"Those fees are excessive and not commensurate with the offense - $750 is a huge fee for someone whose dog poops and they happen to be looking the other way," Murray resident Barbara Conrad told the council Wednesday.

Yes, that's right - failure to pick up your pup's poop could cost you a pretty penny. But the council scrapped levying a $750 fine for the second offense in favor of a compromise proposed by Councilman Bud Catlin.

Catlin suggested a fine of $100 on the first offense, then doubling with each subsequent offense, with a cap of $1,000.

Opened in the spring of 2004, the off-leash area in Millrace Park at 1200 W. 5400 South immediately attracted throngs of loyal users from Taylorsville and adjacent cities as well.

However, the popular gathering spot sprouted new challenges for Taylorsville in terms of high maintenance and complaints from some of the neighbors about noise and safety issues.

For months, the City Council discussed ways to better manage the facility, including the most extreme option of shutting down the off-leash area for good.

Wednesday night, council members also wrestled with the problem of enforcing any rules they might impose.

"My biggest heartburn now is that we're being asked to draft a law that could cost up to $150,000 a year to enforce," said Council Vice Chairman Jerry Rechtenbach, adding that he preferred that users of the dog park take care of it themselves.

"I say get rid of the ordinance and if the problems don't get solved, shut the park down," said Rechtenbach.

Councilman Lynn Handy also worried about enforcement.

"I'm concerned with having our police department do it," Handy said. "I hope we can find some way to monitor the park effectively and economically."

To remedy problems with maintaining grass, the city plans to lay decomposed crushed granite down in one area, a ground cover that has proven to be durable and dog-friendly, said City Administrator John Inch Morgan.

Some disgusted dog park users said they looked forward to other such facilities opening elsewhere in the valley.

"I can't wait for West Jordan to open their park to get away from this insanity," said Taylorsville resident Sheri Olson. "Look around and you'll see how far from reality you really are."

User Tony McGuire had similar harsh words for the council.

"The problem is you don't know what you're doing and you're not asking for help."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

Millrace Park's dog rules

The ordinance governing Millrace Park's off-leash area will come up for a final vote by the City Council on Feb. 15. It will include the following:

l Rules for off-leash area to be defined by the City Council and posted at the park.

l Rules will require owners to clean up after their dogs, observe hours of operation and quiet dogs who bark excessively.

l Violations will result in $100 fines for the first offense. Fine doubles for subsequent offenses, not to exceed $1,000