LTC 152-2010 Status Update of South Pointe Park Dogs Off-leash Pilot Program~ MIAMI BEACH
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER ~~~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ ~t 3~
NO. LTC # 152-201o LETTER TO COI~ftlvAl6>~l4~P~1 of-i ~cE.
TO: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: May 19, 2010
SUBJECT: Status update of South Pointe Park ogs Off-leash Pilot Program.
The purpose of this LTC is to provide you with a status update of South Pointe Park dogs off-leash
pilot program.
As you may recall, on September 9, 2009, the City Commission approved on second reading, an
ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Miami Beach Code entitled "Animals" to allow the City
Commission to designate specific off-leash areas for dogs in public parks, specifically for South
Pointe Park. The September 9th action established morning off-leash hours (park opening (sunrise)
to 9:00 A.M.) only in a specific, unenclosed area of South Pointe Park located in the triangular area
where the public art will be sited (south and west of the Washington Avenue entry plaza). The item
was amended to clarify that an off-leash program at South Pointe Park would be for a trial period of
six months, commencing only if/when Miami-Dade County amended Section 5-20 of their Code
pertaining to animals. At the time of the City ordinance approval, County Code prohibited dogs off
leash except in enclosed dog parks.
City staff worked with the City Attorney's office, and the County's Animal Services Division and
County Attorney's office, to draft amendment language to County Code that would allow
municipalities to designate off leash areas if they wished. With the help and sponsorship of County
Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, the legislation was vetted through County Commission Committee
and two readings. At the May 4, 2010 County Commission meeting, the Board adopted the
ordinance amendment as requested by the City. The ordinance, as amended, is effective ten (10)
days after the enactment.
The Administration has developed and is producing the appropriate signage for placement at the
park. At this time it is anticipated the program will begin on June 1, 2010, operate and be evaluated
for a six month period, which would conclude on November 30, 2010. The starting date of June 15t
will permit the City to allocate and focus our resources for Memorial Day Weekend and then utilize
the resources necessary to monitorthis off-leash program (especially those currently being utilized
for other special details). It is important that there be a presence at the park when the program
begins to ensure there is an understanding of the pilot program parameters. Information on the pilot
program is being shared via Social Media, on our web site, and via communication with groups in
the nearby neighborhoods.
The City's ordinance would sunset with a report back to the City Commission documenting the
results of the six month pilot program, and at that point the City Commission will discuss the report,
and unless extended, the program would expire.
Please advise if you have questions, comments or concerns.
JMG/HMF/KS
C:\Documents and Settings\rcpasmik\Desktop\LTC -South Pointe Park -Off-Leash Pilot Program Implementation.doc