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CC 2015-05-26_10a Options for Operation of Off Leash Dog Park pRR0r0 AINCORPORATED 9Z V M JULY 10. 1911 MEMORANDUM 1/FOR \ TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: JOHN ROGERS, RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK DATE: MAY 26, 2015 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council choose one of four options for the long term operation of the Elm Street Park Off-Leash Dog Park. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Any financial impact is dependent on which option is chosen. Financial considerations are addressed with each option below. BACKGROUND: In January 2008, the City Council approved an Adopt-A-Park Agreement with the Five Cities Dog Park Association (FCDPA) which established guidelines for construction of, maintenance and operation of, and improvements to the Elm Street Off-Leash Dog Park (Dog Park). The Dog Park was built with the understanding by all parties that the City was not in a position to assume regular maintenance or operation duties. On October 28, 2014, an Updated Adopt-A-Park Agreement between the FCDPA and the City was approved by the City Council. Under the terms of the Agreement, the FCDPA was responsible to assist the City with maintenance and operation of the Dog Park. On January 29, 2015, the FCDPA notified the City that it was terminating the Adopt-A- Park Agreement effective immediately. At the February 10, 2015 meeting, City Council approved funding for minimal maintenance oversight of the Dog Park for six months. Staff was directed to address the issue of the long term operation of the Dog Park at the Parks & Recreation Commission level and return to Council in May with a recommendation based on public and Commission input. Volunteer help was identified to assist with the City's basic maintenance duties, and solicit donations for needed supplies. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: Since the Council approved funding to cover basic maintenance duties only for a six month period, the City needs to determine if the Dog Park should remain open for the long term, and if so, how the maintenance and operation responsibilities will be covered. Item 10.a. - Page 1 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF- LEASH DOG PARK MAY 26, 2015 PAGE 2 At the March 11, 2015 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss the long term operation of the Dog Park. Staff presented five possible options for the long term future of the Dog Park (Attachment #1). Public input from seven dog park users was received. All were in favor of keeping the dog park open, and two of those speakers indicated they were willing to serve in an organizational capacity. Staff asked the Commission to choose two options for further consideration by the City Council. Commissioners voted for Option #3 — Solicitation of a Request For Proposal (RFP), and Option #4 — Formation of a 501.c.3 non-profit group by the City. An option to have the City take over all responsibility for maintenance and operation of the Dog Park was not supported by the Commission. Besides the Elm Street Dog Park, there are currently eight other off-leash dog parks in San Luis Obispo County (see Attachment#2). All are located on public land. Operation and maintenance responsibilities vary. Five are governed by an Adopt-A-Park agreement between the volunteer group and the government agency, similar to what was previously in place between the City of Arroyo Grande and the FCDPA, one is governed by an MOU, one has a lease agreement, and one is operated by a city agency. Staff spoke with representatives from the volunteer groups representing dog parks in Atascadero, Cambria, Paso Robles, Templeton, and at El Chorro County Park. All volunteer groups indicated they are responsible for daily maintenance, at least some maintenance supplies, any needed repairs or improvements, and daily operation issues. The County of SLO provides mutt mitts and empties trash cans for dog parks on county land, but provides no funding for repairs and upgrades, or operational costs at these dog parks. The City of San Luis Obispo is the only agency that is responsible for daily maintenance, although they provide only basic maintenance. The Jody Giannini Family Dog Park in Morro Bay splits maintenance responsibilities between the City of Morro Bay and a volunteer group. Six of the eight dog parks operate with non-profit status under the umbrella of San Luis Obispo Parks, Open Space and Trails (SLOPOST). SLOPOST is responsible only for legal reporting requirements regarding the non-profit financial status of each of the volunteer groups. SLOPOST has no operation responsibilities for any of the dog parks. Staff recommends the Council choose one of the following options for the long term future of the Elm Street Park Off-Leash Dog Park: Option #1 — Close the dog park permanently The City would incur costs for removal of Dog Park improvements, and possibly for rehabilitation or alteration of the area. There would be no long term costs for maintenance of the Dog Park or for staff time to oversee any Dog Park operations. This option would displace the 150-200 regular users. Recently received donations would need to be returned if possible. Option #2— Develop and send out a Request for Proposal (RFP) This option would allow interested groups to submit a proposal for long term maintenance and operation of the Dog Park. This is the structure under which most Item 10.a. - Page 2 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF- LEASH DOG PARK MAY 26, 2015 PAGE 3 other dog parks in the county are operated. This option puts the responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the Dog Park on interested local residents, presumably users and supporters of the dog park. This was the intent of the City when the Dog Park was established. Staff time would be needed to develop the RFP packet, evaluate submitted proposals, and work with the selected group to establish some type of agreement between the City and the group, such as an Adopt-A-Park agreement, a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), or lease agreement. This option would likely have a timeline of 3-5 months. Additional funding may be needed for the City to continue providing minimal maintenance in the Dog Park until the group takes over. It is likely at least minimal staff time would continue to be needed to interact with the designated group and deal with some dog park issues presented by the public. Option #3— Formation of a 501.c.3 non-profit group by the City This option proposes that the City take the lead in establishing a 501.c.3 legal non-profit entity. The City would then solicit applications from the community for board members of the non-profit. The City would select initial board members, assist with establishment of bylaws and operating procedures, with the goal of handing all responsibilities for the maintenance and operation of the Dog Park off to the board as soon as feasible. Costs for this option would include application fees of approximately $1500 for the 501.c.3 status, staff time to solicit for board members and work closely with the board on a temporary basis. This option would likely have a timeline of at least 6 months. Additional funding would be needed for the City to continue providing minimal maintenance in the Dog Park until the non-profit takes over. It is likely minimal staff time would continue to be needed to interact with the non-profit board, and possibly to deal with dog park issues presented by the public. Option #4 — Designate an identified interested group to take over Dog Park responsibilities There may be a group of people already interested in assuming maintenance and operation responsibilities for the Dog Park. Council could choose to designate this group as the responsible volunteer group and develop an Adopt-A-Park agreement, MOU, or lease with this group. If the group does not have 501.c.3 status, the City may be able to assist the group to secure this. Staff time would be needed to develop some type of agreement with the group, and possibly to assist with completion of 501.c.3 application requirements. The timeline for this option would vary greatly depending on the status of the group, and could be from 2-6 months or more. Additional funding may be needed for the City to continue providing minimal maintenance in the Dog Park until the group takes over. It is likely at least minimal staff time would continue to be needed to interact with the designated group and deal with some Dog Park issues presented by the public. Item 10.a. - Page 3 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF- LEASH DOG PARK MAY 26, 2015 PAGE 4 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration: • Choose one of the four options as provided • Choose one of the four options provided with changes • Provide an alternate option • Do not choose any of the four options provided; or • Provide staff with direction ADVANTAGES: If the Dog Park remains open, it will accommodate users of the Dog Park in the long term. If the Dog Park is closed it will save the City expenses associated with full time staff costs in the long term, and minimal maintenance costs in the short term. DISADVANTAGES: If the Dog Park remains open, there will be associated staffing costs which include short term Public Works maintenance staff until an alternative group is in place, and Recreation Services and Public Works full time staff to develop and administer a new agreement or to establish a non-profit entity, If the Dog Park is closed, users of the Dog Park will have fewer options for places to let their dogs run off-leash. The City would incur costs for site rehabilitation. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item, PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, May 21, 2015. The agenda and staff report were posted on the City's website on Friday, May 22, 2015. Attachments: 1. Parks & Recreation Commission report from March 11, 2015 2. County dog park list Item 10.a. - Page 4 ATTACHMENT 1 pRR0y0 INCORPORATED 9� V � * JULY 10, 1811 MEMORANDUM r4<<FOR \P TO: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: JOHN ROGERS, RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR SUBJECT: STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK DATE: MARCH 11, 2015 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the Commission review the report and take public comment. It is also recommended that the Commission pick one or more of the options, to be presented in more detail at the May 13, 2015 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. FINANCIAL IMPACT: At the February 10, 2015 City Council meeting, Council approved a $7,800.00 allocation to fund part-time staff to perform minimal maintenance duties at the Elm Street Off- Leash Dog Park (Dog Park) for six months. The City has funded trash bag replacement and weekly trash bin pickup for the Dog Park since its inception. BACKGROUND: In January 2008, the City Council approved an Adopt-A-Park Agreement with the Five Cities Dog Park Association (FCDPA) which established guidelines for construction, maintenance, operation and improvements to the Elm Street Off-Leash Dog Park. On October 28, 2014, an Updated Adopt-A-Park Agreement between the FCDPA and the City was approved by the City Council. Under the terms of the Agreement, the FCDPA was responsible to assist the City with maintenance and operation of the Dog Park. On January 29, 2015, the FCDPA notified the City that it was terminating the Adopt-A- Park Agreement effective immediately. At the February 10, 2015 City Council meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss the short and long term operation of the Dog Park. Council directed staff to provide minimal maintenance duties for a six month period and to work with community volunteers for the short term operation of the Dog Park. The Council also directed staff to take the topic of the long term operation of the Dog Park to the Parks & Recreation Commission for public input and a recommendation. The Council asked that staff report back in three months on the progress toward a solution for the long term operation of the Dog Park. Item 10.a. - Page 5 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK MARCH 11, 2015 PAGE 2 ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: The Dog Park was built with the understanding by all parties that the City was not in a position to assume regular maintenance and operation duties. Since the FCDPA is no longer the responsible party, another group will need to be identified and an agreement or MOU will need to be developed with this group. The City Council has directed the Parks & Recreation Commission to make a recommendation for the long term operation of the Dog Park. Public input is an important part of determining the level and manner of interest from the community in developing and deciding on options to oversee the Dog Park in the long term. Staff is proposing several options for Commission consideration, but public input may elicit more options. Option #1 — Close the Dog Park permanently It was reported by the FCDPA last year that approximately 150 to 200 local residents use the Dog Park on a daily or weekly basis, with many more users on a less frequent basis. Closing the Dog Park would result in displacement of all users permanently. The City would incur costs for removal of Dog Park improvements, and possibly for rehabilitation or alteration of the area. There would be no long term costs for maintenance of the Dog Park or for staff time to oversee any Dog Park operations. Staff is not recommending this option unless no acceptable arrangement can be made with a community volunteer group for the long term operation of the Dog Park. Option #2 — Re-engage the FCDPA to operate the Dog Park It may be possible for the City to approach the FCDPA about their interest in re- establishing an agreement to operate and maintain the Dog Park. A new agreement would be needed that would include criteria that would protect the City's interests and that of any donors to the Dog Park. The City would incur minimal costs for staff to develop a new Adopt-A-Park Agreement and attend monthly board meetings with the FCDPA. This option would likely take the shortest time frame to complete. Option #3 — Send out a Request For Proposal (RFP) An RFP is a process to solicit proposals from vendors, contractors or interested parties for a specific scope of work that is defined within the RFP. This process is frequently used to procure services contracted by the City. The City would develop an RFP with criteria specific to the operation and maintenance of the Dog Park. Criteria could include the signing of an agreement which would protect the City's interests and specify that any donations received from the public are for use for the Elm Street Off-Leash Dog Park only. Notification would be sent out to general media and specific related groups if any are identified. Notification would be posted at the Dog Park and current known Dog Park volunteers would also be notified. Item 10.a. - Page 6 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK MARCH 11, 2015 PAGE 3 An agreement or MOU between the group and the City would need to be approved by the City Council. This agreement or MOU would be similar to, but more expansive than, the recently terminated agreement with the FCDPA. The City would incur costs for staff time to develop an RFP, develop an agreement or MOU between the City and a group, and monthly interaction with the group after establishment of the agreement or MOU. This option would likely take 3 months after approval by City Council. This option would allow local groups with a specific interest in the future success of the Elm Street Off- Leash Dog Park the opportunity to oversee its operation. Option #4 — City assists with the creation of a 501.c.3 non-profit group The City would commit staff resources to setting up a 501.c.3 legal non-profit corporation that would be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Dog Park. Applications for board positions would be made available to the public and a board of directors would be seated. Once the board is operational, the City would hand off all responsibility to the group. That group would then assume responsibility for maintenance, operation and funding for any upgrades to, or supplies needed for the Dog Park. However, because the 501.c.3 non-profit group would be created by the City Council, it would be subject to the requirements of the Brown Act. This option would take a significant amount of staff time and could take at least 3-6 months to accomplish. There would also be a cost of approximately $1,500.00 for the incorporation application. Compliance with the Brown Act, including the notice and posting requirements, would be costly and could provide an additional burden to City staff. This option would allow for a structured process for identifying the group that would assume Dog Park oversight. Option #5 — Operation of the Dog Park taken over by the City The City would take over operation and maintenance responsibilities for the Dog Park on a permanent basis. There would be significant financial impact both in staff time and supplies and materials needed for this option. Current staffing levels will not accommodate the anticipated additional work to oversee and maintain the Dog Park, and there are currently no funds for maintenance, repairs or upgrades at the Dog Park. Although the City may be able utilize community volunteers for some regular maintenance duties at the Dog Park, significant staff time would still be needed to coordinate recruiting, training, scheduling and supervision of volunteers, maintenance and repair projects, dealing with user conflicts, and a myriad of unforeseen needs. Funds would also be needed for maintenance and operational supplies, and for possible repairs or upgrades. Any funding for this option would need to be approved by the City Council. Item 10.a. - Page 7 ATTACHMENT 1 NRROyO ° (Q Q INCORPORATED �Z v m JULY 10. 16„ MEMORANDUM c'Q�I F ORN�P TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROBERT K. MCFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER JOHN ROGERS, RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR SUBJECT: STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2015 RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the City Council: 1. Direct staff to either: 1) Keep the Elm Street Dog Park open using contract staff to perform basic maintenance functions; or 2) Close the Dog Park until a determination is made on the long term operation of the Dog Park; 2. Approve an appropriation of $7,800 for maintenance costs if the Council directs to keep the Dog Park open; 3. Refer the evaluation of long term alternatives for the on-going maintenance and operation of the Dog Park to the Parks and Recreation Commission. FINANCIAL IMPACT: If the Dog remains open, staffing will be needed for minimal regular maintenance duties. Public Works staffing levels do not allow for coverage of these duties. Contracting for coverage of minimum Dog Park maintenance duties will be approximately $1,300 per month. It is estimated that up to six (6) months will be necessary to determine and establish the long term operational plan, for a total fiscal impact of up to $7,800 from the General Fund unappropriated fund balance. In addition, the City will incur costs for full time staff to handle inquiries and issues dealing with the Dog Park, that historically are not the responsibility of City staff. Due to the amount of time Recreation Services staff is spending addressing Dog Park related issues, there may be the need to fund temporary contract staff to assist with Recreation Services programming duties. Such need will be evaluated over the next few weeks. If the Council determines to close the Dog Park until a decision is made on the long term operation of the Dog Park, there would be minimal additional costs. Item 1 0.a. - Page 8 CITY COUNCIL STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 2 BACKGROUND: In January 2008, the City Council approved an Adopt-A-Park Agreement with the Five Cities Dog Park Association (FCDPA) which established guidelines for construction, maintenance and operation, and improvements to the Elm Street Off-Leash Dog Park. On October 28, 2014, an Updated Adopt-A-Park Agreement between the FCDPA and the City was approved by the City Council. Under the terms of the Agreement, the FCDPA was responsible to assist the City with maintenance and operation of the Dog Park. On January 29, 2015, the FCDPA notified the City that it was terminating the Adopt-A- Park Agreement effective immediately. ANALYSIS OF ISSUES: Since the FCDPA was the primary party responsible for maintenance and operation of the Dog Park, the City needs to evaluate and determine what course of action is most appropriate to.provide for the future operation of the Dog Park. There are a number of possibilities for Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider that will require some time to fully evaluate and adopt. Until then, the City is confronted with the viability of keeping the Dog Park open, recognizing the need to assume the maintenance and operation functions previously performed"by the FCDPA. If the Dog Park remains open for the short term: Public Works staffing levels do not allow for the additional responsibility of regular Dog Park maintenance duties, which could be 15 — 20 hours per week. Until an agreement can be developed with another organization for regular maintenance and operation of the Dog Park, the City will need to commit funding for contract staff to be hired for minimal regular maintenance duties. Any funding for this purpose may potentially impact funding for priorities already identified in the City budget. The City currently has a long term contract with a landscape contractor that was engaged through the competitive bidding process that has estimated the cost to be approximately $1,300 per month. This level would provide a "basic" maintenance condition to ensure the overall cleanliness and safety of the facility, but would not provide for oversight or enhancements. Using community volunteers for regular maintenance of the Dog Park was also considered. The FCDPA did operate with volunteer"Bark Rangers", but the FCDPA was responsible for recruiting, training, scheduling and supervision of those volunteers as part of the Adopt-A-Park Agreement. No such agreement or oversight structure now exists. A significant amount of staff time would likely be required to coordinate, recruit, train, schedule and supervise any volunteers. Current staffing levels will not accommodate the anticipated additional work to oversee a viable volunteer program. Temporary contract staff could be hired to assist with current recreation program duties, allowing full time staff adequate time to assist with organizing volunteer needs for the Item 10.a. - Page 9 CITY COUNCIL STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 3 short term. However, any funding for this purpose will again lower funding for priorities already identified in the City budget. The maintenance contract as proposed contemplates performing all basic maintenance functions previously performed by the volunteers; it is therefore anticipated no volunteer oversight or coordination will be necessary. It would be possible to use volunteers to enhance the level of service the contractor is performing. If the Dog Park is closed for a short term: The City will incur no maintenance costs or staff costs to coordinate possible volunteer needs. Dog Park users will be displaced for the period of time the facility is closed. If the Dog Park remains open for the long term: The Dog Park was built with the understanding by all parties that the City was not in a position to assume regular maintenance and operation duties. Since the FCDPA is no longer the responsible party, another group will need to be identified and an agreement or MOU will need to be developed with this group. Staff will need adequate time to evaluate the best way to proceed in identifying a group and developing an agreement that will meet the needs of the Dog Park users and the interests of the City. If the Dog Park is closed permanently. The City would incur costs for removal of Dog Park improvements, and possibly for rehabilitation or alteration of the area. There would be no on-going costs for maintenance of the Dog Park or for staff time to oversee any Dog Park operations, but additional costs would be incurred for the replacement landscape and the on-going maintenance of the landscaping. Considerations for the long term operation of the Dog Park If the City is to continue the operation of the Dog Park, there are several options the City could consider, including: • Assume all operations and the resulting operational expenses in-house • Accept an operating arrangement similar to the previous one with FCDPA • Assist in the formation of a new entity to assume operations • Solicit interest in existing Arroyo Grande based organizations to assume responsibility for the Dog Park • Participate in the creation of a local foundation to perform fundraising and assume responsibility for the Dog Park • Other alternatives The evaluation of these options may be best addressed by the Parks and Recreation Commission that currently has oversight responsibilities for the Dog Park. Item 10.a. - Page 10 CITY COUNCIL STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK FEBRUARY 10, 2015 PAGE 4 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration: • Provide direction to staff to keep the Dog Park open in the short term and approve additional funding for the required maintenance through contracting • Provide direction to staff to keep the dog park open in the short term but absorb the maintenance with existing staff • Provide direction to close the dog park while the long term alternatives are being considered • Provide alternative direction to staff • Refer the consideration of long term alternatives to the Parks and Recreation Commission • Take no action ADVANTAGES: If the Dog Park remains open, it will accommodate users of the Dog Park in the short term, long term or both. If the Dog Park is closed it will save the City expenses associated with contract staffing needs in the short term, full time staff costs in the short term and long term, and minimal maintenance costs in the long term. DISADVANTAGES: If the Dog Park remains open, there will be associated staffing costs which include short term contract maintenance staff, possible short term Recreation Services contract programming staff, minimal long term maintenance costs, and long term full time staff costs associated with development and administration of a new Adopt-A-Park Agreement or MOU. If the Dog Park is closed, users of the Dog Park will have fewer options for places to let their dogs run off-leash either in the short term or long term. The City will incur costs for site rehabilitation. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Friday, February 5, 2015. The agenda and staff report were posted on the City's website on Friday, February 6, 2015. Attachment: 1. Letter from FCDPA terminating Adopt-A-Park Agreement Item 10.a. - Page 11 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STATUS UPDATE AND CONSIDERATION FOR LONG TERM OPERATION OF ELM STREET PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK MARCH 11, 2015 PAGE 4 ALTERNATIVES: The following alternatives are provided for the Commission's consideration: • Review the report and direct staff to explore one or more options from the report and/or from public input, for the long term operation of the Elm Street Off-Leash Dog Park, and report back to the Commission; or • Provide other direction to staff. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: No environmental review is required for this item. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS: The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Friday, March 6, 2015. The agenda and staff report were posted on the City's website on Friday, March 6, 2015. Attachments: 1. City Council report from February 10, 2015 (includes letter from FCDPA terminating Adopt-A-Park Agreement) Item 10.a. - Page 12 ATTACHMENT 1 Thursday,January 29,2015 Arroyo Grande Mayor,City Council Members and Staff 300 East Branch St. Arroyo Grande,Ca 93420 Dear Mayor Jim Hill,City Council members and Interim City Manager Bob McFall: Effective immediately,the Five Cities Dog Park Association(FCDPA)Is rescinding its approval of our Adopt-A Park agreement with the city,fully terminating our relationship with the City of Arroyo Grande and no longer being responsible for maintaining the Elm Street Dog Park. As you know or will note,there is nothing in that-agreement that requires us to give you any advance notice. We still support the city implementing the shade tree project and installing an artificial turf project in the big dog area of the Elm Street Dog Park,but will not be involved in either project. The all-volunteer Five Cities Dog Park Association's_Board of Directors has spent more than seven years finding a spot for a dog park in Arroyo Grande,designing the park,getting the'design approved,and raising more than$123,000 to get the park built,maintained and improved.We have also been morning monitors(Bark Rangers)opening the park daily since May 2009. We were exhausted even before we started the artificial turf project We then spenthundreds of hours researching and developing a project to improve the ground cover in the big dog area. The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the project Dec.10,2014.City staff had consistently supported it until Jan 22.The staff then suddenly changed its mind and asked us to donate more time and effort to develop a different proposal.We considered that option and then voted unanimously to end our affiliation with the city. Our bylaws and the SLOPOST bylaws(that we work under)define our association as a non-member organization in which all decision-making power resides in the board of directors and gives the Five Cities Dog Park Association board sole authority to determine what happens to our financial assets. By rescinding our Adopt A-Park Agreement now,we are opening up the opportunity for another group of community- minded volunteers to create a new relationship with the city and assume the important responsibility of keeping the dog park open. Sincerely yours, Emma Va so(550-5340) (goddeswithanattitude @yahoo.com) Five Cities Dog Park Association President CC: Director of Recreation Services John Rogers City Clerk Kelly Wetmore Public Works Director Geoff English Item 10.a. - Page 13 N N C LU c c 0 w c C cn > 3.- > {) u CJ c V � Ca Qf v v Q5 0�5 0z v 06 � o. �� CL S CL CL C CL � CL {[ N N (V C 3 O O .p O N O > E O .p O on -� qn 4-+ an v i o +' v on +� to d c tW c L L c L 41 L a i L C L L L 3 v c v c v c = c v c, > v c v c c=3 cu o o ° i O o Q >> Q > Q Z > d a� U L V) m V) � V L us p v p v Q v Q v Q v p v n. CL CL CL v CL O. G + 0 O E a O E O—j E Z vs cn = cn = cn = cn = c c 0 = � U C .Q L L L L kin L L L p N v v v v c v v v v v (v v v v a) v } i C C2. 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