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City advances dog park ordinance, sets registration and fee structure for Coleman Memorial Park
Summary
On final reading, council reviewed rules for the new Coleman Memorial Park dog park including registration, supervision requirements, age and vaccination rules, and fees (city resident $30; nonresident $45; 3-day pass $15). Opening may be delayed due to site ponding and staff will check contracts for rolling responsibilities.
Council discussed Bill 20 on final reading, an ordinance amending the codified ordinances to establish rules, regulations and fees for a dog park at Coleman Memorial Park.
Mayor Sherry Alcopello read the ordinance text at the work session and outlined the key rules: the park will be open from dawn to dusk unless posted otherwise; all dogs must be registered and have a valid paw-pass fob prior to use; handlers must remain within the same enclosed area as their dogs and may supervise no more than two dogs at one time; aggressive dogs and dogs in heat or ill animals are prohibited; puppies under six months must be fully immunized before using the park; banned equipment includes prong, choke, or spike collars; and professional training is prohibited without written city permission. The ordinance requires a signed release-of-liability waiver from applicants.
Alcopello described the proposed fee structure: an annual city-resident fee of $30, an annual nonresident fee of $45, a three-day pass for $15, an additional dog fee of $10 for annual permits, and a $10 replacement fee for lost fobs. She said the fees are intended to help offset operating costs for the facility.
Councilmembers queried timing for a soft opening after recent rain; the mayor said ponding was observed and the city invested about $400,000 in the park, so staff want to avoid opening while the turf is not established. Parks staff volunteers offered to roll the site before freeze; the mayor said staff will check the construction contract and consult the design consultant to determine whether rolling was a contractor responsibility.
On administration, council discussed a fillable online application for fobs and an in-person pickup requirement; the mayor said fobs would be deactivated if an annual fee is not paid the following year.
What happens next: Bill 20 was on final reading and the council discussed operational details; no final recorded vote on the ordinance was taken at the work session. The mayor and staff will verify contract details and monitor site conditions before scheduling an opening.
