[GeoStL] Bellefontaine Neighbors Caching - UPDATE

I have been speaking to Kathy Cross of the Parks Department in Bellefontaine 
Neighbors.  As some of you may recall, I received their guidelines several 
months ago.  The guidelines were, in my opinion, strict in its requirements.  I 
recently emailed her requesting changes to the guidelines to better fit the 
geocaching guidelines and policies from other agencies.  My requests (and 
changes) follow:

1. The guidelines state that the forms must be mailed or faxed.  Is there a way 
the forms (and photos) can be emailed as well?
    Change: The guidelines now list an email address that permit applications 
can be sent to.

2. The guidelines list www.geocache.com as a website.  I believe the site meant 
was www.geocaching.com .  I would suggest all references to www.geocache.com be 
changed to www.geocaching.com .
    Change: All "geocache.com" links were changed to "geocaching.com".

3. The guidelines state that the the container must be clear.  It's common for 
smaller cache containers to not be clear (film canisters, waterproof matchstick 
holders, etc).  These containers would still have "Official Geocache" written 
on them and contain the permission letter.  Would these cache containers be 
okay, or is the department firm on clear containers? 
    Change: Requirement to be clear was removed.
    Side Note: This may open the opportunity for ammo boxes, but I haven't 
specifically asked.

4. The guidelines state that the cache must be checked by the owner monthly.  
Many agencies consider a check as simply a geocacher finding the cache -- it 
proves that the cache is still there and in good condition as cachers will let 
the owner know if there is a problem with the cache.  I suggest that wording be 
changed to state that the cache must be checked monthly if no find were made on 
the cache during the month. 
    Change: Guidelines now state that the owner only has to check the cache if 
no logs were made for a month.

5. Reading the guidelines, if I were to request a cache today, I would have to 
re-submit in December.  At that point, the requests are only yearly, correct?
    Change: Permits are good for one year from date of approval.
    Side Note: I didn't specifically ask for this to be changed, only to make 
sure I was reading it correctly.

6. The guidelines state that parks are closed from 1/2 hour after sunset until 
8:00am.  The BN website for the parks ( 
http://www.cityofbn.com/departments/recreation/cityparks.htm ) states "The 
parks open 1/2 hour after dawn and close at dusk." Which is correct? Cachers 
ensure they obey park hours and would hate to be caught due to a confusion on 
times. 

    Change: They merged the two together: Bellefontaine Neighbors Parks close a 
half hour after sunset and reopen at ½ hour after dawn."  I'm still confused!

Overall, I'm impressed on how easily they changed their guidelines.  I didn't 
expect for all of my requests to be changed, but they didn't even question them.

I'm currently planning a five-stage Multicache, a couple traditional 
(kid-friendly) caches, a few more How Puzzling caches for the parks.  However, 
if anyone wants to place in the parks as well, let me know.  I don't want to 
"steal" the area from anyone.

Andrew (yawetag)

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