Public Input and Additional Correspondence re Pets in Parks
Kevin Firnstahl
From:Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent:Tuesday, August 06, 2019 8:38 AM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:"Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
Contact Us
Name: Ray Joseph Werner
Address: 2595 Greeley Street
Ward:
Phone:
Email: werner.ray@gmail.com
City Department: City Council
Message: Dear Council Members,
I wish to thank you for listening to my input at the council meeting last evening regarding the pet friendliness of our community, and
I was pleased to hear many of you voice support for soon allowing leashed dogs and cats in our city parks. Community support for
allowing them into our public spaces is substantial and only growing. The current ordinance that bans them is unarguably the will of
an archaic minority being flexed upon us citizens. It is an immediate impediment to our happiness, our well-being, and our economy.
Furthermore, I wish for you to consider something very simple: public sidewalks. If leashed dogs and cats were really, truly going to
cause problems in our city parks, then they would already be causing such problems on our public sidewalks, which pass within feet-
-and in many cases, mere inches--of our homes and businesses. Just as there is no cause for alarm in allowing leashed pets so close
to our storefronts, porches, and stoops, there is no cause for alarm in allowing them in our public parks.
Once again, I thank you for your time and service, especially in making expedient work on this issue.
I welcome any responses via email, and if any of you wish to make further discussion on this, I am happy to do so.
Ray Werner, 2595 Greeley Street
Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
werner.ray@gmail.com
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Kevin Firnstahl
From:Luis Del Toro
Sent:Saturday, August 10, 2019 4:40 PM
To:City Council; Kevin Firnstahl; Mike Van Milligen
Subject:Fw: Dogs in City Parks
Attachments:Letter to City Council members re dogs in Dbq parks.docx
Hi all,
Wanted to share a letter received regarding allowing leashed dogs in all parks. This is simply for your review and
consideration with all input received.
Feel this may have been sent to us individually but sharing just in case it wasn’t so you could read his perspective and
input as well.
Thanks,
Luis
From: Tim Moothart <timmoot1@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2019 1:32:19 PM
To: Luis Del Toro <ldeltoro@cityofdubuque.org>
Subject: Dogs in City Parks
Councilman Del Toro,
Please read the attached letter.
Thanks,
Tim Moothart
3650 Seville Dr.
Dubuque, IA 52002
563-581-7690
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Kevin Firnstahl
From:Mike Van Milligen
Sent:Monday, August 12, 2019 11:04 AM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:FW: Proposed dog park
From: Miki O'Neill <mikio965@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2019 10:28 AM
To: Roy D. Buol <rdbuol@cityofdubuque.org>; Brett Shaw <bshaw@cityofdubuque.org>; Luis Del Toro
<ldeltoro@cityofdubuque.org>; Kate Larson <kmlarson@cityofdubuque.org>; Jake A. Rios <jrios@cityofdubuque.org>;
David T. Resnick <dresnick@cityofdubuque.org>; Ric W. Jones <rjones@cityofdubuque.org>; Mike Van Milligen
<ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org>
Subject: Proposed dog park
While I agree that the city could use another dog park I definitely think that where it is being proposed is the wrong
place. That land is too valuable to be used as a dog park.
There have to be other options for the dog park and much better uses for the Port of Dubuque land.
Mary Kathryn O'Neill
965 Indian Ridge
Dubuque, IA 52003
mikio965@gmail.com
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August 12, 2019
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
I am writing this letter to let you know that I am not in favor of dogs in our city parks. Please read the
following to help understand my position.
My experiences with dogs are very different apparently from your experiences. I was bitten by a dog.
Our neighbors asked my wife and I to come over and help them move some furniture. They said they
would leave their garage door open, we should knock on the interior door and come in. We did that.
Immediately upon entering the house one of their German Shepherds bit me in the thigh and off to the
doctor I went. Similarly, my wife was walking alone and came upon a woman walking her dog on a
leash. She said good morning, passed the women, and as she did the dog bit her on the arm. Again, off
to the doctor who treated her, reported the incident, required by law and the owner had the dog put
down. Finally, we were walking on a beach which required dogs to be on leashes. Again, there was a
dog running loose that bit my daughter. Consequently, we spent the day at the doctor’s office and
trying to find the dogs owner to be sure shots had been properly given.
Then in 2011, we moved back to Dubuque because my wife had Alzheimer’s and we could no longer
travel and our families still lived in Dubuque. We moved into Sunset Park Place. During the 2011-2012
winter, we walked at the Mall. Then in the spring, we tried to walk outside in the neighborhood.
Because Laura could not process sight, it was difficult for her to walk on the sidewalks because of the
curbs and driveways. She fell a couple of times despite my holding her by either the arm or her hand.
Then I tried walking on the Bergfeld walkway. We had to give that up because the dog poop on the trail
that she could not see, the dogs that were running loose that would jump on her, and the dogs that
were on leases that the owners thought it OK to allow then to jump on us. It was very frightening for
her so we gave it up and went back inside.
Fast forward to current. Laura passed away in 2014. Since that I have gotten back into bike riding and
walking. I live in the North End and frequently ride my bike from my home on the Heritage Trail to
Heritage Pond via the Bee Branch and along the river and the trail along Peosta Channel. There is not a
single day that I do not encounter dogs running loose. Last Tuesday, I encountered six dogs, five were
not on leases. Each caused me to change my bike route and speed to accommodate the dogs. Also, I
frequently walk on the floodwall south of the East Dubuque Bridge. Again, I seldom walk that trail
without encountering dogs that are not on leases. Also, there is always dog poop and little blue bags
with dog poop in them setting along the trail.
Finally, I believe our city parks should be people parks. I support the concept of “dog parks”. I will not
intrude on their parks. I feel there should be parks where I can feel safe. I do not trust any dog. I like to
go to parks to relax and enjoy the beauty. I do not want to have to watch for dog poop, hear the barking
of dogs, get wrapped up in the 20’ leashes, have dogs jumping on me, licking me and humping my leg.
These have been my experiences. I cannot accept the “myth” from my experiences that dog owners will
clean up after them, will keep them on leases or respect my privacy and space.
Thank you for listening to me.
Sincerely, Keith J Nilles
Keith J. Nilles
1705 Garfield Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-556-1707
guessimust@hotmail.com
Kevin Firnstahl
From:Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent:Wednesday, August 14, 2019 11:52 AM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:"Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
Attachments:Reasons.jpg
Contact Us
Name: Stephanie Sprague
Address: 2082 Broadlawn Rd.
Ward:
Phone: 5636638666
Email: sksprague@mchsi.com
City Department: City Council
Message: I know you are all well aware of the lack of pet friendly spaces and amenities as one of the major challenges facing our city
in terms of recreation & livability. As an owner of 4 large dogs, whom diligently abides by City laws and licensing fees, etc. I believe
that a dog park worth while is something our community needs! I currently take my dogs to Prairie Pastures in Clinton! It is over an
hour away and something close to home, but as nice, would be wonderful!! My dogs need the water feature. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO
VOTE FOR A PET FRIENDLY COMMUNITY THAT WILL INCLUDE A NEW DOG PARK! My four monsters are asking nicely in the attached
photo as well. Thank you.
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Kevin Firnstahl
From:Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent:Friday, August 16, 2019 11:12 AM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:"Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
Attachments:People_Parks.docx
Contact Us
Name: Carole Loetscher
Address: 430 WOODLAND RDG
Ward: 1
Phone: 563-845-7229
Email: nanaloetscher@gmail.com
City Department: City Council
Message:
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Carole Loetscher
430 Woodland Ridge
Dubuque, IA 52003
THE PEOPLE’S PARKS: Eagle Point Park and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
I owned 7 dogs over a period of 45 years: 2 hunting dogs, 2 poodles, 2 Golden Retrievers, and
1 Springer Spaniel.
A Dog’s World: On the Riverfront, Farmer’s Market and City Sidewalks
The dog can begin its walk along the Mississippi River at Lock & Dam No. 11; have very good
sniffing at McDonald’s Park; continue the sniffing along the River Walk, continuing south under the
Wisconsin bridge or east to the Veterans Memorial area. FIDO can walk through our City Hall
Farmers’s Market; greet other canines and walk to Harbor Isle; go under the East Dubuque bridge and
meet and greet on the floodwall; the southerly walk.
It is, also, a People’s World on the Riverfront.
Eagle Point Park, above Lock & Dam No. 11 to the end of the bluff; just a mile or so plus in
length – We, the people can walk with serenity and confidence, enjoying the gliding eagles and birds,
scampering chipmunks, squirrels, and the bunnies on this precious land that is kept in pristine
condition by our Park Service. Beginning on Mother’s Day with the Boy Scout breakfast served to
hundreds of people, the summer concerts in the park, sitting on the grass or a chair, family picnics,
weddings, ringing of horseshoes, gazing into the lily pond at the various species of goldfish, the
laughter of children in the wading pool on a hot summer day. We marvel at the magnificent Dubuque
limestone buildings and walls.
But Eagle Point Park does not belong in a dog’s world. Even if a visitor says, “My dog is just
sitting in the car,” how would the gatekeeper make that judgement? Eagle Point Park is a Dubuque
Treasure, a haven for all ages. Please keep Eagle Point Park “The Peoples’ Park.” A Park for People
Only.
The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is maintained by 340 plus volunteers including
myself:
a) People come to the Summer Concerts; sit on the grass and eat their picnic suppers.
b) People come to the Arboretum for a peaceful walk or a sit on the bench for a meditation.
I hope you consider the opinions of many Dubuquers who find the serenity of Eagle Point Park
and the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens as a soothing get-way for most of us in the
city and our visitors.
Thank you.
I have sent this letter for your consideration at the August Park and Recreation Commission
Meeting & the August 19, 2019 Dubuque City Council Meeting.
nanaloestscher@gmail.com
Kevin Firnstahl
From:Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent:Wednesday, August 14, 2019 12:29 PM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:"Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
Contact Us
Name: Mitchell Schaub
Address: 1745 Embassy West Drive
Ward:
Phone: 5635998100
Email: mitchschaub1q8@gmail.com
City Department: City Council
Message: As a Dubuque who was raised here, lived other places, and moved back, I can assure you that adequate facilities for pets
are a major quality-of-life factor for many families. Having a pet park leads to neighbors becoming friends, helps citizens become
involved in and feel connected to their community, and gives families a low cost activity to enjoy together. Pet parks also encourage
people to take part in the civic responsibility of training their pets properly and disposing of their waste in a sufficient fashion. They
are also an excellent resource for new “pet parents” to gather information about proper pet care. Please help bring our city into the
21st century with more inclusive access for pets in our parks, and eventually a city pet park.
Thank you,
Mitchell Schaub
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Kevin Firnstahl
From:Citizen Support Center <dubuqueia@mycusthelp.net>
Sent:Wednesday, August 14, 2019 1:13 PM
To:Kevin Firnstahl
Subject:"Contact Us" inquiry from City of Dubuque website
Contact Us
Name: Carla Siegert
Address: 2530 ELM ST
Ward: 3
Phone: 312-375-5958
Email: Csiegs21@yahoo.com
City Department: City Council
Message: Hi City Council Members!
I have been following the agenda for a more pet friendly Dubuque. I encourage all the members to vote for Pet Friendly Community!
This city is seriously deficient in including members with Pets.
As a person who has two dogs that are extremely active . I walk the city with them 3-5 miles a day and would greatly appreciate
more scenic areas, areas I can take them off leash and more water fountains! We walk all year round even during th epilate vortex.
I travel with my dogs and have seen many cities that get it right, for instance Minneapolis. Please vote Yes and make this popular
item moving forward!
Thank you for your time,
Carla Siegert
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September 12, 2019
Dear City Council:
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I am writing this in opposition to opening up our city parks to dogs. With less than 20 minutes of
googling, I have found the information and stories that I am sharing with this letter. This is minuscule
to the dangers and potential problems that comes with interaction with dogs.
Besides this, I would like to share a personal story that has occurred in our family. Our 34 year old
daughter in law (31 at the time) went to walk her dog m her neighborhood. 4 houses down a pit bull
dog came charging out the front door of its house and attacked her dog (20 pounds) that immediately
tried to defend her. Neighbors luckily carne running and subdued the pit bull but her dog had severe
injuries to his leg and gashes on his body. Her dog recovered after lengthy surgery ($5,000+ in cost)
and over one year in time.
The biggest blessing is that the dog did not get to her and that she had not taken her 2 girls (4 yrs and
2 yrs) along with her on the walk as she so often does. This incident so traumatized her she never again
walked in her neighborhood even with the fact the neighbors did get rid of the dog. AND within one
year they marketed their home and moved to a new neighborhood. She is now painfully afraid of
walking with her children not knowing what homes have dogs and always fears for her and her
childrens safety. This incident will NEVER leave her mind.
Dog parks are great. I'm a huge supporter of them. Everyone going there knows they'll see dogs.
Public parks are safe haven for so many citizens and families. To take that away from the non dog
lover is not fair. Many Dubuque citizens — men, women and children - are not dog fans nor want to be.
Even on a leash a sudden loud noise, a scream of a baby or child, bikes or scooters going by or just
people wearing hats can cause a dog to do a sudden bolt and be freed from restraint in an instance.
People then become innocently open to the dogs temperament and teeth!
I truly pray that you take time to further investigate different options and find new resolutions to
where you allow dogs to roam. To give up our rights as people over animals is not correct.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
C..3
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