THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
Summary of QUARTERLY MEMBERS MEETING: April 27, 2002

Remarks

(none)

Committee Business

Projects & fundraising: Chairman and board representative Buzz Minnich.
-- Pet Fair: Mr. Minnich said that lastt year's co-chairs, Gerry Facon and Lori Edwards, are assisting with this year's. Secretary Jim Walters reported that Aug. 10 was requested as a first choice with the Parks Department; Aug. 17 as a backup. Mr. Walters said that he has been told that most of the paperwork is in order and that the department will inform him next week of the approved date. Auction items have already been donated, Mr. Minnich said, and association member Josh Starer has also secured several items. Mr. Minnich said volunteer support is "solid" for the event with about seven core members.
-- Emergency-assistance fund: Presidentt Jim Knutson told members of the board's efforts to form the fund after a Long Beach family's two Rottweilers were shot in their fence-in front yard about two weeks ago. Board members have lent their support to collecting money from the community to help the Lisa Garcia family with it's vet bills which are expected to at least $3,500. Members attending the meeting voiced their approval of the fund, which Mr. Knutson said the board will formally establish at its next meeting.

Nominations and elections: Chairman and board representative Pablo Drobny.
-- Election: Mr. Drobny reported that ttwo candidates have given notice for the four seats up for election: Fred Nicas and Carolyn Reed. Two other association members have also expressed interest in running.

Maintenance & planning: Co-chairmen and board representatives Jim Knutson and Fred Nicas.
-- Repairs and lighting: Mr. Knutson reeported that new fencing has been put in on the west side and the new lights are operational. While at least one has burned out, Mr. Knutson said it would probably be prudent to wait for at least another to go before asking the city to come out with a cherry-picker to replace the bulbs. In addition, the broken double gates near the entrance were replaced, the tall tree stump by the north fence was cut down, and excavation work will be done on the northeast corner near the restroom.

Membership: Co-chairwomen and board representatives Carolyn Reed and Shirlee Hitchcock.
-- Logo contest: Ms. Reed noted that thhe logo contest will end April 30. A winning design will be chosen shortly after that, she said.
-- Membership drive: People who are joiining the association are being considered members for '02-03. Many, she said, are seniors. Currently there are 22 memberships for the new year, 10 new members and 12 renewals, for a total of $670.

Communications & advertising: Chairman and board representatives Jim Walters.
-- Paw Prints: Mr. Walters said that thhe main stories for the Summer '02 issue will be the Pet Fair, the election and the community effort to assist the Garcia family.
-- Gravel warning: Mr. Walters noted thhat gravel-ingestion warnings have been posted on the Bark Board.

Other Business

1. Park rules: One member of the audience asked if the new park rules put a limit on the number of dogs visitors are allowed. Jim Knutson said that that issue was one of the most debated during proceedings but the Parks Department and City Attorney's Office decided not to include it. Jim Walters noted that city officials believed that they addressed the issue by requiring that dogs must be under their owner's control.

2. Dog killing: One member of the audience asked about a notice put on a tree about a dog being killed at the park. Board members all said they knew nothing of the incident until they saw the sign too. Jim Knutson said that he has only learned of the incident hearsay. Another audience member volunteered that one of the dogs that was attacked was hers and the other, as she understood it, left the park injured but died later. She said that her dog has since recovered but she asked about posting a number to call to report such incidents. Last year the board has posted an emergency procedures list on the Bark Board

Next Meetings

Next quarterly members meeting will be Saturday, July 27 at the Bruins Den.
Next regular board meeting: Thursday, May 2, at Carolyn Reed's home.

-- JIM WALTERS, April 30, 2002