Commission recommends updating dog ordinance to allow on‑leash dogs in parks and KLM permitting

At the May 20 meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that staff prepare ordinance changes to permit dogs on a six‑foot leash in village parks and to adopt a KLM off‑leash permitting system that includes resident and nonresident fees.

The recommendation matters because changes would alter where and when dogs may be present in parks and would add a formal permitting structure for KLM events, including requirements to carry a leash and vaccination and age requirements for dogs.

Staff summarized a proposed two‑part approach: keep the designated KLM off‑leash area rules (including voice control, two‑dog limit, set hours and a permit system with resident free/ nonresident fee) and open other parks to on‑leash dogs with standard restrictions. Mike said the broader park rule would require dogs to be leashed (six‑foot), owners to pick up waste, no dogs near playgrounds, the community pool (he noted this is an IDPH requirement), Montessori School grounds and the active footprint of permitted events. He also noted the village could post temporary restrictions for special events like July 4 if needed.

Deputy Chief Lilly and staff will coordinate ordinance language and enforcement considerations with the village attorney. Commissioners agreed the change would reflect current community practice and would emphasize education and signage; they recommended staff draft redlines but did not take a formal vote to adopt a change at the meeting.

Staff asked commissioners to submit suggested edits privately to Mike or Deputy Chief Lilly (to avoid Open Meetings Act issues); staff said it will return with proposed ordinance language for Village Board consideration.