Dog Park Motion 'Doesn't Carry'

After months of planning and conversation between IMPACT Ulysses and City Council, the possibility of a dog park at Barb Bye Park in the near future has been shut down once again.

IMPACT member Kim Darrough-Hayden presented the City Council with the final budget outline for a dog park and "Back to Nature" Park to be constructed in the southeastern part of town.

“We have a plan that can be implemented based upon which option you approve tonight,” said Darrough-Hayden. “The dog park and Back to Nature Park was one of our largest proposed placemaking projects at $55,000.”

Two options were given to council members, which differed in size. Option one consisted of a dog park with dimensions of 96’ by 160’ for a total of $45,000. Option two had a larger measurement of 160’ by 160’ for a total of $45,000. Back to Nature Park had a budgeted cost of $10,000, making the grand total $55,000 which would be covered by the placemaking grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

Darrough-Hayden expressed urgency of a decision to be made by the council due to a September 14 deadline.

“I want to make sure to thank Mayor McCauley and council members Terry Maas, Ken Warner, and Mark Diaz for being a part of various discussions,” said Darrough-Hayden. “We acknowledge and value their input and support throughout this whole process.”

Darrough-Hayden also thanked community members for dedicating their time to planning the project.

City Councilmen took a moment to share concerns and opinions about the proposition, with Diaz inquiring first about the change in budget.

“My understanding was that there was $65,000 when Margaret (Obholz) first brought that forth, not $55,000, and now, it went down to $45,000 in the last meeting I sat in, just to give you a heads up," Diaz said.

Darrough-Hayden explained to Diaz the amount budgeted was based on the suggestions of $45,000 for the dog park and $10,000 for Back to Nature Park.

Next, Councilman Caleb Woods asked about amounts listed in the budget for Back to Nature Park of more than $10,000. Darrough-Hayden explained process of elimination could be used to find different avenues to afford equipment or fit within budget.

“You always reach for the moon, and if you only have $9,000, we’ll go with what we have, and if we need to find money somewhere else, we can do that,” she said.

Darrough-Hayden was asked by Councilman Sam Guy if the City of Ulysses would be responsible for labor in bringing the projects to fruition.

“Yes and no," she replied. "We do have some volunteer organizations that can step up and help with maintenance, upkeep, or throwing in some help to get it going.”

Maas requested clarity on the pricing of each dog park, since both were budgeted for $45,000. Woods interjected, explaining the cost remained the same by taking away smaller amenities and adding more fencing.

Diaz spoke again, sharing more of his concerns.

“There is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) given to us after we signed the pledge for the community garden,” said Diaz. “In the conversation with Margaret, we have asked for the MOU so we know what responsibilities the City of Ulysses (would) have after this has been put in.”

Diaz continued by mentioning two major concerns pertaining to volunteers and the MOU.

“At this time, there has not been one volunteer from IMPACT Ulysses or any other volunteer to go out there and spread soil or whatever,” he said.

Diaz stated an MOU had failed to be provided to the Mayor or City Clerk Sarah Britton by IMPACT Ulysses.

“It’s hard for us to sign something when you don’t give us the correct paperwork, so we know what we are looking at because, at the end of the day, we have to look at what the majority of the people of Ulysses want,”  he said.

Woods responded to Diaz, by asking him "what is your worry?"

Diaz replied that it was the additional cost to take care of it.

Diaz also shared the budget amount and use of the park as concerns.

“It’s going to come back to the cost of the taxpayers of this town, where a majority of them don’t use that park,”  he said.

Darrough-Hayden took a moment to respond to the various comments.

“I understand we have a lot of costs and things going on in the community," she said. “One of the big things is, yes, that place is used. Barb Dye Park is used, and it would be used by the people who live there and other people in the community. It would actually be used more.”

Darrough-Hayden added her position with students who need volunteer work as another part of her stance.

“These kids need community service work,” said Darrough-Hayden. “I wasn’t part of the community garden, but I know I’m willing to pull weeds if I have to and I can get kids out there to do it, too.”

Councilman John Duran responded to Darrough Hayden, sharing his view of the responsibilities ultimately falling on the City of Ulysses.

“It will always end back up on the city, which, at least it’ll be kept up, but we’re still looking at money long-term,” Duran said.

Lastly, Maas asked if there was a preference by IMPACT pertaining to the size of a dog park.

“A bigger area does provide more run space,” answered Darrough-Hayden.

Guy added to the conversation, asking about rule enforcement. Darrough-Hayden answered Guy, sharing the implementation of rules would need to be discussed upon approval of the project.

Concluding questions and concerns from the council, McCauley made a motion to sign the proclamation to continue with the 160’ by 160’ layout. Before seconding, Woods shared his view on IMPACT’s proposal.

“I understand the cost side of it, but if we look at that, should we close all of our parks,” asked Woods. “I get the ongoing cost, but I also get the quality of life in our community and trying to help people out here. I feel like we’re getting a $45,000 park we don’t have to pay for. We might have to do some upkeep.”

Before Woods could finish his comment, Diaz interjected.

“Before you second it, this is what I would have to say, is that it would be better used for the trail – what we had earlier – and the revitalization of Main Street because it’s going to be used more,” he said, adding, "That is my opinion, now you can go ahead and second the motion.”

Woods responded that it "hasn't been presented"  to him.

“I don’t know anything about that, so I can’t say anything to it, Mark," Woods added. "It’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Maas then added his input.

“We’ve seen this room filled with people that love dogs and, there is going to be some associated cost, which I think are probably going to be minimal with the help of the community and the amount of dog lovers. I think it’s only going to add to our community. That’s why I’m in favor of it: I think it’s a move forward.”

Following the comments, Woods officially seconded the motion from Maas.

McCauley took the motion to a vote, with Maas and Woods in favor, and Diaz, Duran, and Guy opposed, causing the motion for the dog park proposition from IMPACT to not carry.

Councilman Ken Warner was not present at the meeting.