PRC MIN 1997-06-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of June 25, 1997 Page 3 ITEM 2 - STUDY SESSION ON PROPOSED DOG EXERCISE AREA IN REDWOOD CITY Superintendent Hover thanked Mr. Anderlini for providing information relative to the needs of the Shores Dogs group which was helpful in identifying potential dog exercise area sites. He said the recommendations for potential dog exercise sites were developed after the City Council Park Tour on May 17. Superintendent Hover reviewed the staff report and its recommendations with the Commissioners which focused on the selection of the "Marina A" property as the optimum site for a dog exercise area. Other staff recommendations were: to exclude any existing City and future parks from the selection process; establish a 12 month trial operation period with a 30 day termination clause with the Shores Dogs; to request insurance from the Shores Dogs to operate the area; to request capital improvement costs from the Shores Dogs; to require department approval on any changes to the site; to obtain City approval on any maintenance issue; and to have the Shores Dogs help sell the proposal to the surrounding neighbors. Superintendent Hover and Director Griffiths discussed that fact that the Redwood Shores Owners Association (RSOA) recently mailed a ballot to their 3,200 members to vote on acquiring the same property (Marina A) that the City is currently interested in for the proposed dog exercise area. Director Griffiths said the ballot misrepresented the City's viewpoint because it stated Redwood City was not interested in the property which is untrue, and he has lodged a complaint on this issue. A letter was also sent to the Manor Association by resident Sandy Simoneon on this issue. Mr. Anderlini said he spoke to the RSOA legal counsel who are trying to resolve this matter. The Commissioners discussed what it would cost to develop and maintain the Marina A site as a dog exercise area. Commissioner Nordness said he canvassed all cities from Daly City to San Jose regarding allowing dogs in their parks and if they had a dog exercise area. He stated that 18 cities allow dogs in their parks and 3 cities do not (including Redwood City); 10 cities have dog parks and one is currently being installed in Burlingame. Commissioner Nordness said he visited five dog parks so far and discovered that this is a good area for dogs to socialize. He stated that most sites have water and "baggies" are provided for dog clean-up and he provided samples for the Commissioners to review. Commissioner Nordness noted that cities which allow dogs in their parks have signage that state dogs must be on leash and dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. He said that those cities with dog parks are maintained by that city. Commissioner Hughes felt the Commission needs to look at changing the ordinance to allow dogs in our parks and establishing of a dog exercise area in Redwood City. Commissioner Davis felt that if the proposed dog exercise area