Memorandum 15-116 Dog Waste Bag Dispensers

Memorandum 15-116

TO:                       Mayor Wythe and Homer City Council

THROUGH:       Katie Koester, City Manager

FROM:                 Julie Engebretsen, Deputy City Planner

DATE:                  July 21, 2015

SUBJECT:         Dog Waste Bag Dispensers

Summary

This resolution supports the purchase of two types of dog waste baggie dispensers, and encourages pet owners to pick up after their animals. Funding is available from the existing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission budget. If needed, future budget requests will be submitted during the annual budget process.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission heard a lot of testimony about dog waste while reviewing the beach policy. Dog waste is a problem throughout the city, not just on beaches. To address the issue and change pet owner behavior, a broader community effort is required. The Commission recommends purchasing two types of dog waste bag dispensers: large ones for public places, and small individual ones.

To begin, the City can install large bag dispensers at public parks and city buildings. Many city parks already have these installed, but more are needed. The City can also encourage other businesses and agencies to install these dispensers on their properties.

To encourage individual pet owners to always pick up after their pet, the Commission would like the City to purchase as many individual dispensers as possible. They average in cost around $3 each, typically have a clip to attach to a collar, and are pocket sized for the owner’s convenience. Local businesses can also stock refill baggies to fit the dispensers.