Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Despite a recommendation from the Clintonville Park and Recreation Commission to approve a dog park in the city and to begin fundraising, the Common Council failed to give its approval last week.
The vote was 5-3 in favor, but failed because six votes were needed.
Alderman Steve Kettenhoven was disappointed with the vote. Kettenhoven said after the meeting that it didn’t seem right that people are not being represented by a majority of the council.
“I can’t believe the council voted no on something free to the residents,” Kettenhoven said.
Katie Kettenhoven, a student at Fox Valley Technical College who wanted to begin fundraising for the dog park, gave a presentation to the council and then asked for permission to start fundraising for a dog park that would be located on Beacon Avenue.
Katie Kettenhoven had hoped to get pledges for the construction of a dog park. She said she thought a dog park would be beneficial to the city.
Alderwoman Mary-Beth Kuester said the public works and park and recreation directors already had enough on their plate. Kuester noted that she knew dog parks in Madison were well used.
Steve Kettenhoven said he spoke to people that were in favor of a dog park and were currently taking their dogs to a park in New London.