Minutes 10/25/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 25, 2016 Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Whitaker, Wright Nays: None Councilwoman Psimas was absent during the vote. 16 - 341 - Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapters 9 (City Cemeteries) and 25 (General Park Regulations) of the Code of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia (2006) by amending Section 9-56 and Section 25-108 pertaining to the presence of dogs in cemeteries and parks. Vision Principle: Enhanced Quality of Life. Background:  The Canadian Geese population is causing issues at Portsmouth’s Municipal Golf Courses and a nearby cemetery.  Unsanitary and unsightly geese feces litter the fairways and greens of Bide-A-Wee and the Links golf courses and have also been a problem at Oak Grove Cemetery.  The geese are attracted to the ponds and marsh land located in the golf courses.  Staff have identified a humane and effective solution to the problem that involves running highly trained canines at the two golf courses and the adjacent Oak Grove Cemetery.  Canines would be brought to the property for multiple daily visits, under the constant supervision of a trainer for a period of three months.  All dogs are highly trained and under the control of an electronic remote collar.  The vendor will warrant compliance with all Endangered Species Act and other applicable federal and state regulations.  Care would be taken to schedule around funerals and other events.  This solution has been used successfully in many golf courses and cemeteries throughout the East Coast. Discussion:  Section 9-56 of the City Code currently prohibits any individual from bringing a dog into a city cemetery and Section 25-108 of the City Code currently prohibits any individual from having an unleashed dog on city park property.  The proposed Ordinance amending these sections of the Code will carve out very limited exceptions to these restrictions. The exceptions will permit the City Manager to authorize unleashed specially trained dogs on cemetery and park property for maintenance activities.  Use of the dogs will both improve the aesthetic appearance of the areas and reduce City maintenance expenses.  In addition, the exceptions will permit guide/service dogs to ensure compliance with disability laws. The exceptions will also provide the city with authority to create a designated, fenced dog park on a portion of city park property should the city at some future time determine that is appropriate. Financial Impact:  The ordinance amendment does not have any direct financial impact; the cost to contract the dogs will come from budgeted funds in the FY 2017 operating budget. Staff Recommends:  Adoption of the ordinance.Vision Principle: Enhanced Quality of Life. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The amendments will be incorporated into the City Code. Motion by Mr. Meeks, and seconded by Dr. Whitaker, to adopt the following ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: “ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTERS 9 (CITY CEMETERIES) AND 25 (GENERAL PARK REGULATIONS) OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA (2006) BY AMENDING SECTION 9-56 AND SECTION 25-108 PERTAINING TO THE PRESENCE OF DOGS IN CEMETERIES AND PARKS.”