Council Weighs in on Dog Park Woes

■ Members agree to Take a Wait and See Response

It wasn't on the agenda, but Malibu City Council members this week offered enough commentary on problems at the Trancas Canyon dog park to offer an insight to where the city is headed on the matter.

The issue came up when Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Mark Wetton, who was reporting on the actions of the city's panel, mentioned the issue.

The council was told the dog park is smaller than originally designed and to create a fencedoff area in the dog park for different size canines would reduce the overall size of the park and might prove to be expensive for all the extra fencing required.

Wetton said the consensus of the commission is to give it more time to see if anything more than the usual problems develop, given a certain number of dog problems are inherent.

"We thought give it another six months or a year," he added.

Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich said she was concerned about the city's liability.

City Attorney Christi Hogin said the information the city has now is not any different than when the park was built.

Councilmember Jefferson Wagner said possibly a sign could be posted warning pet owners to direct bigger dogs into one area and move smaller dogs on the other side.

Mayor John Sibert said he often goes to the park with his pet. "You can't keep dogs separated. Maybe put up a sign that owners be informed to watch over their dogs. I am inclined to give it more time. Leave the dogs alone," the mayor concluded.

BY BILL KOENEKER