ORANGE DOG PARK ASSOCIATION
October 22, 2005
General Membership Meeting Minutes
Jeannine Lawrie called the meeting to order at 9am. 26 members plus 6 Board members were in attendance. Board members were introduced.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. There will NOT be a monthly meeting in November or December due to holiday schedules. Regular meetings will resume in January. Meeting announcements will be posted at the dog park and on the website.
2. Memberships can be purchased today at the information desk as well as T-shirts. Donations are also accepted and we truly appreciate the support of the members.
3. Please update your contact information (phone, email, address) on the sheet at the information booth or email us through the website.
4. $212 was donated at the last meeting for animal rescue related to Hurricane Katrina and that money has been sent to the appropriate charity. Thank you!
WISH LIST
1. The ODPA needs a CPA familiar at working with non-profits to complete its taxes. Please contact us if you know of anyone who could help with this.
2. The ODPA is looking for corporate or individual sponsors for the “doggie bag” dispensers in the park. It costs about $300 a month to supply bags. If interested, please contact the ODPA via the website and we will send you the information.
PRESENTATION/RECOGNITION
The ODPA Board presented Rick Cryder, co-founder of the dog park with a plaque that acknowledged his outstanding service and timeless efforts to make the dog park a reality. A full round of applause was given.
QUESTIONS/ANSWERS
Q: What is the status of planting additional trees in the park?
A: Regarding interest in planting additional trees in the dog park. The City has stated that because of the restrictions imposed upon them for the maintenance of this landfill site, we cannot plant trees. Container trees are not practical as they will not grow large enough to provide sufficient shade and also maintenance of them would be problematic.
Q: Will lighting be put up in the park especially now that it is dark earlier?
A: The City does not plan to put lights in the park. Most of the city parks do not have lighting and this park is not different. The City currently does not have funding for any renovations or improvements to Yorba Park.
Q: How much does the ODPA owe the City?
A: We do not have the official financial statements with us today. We owe approximately $4000/year to the City. The Board will present a financial report to the members at future meetings.
Q: Will the grass be reseeded?
A: The City has said that we can seed but maintaining it is difficult due to the heavy use of the park and we would have to cordon off sections for awhile so the grass could grow.
(A member suggested using St. Augustine grass that is very hardy and not expensive.)
Q. What is the membership year for the ODPA?
A: When we first took memberships dating back 4 years ago, people were told the membership year would begin when the dog park opened. The Board needs to look at where we are with that and determine when the official membership year begins and ends. The Board will report back at next meeting.
PROGRAM
Sandy Norell, VP of ODPA, gave a brief presentation on Canine Flu. A one page information announcement from the OC Health Care Agency was also distributed. Important points made were:
Ø Canine flu is a serious condition but it has been somewhat overblown by the media. Use good judgment and your own knowledge of your own dog.
Ø Canine flu is an air borne disease. Dog owners need to be cautious when bringing their dogs to any place where dogs congregate including dog parks, boarding kennels, and groomers. Make sure these places are sanitary.
Ø Elderly, young, ill or dogs with immunity issues are more at risk and better kept away from other dogs
Ø Symptoms: starts with moist cough that then gets dry
Ø Call your Vet before taking your dog into the clinic. Some Vets may want to treat the dog outside the clinic so as not to put other dogs at risk.
Ø There is no vaccine for canine flu
Ø There is a very low risk of transmission to humans
Q: Is canine flu seasonal like human flu?
A: This is a new condition and there are still many unanswered questions being studied. We are not sure if canine flu seasonal like human flu. It has not been around long enough to know.
Q: Are the communal water dishes in the park risky?
A: Yes they are cause for concern for a number of illnesses not just canine flu. It is preferably to keep your dog away from standing communal water. It is better to bring your own water dish and take it away from the common area.
Opportunity drawing was conducted and the happy recipient selected. Jeannine adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:30am.