West Bench Dog Park Committee

West Bench Dog Park Committee

PURPOSE OF COMMITTEE

The purpose of the WEST BENCH DOG PARK COMMITTEE is to provide information for Council and staff to move towards the development and construction of a dog park in the Town of Osoyoos. Council passed a resolution indicating that the dog park will be located at the West Bench (former BMX track) area. 
 
These specific items will be directly related to this process:      

1. Assist with the design of the dog park and make recommendations on the layout and amenities of the park.
2. Help achieve a proposed budget that will identify our needs for the dog park. 
3. Be positive community ambassadors to promote the development of the dog park. 
4. If a phased approach to development results this committee will continue to meet and be pro-active in its development.
5. Work with Council and staff to be fiscally responsible and make recommendations to Council on the development of a dog park.
6. Assist in developing community stakeholder relationships to acquire a true representation from the general public.
7. Focus on achieving sustainable and environmental results. 

SCOPE

The main purpose of this committee is to bring forth community ideas and best practices related to the development of a dog park and to build an open and transparent relationship with the general public. Information should be channeled through the committee by members of the community. 
 
A broader range of communication between community residents, non-profit community associations and service clubs could be accomplished when the committee meets to discuss the nature of the dog park.  This committee will be advisory in nature and will be making recommendations to council for approval.
 
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP   

The West Bench Dog Park Committee shall be appointed by Council and will be comprised of:

• A Town Councilor to co-chair the committee.
• Town staff that will include the Director of Community Services (co-chair), and the Director of Operational Services.
• Up to three (3) community-wide stakeholders representing broad public interests in the community’s desire to develop a dog park.      

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

Community members who want to get involved with the development of the dog park will be recruited by local newspaper advertisements, the Town of Osoyoos E news and the Town website.  These volunteer positions may be needed to help achieve the community’s direct input for a dog park and also to help promote the development of a park. 
 
OPERATIONS OF COMMITTEE

1. The committee is expected to review all aspects of developing a dog park and work towards the construction.
2. The committee will investigate specific items related to the development of a dog park which will include but not be limited to:
   • Site
   • Design
   • Budget
3. The timeline to bring this project to completion is targeted for the summer of 2018.
4. Frequency of meetings will reflect the progress of Committee discussions and is not expected to exceed one (1) meeting every month. Special meetings can be arranged if required.
5. Stakeholder committee members and volunteers will serve without remuneration.
6. Council may remove by affirmative vote any volunteers from the Committee at any time.
7. The Committee shall do its business on a consensual basis, without formal voting. 
8. Minutes will be kept of each meeting and submitted for approval at the next meeting.
9. The Director of Community Services or designate will assist in organizing meetings, circulating information and recording minutes.
10. The Director of Community Services will prepare a report on Committee findings and recommendations, which will be discussed with Committee members before submission to Council.
11. Council will approve all aspects related to the development of the park.