Millet town council has decided to once again table a proposed off-leash dog park after the realization it will include a price tag.
Councilors had previously table the item to debate location and details, but at their Mar. 22 regular meeting they seemed to come to agreement on one option listed in an agenda item from CAO Teri Pelletier, who noted all three options involved cost, including staff time to install fencing. When the idea was first proposed, councilors stated they’d prefer “zero cost.”
The items involved fencing options for the location referred to as “area B,” as councilors decided a complete fence around the proposed off-leash area was necessary. Previously, councilors voiced interest in a “zero cost” off-leash area, but as the fencing became more and more important, it became equally obvious “zero cost” wasn’t possible.
Option one includes the entire area using existing fence, natural borders and snow fence along the west and east sides of the area and the price was $2,500.
Option 2 included a smaller area than option one and used existing fence, natural borders and snow fence along the west and east side with a price tag of $2,100.
Option 3 was for s smaller area than option one, included existing fence, natural borders and chain link fence along the west and east sides with gates and a price tag of $5,581.25.
Mayor Tony Wadsworth stated there seemed to be a general consensus among councilors the chain link fence was the safest option. “For me, I certainly favour the more secure option of the chain link fence,” said Wadsworth.
The mayor noted he’d visited the site several times and safety was at the front of his mind.
Councilor Vicki Pyle stated she was concerned about emergency access. She said if the park is opened, more people will be there and there’s a possibility, for example, someone may need an ambulance.
Pelletier stated the upkeep costs on the off-leash park would be negligible and could be fit into municipal staff schedules.
Councilor Mike Storey stated he was concerned about chain link fence and the possibility snowmobilers could go through the off-leash area and hit the fence.
The mayor felt that wouldn’t be a problem with the smaller area. “I disagree with you on the fencing Mike,” he said.
Councilor Doug Peel stated he felt that if the chain link option with an over $5,000 price tag was favoured, it should be discussed during budget deliberations.
Councilors unanimously agreed to table the off-leash dog park proposal until the 2017 budget deliberations begin.