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year. He mentioned that he is a little concerned about trying to introduce this program at the same time that the Vet’s Park Baseball Committee may be seeking donations. If it would prove beneficial to the baseball group to hold off on implementing this program for a while, staff can look into that. Commissioner Nelson asked if we may want to wait to see what happens with the proposed dog park and then add that to the brochure if approved. Director Bernstein said that is a possibility and that we could maybe even test the program by just approaching animal-related businesses for donations/sponsorship of the proposed dog park. 8)New Soccer Group – Director Bernstein mentioned that there is a new soccer group in town that is not affiliated with HYAA. This affects the department in terms of field scheduling. Our priority list states that the non-profit organization with the largest number of participants who live within the city limits (not the school district) is top priority. This is because only residents of the City of Hastings pay for those facilities, not those who live in the school district. The priority list also includes criteria involving who has the longest relationship with the City. 9)Off-Leash Dog Park Proposal – Director Bernstein related that staff has received a lot of inquiries about the possibility of a local dog park. Some property has recently become available that may be a good location for a local dog park. This property is the former Hastings Police Shooting Range and is city-owned property. The property is located right off of Spiral Blvd towards the edge of town. The Police Department supports the idea and would actually like to use the dog park to train Eis, the police dog. Having the park in this location would also act as controlled access for a road that runs into the property, something that Public Works would like to see. Other sites in the City were considered, however none proved feasible due to other amenities already located there or the City’s lack of ownership of the property. Staff toured other dog parks including Dakota County, Dundas, and Northfield. One of biggest items for a park is the fencing. Most parks utilize woven-wire fencing. The cost estimate included in the plan is for the more expensive chain link fence similar to the Dundas picture. Director Bernstein mentioned that because of the location of the park, we could probably use the cheaper woven- wire fencing for most of the park and possible only place the nicer chain-link fencing at the front of the property only. Staff only received one estimate for the fencing so far, but Superintendent Smith feels that it is on the high end, so the project shouldn’t cost more than projected. The rolling terrain in this location is excellent for this purpose. There are currently no trees inside the area that would be fences, but trees could easily be planted at a later date. Director Bernstein explained that a dog park would be beneficial to residents due to the fact that City Ordinance requires dogs to be kept on leash at all times. An off-leash dog park would allow residents a legal means to exercise their dog off-leash. Superintendent Smith reviewed the proposed amenities of the park including parking, the double-gate, and small dog area. Rules for the park can be copied from other cities who run dog parks and will be brought forward to the NRRC for review. This park would be self-patrolled and staff would only address issues if complaints were raised. Staff does not plan to issue permits as we have no one to enforce them. As part of the City’s contract with Waste Management, the lined dog waste containers would be emptied by them. The City would provide dog waste bag stations similar to the ones used on the trail in Levee Park. This is a non-budgeted item, but the land just became available and so it is an unforeseen expense. Staff believes the park can be completed for no more than $10,000. Commissioner Schommer stated that he feels the park would get a lot of use. He also liked the idea of giving local businesses and organizations the opportunity to sponsor or donate items to the park. Commissioner Smith stated that this would be one more needed amenity that the City is currently lacking. The size of the park would be approximately three acres. MOTION: Commissioner Tessmer-Tuck recommended bringing the proposal for a dog park forward to City Council. Seconded by Commissioner Smith. Passed unanimously. MOTION to adjourn. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 at the Parks & Recreation Office. th Adjourned at 7:29 p.m. Minutes submitted by Kristin Behrens