TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum for Canine Club Rainbow Bridge and Circle of Honor Wetland Conversation.
Recommended Action
Motion 1:
I move to direct the City Manager to develop the details necessary to implement the installation of a Rainbow Bridge at the Canine Club, including amending the Administrative Regulation for the Tribute Program to include the purchase of plaques for pet owners to purchase in memory of their deceased pets and also including the creation of related procedures, standards, application materials, and cost-recovery fees, and to bring the proposed implementation plan back to the City Commission for consideration.
Motion 2:
I move to direct the City Manager to evaluate options for placing the wetland portion of Parcel Identification Number 0979002000 under conservation as part of the Circle of Honor, including any necessary legal, environmental, survey, land management, maintenance, and budget considerations, and to bring the proposed implementation options back to the City Commission for consideration.
City Commission Options
Motion 1 (Rainbow Bridge):
Option 1: I move to direct the City Manager to develop the details necessary to implement the installation of a Rainbow Bridge at the Canine Club, including amending the Administrative Regulation for the Tribute Program to include the purchase of plaques for pet owners to purchase in memory of their deceased pets and also including the creation of related procedures, standards, application materials, and cost-recovery fees, and to bring the proposed implementation plan back to the City Commission for consideration.
• Pro: Allows Commission to explore the concept further while retaining final review over design, costs, policy changes, fees, and implementation procedures.
• Con: Requires additional staff time before Commission decides whether to approve the project.
Option 2: I move to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
• Pro: Provides a clear final decision and avoids additional staff time, policy amendments, or future maintenance obligations.
• Con: May be viewed as not advancing a community-supported memorial opportunity for pet owners and dog park users.
Motion 2 (Wetland Conservation):
Option 1: I move to direct the City Manager to evaluate options for placing the wetland portion of Parcel Identification Number 0979002000 under conservation as part of the Circle of Honor, including any necessary legal, environmental, survey, land management, maintenance, and budget considerations, and to bring the proposed implementation options back to the City Commission for consideration.
• Pro: Allows Commission to explore the recommendation further while retaining final review over conservation method, boundaries, costs, maintenance responsibilities, and any legal or policy actions.
• Con: Requires additional staff time before Commission decides whether to formally place the wetland area under conservation.
Option 2: I move to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
• Pro: Provides a clear final decision and avoids additional staff time, policy amendments, or future maintenance obligations.
• Con: May be viewed as not advancing a conservation opportunity associated with the Circle of Honor.
Background Information
During the July 23, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting, the following two motions were made:
1. A motion was made by Board Member Patel, seconded by Board Member File, to recommend City Commission approve the installation of a Rainbow Bridge at the Canine Club located at 6700 Appomattox Drive, North Port, Florida, the amendment of the Administrative Regulation governing the Tribute Program to expressly include pet memorials and authorize the purchase and installation of plaques by Parks & Recreation for pet owners to purchase, at their own expense, in memory of their past pets, with such plaques to be placed on the Rainbow Bridge at the Canine Club in accordance with Parks & Recreation design, material, and placement standards, and the direction for Parks & Recreation staff to develop and implement appropriate procedures for administration of the pet memorial plaque option within the Tribute Program, including but not limited to, establishing standard plaque sizes, materials, and inscriptions limits consistent with existing tribute and memorial practices, creating a fee schedule to recover fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs consistent with City policies and applicable Parks & Recreation regulations, and preparing informational materials and application forms so that residents are aware of, and can participate in, the pet memorial plaque option under the Tribute Program.
The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5 Absent: 3
2. A motion was made by Board Member Patel, seconded by Board Member Jackomin, to recommend to City Commission that the wetland portion of Parcel Identification Number (PID) 0979002000 be placed under conservation as part of the Circle of Honor.
The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5 Absent: 3
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
To be determined.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. PRAB Memo to Commission for July 2026
2. Rainbow Bridge Presentation
Prepared by: Matt Powell, CMC, Deputy City Clerk
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk