Public Works Committee

Notice of Public Hearing

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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing on the proposed Ordinance will be held before the Public Works Committee on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 869 Park Avenue, Cranston, R.I. pursuant to Section 3.12 of the Charter.

A complete copy of the Ordinance is available for public review at the City Clerk’s Office, Cranston Central Library, and on line at cranstonri.com under calendar.

“Individuals requesting interpreter services for the deaf or hard of hearing must notify the City Clerk’s Office at 461-1000 ext. 3197 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the hearing date.”

Mario Aceto, Chair Maria Medeiros Wall, JD

Public Works Committee City Clerk

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 10-13-1 IN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 12.20 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CRANSTON, 2005, ENTITLED “PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES” (Dog Park)

It is ordained by the City Council of the City of Cranston as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 12.20 of the Code of Ordinances is hereby amended by adding thereto:

Section 12-24.180 Dog Parks. There is hereby established within the City of Cranston a dog park for the purpose of allowing the off-leash exercise of dogs, provided that such dog is under the control of an attendant who is competent and knowledgeable relative to the behavior of said dog(s).

Section 12-24.190 Definitions:

Attendant: A person eighteen (18) years or older who brings a dog to the Dog Park. Such person is expected to be competent and knowledgeable relative to the behavior of, and have control over, said dog(s) at all times while at or inside the facility.

Dog Park: An enclosed fence facility designated by the City of Cranston for the purpose of allowing dogs, under the control of their owner or attendant, to exercise and socialize off-leash.

Owner: As defined in Section 6-08.010

“Nuisance” Dog: As defined in Section 6-08.010.

Visual Control: The attendant can see the dog(s) and is within 75-feet of the dog(s) at all times.

Voice Control: The attendant is within 75-feet of the dog(s), is able to control and recall the dog(s) at all times, and is not allowing the dog(s) to fight with other dogs. A dog under voice control must immediately come to the attendant when so commanded.

Section 12-24.200 Park Operations. The Director of Department of Parks and Recreation shall have authority to control the Dog Park and to make reasonable rules for its operation that are consistent with the Ordinance. The Dog Park will be operated year-round on a daily basis from sunrise to sunset, unless closed for maintenance or severe weather.

Section 12-24.210 Responsibilities of Dog Park Users. The attendant must ensure that their dog(s) are legally licensed and have documentation that their dog’s vaccinations are up-to date. Current license and vaccination tags must be displayed on the dog’s collar. All dogs shall be free of contagious or infectious diseases, be parasite-free both externally and internally, and have no visible wounds or injuries.

No more than two (2) dogs per attendant are allowed in the Dog Park.

The attendant of the dog(s) must be inside the enclosed Dog Park and have visual and voice control of their dog(s) at all times. Dogs shall not be left unattended at or inside the facility.

All dogs must be wearing a collar, however spiked, choke, and gentle-leader style electronic collars are not permitted.

The attendant of any dog(s) using the facility must have in his possession a leash that must be attached to said dog(s) when outside the facility area.

The attendant must fill-in any holes dug at the facility by their dog(s).

The attendant must remove their dog(s) when they become engaged in excessive barking or are fighting with other dogs.

The attendant of dogs using the facility must use a suitable container to promptly remove any feces deposited by their dog(s) and properly dispose of such waste material in designated receptacles.

12-20.220 Children Regulations. While inside the facility, children 12 to 18 years of age shall be accompanied by an adult who is solely responsible for the child’s proper behavior and safety. Such children are not permitted to excite or antagonize any dogs using the facility by any means including, but not limited to, shouting, screaming, waving their arms, throwing objects, running at or chasing dogs. Children under 12-years of age are prohibited from entering the Dog Park.

12-20.230 Prohibited Actions. To ensure the safety of the dogs and attendants the following are not permitted at the Dog Park:

- Animals that are not dogs.

- Dogs under the age of four (4) months.

- Female dogs when in heat.

- Dogs deemed to be vicious, or who have a previous history of aggressive behavior toward other animals or humans,

- The use of bicycles, roller blades/skates, skateboards and similar types of exercise equipment,

- Motorized vehicles and devices, except for wheelchairs for the disabled.

- Glass bottles and similar breakable containers.

- Alcoholic beverages.

- Smoking

- Food of any type, including dog biscuits/treats.

- Professional dog trainers may not use the facility in conjunction with the operation of their business.

12-20.240 Liability. Users of the Dog Park shall comply with all rules and regulations governing the use of the facility.

The owner and/or attendant is responsible for and liable for all injuries and damages caused by their dog(s).

Use of the Dog Park shall constitute the implied consent of the dog owner and/or attendant to all conditions of this ordinance and shall constitute a waiver of liability to the City of Cranston. As such, users of the Dog Park agree and undertake to protect, indemnify, defend, and hold the City of Cranston harmless for any injury or damage caused by or to their dog(s) during any time that said dog(s) is unleashed at the facility.

12-20.250 Enforcement. A person found to be in violation of this Dog Park Ordinance and/or the Dog Park rules is subject to removal from the facility and may be prohibited from future use of the Dog Park.

A person who violates any provision of Dog Park Ordinance or Rules shall be subject to a fine of $50.00 dollars, said penalty may be assessed in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

The Animal Control Officer and the Director of Parks Recreation and Forestry shall be authorized to enforce this Dog Park Ordinance.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect upon its final adoption.

Sponsored by Councilwoman Lee

10/31/13

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