Elwood adopts ordinance allowing public rental of dog runs at city animal shelter

The Elwood City Council held a public hearing June 1 and adopted Ordinance 256, allowing members of the public to rent dog runs at the city animal shelter and establishing fees and procedures for scheduled use.

Madam Clerk opened the hearing and staff explained the program is intended to provide a safe place for residents to exercise dogs rather than using public athletic fields. Staff said proceeds from the rental fees will be deposited into the general fund and that the administration and shelter staff will set rules for scheduling, key/entry procedures and liability waivers.

Residents and councilors asked how fees would be collected and how the city would address liability. Council members were told payments would be processed through the treasurer’s office and the shelter would publish availability; the ordinance requires users to accept liability and staff said the city is insured and would rely on waivers to limit exposure.

Council voted unanimous consent to consider the ordinance on the same night it was introduced and approved Ordinance 256 by roll call. Council members said scheduling would likely be managed by shelter staff (Michelle was referenced as the staff contact) and that staff has been working on fee structures for frequent users and monthly arrangements.

The ordinance establishes a framework for public rental, directs fees to the general fund, and delegates operational details to the shelter under mayoral administration.

The council indicated the ordinance will be implemented after shelter staff finalizes scheduling procedures; no further public objection was recorded during the hearing.