|
Home | |
|
|
|
Home
About Us Park Rules Park Etiquette FAQs Newsletter Calendar Photo Album GDPA Info Area Laws Shared Wisdom Links |
Greenbelt Dog Park Association
The Dispute Resolution Committee was established in October 2001. The focus of the Committee was to define a formal process for reporting and resolving any complaint a GDPA member would like to bring forward. The mission of the Committee is to provide guidelines and mediation as a means for GDPA members to self regulate issues of concern that arise at the Greenbelt Dog Park.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Committee members include two (2) rotating members of the GDPA Board of Directors. In addition, two (2) GDPA members serve as Committee members for a term of one (1) year. This structure allows the Committee to maintain diversity, as well as stability among Committee members.
DEFINITION OF "DISPUTE"
A "dispute" is defined as an altercation between two or more parties that places a dog and/or owner in danger. A person may choose to act on this dispute by filing a complaint with or seeking advice from the Dispute Resolution Committee.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION FORM
The Dispute Resolution Form is filed by a person seeking to report a complaint about an incident he/she feels should be remedied. The form includes the name(s) of the party(ies) filing the dispute, the person(s) with whom the dispute occurred, witnesses to the incident, and a detailed description of the incident. All information on the form becomes a matter of public record. The data provided on the form is used by all parties to provide an agreeable resolution for those involved. Upon filing the complaint with the GDPA Secretary, the parties may choose to file an informal complaint, and seek resolution through the Greenbelt Mediation Board; or, a formal complaint in which the GDPA Board of Directors is notified and asked to intervene.
INFORMAL COMPLAINT
Upon filing an informal complaint with the Dispute Resolution Committee, the parties will be advised to seek the help of the Greenbelt Mediation Board. If the parties do not come to a resolution, they may file a formal complaint.
FORMAL COMPLAINT
The Secretary of the GDPA will notify the Board of Directors when a formal complaint is filed. The Board will decide if the complaint is an immediate or non-immediate problem.
The GDPA President will discuss the immediate problems with the parties involved. The parties involved may choose to address the Association members at the next GDPA business meeting and if so, will be added to the agenda.
For non-immediate problems, the parties will meet with two (2) members of the Dispute Resolution Committee, which shall include one (1) GDPA Board member. The results of this meeting will be reported at the next GDPA business meeting. If the issue is not resolved, the parties may request that the dispute be discussed at the next GDPA business meeting.
EMERGENCY DISPUTE PROCEEDURES
In cases of emergency, the GDPA Board may act to resolve a problem without consulting the Dispute Resolution Committee. Such cases include attacks, children in danger at the dog park, abuse, communicable diseases, and other situations where a dog or member is in immediate danger.
2001-2002 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
|