September 2004 DOA Meeting Minutes

Members Present:President Sharon Blumberg (Sasha, white Bichon), Sam Soldan (Xena, P. Corgi), Jennifer Scoliard (Buford & Fred, Bassett Hounds), Karen Morante (Onyx, Sharpei), Pamela Rimaot-Tirone (Guru, P. Welsh Corgi), Bob Tirone (Guru, P. Welsh Corgi), Stacy Darrah (Raina, mutt\Husky mix), Alexandra Wehle, DOA Webmaster (Snoopy, Beagle), Martha Hurt (Chester, Cocker Spaniel), Dot Natale (Sunny, mutt), Anette & Al Rodin (Elle, Poodle), Sarah Winkelross (Cubby, Labrador Retriever), Ann Shine (Biloxi & Manderly, Whippets), Beth Monahan (Pete & Mickey, Beagles), Michelle Borden (Champa, American Pitbull Terrier), Chris Fanelli (Jack & Jake, Australian Shepherds), Frank Kelly (Porkchop, Amstaff Terrier).

The Resurfacing -- A Review - It's been four months since the resurfacing was done and people gave their input. The general feeling seemed to be that the new surface was not well liked. The negatives included the incredible amount of dust from the gravel, smell of urine and the continuing uneven travel of the gravel. People did agree, however, that the drainage after rain was a huge improvement.

To deal with the dust, the "wetting down" of the park would be tried. Volunteers will be need to do this. The Contractor will be contacted for other suggestions.

It was pointed out that we are still in need of $3,000 to finish paying for the resurfacing work.

The benches were moved to the perimeter of the Dog Run while the work was being done. We will move the benches back to more "social" locations both in the Big Dog and Small Dog parts of the Park.

Other Park-related Issues -

• Small Dog Water Fountain: Some one suggested that we put another fountain into the small dog area. This will not happen due to the expense. The Large Dog water fountain cost $14,000 and it's not likely we can raise more money for that in the near future.
• Clean-up Day\Volunteers: We are looking to establish a clean-up crew that will "sweep" the park at night and check for poop and trash. Several people volunteered to do it. We will also have a "seasonal work day" when the park would be closed on a weekend for a couple of hours to do a thorough clean-up of the park. It was decided to have the first one on Saturday October 2, 10am-12pm. Jennifer Scoliard (Buford & Red Fred) has volunteered to head the Committee on this.
• Gate Locks: It was agreed that the "butterfly" latches on the gates were the preferred type of closure and we would continue to use them. Bob Tirone (Guru) said he would be able to make them work properly.
• Tree Planting: We would like to have about six trees planted in the Dog Run parallel to the sidewalk. The Center City Residents Association (CCRA) will pay for 50% of the cost. We need to get Fairmount Park's Arborist, Rich Sunday to come out and decide what trees we should have planted. It was also mentioned that City Councilwoman Anna Verna has a staff member who can obtain trees for free. Owner Karen Morante (Onyx) will contact Verna's office about this. But apparently there is a large backlog of requests for the free trees.
• Park Lighting: Fairmount Park has put up the maximum number of lamps possible in the park -- they say no more wires will be run at this point. They have been good about replacing light bulbs that have gone out.
• Picking Up After Dogs: Once again people were encouraged to bring their own poop bags to the Park. While many people do keep up the supply of plastic bags, it's helpful if owners are responsible on their own. New poop bags called "Mutt Mitts" were talked about -- they're biodegradable (unlike regular plastic bags). The disadvantages discussed included their awkward use and expense. We would be unable to advertise a store or company that donated them to the Park because Fairmount Park doesn't allow advertisements.
• Signs: Both Health Department signs and regular signs (made by individuals) are being pulled down with some frequency. We will try using metal signs. The sign will mention liability issues. It will say that children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the Park, even with a parent or guardian.
• Dog Sizes at Park: People discussed how many people owning large dogs are bringing their dogs into the Small Dog section of the park. Also, people with small dogs are possibly taking a chance by bringing their little ones into the Large Dog area. The policy is that large dogs are NOT permitted in the Small Dog section. If a small dog is brought into the Large dog area, the owner assumes liability if something happens.
• Aggressive Dog Policy: People should not assume that known aggressive dog breeds (such as Rottweilers and Pit Bulls) are all aggressive. No dog (any breed) is to be left unattended. Owners must keep an eye on their dogs. Also, as courtesy, people should pull back their dogs if someone else is trying to enter. All dogs should be wearing collars (preferably with their current dog license tag).

Upcoming Dog-friendly Activities:

• Annual Fall Beagle Party on Saturday September 18th, 10:00am-2:00pm. Contact Alexandra Wehle for more information.
• Dog Wash Fund-raiser on Saturday September 18th at Whole Foods on 9th & South Streets. 12:00pm-4:00pm. Benefits the People Pet Partnership in Philadelphia.
• Mayor's Alliance for Philadelphia's Animals: This new organization will be holding its first town meeting on Tuesday September 28th, 5:30pm-8pm. At the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. www.mayorsalliance.org.
• PSPCA's Yappy Hour on Thursday evening September 30th. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Benefits the Pennsylvania SPCA.
• Possible Phila. Dog Walk Fund-raiser: Beth Monahan (Pete & Mickey) reports that the Mayor's Alliance for Philadelphia's Animals is planning a dog walk to raise money for spa/neuter programs in Philadelphia: There was the thought that a group from the DOA could walk in the event (in June 2005).

Local Town Watch - Bill Faust from the local Town Watch came and spoke to us about how DOA members could join the local Town Watch. He said the organization is part of the National Town Watch program. Crime exists in every town and Town Watch programs can be very effective. The current covered area is Pine Street to Chancellor, 20th to 25th Streets. Volunteers wear bright orange vests so they can be clearly seen at night and possibly deter trouble. Volunteers walk in pairs and have walkie-talkies and flashlights. Shifts are 8pm-10pm and 10pm-12am. He was asking for one or two hours a month to be donated to the program. Volunteers are told to never "get involved" in a situation -- they just report it to "home base" who can then call 911.

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