Residents urge Rio Rancho to restore dog-waste receptacles along Thompson Fence Line Trail

Debbie Baumann, a District 4 resident, told the governing body she wants the dog-waste receptacles that were removed from the Thompson Fence Line Trail to be replaced in locations convenient for elderly and mobility‑challenged users. "There used to be dog waste receptacles along the trail in addition to garbage containers," Baumann said, thanking Director Peterson for meeting her in the field.

Another frequent user, Grace Kearney, said she organized roughly 130 signatures from walkers who said the path has become littered with dog feces and trash after the person who serviced the receptacles retired. "We went a month without the trash cans even being emptied," Kearney said, adding that the small plastic tube dispensers now in place are inadequate because bags blow away. Kearney said residents now carry their own bags and sometimes share them, and urged the council to restore locked metal receptacles that previously worked well.

Councilors acknowledged the petition and said staff and NMDOT are engaged on related safety and infrastructure concerns in the area. Councillor List and others thanked the speakers and encouraged continued feedback while staff coordinates possible placement and servicing options.

The council did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting; speakers asked staff to continue dialogue with parks and recreation about receptacle placement and servicing.