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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-08 10-087 ORDINANCECOUNCIL ACTION Item No. 10 P Y 1 '.111� Date: 3-8-10 Item/Subject: Ordinance, Amending the Code of the City of Bangor, Chapter 65, Article I, Sections 1 and 2, Dog Control and Leash Requirements in Certain Parks and Trails Responsible Department: Parks and Recreation Commentary: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has been reviewing the need for an updated trail use policy for City trails and park areas. The issue of highest concern related to dogs on trails and in park areas. Following extensive review, public input, and survey results, the Advisory Committee has recommended that certain areas be designated as on -leash for dogs. Currently, there are no such designated areas, and many citizens have voiced concerns and have requested where dogs must be on leash. Under this proposed amendment, certain trails at the Rolland Perry City Forest and all trails/areas at Brown Woods and Cascade Park would be limited to on -leash use only. Additionally, all animals, except service animals, would be prohibited from the safety zone that surrounds play structures in City Parks. (The safety zone is the safety surfacing that is under surround play structures). This proposal is recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Government Operations Committee. Manager's Comments: Department Head 140100 City Manager Associated Information: Order, Map, Memo from Parks and Recreation Director Willette Budget Approval: Finance Director Legal Approval: 11Zi?1V__ City Solicitor Introduced for Passage YFirst Reading & Referral to Govt Ops, 3-9-10 at 5 pm Page _ of Referral " Assigned to Councilor - Wheeler March 8, 2010 3 CITY OF BANGOR t, n O 4 D 9' NiED, JF. .— (TITLE.) Ordinance, Amending the Code of the City of Bangor, Chapter 65, Article I, Section 65-1,65-2. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR THAT: Chapter 65, Article I, Section 65-1, 65-2 be amended as follows: 65-1 DEFINITIONS LEASH: A rope, line, or tether of not more than eight () feet in length. OWNER: Any person or person, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring a dog. When required as in this chapter, the owner, keeper or any other individual who has the responsibility of a domestic animal shall be competent and able to control the animal and the animal shall be obedient to that erson's commands. 65-2 RUNNING AT LARGE; IMPOUNDMENT E. Domestic animals are to be controlled by a leash as defined in 65-1 in the following areas: 1. At the Rolland Perry City Forest: The Parking area at the Tripp Drive trail head, The entire length of the East Trail The entire length of the Shannon Drive Trail The Main Road Trail from the intersecting point with Tripp Drive north to its intersection with the East Trail. The entire length of the Tripp Drive Trail 2. All of the trails and areas at Brown Woods 3. All of the trails and areas at Cascade Park F. All animals, with the exception of service animals, are prohibited from the safety zone that surrounds any play structure in any park. The safety zone is the safety surfacing that is under and surrounds any play structure. IN CITY COUNCIL March S, 2010 First Reading & Referral to Government Operations Committee Meeting of 3/9/10 at 5pm DEPUTY CITY CLE IN CITY COUNCIL March 22, 2010 Motion Made and Seconded for Passage Vote: 6-2 Councilors Voting Yes: Blanchette, Bronson, Gratwick, Haves, Palmer, & Stone Councilors Voting No: Nealley & Wheeler Councilors Absent: Weston Passed EPUTY CITY CLERK ORDINANCE (T1TLEJ Amending the Code of the City of $Angor.„. Chanter 65. A icle 1 65-1, 65-2 Assigned to Councilor r Map by Luke Boland June 2005 OF Miles 0 0.25 0. I I I MEMORANDUM TO: Government Operations Committee FROM: Tracy Willette, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJ: Trail and Park Leash Requirement DATE: February 17, 2010 The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee have been iewinal gtheir meet the need or anngs,a survey was updated trail use policy for City trails. The committee has discussed this at conducted and a public meeting was held. Staff presented the results of these activities to the Government d feedback from the coOperations lmmittee regarding ttee this past December. We provided a review of the results and so further direction. In reviewing what other communities had in place, there were a few options that were considered. Most communities have leash restrictions that are limited to parks and playgrounds. • These have included school properties as well. Our current ordinance designates parks. However, areas such as the Waterfront may warrant consideration. The Rolland Perry City Forest generated the most discussion in our trail comments as well as our public meeting. It is also the location we recive the or most callealsh andtoff in our office. it has been suggested designating leash and off leash days at this location. Establish a trail network as off leash while having all others as "leashed." • Selecting certain parks and/or playgrounds as leashed and having others off leash. • Some communities had a "leash in hand" requirement where an owner must have a leash in hand while having a dog off leash. Based on the direction from the Government Operations option Committee consideration.at thatinghe Pa, thePks andarks Recreation Advisory Committee continued to work Recreation Advisory Committee also asked for feedback from the City Animal Control Office. The Advisory Committee included that feedback when creating a draft of an ordinance. That draft ordinance language is being presented for your consideration. The advisory committee attempted to balance addressing feedback from the public along with what would be a positive first attempt at changing our policy on our trails. All involved recognize the challenge of enforcement. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has committed lengthy discussion to our trail use policy. The issue that has received the most attention has been whether to initiate a leash ordinance/policy. 1 will be at the meeting to answer any questions you may have. N