01/26/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Regular Council Meeting January 26, 2015 Page 4 Mr. Godwin told the Council they would see this item several more times over the next several months prior to considering action on it. 14. Discuss and act on creation of a dog park, and receive presentation by Dr. Hashmi. Council Member Hashmi said during discussion of the Paris Park Plan there was interest expressed about a dog park among the committee members. Council Member Hashmi presented to the Council a slide show which depicted dog socialization advantages, people socialization advantages, educational advantages, community advantages, disadvantages, financial issues, potential sites, and a dog lovers volunteer group which included the possibility of corporate sponsors. Council Member Hashmi said for location they might want to look at land adjacent to the swimming pool, land at the new EMT station site, tax foreclosed properties, and city owned land. Council Member Hashmi inquired from the city manager about costs. Mr. Godwin estimated $12,000 for fencing and gates and $12,000 for benches, soil testing, drinking fountains and a pick -up station. He said the maintenance costs would be fairly low. Council Member Hashmi asked Planning Director Alan Efrussy if he thought a dog park was needed or if it was a luxury. Mr. Efrussy said he thought it was good idea, that he did not consider it a luxury and during park planning discussions four or five people expressed an interest in creation of a dog park. Council Member Pickle favored the idea and said he would like to the community to come up with the features. He thought next to the swimming pool was a good location. Council Member Plata agreed that it was a good idea but said he did not want to hire an additional employee. Council Member Lancaster liked the idea and said she had seen successful dog parks. Council Member Jenkins also favored the idea. Mayor Pro -Tem Grossnickle inquired if it was common for cities the size of Paris to have a dog park. Mr. Godwin said it had become more and more common. Mayor Pro -Tem Grossnickle said he wanted to continue to support the shelter and the spay /neuter program. Council Member Hashmi asked that this item be placed on the next agenda, so that Council could receive input from the citizens. 15. Convene into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, Consultation with Attorney, to receive legal advice from the City Attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and/or on matters in which the duty of an attorney to his client under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas, clearly conflict with this chapter, as follows: Paris Warehouse 107, Inc. Tax Abatement Agreement. Mayor Pro -Tem Grossnickle convened City Council into executive session at 6:35 p.m. 16. Reconvene into open session and possibly take action on those matters discussed in Executive Session. Mayor Pro -Tem Grossnickle reconvened City Council into open session at 6:51 p.m. He said during executive session they discussed Paris Warehouse 107 rebating to the City taxes they owed for being slightly under the number of jobs created as required by the tax abatement.