08/05/1991 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Ehrman pointed out that at one time this was a controversial issue and e said that it is nice to see those involved working cooperatively to find a solution. Mr. MacDonald offered his appreciation for the work that has been done on this project and suggested that the council hold a meeting at the Shelton- McMurphey house after it has been opened. Roll call vote; the motion carried unanimously, 8:0. V. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF CODE AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING DOGS AT LARGE City Manager Mike Gleason introduced the topic. Doug Post, PARCS Department, gave the staff presentation. He said that the code amendment before the council would give the City Manager or his designee the authority to estab- lish a dog-off-leash program and the authority to designate appropriate City properties for this proposal. He noted that staff has received numerous requests from the public to establish a dog-off-leash area in the city. He noted that the cities of Corvallis a~d Salem have implemented similar pro- grams and have had relatively few problems, thus far. Under the proposal, the following three areas would be designated initially for dog-off-leash areas: 1) Wayne Morris Ranch, east pasture; 2) an undeveloped parcel by Gilha~ School in the Willakenzie area; and 3) Candelight Park in the Bethel Area. Mr. Post stated that the Joint Parks Committee has endorsed this con- cept, if all of the details can be worked out.to successfully implement this e program. Mr. MacDonald inquired about the definition of a "potentially dangerous dog." In response, Mr. Post said that he believes that potentially dangerous dogs are designated by the Animal Control Agency. Any dog who has been determined to be dangerous would be excluded from the dog-off-leash program. He added that the dog owner would have the primary responsibility for maintaining control of the animal at all times. Mr. Green asked if the dogs using the area would be required to have any visual identification that they were under voice control. Mr. Post said that there would be no visible identification to show that a dog was under voice control. The City would have rules and regulations for use of the areas at each site. Responding to a question from Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Post said that under the conditions of the ordinance, the City Manager has the authority to designate other sites as dog-off-leash areas, after the pilot program has been moni- tored and evaluated over a several month period. If the program is success- ful, the criteria used to identify these sites could be used for additional sites. However, because of the stringent nature of the criteria, there are few City parcels left that would be suitable for dog-off-leash areas. If the program is successful, there may be some County parcels that might fit the criteria for dog-off-leash area. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council August 5, 1991 Page 4