Silverton staff advances dog‑park options and urges coordinated code changes for off‑leash use

The Personnel & Ordinance Committee discussed potential dog‑park locations and related changes to running‑at‑large enforcement (code section 7‑8‑350). Staff said several sites are under consideration and that using the back, fenced area adjacent to the baseball field could leverage roughly 514 feet of existing fence to reduce costs.

Bevon (staff) described tradeoffs between an unfenced off‑leash area and a fenced dog park and said using existing fencing or chain‑link material could allow the town to open a contained off‑leash area sooner and at lower cost. He also noted the running track and nearby swimming ponds could act as natural separations for some layouts. Members asked for clear operational details — signage, waste‑pickup infrastructure, and hours — and suggested placing grab‑bag dispensers and trash cans at the site and preparing an enforcement and education plan.

Liability questions surfaced about potential dog‑on‑dog injuries or fatalities at an off‑leash site. Committee members said they expected standard governmental immunity and common practices used by neighboring towns; they asked staff to research liability precedents and to include any recommended indemnity or signage language when they return. Members also discussed using low‑cost interim options (designating natural corridors or seasonal off‑leash areas) while longer‑term fencing is planned. Staff said grant funding and small budget allocations could cover initial outfitting and that an ordinance will be prepared once a site and plan are finalized.

The committee did not vote on a site; the next step is for staff to identify a preferred location, estimate costs, research liability and signage, and draft ordinance language for board consideration.