14.3 PRSR 09-11-2019
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
14.3
Agenda Section
Work Session
Meeting Date
September 11, 2019
Prepared by
Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description
WHHCA Dog Ordinance
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discussion of an ordinance prohibiting dogs at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area (WHHCA).
Background/Discussion
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Anderson requested a work session to discuss an
ordinance prohibiting dogs at the WHHCA. “No Dogs Allowed” signs were posted at the property soon
after it was open to the public in September of 2016. The signs were at the request of the WHHCA
steward and recommended by the committee. The current steward, Hal Stewart, has also requested an
ordinance so the signs can be enforced.
City ordinance requires dogs to be under the owners control and thusly the Elk River Police Department
cannot enforce a “no dogs allowed sign” as identified by the city hunting regulations within a
conservation area. The police further do not have the resources to enforce such an ordinance.
According to the minutes of the WHHCA planning committee (dated March 30 & April 20, 2015) DNR
representatives recommended that dog owners follow the city’s ordinance which requires dogs to be
controlled or on a leash (Ord. Sec. 10-2).
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
WHHCA Planning Committee March 30 & April 20, 2015, Minutes
WHHCA City Ordinance 16-09
WHHCA Hunting Regulation Signs
City Ordinance Sec. 10-2 Running at Large