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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2003-10-27 #M V . AGENDA REPORT o® DATE: October 27, 2003 % ® dk TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council THRU: John B. Bahorski, City Manager FROM: Douglas A. Dancs, P.E. Director of Public Wb ks /City Engineer SUBJECT: "TRIAL" DESIGNATED CANINE USE AREA AT ARBOR PARK SUMMARY OF REQUEST: The proposed City Council action will authorize the City Manager to implement a trial canine use area at Arbor Park for four to six months and adopt the attached resolution • authorizing Budget Amendment No. 04 -13 for the 2003/2004 fiscal year to transfer funds within the undesignated fund reserve. BACKGROUND: At the August 11, 2003 Council Meeting, a proposal was brought forward to grant a use agreement to Local American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Region #159. Council received comments from the public regarding the facility that there should be a place for dogs within the park. After discussions, Council reduced the area for use by AYSO to not include the eastern 2 -acre section of land bounded by the drainage swale and the existing fence. It was also suggested that West Ed be contacted regarding the land just south of the facility for use. Subsequently, the City Manager's office pursued negotiations with representatives at West Ed to explore the potential of using the land east of their building for the purposes of a dog park. This option was not practicable for the landowner and the Public Works Department was directed to investigate a trial canine use area at the eastern portion of Arbor Park. After the site evaluation by the Public Works Department, on October 21, 2003, a neighborhood community meeting was held in the Council Chambers to discuss the potential for a canine use area within Arbor Park. Approximately 15 people were in attendance including the Mayor, the Parks and Recreation Commissioner from District 4 and the Director of Public Works /City Engineer. The vast majority in attendance was in favor of the area but it was also explained by the Mayor that success would be dependent upon self - policing in regards to both animal waste disposal and keeping dogs off the playing fields. Agenda Item M If Council desires to utilize the eastern area specifically for dogs, it would cost approximately $3,500 for installing rented - temporary fence to enclose this area as well as provide trashcans, some low cost furniture, dog "bags" and a dog use water fountain connection. If after a four to six -month trial period Council desires to make this permanent, an additional $7,000 to $10,000 would need to be budgeted to install permanent fence and complete facility. The Police Department has provided proposed rules for operation of the area and these are attached. These rules would be posted at the entrance into the facility. User compliance with these rules would be heavily weighed in the consideration of making this installation permanent. Proper disposal of animal waste and controlling dog behavior will be important to the success of the park. The Police Department will monitor rule compliance and also evaluate the possibility of separate areas for the different size dogs and report back their recommendations at the end of the trial period. Additionally, the Public Works Department will work with the City's landscape contractor to determine the impact on maintenance of this area. As with any areas used by dogs, the grass will tend to be worn away. Maintenance will be dependent upon the severity of the use of the area and recommendations will be brought forward to Council at the end of the trial period. Upon Council approval, fence would be installed within 3 to 4 weeks. Once constructed, the Police Department would strictly enforce no unleashed dogs within the designated field area. Dogs would need to be leashed in the parking areas at all times. During the heavy periods of use by AYSO soccer, the parking lot to the facility is sometimes closed due to the amounts of children in the parking area and arrangements are made for people to park within the West Ed facility and use an alternative access gate. People using the dog area would also need to comply with this arrangement. At the end of the trial period, recommendations would first be brought forward to the Parks and Recreation Commission and then subsequently to City Council for consideration. FISCAL IMPACT: The total proposed budget amendment increases General Fund expenditures by $3,500. General Fund Undesignated fund balance will decrease from $4,171,856 to $4,168,316 with the approval of Budget Amendment No. 04 -13.. RECOMMENDATION: The proposed City Council action will authorize the City Manager to implement a trial canine use area at Arbor Park for four to six months and adopt the attached resolution Agenda Item authorizing Budget Amendment No. 04 -13 for the 2003 /2004 fiscal year to transfer funds within the undesignated fund reserve. Prepared by: Douglas A. Dancs, Director of Public Works /City Engineer NOTED AND APPROVED John B. Bahorski, City Manager Attachments 1. Location Map 2. Proposed Dog Park Area 3. Proposed Dog Park Rules 4. Sample Standardized Entry Sign Agenda Item i Prepares a A o 44 010, __.. s i e,i,___/ - — Douglas A. Dancs, Director of Public Works /City Engineer NOTED AND A "ROVED I" i ., ohn,:'. Bahor ski, City Manager Attachments 1. Location Map 2. Proposed Dog Park Area 3. Proposed Dog Park Rules 4. Sample Standardized Entry Sign Agenda Item Attachment 1: Vicinity Map - .ti -.,ter . a _ '• ° . . r • r-3,i .' i iil !StA, r 7 ■ �.a 1-11; .r .. y , •II Y >. 1 ti � r ; .l•s! r t l ' r ''��II�� • �s" �,• J'TM r ,C ` r: .. Y e i S:> } • '4, F !, , 0 a� _; Prop osed b ' � ' , '• y , ". r-� , _ . `- -. _ °" ... Golf Course ' --. o•Ntan ne - Ap.k.* ,/ , = r . j r`. . . '�'' ` 4 4.- 1 �' '' S •' fi Use , e�' lk 't • 1 • ,; : • 4,P1ay Fi e ld r. .'�," �� ' . , • s , , j j `�. c . r = ; S � , : . y _, � ATM' �� . 41.1-06,-:' � " Base' , * Area . • ` Farmland t. Z i'.4 0 ,•.' -• k ' 4 M. -'~ f " - ;, . 1 . .a, . � 4 : - • • r , ' . e� :1 C , As r r �aJ' S ' I �'' » r ` is �� a r x 3 ��p7 f! 6 J J /f f. ' :„ ,.,., ►4 A ;sT' 4i • L � w J � '� I tt — r ...- = w-Y!S�.rA�w Z 1V I o —,- • • 4 . ' ! r W * , N/' .. � • 'e t L .#::...,....,_ 1 : :'' �. 11 1 I III MI `�T „11 ' !1 ���- d ° - fi r, • -, \ �. Vi c ----- r --; _ 11111' Heather .� ' : ,�--- --, ... ti ; - _ , 1-, _ _ -.. _ ....� Park rn =\ , --. 11111 I 1 IIII 'MEE IM 11 11111 � - • - = -� r.... ' . f Agenda Item Attachment 2: Proposed Canine Use Area `2 e lance ; - a : ; :4 , • 'T , -, I , * . 41 r'' , r r s' `' r, , K a # " a `� " :It ' ** - , V s '4 EX'isti�ng Fence A RB O R - .- ,� ,_ d . - ' 1 9 , � � t - +w • . . � T ARK fi x • w . i .- -, -. r 6 /_,..„ 6,1,4; # 1 ....', ... . , '-' •,. * s li 11 • _ 1 Y r • 1 C a • , - � I . _ l �, " t y:. ... * 1 r .spy `a .it . . M .. t -. _ h a " • W a A Gait ' s ` - ter- . "'s -, , ,.... ;,, .. '"!'t �' t { yam ,},,r. liv tot' . - . 1r 4 y Y Agenda Item Attachment 3: Draft Canine Area Rules Success during this trial period depends on cooperation of the dog park users. Due to the potential public health and safety issues, failure to abide by rules or reports by local youth sporting groups of animal waste, especially on the fields where kids play, may result in an immediate suspension of the trial period and a zero tolerance policy. o At no times are dogs allowed either on or off leash on the playing fields (i.e. soccer /baseball). ❑ Dogs must be on -leash within the parking area and must not be let off leash until they have entered designated fence area and the gate is securely fastened. ❑ Only dogs and humans are permitted in the fenced area. ❑ Keep gates closed at all times. ❑ Patrons are required to clean up and pick up after their dogs and waste receptacles are provided for and located within the park. ❑ Owners shall always be responsible and liable for their dogs. o Up to 3 dogs per adult per visit. ❑ Valid license and current vaccines are required for every dog entering the facility. . o Any sick or aggressive dogs, puppies under four months of age, or dogs in heat are prohibited in the park. ❑ Use areas within the fenced areas that are most appropriate for the size of your dog. ❑ All smoking, food and dog treats, glass containers, alcohol, children's toys and sports equipment are prohibited. 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Agenda Item et -11-12 t i i2Sml A `girrPUBL 1C WORKS +4 4teau4ns .- F .Cfit/ 3i F-57.5 DOG PARK RULES This facility is for off- leash dog exercise and socialization. open 7; 00 a..m. to dusk Monday through Saturday; 8:00 a.m. to dusk Sunday; weather permitting. -12' -i u.L ma.zs i s- . To erasure the continued success of this dog park, all users must adhere, to the following rules: 1. You are responsible for the actions of your dog(s). Uss of this facility is at your, and your pet's, own risk. 3. You are responsible for cleaning up all your dog's feces and disposing properly in the receptacle provided. 4. All dogs must be licensed and current in their vaccinations. 5. Na aggressive dogs, females in heat, or puppies under four months are allowed. 6. No food allowed. 7. Dogs must be leashed when outside the gated enclosure. 8. No parking allowed in Fire Station visitor or reserved stalls. Fire Station handicapped stalls may be used for handicapped dog park visitors. 9. During fire alarms, use caution and obey Fire Authority directives. 10. Commercial activity, large organized gatherings, and amplified • sound are prohibited without a permit. Call, the City of Laguna Niguel (362 -4300) for information. 11.. Abandonment of animals is prohibited and punishable by law .(California Penal Code Sec. 5971). 12. Laguna Niguel Mi nic ±pal code Sec. 13 -1 -1 to 13 -1 -95 prohibits the following in City parks: alcoholic beverages; firearms, weapons or fireworks; golf; camping'. This dog park is patrolled by mission Viejo - Laguna Nigzuei Animal Services.. Any dog attacks or abandonments should be immediately reported to 470.3045. For emergencies, call 911. , , C.,1 , _ c _ i it C e* 4 , C S ,' , • i 0 , -, III C C W. i 5 C '_ 0 ' C C - Z. X11 i 2 — T3 w .t I V O -p CO Q 2 Q £ , .« - •.' O - b C c c. L � - y I t wS t} c C 1 • 0 � L . .a Q C _ Z3 G � �` C ( t ill .L t . , - „ {� V IJ 4:k -. E § rat , ,. �., u x ,,t 4 G t s4 '_ _ U, en .4.. 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C g ,_ ›, C s ` t x f y 7 J T 1O E5V,� S31 •ILSO� 33 /J •) 9 �� Lt? :'� '_S "L1 ZOCT, /I2 �*�1 WELCOME Park patrons are required to follow these rules and to promptly comply with any request made by City Staff. Violators are subject to removal and suspension from the park. YES ... _.. 'NO Dogs ❑ Up to 3 dogs per adult I ❑ Puppies under 4 months per visit ❑ Dogs in heat ❑ Current license and ❑ Aggressive dogs shots (rabies, distemper, ❑ Sick dogs parvovirus, or protective ❑ Dogs with parasites vaccine titer) (worms, fleas, or ticks) ❑ Collar and current tags (rabies & /or county license) ❑ Off -leash in park; on- leash everywhere else ❑ Under voice control of owner at all times Owners ❑ Owners are responsible -; ❑ Too many children and and liable for their dogs. - dogs to properly supervise. ❑ Keep dog's leash in- hand while in the park. ❑ (One adult to supervise ❑ Stay with dog at all times several children, an infant, and monitor behavior. and the family dog is not ❑ Immediately leash and you can enough. Make sure 9 Y remove a problem dog take care of every creature • (aggression, mounting, you bring into the park.) etc.) from the park. ❑ - Quickly stop your dog from digging and fill any holes with dirt. ❑ Quickly clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste. Period. (Don't • even think about leaving it for others to clean up!) ❑ Honor other patrons' requests regarding their dogs. ❑ Keep park gates closed at all times. ; I ❑ Turn off running water. ( Park & ❑ Only dogs and humans ❑ Smoking in the park !Equipment are allowed in park. ❑ Food or treats for dogs or ❑ Equipment is for use by humans dogs only. ❑ Glass containers ❑ Alcohol ❑ Children's toys ❑ Human sports (e.g., football, base -ball, bikes, skateboards, roller- blades, �_ .. .. etc.) WARNING: The Dog Park is NOT for children. Therefore, it is strongly urged that small children not be brought into the park. The Dog Park was created as a place for people to enjoy their dogs off - leash. There are plenty of other parks where children can safely play and socialize. The Dog Park is not a petting zoo or a place to "get the child over his /her fear of dogs." While most dogs are curious and friendly, not all dogs are child - friendly. Some have strong prey- chasing instincts and may mistake a baby for a small, injured creature. A running, screaming child attracts attention and becomes a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or running prey. Herding breeds may nip children in an attempt to round them up. Children are just the right height to make direct eye contact with dogs, placing them at great risk from dogs which consider this a confrontational challenge. Children are easily run over and knocked down by running or playful dogs. Dogs can jump high enough to investigate babies in front- and backpacks. Children may pick up fleas and may contract intestinal parasites where dog urine and feces are present. If you still decide to bring your child into the Dog Park —which you do at your own risk — please observe these safety precautions: Do not allow your child to wildly wave his /her arms around. Do not allow your child to run and scream. Do not allow your child to play with toys in the park. Do not allow your child to approach or pet a dog without the owner's presence and permission. Before coming to the park, teach your child what experts suggest in an emergency situation: Never run. Hide face, fold arms, and stand still "like a tree "; or lie down, tuck arms and legs into the body, and lie still "like a log." Wait until the dog leaves or help arrives. " Petiquette" and Precautions 1 [1] Always clean up after your dog! ❑ Always, always scoop the poop right away! It's easy to forget, and all eyes will be on you! This is the single most important thing owners can do to insure the ongoing success of the Dog Park. If dog waste is left on the ground, it will cling to the wheels of Public Works equipment and be carried to other recreational fields used by children —an unacceptable E situation. ;[2] Visiting the Dog Park: ❑ Keep your dog on -leash until you enter the double -gated entry area. Once inside the park, all dogs should be off - leash, since leashed dogs may feel threatened and growl or bark when approached by off -leash dogs. ❑ Keep the park gates closed, and watch for dogs on the other side when you are entering or leaving, so that they do not escape. Watch your dog to prevent him /her from escaping the off -leash area. ❑ Supervise your dog closely at all times to help prevent aggression and other inappropriate behavior. ❑ Ask the owner's permission to approach a dog before befriending it. ❑ Use caution when permitting curious dogs to greet yours, both within and outside the Dog Park. ❑ Use caution when using toys and other objects to play with your dog. Dominance issues may arise which could cause your pet to become unusually aggressive and bite someone. ❑ Because the first dog -park visit can be a little stressful for the novice user (human and dog), first -time visitors might consider visiting the park at non- peak times (mid -day Monday through Friday). Peak times are Monday through Friday in the early morning or late afternoon until dark and all day • on Saturdays and Sundays. It may take of couple of tries, or even a few weeks of visits, before your dog comes out of his /her shell. If you give your dog a little time, however, you may be pleasantly surprised (even amazed) by the change, and you will have a healthier, friendlier, and more playful dog. [3] Aggression and Mounting: ❑ Do not bring dogs with known aggressive tendencies into the Dog Park. You are risking harm to others and creating a potential liability for yourself. ❑ Dog fights in dog parks are rarely a problem, because dogs consider it to be neutral territory. This is because, since all of them are visitors, none of the dogs is protecting its own turf. However, if a fight does break out, owners are responsible for immediately breaking it up. The safest way to break up a dog fight is to pull the dogs apart from behind. If any dog remains unruly, the owner must immediately leash and remove the dog from the park. ❑ Mounting can initiate a potentially harmful situation. The owner of any dog displaying mounting behavior must immediately leash and remove the dog from the situation. :[4] Injury: If your dog inflicts an injury, give your name and phone number to the ;other owner before leaving the area. Owners are legally and financially ;responsible for their dogs' behavior. Attachment 8: Dog Waste Information , Agenda Item i' DtG ' 1 035 ATION Pet waste affects aquatic environments. The release of nutrients from the decay of pet waste promotes weed and algae growth, limiting light penetration and the growth of aquatic vegetation. This, in turn, can reduce oxygen levels in the water, affecting fish and other aquatic organisms. (Storm water Managers Resource Center (SMRC)). A study done in Melbourne, Australia (population 3 ,,. . , :11'. . � million), showed that dogs produce about 90 metric ,m ,wF . tons of feces daily, which is equivalent to the amount ,. . ! ` . ` : A of feces produced daily by 90,000 people. Unlike - „ 4 '"i° ,: human feces though, dog feces are usually deposited ..;!,,,,t.,...:. ' 3 . *: , , outside, where they can be washed into creeks and ._ , t . rivers in storm water. L aYG 4 , , .".. - Research has shown that dog feces play a major role . =, • _ in contributing to water pollution. In 1993 the US ” : w ; EPA wrote, "It has been estimated that for ; - i ' , _ ;` , ` ' ,� w of up to twenty- square miles draining to ' ` ' '' ' ` ,, j , ` ,'�;, small coastal bays, two to three days of droppings 1", *4,4‘. l,, 1,4 ' ' ` ' ii H .,, . z . rom a o ulation o about 100 dos would ' .f p p .f g `� 4 � : � � .. contribute enough bacteria and nutrients to ,«- , ^" ! ,, g E 4 ^ v�f k :- �1 ek � Y � v y temporarily close a bay to swimming and r i 8 ,, , j ; 4 '4 , shellfishing." When dog feces come into contact - 1 _ _. _ . .: with water they can become dangerous. One gram of dog feces contains an average of 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, some of which are pathogenic. High concentrations of these bacteria can make water unsafe for drinking and recreational use. Despite the apparent threat that dog feces pose to water quality, many people are unaware of their significance. Control of animal waste as a pollution source in the United States has been moderately successful in some areas, such as establishing designated areas in which dogs are allowed to defecate and requiring dog owners to pick up their pets' refuse or face fines. These laws are hard to enforce, and annoy pet owners, who claim that they are being targeted unfairly. The biggest limitation to controlling pet waste is reluctance to handle dog waste. According to a Chesapeake Bay survey, 44% of dog walkers who do not pick up indicated they would still refuse to pick up, even if confronted by complaints from neighbors, threatened with fines, or provided with more sanitary and convenient options for retrieving and disposing of dog waste. Based on research by Judy Slagle and Jonathon Meiburg. For more information see www.esb.utexas.edu/nrm2001/dogdoo/waterquality Attachment 9: Minutes from the October 27, 2003 Meeting Agenda Item