Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17 CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 17, 2000 ITEM #1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order in the Lakeville Council Chambers by Chairperson Larson at 6:00 PM. ITEM #2. Roll call. Present were K. Manias, C. Wanless-Sobel, P. Messinger, J. Berg, J. Larson, R. Boldus, L. Lulf, H. Lovelace, J. Larson. Also present were Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud, Police Chief Dave Martens and Recording Secretary Donna Quintus. Absent: 0. ITEM #3. Approval of Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee minutes of May 3, 2000. The minutes of the May 3, 2000 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting were discussed. There were no additions or corrections and the minutes were approved as printed. ITEM #4. Citizen Comments. There were no citizens present for items not on the agenda. Chair Larson requested a modification to this evening?s meeting agenda order to receive information and hold discussion on Item #6 to accommodate those present in the audience for comment on the proposed amendment to Title 5 of the City Code concerning restraint of dogs. ITEM #6. Receive additional public comment and consider an amendment to Title 5 of the City Code concerning restraint of dogs (proposed leash law). Chair Larson indicated to those in attendance that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee received public input at their meeting held on May 3, 2000 regarding a proposed amendment to the City Code concerning the restraint of dogs. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will continue to receive comments from the public at this meeting. Individuals will be invited to state their position on issues and concerns and make suggestions regarding the leash law draft proposal. He asked that all those who had comments to please limit their remarks to five minutes each. City staff will then be directed to provide a summary of all written and verbal comments and submit them to the committee for their review, discussion and recommendation at the June 7, 2000 regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud briefly summarized the history of events that led to a review and proposed ordinance amendment for the restraint of dogs that was presented to City Council at their April 3, 2000 meeting. At the request of Mr. Len Libby, a Lakeville resident and dog owner, City Council requested the Parks and Recreation Committee to conduct a public forum at a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting to receive public comment and input regarding the proposed draft ordinance. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 17, 2000 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Michaud indicated that the current ordinance requires the restraint of dogs; however, restraint is defined as by a leash or by voice command. The proposed ordinance makes it mandatory for dogs to be leashed at all times when in a City park and on City trails/sidewalks. Since the May 7, 2000 Parks and Recreation meeting, staff has received additional phone calls, e-mails and written comments from Lakeville residents. The majority of these remarks have been to leave the proposed leash law ?as is?. Chair Larson opened the podium to public comment at this time. th Kristy Conrad Harms, 12008 - 168 Street West, stated her opinion that the City of Lakeville?s current leash law is adequate. Ms. Harms indicated that she is a responsible dog owner and avid fan of dogs. She indicated it has been her experience that leashes can be a danger to those owners who choose to bicycle with their pets, both to the owner and to the dog, and potentially to bystanders. Ms. Harms indicated it was her belief that the source of frustration for Lakeville residents is not the dogs owned by responsible owners, but those dogs allowed to run with no human supervision. She further stated that enforcement of the current leash law would make sense and passing more stringent leash laws will only penalize responsible dog owners, while the problem of unsupervised animals will continue to exist. Ms. Harms volunteered to be a member of a task force for review and resolve of the issues surrounding responsible use of public streets and parks. Ron Swanson, 20833 Jacquard Avenue, stated that he is a responsible pet owner who trains his dog for hunting at parks where his pet is under voice command. Mr. Swanson noted that otherwise, his pet is confined to his private property. He indicated that responsible pet owners should not be penalized by a leash law that he believes will not address the concerns of irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to roam without human supervision. Karen McDonald, 20591 Jupiter Circle, stated that her dog is restrained in open field areas by an electric collar with a remote that emits a minimal electrical current. She explained that this is considered a humane way of controlling pets. Ms. McDonald reiterated earlier comments stating her belief that the more stringent leash laws will penalize responsible dog owners and not address the real problem of irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to run loose. She also requested the Committee to consider use of the electric collar as a legal means of constraint. nd Mary Hokenson, 6872 - 162 Street West, stated she resides in the Valley Park area and recently was riding her bike on the trail around Valley Lake when a large dog ran over to her and knocked her down off her bike. She indicated that the pet owner was in the vicinity and had another dog with him who was also running free. Ms. Hokenson stated that the pet owner did not apologize or attempt to control his dogs. Ms. Hokenson noted that she did not report the incident to the police because by the time she got home the dogs and their owner would probably have left the park. She suggested that there may be many incidents that are not reported for this reason. Kathleen Libbey, P.O. Box 823, stated that she lives in the City of Lakeville and indicated her belief that there should be a compromise for both dog and non-dog owners that would allow all residents to use the City parks and trails/sidewalks safely. She recommended that the electronic dog collar and flexible leashes be defined in the ordinance as permitted restraints for dogs. Ms. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF619\05-17.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 17, 2000 Page 3 of 6 Libbey further noted that the leashes identified as the single permitted dog restraint in the proposed ordinance can cause more problems for bike riders and skateboarders. Carol Erickson, 17750 Ixonia Avenue, stated that she walks her dog every day, 365 days a year, and it is not unusual for her and her pet to be the only ones in the park, especially in the wintertime. She stated she would be extremely disappointed if she would not be allowed to let her dog run freely in the parks while under voice control. th Marilyn Raplinger, 11897 - 210 Street West, stated that she did not believe there could be a ?middle ground? between dog and non-dog owners for use of the City parks and trails. She indicated that the City of Minneapolis recently designated three parks and specific areas within these parks where pets are allowed to run freely under voice command. Could this be done in the City of Lakeville? This would allow dog owners to let their pets run freely in specific areas of the City while the rest of the City?s parks, trails and sidewalks can be used safely by all others. th Brenda Bengston, 12430 - 210 Street West, indicated her opposition to the proposed leash ordinance. Ms. Bengston indicated that she is a dog and horse owner and enjoys riding her horse on the City?s trails and brings her dog along under her voice command. Doug Ringeisen, 18876 Joplin Avenue, indicated his preference for the ordinance amendment for the restraint of dogs as proposed. However, he indicated that he would be amenable to defining retractable leashes as an allowed mechanism for the restraint of dogs in public parks and trailways. Heino Benthin, 17180 Highview Avenue, indicated he is a dog owner who keeps his dog on a leash. He indicated that he owns approximately 13 acres that is inhabited by wildlife. He expressed concern for the safety of wildlife, if dogs, especially large dogs, are allowed to run freely in typical wildlife refuges areas, as well for residents who use the trails and parks systems. Tina Gonsior, 17895 Ixonia Avenue, expressed her hope that the ordinance regarding restraint of dogs in public parks and trailways be allowed to remain as it reads today. She indicated that she owns a dog who immediately responds to voice command. Ms. Gonsior stated that responsible pet owners are the families and individuals who will be impacted the most by the proposed ordinance amendment. Mike Stapf, 16120 Joplin Way, expressed his opposition to the proposed leash law indicating his opinion that if a dog is collar trained and a responsible pet owner is in control of their dog, they should not required to use a leash. However, he stated he would be supportive of the use of electronic dog collars. Sally Beaucheman, 21750 Laigle Avenue, expressed her opinion that if the current ordinance was amended as proposed it would not control the people who are irresponsible pet owners. She expressed her agreement with earlier public comments stating that the proposed amendment would only impact the law abiding residents who currently have control of their dogs with voice command. Ms. Beaucheman suggested that perhaps responsible pet owners using voice command to control their dogs be allowed to do so in public parks and on public trailways C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF619\05-17.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 17, 2000 Page 4 of 6 during specific hours, i.e. between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Ms. Beaucheman further suggested that City staff consult the internet to learn about prospective dog issues. On the web site information is given on dog park design, dog park committees and their functions, monitoring dog park use, and realistic enforcement of dog control laws. nd Wenzel Ruhmann, 7250 Upper 162 Street West, restated his support of a leash law and reiterated his previous comments that there are many dog owners who are not responsible and allow their dogs to run freely which is intimidating to many residents. Mr. Ruhmann stated that, in the final analysis, an ordinance is needed that will prompt dog owners to become more responsible for their pets and not allow free-running dogs to intimidate children and adults to be intimidated by them when using public parks and trailways. th John Raplinger, 11897 - 210 Street West, reaffirmed his concern for senior citizens who may be unstable on their feet and/or may have sight and hearing disabilities. He felt that allowing free running dogs in public parks and on public pathways restricts senior citizens? rights to use these public spaces. Mr. Raplinger stated his opinion that tighter regulations are needed when cities grow from rural areas to highly populated suburbs to protect its residents from potential dangers and to ensure the welfare of its residents. Mr. Raplinger indicated that many laws do impact law abiding citizens, similar to stop signs where responsible citizens will obey the traffic sign while others will ignore it. Steve Dahl, 16630 Jaguar Avenue, stated he is a responsible owner of two retriever breed dogs. He stated his dogs are easily controlled by voice command noting that he walks is dogs every night. Mr. Dahl indicated that in his neighborhood dog owners are conscientious about their pets and are aware of their whereabouts at all times. He stated he had no problems with other dogs in his neighborhood. Mr. Dahl stated that because of their natural retrieval habits, his dogs need a place to run and exercise. It would not be fair to expect them to be contained at all times without the ability to run free. Len Libbey, P.O. Box 823, indicated he is a Lakeville resident who enjoys taking his dog on long walks in the City parks and trailways ?off leash.? Mr. Libbey stated that his dog has been trained to respond to voice command and has received the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate, an overall canine behavioral evaluation demonstrating that the handler is in control of the dog at all times in ten different encounter situations. He suggested that dog owners that can produce a certificate for their dogs could be exempt from keeping their dogs on a physical leash. Mr. Libbey stated that a new ordinance should further define what constitutes a leash and include definitions for retractable and electronic control leashes. Mr. Libbey asked if their has been any consideration whether dogs would be permitted to be on the public lakes when they are frozen over in the winter. Would this be considered public property? Would dogs be allowed to run on the ice ?off leash? and under voice control? Mr. Libbey also reiterated his belief that a subcommittee be formed that includes dog owners to review existing and proposed leash ordinances. This committee would serve as a communications liaison with city, neighborhood and dog owners and make recommendations for leash laws. There were no further comments from the audience. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF619\05-17.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 17, 2000 Page 5 of 6 Chair Larson thanked all those who provided input and stated that the next set is for City staff to summarize all written and verbal comments and submit them to the committee for their review, discussion and recommendation at the June 7, 2000 regular Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. ITEM #7. Unfinished business. None. ITEM #8. New business. Proposal for Pan-O-Prog Battle of the Bands sponsored by the Lakeville CommuniTeen Coalition. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Michaud introduced Julie Prom, President, and Becca Stark, Vice President, of the Lakeville CommuniTeen Coalition who are requesting the use of Casperson Park as a site for a Pan-O-Prog 2000 event sponsored by their organization. Ms. Prom presented the request of Lakeville CommuniTeen Coalition (LCTC) to use Casperson Park for a teen event during Pan-O-Prog 2000. LCTC is proposing a Battle of the Bands to be held on Saturday, July 8, 2000 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Casperson Park. LCTC is a not- for-profit corporation dedicated to providing positive opportunities for Lakeville teens to grow and develop assets. Both adults and teens serve on the Board of Directors and the mission of this group is to provide activities for teens that are fun, yet in a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment. The Battle of the Bands event is directed at Lakeville 14 - 19 year olds and 300 tickets will be offered for sale in the local schools where Lakeville students attend school. Ms. Stark indicated that concession stands will be staffed by adults and teens and regulated by the Pan-O-Prog committee. A stage area is proposed to be located in such a way where the music can be directed away from the residents living around Lake Marion. Eight to ten bands will perform for a maximum of 20 minutes each. Approximately 50 volunteers, 25 adults and 25 teens, will provide supervision and oversee the events. Law enforcement personnel will be scheduled for security and enforcement of rules. Police Chief Dave Martens indicated that police coverage for the many Pan-O-Prog events will be provided as they are scheduled. He requested that the LCTC keep him informed and updated of this event. Police Chief Martens stated he had no issues with the use of Casperson Park site for this event. However, he noted that the LCTC will be required to inform, in writing, all residents surrounding Lake Marion of the details of the event, including date and time. The committee expressed support for the LCTC?s proposal to provide a teen event during Pan-O- Prog 2000. They recommended that Ms. Prom and Ms. Stark work with City staff to resolve any issues and provide details of the event including police participation, emergency/first aid provisions, parking, liability insurance and clean-up. A back-up plan in case of inclement weather should also be provided to City staff for their review and comment. 00.14 Motion was made by Messenger, seconded by Lulf, to recommend City Council consider approval of the use of Casperson Park for Pan-O-Prog 2000 Battle of the Bands event sponsored by the Lakeville CommuniTeen Coalition scheduled for July 8, 2000 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Motion passed. C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF619\05-17.doc Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting May 17, 2000 Page 6 of 6 ITEM #5. Staff reports and summary of current projects. Park Director Michaud presented a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation Department projects and programs and an update of their status as detailed in the May 12, 2000 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Narrative. Mr. Michaud informed the Committee that at their May 15, 2000 meeting, the City Council adopted a $1,500 Park Dedication Fee for residential development as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Committee. He further noted that a copy of a memo and meeting notes from the May 3, 2000 Parks and Recreation/Economic Development Advisory Joint Subcommittee meeting regarding the review and recommendation for the Park Dedication Fees for commercial and industrial projects. The recommendations of this subcommittee will be brought before the Parks and Recreation and Economic Development Advisory Committees for review and forwarded on to City Council for formal adoption. ITEM #9. Announcements. The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is scheduled for June 7, 2000. ITEM #10. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Quintus Recording Secretary C:\DOCUME~1\dbarth\LOCALS~1\Temp\ELF619\05-17.doc