221018 Dog Park Advisory Committee MinutesPage 1 of 3
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Tillsonburg Dog Park Committee
October 18, 2022
7:30p.m.
Council Chambers
MINUTES
Present:
Rosanne Fillion, Kelly Luciani, Katie Benko, Steve Cluett, Karen Clipson, Pete Luciani,
Absent with Regrets:
Marcie Walters-Turcotte, Connie Porter
Staff Present:
Julie Columbus, Margaret Puhr
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Pete Luciani
Seconded by: Karen Clipson
THAT the Agenda as revised for the Tillsonburg Dog Park Advisory Committee
meeting of October 18, 2022, be adopted as revised.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
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5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Grass seeding concerns at the park – it was brought to the committee’s
attention that on social media someone was fundraising for grass seed for the
dog park. The town staff reached out by letter to the initiator of the fundraiser
and advised her that it is not appropriate behaviour to take such actions on town
properties and direction on how to share ideas and feedback. Subsequently it
was noted by users that grass seed was spread over the dog park property. A
concern was also brought that it might be hazardous to dogs to ingest certain
seeds, can puncture paws and some seeds are treated with chemicals. Staff are
removing larger piles of seeds and putting woodchips over the rest. Independent
actions increase town liability should something happen to park users.
There was originally grass at the dog park, around 2017 and due to exuberant
and enthusiastic use, it turned into dirt and mud, which were then covered with
woodchips. A complaint about dog ingesting one of the chips was also shared
on public social media – all pet owners are encouraged and advised to monitor
their pets at all times, at home and outside home. Responsible dog ownership is
imperative.
With committee’s suggestion, Julie will reach out to the Communications Officer
and ask to address some of these concerns via town’s social media.
Committee members shared frustration of the lack of respect given through such
actions as well as the growing negativity through social media and among some
park users.
5.2. Evaluation of the new shelter – there is some confusion about the cap at the
top, the part did not come with the structure, but the company was contacted
and it is being shipped, will be installed as soon as it arrives. The concerns
about bolts have been addressed – they were cut off. Members expressed that
the shelter looks very nice.
5.3. Inventory of accomplishments at the park since inception – the committee
would like to list these accomplishments and share not only with the council but
also with general public via social media.
- Shelter structure
- Better woodchips
- Extensive planting of trees – Tillsonburg Tree Day planted several at the park
- Updated sign at the front
- Landscaping at the gate
- Water
- Solar lighting from donations
- Additional donations of lighting
- General maintenance has improved, including exterior grass cutting
- Maintenance of the parking lot
- Addition of picnic tables
- Fire hydrant features for dogs
- Small and large sides
- Wayfinding and directional signage around town
Katie noted that as a goal, there should be more promotion of the dog park
and public sharing of updates, fundraising, including more public to allow for
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more feedback and input. More events such as Pooch Plunge, but directed to
promotion and fundraising for the dog park is also a goal. Dog photoshoots,
training demonstrations, fun days.
5.4. General discussion – members discussed increased negativity around the dog
park as well as some criticism of members of this committee who aren’t dog park
users. The non-user committee members still feel passionate about bringing
additional facilities to the dog park and making it a nice and friendly area for all.
Julie shared that 6 staff take care of all parks and trails in the town and are very
proud to do the amazing work to provide to all citizens.
Pete noted that most dog parks don’t have lights and we are fortunate that
Tillsonburg has at least some. He suggests that a dusk to dawn opening is a
potential solution if safety is a concern, but prefers not going in that direction.
As a safety consideration, providing lighting might invite use of the park for
purposes it is not intended for.
A broken bag dispenser at the park was replaced.
Town staff continue to provide excellent maintenance to the park.
The committee does not have a budget for the committee, it is to advise council,
but fundraising group or a committee are always a consideration.
6. Next Meeting - This is the last meeting of this committee for the council term. Once
the new council has been sworn in, new committees and applications will be posted
on town website. Staff can post the posting for new committees at the dog park.
Pete thanked all the members for being a part of this committee.
7. Adjournment
Resolution #2
Moved by: Karen Clipson
Seconded by: Pete Luciani
THAT the October 18, 2022 Tillsonburg Dog Park Committee meeting be adjourned
at 8:26p.m.
Carried