City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: _12/02/08__ Item Number: _A-1
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a Recommendation to City Council Regarding Allowing
Dogs in Culver City Parks.
Contact Person/Dept.: Patrick Reynolds,
Parks Manager
Phone Number: (310) 253-6471
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: PRCS Master Email Notification List (11/26/08); Advance Courtesy
Email Notification to the City’s Master Email Notification List and PRCS Department
Distribution Lists (11/19/08); Display Ad in the Culver City News (11/20/08 – 11/27/08);
Flyer Distribution in Seven (7) Culver City Parks, the Senior Center & Council Chambers
(week of 11/17/08); Flyer Distribution in Culver City Park (during the weekends beginning
11/22/08 and 11/29/08); PRCS Public Notification Signs in Eleven (11) Culver City Parks
(11/19 through 12/02/08).
Department Approval: Bill La Pointe,
Director of Parks, Recreation and
Community Services (11/25/08)
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Chief Financial Officer Approval: N/A
City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission consider a recommendation to the City Council as to whether or not
dogs should be allowed in Culver City Parks and, if so, under what conditions.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (formerly known as
the Parks and Recreation Commission, or the “Commission”) and the City Council
have heard the issue of allowing leashed dogs in Culver City Parks a number of
times during the past four years; at this time, staff will present information and
options that may not have been previously offered for consideration.
At the June 1, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Agenda Item 7a)
Discussion Regarding Possible Amendment to the City Ordinance to Allow Dogs on
Leashes in Public Parks on a Temporary Basis Until the Dog Park is Developed was
discussed by the Commission. The Commission directed staff to return with
additional information, such as the impact on the park and other guests of the park
and how other cities handle this issue. Copies of the staff report and minutes of the
June 1, 2004 meeting are provided as attachments to Attachment A.
City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agenda Item Report
At the October 5, 2004 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Agenda Item 7c)
Continued Discussion Regarding a Possible Amendment to the City Ordinance to
Allow Dogs on Leashes in Public Parks on a Temporary Basis Until the Dog Park is
Developed was discussed by the Commission. Staff had conducted additional
research on the topic prior to this meeting. At that meeting, one member of the
public expressed opposition to allowing dogs in the parks, even if leashed. In order
to determine how other members of the public felt about this issue, it was suggested
by the Commission that a community survey be conducted or, in the alternative, that
a public hearing be held. The Commission moved to table the discussion of a
temporary amendment and requested that the issue of a permanent Municipal Code
amendment be agendized for a public hearing at a future meeting. Copies of the
staff report and minutes of the October 5, 2004 meeting are provided as attachments
to Attachment A.
At the June 7, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Agenda Item PH-
1: Discussion of the Consideration of Making a Recommendation to the City Council
to Amend Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055 (A) of the Culver City Municipal Code to
Allow Dogs on Leashes in Public Parks within Culver City was heard by the
Commission. Staff presented a report giving an overview of what other California
cities are doing in relation to allowing leashed dogs in City parks. The meeting was
well attended by members of the public (including comments received by e-mail),
who expressed views both in support and in opposition to this issue. After giving the
public an opportunity to speak and considering all the information before it, the
Commission directed staff to come back with a proposal for the implementation of a
pilot program to allow dogs on leashes in one of Culver City’s public parks. Copies
of the staff report and minutes of the June 7, 2005 meeting are provided as
attachments to Attachment A.
At the July 5, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Agenda Item A-2:
Consideration of a Proposal for a Dogs-on-Leashes Pilot Program in One of the
Parks in Culver City was discussed by the Commission. The proposal that staff
presented at that meeting was a pilot program to be conducted in the “lower park”
area of Culver City Park in order to study and observe the impacts of allowing
leashed dogs in the park for a 90-day period, before a decision would be made as to
whether or not to allow such a practice on a permanent basis and in additional City
parks. Some Commissioners did not believe Culver City Park to a be a good
location for the pilot program and suggested Culver West (Alexander) Park instead,
while other Commissioners were opposed to allowing dogs in the park at all, even as
part of a temporary program. After discussing the matter, a motion was passed by
the Commission (3-2, Shapiro and Deen dissenting) to recommend to the City
Council that a pilot program be implemented at Culver West (Alexander) Park for a
period of 90 days in order to evaluate the feasibility of allowing leashed dogs in City
parks on a permanent basis. Copies of the staff report and minutes of the July 5,
2005 meeting are provided as attachments to Attachment A.
City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agenda Item Report
At the July 25, 2005 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item A-2: Consideration of a
Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Dogs on Leashes in Culver West Park for a Period
of Ninety Days; and Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver
City Municipal Code Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A), Relating to the Prohibition
of Dogs Running at Large and in Public Parks, in Order to Implement the Pilot
Program was discussed by the City Council. Council took action to reconfirm the
current Ordinance which prohibits dogs in parks with the exception of the Dog Park
(motion by Councilmember Gross; seconded by Councilmember Rose, motion
passes 4-1 with Councilmember Silbiger dissenting). Due to concerns expressed at
the meeting by citizens who walked their dogs in the vicinity of Culver West
(Alexander) Park, the City Council directed staff to assess and bring back a
recommendation as to whether there was a way in Culver West (Alexander) Park to
permit dogs, on pavement, to go from the parking lot to the pass-throughs to the
adjacent neighborhoods (motion by Councilmember Gross; seconded by
Councilmember Rose; passed unanimously). Copies of the staff report and minutes
of the July 25, 2005 meeting are provided as Attachment A.
DISCUSSION:
In this discussion, the following issues will be presented for the Commission’s
consideration: 1) Parks lands space availability; 2) health; 3) safety; 4) possible
benefits to dogs and their owners of allowing dogs in parks; and 5) possible options
for consideration.
1. Park Lands Space Availability – Currently Culver City has, as a part of its General
Plan, a recommended standard of 10 acres of park land per 1000 population.
Standards such as these are established in order to allocate adequate park space
for Culver City residents to recreate and play. Through various mitigating and
additive calculations and inclusions, the standard of 3 acres of park lands per 1000
population is Culver City’s specific target (that amount of park land that Culver City
alone should provide.) Currently, Culver City provides 2.3 acres of park lands per
1000 population which is 0.7 acres of park lands per 1000 population less than the
City’s target of available park lands space available to the City’s citizenry of
approximately 40,000. City records show that there are currently 2,381 dogs
licensed in the City. (Currently there are no estimates as to the number of dogs in
Culver City that have not been licensed.) If these dogs were added into our City’s
“population” figures for park lands space calculations, the City would effectively have
2.17 acres per 1000 population, rather than 2.3 acres per 1000 currently. As one
can see, the more living entities (human as well as animals) allowed into the park
system for recreational purposes, the less park space is available for all.
2. Health Issues – Dogs will defecate and urinate in the parks and, even though
conscientious owners and dog-walkers will pick-up after their dogs, one cannot
completely “clean” the defecation from the turf and the urine cannot be cleaned from
the area at all. Also, unfortunately, not all dog owners are considerate and
conscientious enough to always pick-up after their dogs. City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agenda Item Report
3. Safety – While dogs are considered “family members” by many, they are still
animals whose behavior cannot always be anticipated. Sometimes, even the
calmest and most congenial dog may, without warning and under unfamiliar
circumstances, demonstrate aggression towards other dogs, animals or people.
Dogs may act out aggressively when trying to assume dominance, when they
become fearful, protective, territorial or possessive, as well as for other reasons.
Oftentimes, dogs will attack, bite and/or maul another animal or human when acting
out aggressively.
Also, boisterous, loud or crowded areas may cause a dog to become aggressive or
“act out.” Activities such as cheering, sporting events, fairs, festivals, large crowds
and other events often associated with parks may cause a dog to become fearful or
territorial, thereby acting out aggressively.
4. Possible Benefits to Dogs and their Owners of Allowing Dogs in Parks – As
noted in the survey of other California cities presented to the Commission on June
7, 2005, the top two benefits associated with allowing leashed dogs in park are
related to the pleasure/convenience of dog owners and their dogs. Specifically,
owners can share the park experience with their dog(s) and the park experience is a
convenient way for dogs to get adequate exercise. Another convenience for dog
owners might be that they no longer have to travel to neighboring cities or to Culver
City’s Boneyard to walk their dog(s) in parks that are not designated dog parks.
5. Possible Options for Consideration
A. Continue the current ordinances and practices that do not allow dogs in
parks, except in the Boneyard or where there is a designated dog path.
B. *Designate a time(s), day(s), and park(s) where only those guests with
dogs are permitted to be in the park(s) and their dogs are allowed to be
off-leash under voice command in the park(s).
C. *Designate a time(s), day(s) and park(s) where dogs and their owners are
allowed in park(s) while the dog is kept on a maximum six (6) foot leash.
*NOTE: When considering designating, time(s), day(s) and park(s) – These should
preferably be times when: (1) there are the fewest number of people in the parks;
(2) there are the fewest number of children in the parks; (3) the activities in the parks
are likely to be the calmest; and, (4) the park(s) designated should have the least
number of “boisterous activity” amenities (i.e., sports fields, etc.), most probably
pocket parks or neighborhood parks. Also, it is important to note that only dogs that
have been licensed in Culver City would be allowed with their owners in the parks.
All others would be subject to citations and fines.
City of Culver City, California
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agenda Item Report
FISCAL IMPACT:
There would be added staff time and cost (incalculable at this time) in order to
handle any defecation issues not attended to by dog owners, as well as code
enforcement and complaint/injury issues that might arise.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. July 25, 2005 City Council Meeting Agenda Item A-2: Consideration of a
Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Dogs on Leashes in Culver West Park for a
Period of Ninety Days; and Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance
Amending Culver City Municipal Code Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A),
Relating to the Prohibition of Dogs Running at Large and in Public Parks, in
Order to Implement the Pilot Program and related meeting minutes.
MOTIONS:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Recommend to the City Council that the City continue the current ordinances and
practices that do not allow dogs in parks, except where there is a designated dog
path;
or
2. Recommend to the City Council that dogs and their owners be allowed in seven
Culver City parks including Culver West Alexander, Tellefson, Carlson, Coombs,
Blair Hills, Fox Hills Mini- and El Marino Parks under the following conditions: a)
the owner of the dog must be present and be in control of the dog(s); b) the
owner of the dog(s) must be able to physically restrain the dog(s) (a maximum of
two dogs per owner); c) hours of park use are restricted to the hours of dawn
until 10 a.m.; d) the dogs must be on a leash no longer than six (6) feet in length;
e) the owner must pick up after their dog, including disposing of any dog feces in
an appropriate manner; f) the dog must be kept at least twenty (20) feet from all
picnic and playground areas, as well as any boisterous and/or playful activity
taking place within the park; and, g) the dog must be currently licensed in Culver
City, if not, this constitutes a violation for which the owner may be cited and fined.
or
3. Provide staff with further comments.
MEETING DATE: December 2, 2008
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a Recommendation to City Council
Regarding Allowing Dogs in Culver City Parks.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
A. July 25, 2005 City Council Meeting Agenda Item A-2:
Consideration of a Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Dogs on
Leashes in Culver West Park for a Period of Ninety Days;
and Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance Amending
Culver City Municipal Code Sections 9.01.360 and
9.10.055(A), Relating to the Prohibition of Dogs Running at
Large and in Public Parks, in Order to Implement the Pilot
Program and related meeting minutes.
1 - 32
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE July 25, 2005
CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF CULVER CITY, 6:00 P.M.
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the City Council was called to order at 6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Albert Vera
Vice Mayor Gary Silbiger
Councilmember Alan Corlin
Councilmember Carol Gross
Councilmember Steven Rose
o0o
----------------------------------------------------------Excerpt Begins----------------------------------------------------------
Item A-2
Consideration of a Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Dogs on
Leashes in Culver West Park for a Period of Ninety Days; and
Consideration of Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Culver
City Municipal Code Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A), Relating
to the Prohibition of Dogs Running at Large and in Public Parks,
in Order to Implement the Pilot Program.
Mayor Vera requested that spokespersons be chosen to represent
those in favor of the proposed program and to represent those
against.
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council, speaking against the proposed pilot program:
Jeannine Stehlin
Jamie Wallace
Dena Snedden
Eleanor Osgood
Rich Waters
Elizabeth Wheat
June Walden
Emily Glick
Anita Shapiro, member, Culver City Parks and Recreation
Commission
The following members of the audience addressed the City
Council, speaking in favor of the proposed pilot program:
12-02-08 - Page 1
Attachment A
Jay Handal
Patricia Graf
Susan and Josh Kirchoff
Deborah Shands
Judy Scott
Jeff Cooper, member, Culver City Parks and Recreation Commission
David Hoyt
Mary E. McCallum
Judy Leviton
Lisa Michel
William LaPointe, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community
Services gave the staff report.
Discussion ensued regarding staffing required for this pilot
program; health concerns; and allowing residents near Culver
West Park to walk their dogs through the park in order to
provide easier access to streets on the other side of the park.
Following discussion, the following motions were made:
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GROSS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ROSE,
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECONFIRM THE CURRENT ORDINANCE AS IT
STANDS WHICH PROHIBITS DOGS IN PARKS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE
DOG PARK.
AYES: Councilmembers Corlin, Gross, Rose, Vera
NOES: Councilmember Silbiger
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GROSS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ROSE AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DIRECT STAFF TO
ASSESS AND BRING BACK A RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER THERE IS A
WAY IN CULVER WEST PARK TO PERMIT DOGS, ON PAVEMENT, TO GO FROM
THE PARKING LOT TO THE PASS-THROUGHS TO THE ADJACENT
NEIGHBORHHOODS (TO MOORE STREET AND TO MCCONNELL BLVD.).
o0o
----------------------------------------------------------Excerpt Ends----------------------------------------------------------
12-02-08 - Page 2City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
By the Parks and Recreation Commission’s action, staff is bringing to the City Council the
following recommendations for consideration.
1. Proposed Pilot Program to allow dogs on leashes in Culver West Park for a
period of ninety days; and
2. Introduction of an Ordinance amending Culver City Municipal Code Sections
9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A), relating to the prohibition of dogs running at large and
in public parks, in order to implement the Pilot Program (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND:
At its June 1, 2004 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission (the “Commission”)
discussed the issue of a possible amendment to the Culver City Municipal Code to allow
dogs on leashes in City parks on a temporary basis until the Dog Park is developed,
and directed staff to return with additional information, such as how other cities handle
this issue. Copies of the staff report and minutes for the June 1
st
meeting are included
as Attachment 2.
After staff conducted additional research, this issue was further discussed by the
Commission at its October 5, 2004 meeting. One member of the public expressed
Meeting Date: 07/25/05 Item Number: A-2
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of a Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Dogs on Leashes
in Culver West Park for a Period of Ninety Days; and Consideration of Introduction of an
Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A),
Relating to the Prohibition of Dogs Running at Large and in Public Parks, in Order to
Implement the Pilot Program.
Contact Person/Dept.: William La Pointe Phone Number: (310) 253-6682
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master Notification List on 7/11/05; all businesses and residents
within a 300-foot radius of Culver West Park were notified via postcard totaling 97 cards
at a cost for postage of $22.31 on 7/11/05. Emails or postcards (40 postcards at a
postage cost of $9.20) were sent to interested parties on or before July 14, 2005.
Department Approval:
William La Pointe 7/18/05
CAO Approval:
Jerry Fulwood 7/20/05
City Controller Approval:
Marlee Chang 7/19/05
12-02-08 - Page 3City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
opposition to allowing dogs in the parks, even if leashed. In order to determine how
other members of the public felt about this issue, it was suggested by the Commission
that a community survey be conducted or, in the alternative, that a public hearing be
held. The Commission moved to table the discussion of a temporary amendment and
requested that the issue of a permanent Municipal Code amendment be agendized for a
public hearing at a future meeting. Copies of the staff report and minutes of the October |1010|th
meeting are included as Attachment 3.
Subsequently, a public hearing was held to discuss this issue at the Commission’s June
7, 2005 meeting. Staff presented a report giving an overview of what other California
cities are doing in relation to allowing leashed dogs in City parks. The meeting was well
attended by members of the public (including comments received by e-mail), who
expressed views both in support and in opposition to this issue. After giving the public
an opportunity to be heard and considering all the information before it, the Commission
directed staff to come back with a proposal for the implementation of a pilot program to
allow dogs on leashes in one of Culver City’s public parks. Copies of the staff report
and minutes of the June 7
th
meeting are included as Attachment 4.
On July 5, 2005, staff presented to the Commission a proposal for a pilot program to be
conducted in the “lower park” area of Culver City Park in order to study and observe the
impacts of allowing leashed dogs in the park for a 90-day period, before a decision is
made as to whether or not to allow such a practice on a permanent basis and in
additional City parks. Some Commissioners did not believe Culver City Park to be a
good location for the pilot program and suggested Culver West Park instead, while other
Commissioners were opposed to allowing dogs in the park at all, even as part of a
temporary program. After discussing the matter, a motion was passed by the
Commission (3-2, Shapiro and Deen dissenting) to recommend to the City Council that
a pilot program be implemented at Culver West Park for a period of 90 days, in order to
evaluate the feasibility of allowing leashed dogs in City parks on a permanent basis.
Copies of the staff report and minutes of the July 5
th
meeting are included as
Attachment 5.
DISCUSSION:
This pilot program is being proposed in order to study and observe the impacts and
feasibility of allowing leashed dogs in one of the City’s parks, before a decision is made
as to whether or not to allow such a practice in additional City parks and on a
permanent basis. The basic guidelines for the proposed Dogs-on-Leashes Pilot
Program were drawn from the Parks and Recreation Commission’s comments and
recommendations at its meetings of June 7 and July 5, 2005, and include the following:
The pilot program shall be implemented at Culver West Park.
The duration of the pilot program will be 90 days.
12-02-08 - Page 4City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Dogs must be on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Retractable leashes are not allowed.
Dogs are prohibited from the park playground and tot lot areas.
Dog owners must clean-up and properly dispose of their dog’s feces.
Dogs are allowed in the park only during regular park operating hours.
Temporary signs will be posted to inform park users of the rules of conduct for
dogs and their owners.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Implementation of a Dogs-on-Leashes Pilot Program is anticipated to have some impact
on staff (for cleanup, patrolling efforts, data collection analysis and reports) and
temporary signage as noted below:
1. 48 hours staff time @ $24.00/hour $1152.00
2. 3 ea. temporary signs and posts @ $25.00 ea. $ 75.00
Total cost estimate $1227.00
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed ordinance;
2. Staff report and excerpt of minutes from 6/1/04 Commission meeting;
3. Staff report and excerpt of minutes from 10/5/04 Commission meeting;
4. Staff report and excerpt of minutes from 6/7/05Commission meeting; and
5. Staff report and excerpt of minutes from 7/5/05 Commission meeting.
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Authorize a Dogs-on-Leashes Pilot Program to be implemented in Culver West
Park for a period of ninety days;
and
2. Introduce, for first reading, the Ordinance amending Culver City Municipal Code
Sections 9.01.360 and 9.10.055(A), relating to the prohibition of dogs running at
large and in public parks, in order to implement the Pilot Program;
OR
12-02-08 - Page 5City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
3. Reject the Parks and Recreation Commission’s recommendation for the
development of a Dogs-on-Leashes Pilot Program to be implemented in Culver
West Park for a period of ninety days;
OR
4. Discuss the issue and provide further direction to staff.
12-02-08 - Page 6 12-02-08 - Page 7 12-02-08 - Page 8 12-02-08 - Page 9 12-02-08 - Page 1012-02-08 Page 11 12-02-08 - Page 12 12-02-08 - Page 13 12-02-08 - Page 1412-02-08 Page 15 12-02-08 - Page 16 12-02-08 - Page 17 12-02-08 - Page 18 12-02-08 - Page 19 12-02-08 - Page 20 12-02-08 - Page 21 12-02-08 - Page 22 12-02-08 - Page 23 12-02-08 - Page 24 12-02-08 - Page 25 12-02-08 - Page 26 12-02-08 - Page 2712-02-08 Page 28 12-02-08 - Page 29 12-02-08 - Page 30 12-02-08 - Page 31 12-02-08 - Page 32