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Title:
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Informational Item Regarding the Signage at the Dog Park Relating to (1) the Culver City Dog Licensing Requirement and (2) Children in the Dog Park.
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City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 08/02/11 Item Number: A-2__
PRCS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: Informational Item Regarding the Signage at the
Dog Park Relating to (1) the Culver City Dog Licensing Requirement and (2) Children in
the Dog Park.
Contact Person/Dept.: Dan Hernandez,
PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6655
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission (07/28/11).
Department Approval: Dan Hernandez
(07/27/11)
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Fiscal Impact Approval: N/A City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission receive information regarding the signage at the Dog Park relating to
(1) the Culver City Dog licensing requirement and (2) children in the Dog Park.
BACKGROUND:
The Dog Park Ordinance Review Group (DPORG) was formed in late 2010 to
discuss whether or not the Rules and Regulations for the Culver City Dog Park (the
“Boneyard”), as stated in Culver City Municipal Code Section 9.10.400,were in need
of revision. The DPORG was not a City committee, but a work group that included
two PRCS Administrative Division staff members, a representative from the City
Attorney’s office, two representatives from the Friends of the Culver City Dog Park
(the “Friends”) and the (then)members of the PRCS Commission Recreational
Activities and Special Projects Subcommittee, Commissioners Hudson and Kim.
The two main concerns identified by the group regarding public participation at the
Dog Park were: (1) Potential dog-on-dog aggression related to the presence of
intact male dogs, and (2) potential problems related to children’s behavior in the
Park. After much research and discussion, the members of the DPORG determined
that concerns regarding intact dogs and the behavior of children were best
addressed through additional signage at the Dog Park. It was the consensus of the
group that the presence of such signage will assist participants in “self-policing” the
Park to deter unwanted behavior and enhance user experiences at the Park.
At the March 1, 2011 Commission meeting, the Commission took action to revise the
language on the draft signs recommended by the DPORG and institute a three
month trial period for the signage. That trial period ended in early June 2011 and City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
the signs, constructed from laminated color paper, are still posted at the Dog Park in
several places. Copies of the current signs are provided as Attachment A and
Attachment B. Please note that the posted signs are both 11” wide by 17” high.
DISCUSSION:
As a follow-up to the trial period, staff contacted the representatives of the Friends of
the Culver City Dog Park who participated in the Dog Park Ordinance Review
Group, the Chair of the Friends organization, Code Enforcement (i.e., Park Patrol
logs) and the Culver City Animal Control Officer. The consensus of those who
responded to requests for feedback seems to be that the posted signs assist with
the self-policing of the park, even though the overall effectiveness of signage is, by
nature, somewhat limited.
Park Patrol Officers did not receive any calls or proactively come across any
problems related to aggressive dogs or the behavior of children in the Dog Park
during the period of March 2011 through the present. The Animal Control Officer
reported that although her call volume does not typically fluctuate, she feels
thatsignage is vital for education and that there are numerous pet owners who will
adjust their behavior if they become aware of the laws, especially if there is a
significant financial penalty for violations. Overall, the Animal Control Officer
receivesan averageof 160 to 180 telephone calls per week; approximately nineof the
calls each weekinvolve the Dog Park. Other comments received were suggestions
to add language regarding fines to the signs and concerns over an unrelated topic,
the presence of dogs on leash within the Dog Park.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The fiscal impact associated with the construction and posting of the laminated
signage was minimal and wasabsorbed by the PRCS Department budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. “Boneyard Dog Licensing Requirement” sign
B. “Children at the Culver City Dog Park” sign
MOTION:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
Receive information regarding the signage at the Dog Park relating to (1) the
Culver City Dog licensing requirement and (2) children in the Dog Park.
MEETING DATE: August 2, 2011
AGENDA ITEM: Informational Item Regarding the Signage at the Dog
Park Relating to (1) the Culver City Dog Licensing
Requirement and (2) Children in the Dog Park.
ATTACHMENTS
Page
A. ”Boneyard Dog Licensing Requirement” Sign 1
B. “Children in the Dog Park” Sign 2
Maintenance: 310-253-6470 Report a Problem: 310-837-1221
SPECIAL NOTE TO DOG OWNERS: “The person who has charge,
care, custody or control of any dog must ensure the dog is currently
licensed, vaccinated and over the age of four (4) months, and
provide proof of licensing upon request by any City official” (CCMC
§ 9.10.400.A.1).
Culver City Dog Licensing Requirements:
The City of Culver City requires that all dogs over the age of four (4)
months have a current license (CCMC § 9.01.500; Los Angeles
County Code (“LACC”) § 10.20.030) and that the license tag must be
worn at all times (CCMC §§ 9.01.400.A.1 and 9.01.500; LACC §
10.20.180). To obtain a license, owners must show proof that their
dog:
To apply for a new license or to renew your current license, please go
to www.PetData.com and select “Culver City.” You may also contact
1-888-615-4350 for further information.
Dogs that meet the above requirements but are licensed outside
of Culver City are also welcome!
THANK YOU
Has a current rabies vaccination.
Has been spayed or neutered.
Has been microchipped.
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ATTACHMENT B|1013|