Council set to decide April whether to allow dogs in parks
By Jason Arndt
Editor
Dog owners could be allowed to bring their animals to all City of Burlington parks, with specific restrictions, if the Common Council decides to move forward with the proposal at an April 3 meeting.
The possible change comes after two discussions –the first at a Feb. 20 Committee of the Whole meeting followed by another on Tuesday – when the Common Council debated the matter following feedback from residents.
On Feb. 20, the discussion was brought before the Common Council by District 3 Alderman Ryan Heft, who learned from some of his constituents they would like to bring their dogs to any city park.
Meanwhile, at Tuesday’s meeting, none of the three residents who spoke during public comments voiced opposition, but six of nine letters the city received were mainly concerned about sanitation and safety.
Additionally, some of the concerned residents also pointed to the city’s current dog park, and believe allowing dogs at all parks is redundant.
In response to concerns, city staff drafted a proposed ordinance, but the Common Council believes the amendment needs more specific language.
Bob Grandi, 2nd District alderman, supports the change because it shows inclusiveness and the amendment meets the city’s long-term strategic plan.
“We are in a competition, we are in a fight with other communities,” Grandi said, noting some other municipalities allow dogs in all parks.
Alderman Todd Bauman said on Feb. 20 the City Lake Geneva is one of those communities.
“When this topic came up, I reached out to the mayor of Lake Geneva. They allow dogs in all parks and I asked if they had an issues with them,” said Bauman, who states Lake Geneva had little to no concern.
District 4 Alderman Thomas Preusker suggests a trial run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Peter Riggs, the director of public works, said allowing dogs could come at an additional cost for dog waste collection stations and manpower to empty them.
While neither is built into the 2019 budget, Riggs believes staff could absorb the costs with minimal impact to the other services.
City staff, which does not have a strong opinion either way, leaned towards not recommending the ordinance change based solely on resources.
District 3 Alderman Jon Schultz II said the decision will be difficult, regardless of outcome, because it could cause division among some community members.
“If we are going to make a change, it is going to have an affect on people,” Schultz said.
To read the entire story see the March 21 edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
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