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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-20 I03 Chapter 26.12 Dog Park Regulations_INTRO, 1ST READAGENDA ITEM: CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION MEETING DATE: July 20, 2026 AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of an ordinance to amend Chapter 26, Park Regulations, by amending Section 26.12, Dogs Restricted, to rename Section 26.12 as Dogs and to include dog park rules and regulations [introduction; first reading] FORMAT:Ordinance SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: City staff have made updates to add Dog Park Rules and Regulations to Chapter 26, Park Regulations, Section 26.12, Dogs Restricted. Staff recommends the rules be approved by ordinance to give Waukee Parks and Recreation and Waukee Police Department a means of enforcement of the dog park rules. FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT: STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: RECOMMENDATION: Introduce the ordinance and move to approve the first reading in title only. ATTACHMENTS: I. Chapter 26, Section 26.12, Dogs Restricted PREPARED BY:Josh VandeKamp, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: Matt Jermier, Parks & Recreation Director I3 ORDINANCE NO. ____ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 26, PARK REGULATIONS, BY AMENDING SECTION 26.12, DOGS RESTRICTED, TO RENAME SECTION 26.12 AS DOGS AND TO INCLUDE DOG PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS WHEREAS, the City of Waukee has established rules and regulations to facilitate the enjoyment of park facilities and recreational trails by the general public using those City facilities; AND, WHEREAS, on December 3, 2018, the Waukee City Council approved Resolution #18- 492, approving rules for the Waukee Dog Park located at 590 SE Brick Drive; AND, WHEREAS, it is recommended that said rules be adopted for any and all City-owned dog parks, both now in existence and which may exist in the future; AND, WHEREAS, it is also recommended that said rules be approved by ordinance to give Waukee Parks and Recreation and Waukee Police Departments a means of enforcement of said rules; BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Waukee: Section 1. Chapter 26, Park Regulations, Section 26.12, Dogs Restricted, is hereby amended as follows: 26.12 DOGS. No dog shall be allowed to run at large in the public park, unless such park is designated a City- owned dog park. Any dog found in a public park that is not designated a City-owned dog ark shall be deemed to be found running at large, unless the owner carries or leads the dog by a chain, strap, or rope not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps any such dog confined in a wagon, automobile, or other vehicle by a chain, rope, or strap not exceeding six feet in length. 1.City-Owned Dog Parks. A.Use of a City-owned dog park is at the owner/handler’s own risk. Pass holders and their guests agree to hold the City of Waukee harmless for any injury or damages to person or property while using the park. B.All dogs who enter must have a valid annual pass attached to their collars, made visible at all times. C.Hours of a City-owned dog park are 7 a.m. to sunset (7 p.m. during the winter). D.Passes will not be issued to puppies younger than 16 weeks old. E.Dogs with known histories of aggression, fighting or biting are not allowed in a City- owned dog park. Any dog exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior is required to be removed by the handler immediately. Dog owners will be held liable for their dog’s actions. If your dog gets into an altercation please exchange contact information with the other dog owner(s). Any dog exhibiting aggressive tendencies is subject to pass revocation. F.Dog handlers must be a minimum of 16 years old. Children ages 10-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed inside a City-owned dog park. G.There is a maximum of two dogs allowed per handler. H.No wheeled or motorized vehicles are allowed in a City-owned dog park unless used for a disability. I.Dogs must enter and exit a City-owned dog park while being lead on a leash. Once inside the fenced area, handlers may unleash their dog. Dog handlers are responsible for carrying a leash for each dog while staying within eyesight and voice control of their dog(s) at all times. Dogs cannot be left unattended at any time. J.All owners/handlers must clean up after their dog(s) in all areas of a City-owned dog park. Please use the provided waste bags and receptacles within the park. Dogs are not allowed to dig inside the park. Dog owners are responsible for filling in any holes created by their dog(s). K.Female dogs in heat are not allowed in a City-owned dog park. Non-neutered male dogs should be closely monitored at all times. L.No animal or human food is allowed within a City-owned dog park, other than small training treats. M.Electric, metal, prong, pinch, or spike collars are not allowed in a City-owned dog park. N.Sick, lame, or injured dogs are not allowed in a City-owned dog park. Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. O.In the Small Dog Area, dogs must be less than 13” at the shoulder and weigh no more than 25 pounds. P.All dogs are allowed in the Large Dog area, but please keep in mind that it is possible for small dogs to be accidentally injured by larger dogs. Q.Pass holders and tags cannot be transferred to other dogs or dog owners. Section 3. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 4. Severability Clause. If any section, provision or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provisions or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in effect from and after its final passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Passed by the Council the _____ day of _____________________ 2026, and approved this _____ day of _____________________ 2026. Courtney Clarke, Mayor Attest: Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk