Parks and Facilities/Programs

Dogs in Parks Subcommittee

Meeting Minutes

The Parks and Recreation Dogs in Parks Subcommittee of the City of Mesa met at the Parks and Recreation office at 200 S. Center Street, Building 1, Mesa, on April 8, 2009.

Members Present:		Staff Present:
Frank Alger Russ Gillard David Martinez		Dawn Bies Dale Furnas Mike Holste

Russ Gillard, Parks Board vice-chair, called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.

Public Comments

None

Discuss possible revision of park rules regarding dogs in parks

The subcommittee discussed the recurring issue of leashed and unleashed dogs in Mesa parks, as well as park rules which allow dogs in some parks and all basins. The City has no way to effectively enforce the current rules in place, due to staffing levels. Input received from the park ranger staff, park maintenance and citizens was also considered. After much discussion the subcommittee agreed that staff should gather data and information from Mesa citizens via web survey, in order to make a decision in the best interest of the majority of citizens and to maintain health and safety of our parks. Staff will coordinate with the City's Public Information Office to determine the best course to gather information from the public, specifically park users.

A recommendation will be made to the full Parks Board at the May 13, 2009 meeting.

There being no further business, Mr. Gillard asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Alger made a motion, Mr. Martinez seconded and it was unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

J. Rhett Evans

Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities Department Director