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BOOK iOJ PAGE278 retention areas as appropriate will be added. They could not commit to long-range planning for dog parks or anything else at this time, but they would make looking at those issues a part of their long-range plans. Responding to Commissioner Ginn's concern about location of the retention ponds over the old landfill, Ms. Carlson advised that their engineers had contacted federal and state agencies and there seemed to be no problem with what is done above ground, as long as the water table is not affected. Shelly Ferger, 25 5' Avenue, Vero Beach, a leader of the Indian River County 4-H Dog Masters Club, asked where the club stands now in their efforts to establish a dog park. Public Works Director James Davis advised that he had communicated with both Ms. Carlson and Ms. Ferger during the past year and it was his understanding that the Humane Society was willing to accommodate the club; it was not in their short -tern program, but part of their long -tern plan. He believed that Ms. Ferger's desire was that the dog park be moved up to the short-term program. He understood that Ms. Carlson did not have a problem with a dog park there and that Ms. Ferger's group had raised some funding for such a park. He hoped that the two groups could work together to achieve the dog park. Vice Chairman Adams advised that other sites had been considered for a dog park which would be a fenced -in area where dogs could run without a leash to try to promote socialization of dogs and people. Numerous locations have been given consideration, but none have turned out to be satisfactory. So far, a compromise has not been reached. She suggested the dog park concept go back to the Parks and Recreation Committee for a fresh look. Commissioner Stanbridge thought the Humane Society might take the dog park concept into their long-range planning and it might evolve into a safe dog park. Commissioner Ginn pointed out that the Humane Society is under contract to the County to do certain animal control work. She was not ready to spend County dollars on recreation for dogs, she felt it was the owners' responsibility. Vice Chairman Adams clarified that the Club had not asked for the County to fund anything, they were specifically looking for a spot to lease and use. Ms. Ferger's understanding that the matter would go back to the Parks and Recreation Committee was correct. Olske Forbes, 1864 Robalo Drive, as a new dog owner, wanted to point out to Commissioner Ginn that dogs were more than merely pets. A new puppy had helped her JULY 279 1999 W