HomeMy WebLinkAboutA-8 Ordinance Amending Park Closure Hours VIII
AZUSA
AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAVID E. RUDISEL, COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT MANAGER
VIA: u' RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: MARCH 18, 2002
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE AMENDING PARK CLOSURE HOURS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed amendments dealing with
hours of closure of municipal parks and facilities.
BACKGROUND
Residents and Azusa Police Officers working the area of Gladstone Park have complained
about park usage late at night which is disruptive to nearby residents. Often times this late
night activity results in damages to the parks in the form of graffiti, broken glass containers
in playground areas, and late night disturbances which affect the quiet enjoyment of
residents. In order to help curb the late night activities and resulting damages to the parks,
the city has taken several steps to make the parks safer, reduce vandalism, and make the
parks healthier for nearby residents. Those changes already made include; amending the
municipal code to make it consistent with state statutes dealing with possession and
consumption of alcohol, a zero tolerance approach by police in dealing with alcohol
consumption in the parks, increasing night time lighting wherever possible, and a
continuing dialogue with nearby residents.
The municipal code currently defines hours of closure from 11 :00 pm of the preceding day
to 5:00 am of the succeeding day. The proposed ordinance change reduces the 11 :00 pm
time to 10:00 pm. The proposed changes also take into consideration, and specifically
exempt, city sanctioned organized sports activities and other city sanctioned events.
GC
In terms of comparison, the proposed closure time would be consistent with the
communities of Glendora, and Duarte which also specify park closure at 10:00 pm, and the
City of Covina which specifies a closure of 10:30 pm.
The proposed changes have been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission who
have endorsed and support the proposed amendments.
A copy of the proposed ordinance is attached for your review and consideration. Staff has
also attached a copy the Superior Court case cited in the existing ordinance which
validated closure hours as a means to prevent park deterioration.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact as a result of the adoption of this ordinance amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
Copy of People v. Trantham (court case)
Draft Ordinance