2001-02-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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16 discussed or considered by the Council. COUNCIL CHAMBER - February 20, 2001 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Toscano. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: PROCLAIMING FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK DAY AND YEAR OF VOLUNTEERS Mr. Caravati read a proclamation proclaiming Festival of the Book Day and presented a proclamation proclaiming Year of Volunteers to Shael Wood of the United Way. PUBLIC Mr. Kevin Cox, Fairway Avenue, said he supports a leash law in Riverview Park because of safety concerns for his young son. Mr. Cox said the Park should be returned to humans. Mr. Tom Phipps, 13th Street, N.E. expressed concern about a leash law. Mr. Phipps said that there are some irresponsible dog owners just as there are irresponsible bike riders at the Park, Mr. Phipps said that it has only been in the past year or two that a lot of dog owners visit the Park and provide security, and until that time he did not feel the Park was safe, Mr. Phipps said he thinks there are compromises that can be made. Mr. Charles Trachta, resident of Albemarle County, spoke against the Meadowcreek Parkway. Ms. Kendra Hamilton, 1509 E. Market Street, said that she and her dog have been bitten at Riverview Park. She said dogs often charge her dog, which she keeps on a leash. Ms. Hamilton said we do not have a dog problem, we have a dog owner problem. Ms. Heidi Parker, representing Alltel, thanked Council for giving her the opportunity to work with planners to revise the cellular tower ordinance. Ms. Parker said Alltel is pleased with the new revisions. Mr. Jack Wilson, 317 Monte Vista Avenue, said he fives near Azalea Park and has been rushed by dogs. Mr. Wilson said he complained and the City installed a fenced dog run. Mr. Wilson said he hopes alternatives to the leash law can be developed. Mr. Wilson said he has surveyed the dog area at Azalea Park 15 times and determined that between 64% and 70% of those using the dog area are non-City residence. Mr. Wilson presented a resolution adopted by the Fry's Spring Neighborhood Association opposing lighting Azalea Park. Ms. Collette Browp, 622 Bolling Avenue, said she thinks there are a lot of problems with dogs at the parks, but she thinks there are also a lot of solutions. Ms. Brown urged Council not to rush to a decision to require leashes. Ms. Brown suggested that certain times of day be set aside for leashing dogs. Ms. Brown said she has seen dogs not under the control of their owners, and she said she would like to find a way to encourage dog owners to be more responsible. Ms. April Carmen, 704 Blenheim Avenue, said she jogs with her dog and feels the park is safer because more people are at the park with their dogs. Ms. Carmen said she has never seen anyone get hurt by a dog at the park, and asked Council to consider the needs of dog owners. Mr. Fran Lawrence, 1729 Chesapeake Street, representing a number of Woolen Mills residents, read a statement urging Council to adopt a leash law at Riverview Park, but to also make some accommodation for dog owners.