Council approves doggie bag dispensers

• Image

Dog

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON - The Worthington City Council went to the dogs at its Monday meeting, where canines dominated the discussion.

Council approved the installation of six doggie bag dispensers near Lake Okabena, which members hope will reduce the amount of pet waste left in parks.

In upholding the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, the city will grant the Lake Okabena Lake Association permission to install two doggie waste stations at Centennial, Chautauqua and Olson parks. The stations will include a doggie bag dispenser and signage reminding owners to clean up after their pets.

The Association will purchase the first 4,000 bags before the city takes over the cost of the bags.

LOLA representative Genny Turner said the bags are “quite inexpensive” and could deter litterers.

“There’s a lot of excess dog waste that just gets left,” she told the council, saying the stations could be used in conjunction with the garbage cans lining the lake. “If we can even get 25 percent more picked up, that’s a start,” she said. “We thought we’d start with a small number and see if they are utilized.”

Alderman Ron Wood agreed, saying the stations should be monitored to ensure the bags are used for pet waste and not other purposes.

“I just think the practicality of it is suspect,” said Alderman Lyle Ten Haken, who registered the lone vote against the initiative. He said owners may not be apt to pick up a bag if the dog isn’t “doing its business” as they near the station.

Alderman Mike Woll questioned whether the police are receptive to calls reporting offenders.

Director of Public Safety Mike Cumiskey said the department does respond to such calls, though the Department of Public Works receives the bulk of those complaints.

Council also unanimously approved the installation of a permanent, vinyl-coated chain link fence at the city’s dog park for a cost of $4,655. The fence will be funded from the sale of the former pool fence, park reserves and monies raised by a group in support of the park.

In other business, the council Monday:

- Commended Officer Randy Liepold and his K-9 Laika for their performance at the USPCA National Police Dog Trials. The team placed 13th out of 94 teams.

- Approved a $19,614 safety contract with the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association.

- Adopted the assessments for Paving Improvement No. 108 which includes sanitary sewer and water main extensions on 27th Street and approved miscellaneous unpaid charges including removal of snow, weeds, solid waste and diseased Elm Trees.

- Accepted the Federal Engineering report on Nobles County’s radio system.

Tags: city council, city of worthington, news, doggie, bags, worthington