HomeMy WebLinkAbout9A - Animals on Public Lands
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
PRESENTER:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
ISSUES:
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
September 7,2010
9A
Frank Boyles, City Manager
Frank Boyles
Consider Approval of an Amendment to Prior Lake City Code Section
801 Relating to Domestic Animals on Public Land
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request City Council consideration of
an ordinance amending Section 801 of the City Code relating to the
prohibition of domestic animals in certain areas of the Jeffers Pond Parks
and Conservation Areas.
Historv
The City Council has previously considered and approved a plan through
which a bridge and bituminous trail, pervious trail, park shelter, kiosk and
wood chip trail would be paid for by Jeffers Foundation and installed by City
crews. A condition of the wood chip trail element from Jeffers Foundation
is that domestic animals, skateboards, skates, rollerblades, bicycles and
motorized vehicles be prohibited from the area identified on the attached
map. The City Council concurred with the proposal including the
prohibition with the understanding that the staff would invite residents to a
meeting to inform them of and discuss the rationale for the prohibition.
Current Circumstances
On August 24, a meeting was conducted in the City Chambers on this
topic. A total of thirteen persons from the area attended the meeting
together with representatives from the City, School District, Jeffers
Foundation and the Parks Advisory Committee. In addition, eight emails,
and one voice mail were received from people who wished to share their
perspective on this subject. An agenda from the meeting is attached,
together with notes from the meeting and a printout of the emails received.
Conclusion
The City Council should determine whether it wishes to adopt an ordinance
prohibiting domestic animals, skateboards, skates, rollerblades, bicycles
and motorized vehicles from the conservation/park area.
It is fair to say that the preponderance of comments from the 11 who spoke
at the meeting and the eight who submitted emails opposed the domestic
animal restrictions. For most, while they understood the rationale for the
action, they felt that the responsible dog owners were being punished for
the actions of the irresponsible. For some, the trail closure also creates an
inconvenience of detour they must make whenever their domestic animal is
along for the walk.
MICOUNCILlAgenda Reports\2010\090710 Domestic Animals,doc
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
AL TERNATIVES:
There was also discussion that signage should be considerable and to the
point. Finally, requests were made for disposal stations in the park as well.
While the primary focus is on prohibition of domestic animals, the
prohibition also includes skateboards, skates, rollerblades, bicycles and
motorized vehicles. Since virtually all of the prohibited trails are woodchip,
skates, skateboards and rollerblades are ruled out from a practical
perspective. Wheel chairs, of course, are allowed.
Prior Lake City Code Section 801.202 entitled, "Prohibited Areas" states
"No person shall be permitted to take any animal, domestic or otherwise,
into any park where the area is clearly marked by a sign bearing the words,
"Domestic Animals Not Permitted in this Area."
The staff suggests that the ordinance be amended to add a new section
801.202(1) which would read: "The area identified in Jeffers Pond Park
Exhibit 2, dated August 24, 2010, shall be a prohibited area for domestic
animals, skateboards, skates, rollerblades, bicycles and motorized vehicles
(except authorized vehicles) and signage shall be prominently erected and
maintained to confirm this status to users and visitors."
Jeffers Foundation CEO Paul Oberg has indicated that he will pay for the
signage as well as the capital improvements noted above. Enforcement
will be on a case by case complaint basis.
1. Adopt the attached ordinance amendment.
2. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED Alternative #1.
MOTION:
ty Manager
R:\Council\2010 Agenda Reports\09 07 10\Domestic Animals.doc
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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 11 O-XX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 801.200 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE
The City Council of the City of Prior Lake does hereby ordain that:
1. Section 801.200 of the Prior Lake City Code is hereby amended to add Section 801.202(1) in its
entirety as shown below:
801.202(1) The area identified in Jeffers Pond Park Exhibit 2. dated Auaust 24. 2010. shall be a
orohibited area for domestic animals. skateboards. skates. rollerblades. bicvcles and
motorized vehicles (exceot authorized vehicles) and sianaae shall be orominentlv erected
and maintained to confirm this status to users and visitors.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this ih day of September 1010.
ATTEST:
City Manager
Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the 18th day of September, 2010.
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245/ www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
AGENDA
Jeffers Area Trails
August 24,2010
6:30 p.m.
I. Welcome and Purpose
II. DVD - Jeffers Waterfront
III. Jeffers Foundation, Gifts and Conservation Donations
IV. Trail Usage
V. Comments
VI. Adjourn
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.42451 www.cityofpriorlake.com
Page 1 of 1
Frank Boyles
From: Duane Leick [dleick@integra.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 14,20107:47 PM
To: Frank Boyles
Subject: Prohibition of domestic pets
Hi Frank,
I am a near resident to the Jeffers Pond Park trails being considered for prohibition of domestic
animals on certain trails. I am also a pet owner and agree that certain trails should be made
domestic pet free to lessen the impact on existing wild life in those areas. I will not be able to be
present at the scheduled upcoming meeting to detail my views so please use this e-mail as my
expressed opinion on the subject.
Respectfully,
Duane L. Leick
3864 Majestic Ln
Prior Lake, MN 55372
8/16/2010
Frank Boyles
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
glenna siekert [generatelinks@gmail.com]
Sunday, August 15, 2010 2:57 PM
Frank Boyles
Jeffers Pond Park trails
Dear Mr. Boyles:
My husband Fred and I often walk and very much appreciate the trails that have been developed in Jeffers
Pond Park.
I agree that domestic animals should be prohibited from some, if not all, of the park trails. We have displaced
and disturbed the wildlife that call the Park home quite enough. Let pet-owners walk their animals elsewhere.
Glenna Siekert
3890 Regal Pass
Prior Lake
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Page 1 of 1
Frank Boyles
From: Brian Meagher [brian.meagher@basf.com]
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2010 4:06 PM
To: Frank Boyles
Subject: Jeffers Pond Conservation Policy
Hello Mr. Boyles,
I received your letter dated August 9,2010, and I'm shocked that tax money is being wasted on such a silly
matter. I walk or run around Jeffers Pond 3 to 4 days per week and have never experienced the problems you
have described in your letter. I have lived directly across the street from Jeffers Pond for over 16 years and I am
shocked that our city is pandering to a few vocal distraught homeowners.
This half-baked development has much greater problems than a few unleased dogs.
Sincerely,
Brian Meagher
Market Development Manager
Phone: 1-952-496-6076
Mobile: 1-952-250-9530
E-Mail: brian.meagher@basf.com
Postal Address:
BASF Building Systems, Inc.
889 Valley Park Drive
Shakopee, MN 55379
USA
BASF - The Chemical Company
8/17/2010
Frank Boyles
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
laurie.miller@mchsLcom
Thursday. August 19, 2010 8:13 AM
Frank Boyles
Prohibition of dogs from Jeffers Pond Park
To the City of Prior Lake:
I am excited about the additions to Jeffers Pond Park. The newly installed bridge, and the shelter and trails
soon to be added will only enhance this already wonderful park.
However, I am opposed to any prohibition of dogs from any part of this park. I built my townhome 4 years
ago, and part of the reason I built in the location I did was its proximity to the park and the ability to enjoy the
park with my dog. As a taxpayer I should be able to use any city park with or without my dog. I understand
and follow the rules to have my dog leashed at all times, and I pick up any waste from my dog and deposit it in
trash receptacles either in the park or back at my home. I also know that some dog owners do not respect
these rules. I do not feel it is fair that the rule breakers would ruin it for the rule followers. I feel these rules
should be enforced. Fines and/or prohibiting the people that don't follow the rules from the park is more fair
than prohibiting dogs entirely.
I realize the Jeffers Foundation is asking for this prohibition to protect the wildlife and natural areas. I feel the
city should support its taxpaying citizens and allow everyone to enjoy the trails and all parts of the park.
Finally, as well as being a resident of Prior Lake I am also a small business owner at River Valley Veterinary
Service in Prior Lake. Each day as a veterinarian I see the bond between people and their dogs, and I foresee
this as only becoming more important to people in the future. The city will benefit now and in the future by
providing places for people and their pets to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Thank you,
Laurie Miller DVM
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Page 1 of 1
Frank Boyles
From: John Miller Umiller@teamscs.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 19,20101 :15 PM
To: Frank Boyles
Subject: Jeffers Pond Park and Dogs
Dear City of Prior Lake:
I have been a resident of the community for 44 years and am proud of my City. I started out as the high school
biology teacher at Prior Lake High School and did that for 15 years. With love of life and environment it pleases
me that Prior Lake has the foresight to acquire and keep park property for the ages.
I recently learned that the city is considering banning dogs in part of their park communities, I think that is a
mistake. Someone said" A dog is a man's best friend" and how can we not allow our best friends to enjoy the
parks with us. I am not advocating an open run for dogs, but one where one can take their pet for a walk on a
leash and pick up after them if they defecate. Dogs, as all animals need space to be exercised in as well as smells
and sights to experience, let's not be selfish and keep that from them and their owners.
Please seriously consider allowing pets to use all of our parks with their owners!
John Miller
President 1 Partner
~gl!,[!D!
350 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 550, Burnsville, MN 55337 I www.teamscs.com
Phone: 952.890.06061 Fax: 952,890.23921 imiller(cD.teamscs.com
8/19/2010
Frank Boyles
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
laurie.miller@mchsLcom
Thursday, August 19, 2010 8:13 AM
Frank Boyles
Prohibition of dogs from Jeffers Pond Park
To the City of Prior Lake:
I am excited about the additions to Jeffers Pond Park. The newly installed bridge, and the shelter and trails
soon to be added will only enhance this already wonderful park.
However, I am opposed to any prohibition of dogs from any part of this park. I built my town home 4 years
ago, and part of the reason I built in the location I did was its proximity to the park and the ability to enjoy the
park with my dog. As a taxpayer I should be able to use any city park with or without my dog. I understand
and follow the rules to have my dog leashed at all times, and I pick up any waste from my dog and deposit it in
trash receptacles either in the park or back at my home. I also know that some dog owners do not respect
these rules. I do not feel it is fair that the rule breakers would ruin it for the rule followers. I feel these rules
should be enforced. Fines and/or prohibiting the people that don't follow the rules from the park is more fair
than prohibiting dogs entirely.
I realize the Jeffers Foundation is asking for this prohibition to protect the wildlife and natural areas. I feel the
city should support its taxpaying citizens and allow everyone to enjoy the trails and all parts of the park.
Finally, as well as being a resident of Prior Lake I am also a small business owner at River Valley Veterinary
Service in Prior Lake. Each day as a veterinarian I see the bond between people and their dogs, and I foresee
this as only becoming more important to people in the future. The city will benefit now and in the future by
providing places for people and their pets to enjoy all the city has to offer.
Thank you,
Laurie Miller DVM
1
Page 1 of 1
Frank Boyles
From: Marilyn Miller [mmiller@teamscs.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 201010:45 AM
To: Frank Boyles
Subject: Prohibition of dogs from Jeffers Pond Park
To the City of Prior Lake:
If has come to my attention that there is consideration regarding the prohibition of dogs from areas within
Jeffers Pond Park. I am opposed to this recommendation. I am not a dog owner but strongly believe that many
of the residents (both those that own dogs and those that do not) that live in the Jeffers Pond Park area live
there because of the wonderful walking paths and the ability to use these paths with or without dogs. I feel for
the most part that as I walk these paths dog owners are very respectful of all others using the park and its trails
as far as keeping their dogs leashed and picking up their dog's waste. I am sure that there are those don't but
this is no different than having people abuse the park are in other ways, Le. littering, defacing property,
disrespectful bike riding and/or skateboarding etc. I don't feel the dog owners who are tax payers just like the
rest of us should be punished for owning a dog.
Also I look up to the dog owners, many of them elderly, and respect them all because having a dog gets them
out walking and using the park trails. Nearly every day we hear it in the news that we all need to get out and
exercise more and one of the best ways is by walking. Let's not make this form of exercising any harder for a
particular group of citizens, dog owners, by prohibiting areas and trails within the park.
Finally I commend the City of Prior Lake for its dedication to maintaining and further developing its park system.
Please allow all of your residents to use this system.
Thank you,
Marilyn Miller
8/19/2010
Page 1 of 1
Frank Boyles
From: Rob [rtodd96@mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, August 23,20109:20 AM
To: Frank Boyles
Subject: prohibiting dogs from Jeffers Pond trails
Dear Mr. Boyles,
I was saddened to see that our family may no longer be able to take our dogs on a walk on the beautiful Jeffers
Pond trails soon. We absolutely love this area and the parks and trails available. Besides Cleary Lake, which is
not so conveniently located since we live nearby Jeffers Pond, there isn't a as beautiful a trail to walk our dogs
on. We particularly like the wooded area because it is cooler and our dogs get a break from the sun. We always
leash our dogs and we clean up after them as necessary. To be honest, I work at Jeffers Pond and I can't recall
ever seeing anyone walking their dog without a leash. Therefore, I am a little confused and upset that this new
ordinance would start soon. Our family wants you to reconsider this new ordinance prohibiting dogs from the
Jeffers Pond trails in order to keep the Prior Lake area an attractive place for active families to live and enjoy.
Perhaps placing a sign at the beginning ofthe trail explaining the rules would help.
Regards,
Lisa and Rob Todd
8/23/2010
EXCERPTS FROM THE RECORDING OF A JEFFERS POND TRAIL MEETING
CONDUCTED ON AUGUST 24, 2010 AT PRIOR LAKE CITY HALL
The meeting was attended by 13 Prior Lake residents from the Jeffers Waterfront area.
Also in attendance were: Paul Oberg, Dar Fosse, Sue Ann Gruver, Steve Albrecht, Kendall
Larson and Frank Boyles
Marilyn Sales: live on Jeffers Pond, love the area, right on the Enclave Court. Have a dog.
Walk the trails year round. Now can go around the lake, through the wooded area. Will I still be
able to take my dog there? Concern is that was one of the selling points of buying the home was
all the trails. Will I be able to take my dog around the lake because if! can't, that was one of the
reasons we bought the home. Have done a great job on the trails, but Wensmann Homes
dropped the ball on finishing the trails. Some were started with concrete and the end in the
middle of the trees. Will that ever get completed.
Albrecht: currently there is trail behind your house, between the lake and your house. That trail
system goes on the east side, up to Fountain Hills, around the northern wetlands and across the
boardwalk. The area that is restricted is not that area; however, would not be able to walk on the
west side of the lake on the woodchip area that you currently use to close your loop. That area is
proposed to be restricted.
Kim Stewart, live in the area, walk regularly with my dog year around. Need clarification on
where can walk dog. Can walk the dog halfway and then have to come back. Prohibited to go
on the west side of the big lake.
Albrecht: yes, the non-paved trails are the areas that are prohibited. Described the areas
restricted and the areas that could still be used with domestic animals. Issue is there a deadline
on the school property and would have to go back if did not go through the nature area.
Stewart: I can walk behind the school on that pavement.
Albrecht: Yes, on the paved trail, but that is a dead so would have to turn around and go back.
Stewart: So I can't walk across the bridge.
Albrecht: the bridge area is in the conservation area and that is where the new shelter will be.
There will not be a paved trail out to Jeffers Pass from that location. We have not determined
what kind of pervious surface will be there but it will not be paved, which is one of the
conditions of the Jeffers Foundation paying for the trail.
Stewart: So the reason why we are prohibiting dogs and cats is because of the feces?
Boyles: 1) Damage to the property and other animal 2) dogs run loose and 3) concern for the
ecology.
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Stewart: where is shelter structure going to be built.
Albrecht: the structure will be across the creek from the school on a flat space in the wooded
area. Added that the City did not pay for the improvements of the nature area trail system. The
board walk and bridge and all woodchip trails have been paid for by the Jeffers Foundation. As
part of condition of nature center, and in city ordinance, domestic animals are prohibited from
natural areas.
Boyles: We have focused on dogs and cats but there are additional restrictions including, skates,
skateboards, roller blades, bicycles and unauthorized motorized vehicles.
Stewart: representing four other neighbors with dogs. Curious about the three parts to the
money, the school board, the city and Jeffers Foundation. When went to Jeffers Pond dedication,
they said if the city and school board could not corne up with the funds they would not have a
resource center. Is that out of the picture? They were going to lose some grant money if the city
could not ante-up.
Stewart: in closing, feel bad because living next to an area I will not be able to bring my dog to
walk in the woods. I pick up after my dog and I also pick up a lot of trash along the trail. I
notice a decrease in trash when school is not in session. I think we are dropping the ball on
educating our children on littering. I find that children run and scare animals away. The
children are leaving stuff behind just like my dogs.
Stewart: there is more trash when school is in session than when it is not.
Rochelle. Gill: appreciate everything that the city and Jeffers Foundation has done to the area. I
am a dog owner and find it sad that responsible dog owners are punished for those who are not
responsible. I wrote an email this morning. How do you handle these regulations when they
aren't being enforced? I have issues with dog owners who don't pick up, I end up picking up
after them. I have talked to people who don't leash their dogs and they are offended. Not my
problem, but I don't feel I have any support from the City in giving fines or restricting these
people. The signs that are put up on the asphalt area are soft - Minnesota Nice - if you will.
They don't spell out the details of the ordinances even in a short form. It just says leash and pick
up with a little dog on it. People don't do that. It's like handicapped parking. People abuse that
when they aren't legally able to that. My recommendation is that you get some serious signs out
there and also for the Jeffers conservation area. You need to have something out there that really
means it. That will help us to support what you are doing.
Gill: I also made a recommendation that you increase the licensing of dogs and partner with the
DNR to patrol some of these trails on an ad hoc basis to fine people. It is hard to observe the
laws when I don't see it supported. I would volunteer to be part of that rotation if we ...
Gill: I don't really know where that new bridge is. I live by the other bridge. It's a very nice
bridge and you really take care of that area. What I'm saying is that we have ordinances, but we
don't enforce them. What can I, as a resident, do to help with this? I'm not here pointing
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fingers, I want to be part of the solution. This is a waste of ink and paper because it isn't
enforced anywhere that I know of in Prior Lake, even though I use other parks, and there are
inconsiderate owners that allow their dogs to run and defecate and they don't pick up. I think
more could be done, even if it is a newspaper article from time to time letting people know. I
saw a few things because of the newspaper. There will always be inconsiderate people and
irresponsible dog owners. That's sad. I think we can make a difference by enforcing these
regulations or take them off the books. Whether it's the Jeffers group or Prior Lake because they
are intertwined. I can understand about the conservation about the way things loop on the
asphalt trail. That's fine. I can make my way around. I can't go up to the floating bridge with
my dog - I understand that. About the ruts - I think they are from service vehicles when the
ground is soft. They can't be avoided. They do a great job of servicing. When we had the big
rains, the chips are being washed down and the ruts are being exposed. Hopefully they will
throw some more chips - I don't know if that's budgeted - it would be nice. Have to cut down
some of the overhang. Have to have maintenance up there and trucks are the way, I guess. My
concern is dogs and the fact that these rulings are not enforced. What you are asking and has
been mandated. I work for a non-profit organization. I understand foundations. This has been
mandated without any support of the rule - you will still have people walking on that path. What
are you going to do about it. Someone must come up with a plan. I will be glad to work on a
planning committee if you do that.
Jack Born, Unfortunately the restricted area is right where I walk my dog twice a day. So, I am
unhappy with this if that is going to happen, but this is a very unique place and I have to agree
with you. I think it is unfortunate that the people on the eastern part that the walking path is
going to be restricted so they can't walk all the way around the lake. This is a unique place - no
question about it. Regarding comments about the laws - we have laws for the street that are hard
to enforce too. Sorry I can't walk there with my dog anymore, but that's the way it goes. I'll
have to find another place.
Diane Gutheir: I see a whole lot of blue around my house. I think part of what we need is
education. No.1, I got a dog license. I've never seen this before tonight. Never saw any other
rules for pets in Prior Lake. I just found out that I'm not supposed to be walking on the floating
bridge with my dog. I walk him there every day! No one educated the new residents on what
the rules are. I walk 4-5 miles every day. Basically, I can't walk around my house, I will have
to go down to the school. I'm not that upset about the woodchip area. It's kind of a challenge to
walk the dog there anyway. There is so much going on in there. I understand that its not good
for the animals and its not a very pleasant walk with my dog anyway. So I would just as soon
stay to the nice wide path where he doesn't do anything he's not supposed to do and I can watch
him. I think it is important that there is some education for the new residents so we know what
to expect. I agree with you as far as enforcement - every day. People let them loose in the
swamp and can't get them back. It's kind of a large area to be restricted. People that don't
follow the rules are going to be on the paths anyway unless you can find a way.
Bill MacDonald: It's pretty well determined that you can't enforce people to pick up. There is
an old saying, if you can't fight 'em, join 'em. I think ifthere are no proper signs put up telling
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people what they can and can't do; and put up a dispenser for plastic bags so people can grab one
and pick up after their dog - that would help.
Michele Stapf: Closing the woodchip path really impacts me because that's where I start my
walks. I will have to double my walk time or drive to the other side to walk around the blacktop.
I understand it will negatively impact a lot of people who live on the south side who try to walk
our dogs. I see all the dog owners nod. I can understand your point of view too. But I wish
there was some way we could at least let us walk on that one section.
Lisa Rasmussen: I do the same thing, I walk the loop around the pond. I clean up after my dog.
I clean up after other people's dogs. I understand the environmental side of the conservation
area. Don't let the dogs go back there. The rest of you, that one spot, if we could have it open to
us to walk our animals. It's a beautiful trail. It's perfect to go around. Once in a while I'll see
kids outside and kids love to see the animals - the dogs and the other animals.
Ginny MacDonald: I love dogs too, but it's a real joy to be able to walk back in that area
without them. You see more birds. You see more of everything. I know you are good dog
owners, but there are so many who don't. I can walk back there and be charged by a dog. I
don't know what their personality is and if I am back in that woods alone, I appreciate not having
to share that walk through that pathway, through the nature, without them. There are a lot of pet
owners in the area who allow dogs and they go right behind my house. I see many people there
without their dogs on a leash and let them run into the swamps. They find something good or
some animal and they sure would like to ferret that animal out of there.
LeeAnn Leech: I have a couple of kids who have gone to Jeffers Pond. They have done a very
good job of preserving that area and allowing our kids to enjoy an environmental center. The
school has done a phenomenal job of teaching respect for that area. I own a dog and I often do
the same trek. My fear is that I am going to have to go to Cleary Lake to walk my dog as the
area on the blacktop is hard on dogs. The blacktop is hot. Going through the path with the
woodchip cools her down and completes the whole path. Now I will have to hop in the car and
drive down to Cleary Park. It is so unfortunate because I live so close to a beautiful area that I
will not be able to use. I will have to go someplace else and hop in the car. Don't we try to
teach our kids that we don't have to use our cars to enjoy the environment.
Gill: Is the area going to be posted clear and concise so we know that. Maybe we can get signs
for the asphalt areas to publish the rules and regulations. Maybe there is a way to get trash cans
and bags. More trash cans needed. Maybe the type of place where we can deposit our bags
rather than taking them. People who are responsible dog owners would do that. People would
not take the bags for other uses.
Albrecht: the City has spent about $200,000 on the paths. Wensmann dedicated land as part of
the development and they were not required to provide any additional funding. They did some
swapping for trails where the City did sidewalks for them. There is a conservation easement
over the property that is overseen by the Land Trust and there are specific rules that the Land
Trust enforces with the City for the maintenance of that property. Those rules were set up by the
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Jeffers Foundation and the Land Trust when they turned the property over to the City. The City
owns and maintains the property within the guidelines that are set up.
Kendall Larson: I am a resident in the area. I live across Hwy 21. The reason for me to be
here is the same as yours. I walk my dog in that area and take walks there myself. Up front with
Mr. Oberg - I strongly question the reasoning for this. A couple of individuals brought up parks
and Cleary Lake Park. When Jeffers Pond was put forth as environmental area. That is how I
look at it and I am understanding it better tonight. It is going to be more inconvenient for dog
walking for all of us. Like all of you, I leash my dog most of the time. She likes to get in the
water on a hot day and cool off. The reason behind this is good. It is good for the park. It is
good for the kids. We had a daughter and a black lab thinking labs are safe dogs. Unfortunately,
she was bitten and it scared her. I understand the environment and the birds being flushed out.
I've seen that change through the years too. I agree with what you said tonight. It will be more
inconvenient for those of us who enjoy that area with our dogs, but .. also has need about getting
back into the woods around the lake - you are really in a special, special place there. Not many
places in Prior Lake that have that feeling in the park system. Dog restrictions in the park - can
see where the portion of the trail that comes out by the school and heads north across the bridge
and outlets at the park near 21 - would be nice if something could be allowed there. But let's go
on with the decision that was made tonight. I will alter my dog walk for the benefit of the
environment and look at that as down the road for my kids.
Boyles: Would anyone else like to speak? Thank you all for being there. I have taken copious
notes and will convey them to the city council so they are aware of your perspectives. It is my
hope to have this on the city council agenda either on September 7 or September 20. Please
watch the PLA or city website for confirmation of the appropriate meeting.
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