CR 08-049 First Reading, Ordinance Amending City Code Section 830, Parks, Recreational and Open Spaces
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HOPKINS
May 15, 2008
Council Report 2008.049
First Reading
Ordinance Amending City Code Section 830, Parks, Recreational and Open Spaces
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move that City Council adopt for
first reading Ordinance 2008-1001. amending City Code section 830.
Overview.
Staff proposes that City Council amend the existing City Code Section 830, Parks,
Recreational and Open Spaces to modify the wording of park signs that allow leashed
dogs in the park, limit to two the number of dogs each owner is allowed to walk in a park
and to make an exception of the area restrictions for service dogs and police dogs.
City Council and the Park Board initially discussed a policy change allowing leashed
dogs in parks at the January 8,2008 Council Worksession. Subsequently, at its March
17,2008 meeting the Park Board unanimously approved a recommendation to change
City policy to allow leashed dogs in four of the largest City parks - Burnes, Oakes,
Valley and Central Parks. This proposed change was then discussed at the May 13,
2008 City Council Worksession.
Specifically, leashed dogs would be allowed along the park trails and open areas only;
leashed dogs would not be allowed in picnic areas, athletic fields, play equipment areas,
park buildings, or surfaced recreational areas. I describe the allowed areas as park
trails and open areas vs. unimproved areas as users may interpret unimproved as areas
that are not mowed. It is the Park Board's intent that leashed dogs be allowed on some
of the mowed areas that are not athletic fields.
Primary Issues to Consider.
. Summary of proposed revisions
Supporting information.
Financial Impact: $ 300 Budgeted: Y/N JLSource: Park budget
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
Council Report 2008-049
Page 2
Analysis of Issues
Revi e City Code to reflect new policy on dogs. The current City Code section
830.31 Domestic animals. states: Dogs or other domestic animals are permitted only in
such areas as may be clearly marked by the signs bearing the words "domestic animals
permitted in this area." Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting the running of
dogs at large. Dogs in those areas where such animals are permitted shall be
restrained at all times on adeauate leashes not greater than eight feet in length. The
Park Board proposes to change theworking of the signs to: "Leashed dogs are allowed.
in this park on trails and open areas only." Additionally, I propose to add the following
sentence to the end of the section: "Service dogs and police dogs are exempt from
these restrictions." The current City Code section 830.31 is attached.
Public notification plan. An April 2008 Highlights article stated that City Council will
consider this policy change at the May 20 Council meeting. If approved, an article in the
July Hopkins Highlights will explain the policy change. Of course, the City web site will
be updated to include the new information.
Sign wording and placement. I propose that the existing Park signs be modified by
blocking out prohibition #5: "No Domestic Pets" and that a supplemental sign be placed
below the current City Park sign that states:
LEASHED DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON TRAILS AND OPEN AREAS ONLY.
DOG OWNERS MUST CLEAN UP AFTER THEIR DOG
DOGS NOT ALLOWED IN PICNIC OR PLAY AREAS OR ATHLETIC FIELDS
DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES
Dog clean-up bags. A small standard mailbox or similar container will be mounted
only at trail end locations that are separated from the main/active areas of the park.
The boxes would be labeled: "BAGS: add-a-bag/take-a-bag". These boxes would be
replenished by dog owners. A refuse container would be placed at the location of each
bag dispenser.
The signs and bag dispensers will be placed only in locations that are adjacent to trails
or other areas where dog walking is allowed.
CITY OF HOPKINS
Hennepin County, Minnesota
ORDINANCE NO. 2008-1001
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 830 PARKS, RECREATIONAL AND
PASSIVE AREAS, AS DESCRIBED
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
830.31. Domestic animals. Dogs or other domestic animals are permitted only in such
areas as may be clearly marked by the signs bearing the words "leashed dOGS are
allowed on trails and open areas only". Nothing herein shall be construed as
permitted the running of dogs at large. Dogs in those areas where such animals are
permitted shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than eight
fee in length. A dOG owner or handler may walk no more than two (2) dOGs in a City
park at one time. Service dOGs and police dOGS are exempt from these restrictions.
(Amended Ord. No. 2008-1001)
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Date of Publication:
Date Ordinance takes effect:
May 20,2008
June 3, 2008
June 12, 2008
June 12, 2008
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney Signature
Date
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