02-08-2023 PRMIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 February 8, 2023 ----------------------------- from 10am to 4pm. Rescue Network is a non-profit, volunteer ran dog and cat rescue network based out of Buffalo, MN. The organization relies solely on donations and provides services to Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Volunteers would fill 100 eggs with dog treats and give 10 dogs a 20-minute interval to find eggs. There would 10 minutes to reset in-between. The goal for donations would $15 per dog with a goal/max of 100 dogs and total of $1500 raised. Each dog would be required to be leashed and have 1 adult handler. The organizers want to make sure the event is controlled and structured. The event would provide something for people in the community to do plus a good cause. It would also bring traffic to the City of Elk River. The organization is also working with local business sponsors, Spikes and Dakotah’s Doggy Daycare. The organizations efforts provided 359 adoptions in 2022. $209,631.25 was spent on vet bills in 2022. They have 230 fosters and volunteers. Fosters all over Minnesota, South Dakota. This would bring likeminded people together, benefit local rescue, gets people active with their family, friends, and pets. Commissioner Anderson mentioned that April 1st is a sensitive time for turf. He is concerned about the newly established turf in Orono and that the dogs may dig at the ground. Chair Williams asked Mr. Hecker if staff ran the idea through parks maintenance staff yet. Mr. Hecker said Karen Wingard, the city’s event coordinator, mentioned that she would be contacting them to confirm which area would be used before the event took place. Ashley said Mrs. Wingard did suggest using the dog park but that Ashley did not think it was what they were looking for since it was so small. Annie said they can set up a perimeter to determine where their dogs can go during the event as well to help clarify the event boundaries. Mr. Hecker suggested having the event closer to city hall where turf is established. Commissioner Anderson agreed that would be a better location. Commissioner Anderson asked where the money raised is spent. Annie explained that there are 180 fosters total right now spread across the four states, but most are local and severe medical cases are brought to the Twin Cities, so most of the money spent it spent locally. Commissioner Loidolt asked if waste bags would be supplied to the owners. The organizers hand out goodie bags to the owners with poop bags during the event.