NOTES FROM MEETING

SAVE THE DOG PARKS

Meeting of August 3, 2018

Ike (Ross) Dog Park

NOTE: There were many side conversations taking place that I could not hear; these minutes do not reflect those that I missed. Please feel free to let the group know about these conversations through the emails. All of the conversations are important!

The meeting was called at 9 a.m. We briefly described the situation as was outlined in The Columbian article of July 12 (copies of the article were distributed; anyone who would like a Word version can contact or view it online on The Columbian's web page.

An email was received from a Board member; the note stated that the Board meetings are not open to the public or to DOGPAW members.The group about a telephone conversation that he had with Mark Watson on August 2. We asked for transparency; Mark responded that he would put out "a letter" to members soon.Someone had spoken to a City Council member about the parks. The Councilor said that the City might be willing to help, but any financial help would have to be in the budget process. Mark Watson has indicated that without sponsors and government assistance, the parks will not be able to stay open.

An issue that was raised in the newspaper article about the possible liability at parks. Larry recommended that we speak with an insurance company. There is, apparently, a meeting being held on Saturday, September 18, from 9 to 1 at Ike (Ross) park that will have a membership drive and vendors present. We will develop a petition describing our aim at keeping the dog park open. Suggestions are requested as to what we should put in the petition. Once the petition is created, we will send it out to members who can gather signatures. There was some disagreement in how to approach the Board with our concerns. Do we go to them individually or as a group? If we meet with the Board, whether it is with five people or five hundred at the meeting, it must be with 1-3 people as the joint voice of the group. This means that this group must communicate well and determine the points to be made prior to any meeting so that we can be sure that all of our concerns get addressed. "Committee by hoard" rarely works.

Communication is critical. I have a website that I can use to post notices, etc., but if anyone knows of a better way, please step forward. I am not real bright when it comes to web-based stuff!

With such a diverse group of people at the parks, there are a lot of specialists who might be able to provide assistance—anything from business acumen to a willingness to pick up "karma poop." For example, I spent years negotiating government contracts, especially related to electric distribution, so I have offered to be a representative with BPA. Sometimes, when we do general clean up (weeding, placing gravel, trimming trees and the dreaded blackberries, etc.), we need tools and helping hands. Are you (or know) someone who might be able to give us advice regarding non-profits or insurance? Do you have groundskeeping knowledge? Do you have social media skills and/or web experience so that we can all communicate better? Are you (or do you know) anyone in or running for office who could help us save the parks? Do you have any experience with Animal Control? Are you willing to help get signatures on a petition? Let us know how you'd be willing to help keep our parks open. Our dogs deserve it!

Meeting adjourned at 9:35. Okay, maybe adjourned is a bit grandiose...the meeting dissipated about that time.