7.1 PRSR 10-09-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Parks and Recreation Commission Item Number 7.1 Agenda Section Action Item Meeting Date October 9, 2019 Prepared by Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Item Description WHHCA Dog Ordinance Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Ron Nierenhausen, Police Chief Action Requested Discuss an ordinance prohibiting dogs at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area (WHHCA). Recommend, by action, an ordinance to prohibit dogs at WHHCA. Background/Discussion On September 11, 2019, the Commission indicated interest in an ordinance prohibiting dogs at the WHHCA. Commissioners requested to hear from public safety so Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen and DNR Conservation Officer Trent Seamans were invited to attend the meeting. It was stated at the September 11 meeting that the WHHCA Natural Resource Management Plan specifically does not allow dogs for the growth of a high quality habitat for wildlife. Staff reviewed the plan and spoke with the FMR Ecologist who authored the plan who stated “the plan does not mention dogs, nor should the plan be used as a justification either way.” “No Dogs Allowed” signs were posted at the property soon after it was open to the public at the request of the WHHCA steward and recommended by the committee. City ordinance requires dogs to be under the owner’s control at all times and is enforceable by the Elk River Police Department. The department has no authority to enforce a No Dogs Allowed policy. Financial Impact N/A Attachments  WHHCA Planning Committee Minutes January 26, 2015, to September 26, 2015  WHHCA City Ordinance 16-09  WHHCA Hunting Regulation Signs  City Ordinance Sec. 10-2 Running at Large