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larger than the community park, can accommodate a dog park. If however, the Council strongly <br /> supports the idea on the Oak Woodland Area it can direct staff to return with a more thoughtful analysis <br /> on how to accomplish that. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin asked and Mr. Fialho confirmed that the original site location is not treated similarly <br /> to Sites 5, 12 or 13 in this context. Mr. Fialho explained that these sites, while illustrated similarly, did <br /> not go before the voters. Only Bernal Community Park, which is specific to the 50 acres, and the Oak <br /> Woodland Area went to the voters. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin acknowledged that Phase 4 is not in the immediate future but said he would hate to <br /> lose the original location (Site 8), with its access to other amenities. He said that the ability to construct <br /> the slated uses on Site 12 and 13 are important and questioned the feasibility of Site 5. He asked <br /> whether staff is ready to present the Council with an option to take the matter to the voters, if that <br /> should be the Council's direction. Mr. Fialho confirmed. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked how elaborate staff anticipated the scope of such project to be. <br /> Mr. Bocian explained that the standards outlined in the Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for <br /> a one to two acre area While it would not be very expensive to develop, it does require some thought <br /> relative to layout, amenities and utilities. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said the community desire for a dog park is longstanding. She asked how <br /> the need is determined and whether such an amenity could minimize the strain on or misuse of the <br /> sports park, which would ultimately be a benefit to the community. <br /> Mr. Bocian explained that the need is determined using a variety of information including overall park <br /> amenity standards for a community of this size and type, surveys and community meetings. He said <br /> that while there is no hard data relative to whether this would offset the strain on other uses, his sense <br /> is that it would. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio struggled to understand the apparent resistance to a dog park, but said <br /> she could support waiting to discuss this at the joint workshop. Councilmember Narum concurred. <br /> Mr. Bocian explained that dog parks do not tend to automatically inspire neighborhood acceptance. <br /> Location is a common objection, particularly the proximity to residences and children's play areas. In <br /> looking at this, staff felt Site 13 was particularly desirable because of its proximity to the Marilyn Kane <br /> Trail, size, parking, and relative isolation. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. <br /> Joe Streng, Parks and Recreation Commission, stated that the American Kennel Club recommends <br /> that dog parks be of one to two acres in size, preferably with separate areas for large and small dogs. <br /> He stated that in addition to being cited as the top need for this community in the Draft Master Plan, the <br /> Planning Commission has long been told that Bemal would be considered as a location to place a dog <br /> park. It was not until the Commission reviewed the Oak Woodland Plan that it was told there would be <br /> no consideration for its placement anywhere on the Bemal Community Park land. He explained that he <br /> voted no on the Oak Woodland schematic, despite his liking the design, because to approve it without <br /> fully evaluating whether Measure P allows for a dog park here would be a mistake. Dog parks were <br /> discussed as a possible use for this property by many community groups throughout the master <br /> planning process. While staff has proposed several other sites, their feasibility is questionable for a <br /> number of reasons and the Oak Woodland site provides a wonderful opportunity for nearby residents. <br /> He asked that the Council keep its options open and direct staff to conduct further exploration regarding <br /> the feasibility of carving out one to two acres on a 40-acre site for this use. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 7 of 15 February 4,2014 <br />