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7. The draft proposal appears to place highest priority on accommodating the neighbors <br /> on Lincoln Street, some of whom have been extremely vocal in their opposition to the off- <br /> leash program. It appears these neighbors are being afforded special consideration not given <br /> to anyone else. No such accommodation has been given to neighbors at the north edge of <br /> the Park who are impacted by the operation of the day camp and the picnic shelter. Other <br /> city residents are equally impacted by activities at other parks, schools, etc. These residents <br /> have not been allowed to "veto" activities or get the City to establish 800 foot "buffer strips" <br /> between their homes and what they consider to be objectionable activity. We asked at the <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission's Public Hearing that we be held to the same or equivalent <br /> standards as that of other park users an uses. It appears the off -leash program is being held <br /> to a much stricter standard than other uses. <br /> 8. One of the reported advantages of the smaller off -leash area is greater consistency <br /> with the new Morse Ranch Park Master Plan. Until we acquired a copy of the draft plan on <br /> June 24th, we had been unable to evaluate this claim. Dog owners have been systematically <br /> denied the opportunity to participate in or see the results of the Master Plan process. We are <br /> not impressed by the draft plan and will make comments at the appropriate opportunities. <br /> 9. We are very concerned that the opinions and preferences of a few members of the <br /> Morse Ranch Historical Park Corporation's Board of Directors seem to be so highly regarded. <br /> The Board has refused access to meetings and meeting minutes and the Historical Park <br /> Corporation's Board has never contacted it membership about the issue. <br /> As an alternative to the City's proposal, we suggest that the program at Morse Ranch Park be <br /> continued with only minor changes. We believe other issues should be dealt with on an <br /> issue -by -issue basis so that solutions address the specific concerns. We would very much like <br /> to meet with you and other appropriate City officials to discuss ways we can work together. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Casey Forrest <br /> Chair <br /> Eugene Off -Leash Association <br /> cc: Randy MacDonald <br /> Bobby Green <br /> Donna Neal <br /> Barbara Keller <br /> Fred Lockhart <br /> John Van Meter <br /> Greg Evans <br /> Roscoe Divine <br /> Jim Morgan <br /> Bob Schutz <br /> Doug Post <br /> John Etter <br />