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(1) Consideration of Forming a PRCS Commission “Off-Leash Dog Hours in Parks Ad Hoc Subcommittee;” and (2) If Desired, Appoint Two PRCS Commission Members to the Newly-Formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
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Meeting Date: November 1, 2022
Contact Person/Dept: Dani Cullens/PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6471
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (10/28/2022); (E-Mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (10/28/2022)
Department Approval: Armando Abrego, PRCS Director (10/27/2022)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission (1) consider forming a PRCS Commission “Off-Leash Dog Hours in Parks Ad Hoc Subcommittee;” and (2) if desired, appoint two PRCS Commission Members to the newly-formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
BACKGROUND
On August 8, 2022, the City Clerk’s Office received an email inquiry from a member of the public regarding the process for proposing a petition for off-leash dog hours at Culver West Alexander Park. They wanted to know what is required to bring the issue before the City Council. On August 9, 2022, City staff responded to the inquiry with the relevant information. During the email exchange, the individual was informed (in part) that:
…With any request, the City Council may like to know if there are other members of the community who support your request. You may wish to have your supporters sign a petition, come to the meeting to make comments in support of your request or write to the City Council to express their support.…
Subsequently, a member of the public raised this issue at the August 22, 2022, City Council meeting during “Joint Public Comment - Items NOT on the Agenda.” Per the approved meeting minutes:
Adam Rosenblatt proposed off leash hours at Culver West Alexander Park; discussed current usage of the park; community; and signatures gathered for a petition.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding agreement to have the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission consider the item.
On August 25, 2022, PRCS staff was made aware of the petition that Mr. Rosenblatt was referring to at the City Council meeting. In reviewing the survey online, 57 signatures were recorded on that date. The petition calls for designated off-leash hours in the early morning and late evening at Culver West Alexander Park (Attachment 1; body of the survey as copied from change.org). As of the date this report was published, the petition was still available online and had garnered 76 signatures.
DISCUSSION
In order to institute off-leash dog hours at one or more Culver City parks, the Culver City Municipal Code would need to be amended. This can only be done by resolution of the City Council. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) § 9.10.055(A), quoted below, specifically prohibits dogs in parks. CCMC § 9.10.600, which outlines the stipulations for Designated Dog Paths, is also noted for reference. Culver West Alexander Park is one of the three Culver City parks that contains a Designated Dog Path (aka “Pooch Path”). The other two parks with Designated Dog Paths are Culver City Park and Veterans Memorial Park. CCMC § 9.10.400 relates to the Off-Leash Dog Park in Culver City Park and has not been included here.
§ 9.10.055 PROHIBITIONS.
Within the limits of any public park it shall be unlawful for any person:
A. Having charge, care, custody or control of any dog, except as permitted by § 9.10.400 or § 9.10.600, or other animal, fowl, or reptile to cause, permit or allow the same to be within the limits of any public park within the City, unless such person shall have obtained a special permit from the City Council to conduct an entertainment or exhibition in which an animal is a participant.
§ 9.10.600 DESIGNATED DOG PATHS.
A. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Code, a person may have charge, care, custody or control of any dog upon the designated dog paths established by resolution of the City Council; provided such dog is at all times restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length, in the control of a competent person.
B. For purposes of this Section, DESIGNATED DOG PATHS shall mean the pathways established by resolution of the City Council as DESIGNATED DOG PATHS and identified by conspicuously displayed signs indicating that they are DESIGNATED DOG PATHS , and where the pathways themselves are marked with pictures of paw prints.
C. Nothing in this Section shall permit or allow any person having charge, care, custody or control of any dog to permit or allow that dog to be in any portion of any public park, except as permitted by § 9.10.400, other than on the designated dog paths established by resolution of the City Council.
In response to the August 22, 2022, City Council direction, staff is recommending that the PRCS Commission consider forming a “Off-Leash Dog Hours in Parks Ad Hoc Subcommittee” (Subcommittee). The Subcommittee members could assist staff in doing outreach, liaise with the community regarding off-leash dog hours in parks, and build a foundation for making a recommendation to the City Council on this topic.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion.
ATTACHMENT
1. 2022-11-01 - ATT 1 Off-Leash Dog Hours Petition as Posted on Change.org
MOTION
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Consider forming a PRCS Commission “Off-Leash Dog Hours in Parks Ad Hoc Subcommittee;” and,
2. If desired, appoint two PRCS Commission Members to the newly-formed Ad Hoc Subcommittee.