed this year, so far, is way down. We will check in with the city clerk for an
update.
8. Next meeting is Tuesday May 07, 2024 at 6pm
Ms. Yankowski motioned to adjourn, Mrs Joy 2nd. The meeting adjourned at 7:30pm