Poway council to take another run at off-leash dog issue

New City Councilman Barry Leonard will find himself in the middle of a long-standing neighborhood dispute when the question of whether to allow dogs to run off-leash at Silverset Park resurfaces at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

For over two years neighbors have been at odds, sometimes bitterly, over the issue. Although not allowed by the city, the park had a long tradition of dogs running off-leash, until an enforcement crackdown began.

Off-leash supporters are asking that their dogs be allowed to run free each morning within the confines of a fenced softball field that is used by Poway Girls Softball. A second, less-popular option calls for a fenced dog run to be constructed along the perimeter.

Opponents, some of them dog owners, say off-leash dogs present a potential public safety hazard and that dog waste, if not monitored, could be an issue as well. They note that the city’s legal off-leash dog park is about two miles away.

Tuesday night will be the third public workshop on the issue within the past year.

Last October, after listening to 21 speakers, the council appeared to be split over how best to proceed. Then-Councilman Steve Vaus and Councilman Dave Grosch seemed willing to give the softball field option a tryout while Councilmen John Mullin and Jim Cunningham were leaning more toward a fenced dog run beyond the outfield. Then-Mayor Don Higginson said he was opposed to allowing dogs to run off leash, period.

In December, Vaus moved over to the mayor’s chair and Leonard on Feb. 3 was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Leonard said last week that he is meeting with representatives of both sides to be brought up to speed on the controversy.

At the close of the October meeting the council asked staff to return with cost estimates of the two options.

A report prepared by Community Services Director Robin Bettin estimates that it would cost $2,000 to purchase and install two gates at the softball field and suggested that if the option is selected, the city contract for dog waste pickup three times per week, at $20 per visit.

The second option, building a dog run along the outfield, would cost $38,120, Bettin estimated.

Bettin’s report restates her concerns about letting dogs run free on the softball field. “Public Works and Community Services staff continue to subscribe to the findings that off-leash dogs and athletic play are incompatible from a safety and sanitary perspective,” she wrote.

Additionally, she wrote that dogs and their owners might use the field at times other than allowed, creating the need for additional enforcement by the San Diego Humane Society. Possible wear and tear on the turf caused by allowing off-leash dogs might increase maintenance costs, she added.

Because the matter will be again discussed in a workshop format, no final vote will be taken Tuesday night, although the council can give staff direction on how the city should further proceed.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 13325 Civic Center Drive.