Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks And Recreation Board - Minutes - 03/23/1988CITY OF FORT COLLINS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINUTES: March 23, 1988 President Karen Schubert called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. Board Member Cathy Mulcahy called to say she would miss the meeting. Board Member Mike ImMasche has submitted a letter of resignation from the Board. In the absence of Board Secretary Bob Aukerman, staff will take the minutes of the meeting. Councilman Loren Maxey attended the meeting. Agenda Review: No changes to the printed agenda. Minutes: The minutes of the regular meeting of February 24, 1988 -were approved unanimously, as submitted, on a motion by John Rabun, seconded by Roger Tarum. Citizen Participation: No citizen participation. Rules and Regulations for Parks. Open Spaces, and Trails At the Board meeting of May 28, 1986, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed Parks Rules and Amendments to the Open Space and Trails Rules and recommend the same to City Council. Since then the rules have been revised and combined into a single ordinance of rules and regulations governing the use of parks, open spaces and trails. Board members previously received draft copies of the City Council agenda item summary, ordinance, and administrative orders for review tonight. Jerry P. Brown provided a brief background report. Deputy City Attorney Kathy Allin explained the documents, noting that State law requires an adopted ordinance to enforce City laws on City -owned lands outside of City limits. She explained the structure of the ordinance and administrative orders format. These documents have been approved by the Police Department, and she noted that enforcement of specific issues must follow the procedures of posting very conspicuous signage and/or personal warning contact. Several months ago, the Board discussed the issue of curfew in the parks. They requested staff to research other Parks and Recreation Departments. Virgil Taylor reported he sent questionnaires to 22 different agencies and received responses from 20. He distributed an overview of the responses to the questionnaire. Among the findings, it was noted that almost all other agencies do have a curfew or closing time to restrict public use, and most of these agencies have been doing this since the 1970's. Most parks are closed from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and it is used only as needed. Curfews were usually prompted to start because of vandalism, political pressure and citizen complaints. Parks and Recreation Board Minutes March 23, 1988 Page Two Randy Balok noted that other sections of the City Municipal Code already cover such things as harmful acts to animals, trees, physical property, etc. John Rabun pointed out that a curfew is really designed to give teeth to the Police for enforcement when needed. Police are not going to bust citizens just walking or jogging through a park at night. Roger Tarum said he is not enthused about a curfew as it gives the perception that parks are not good places, that it is shut down, and not a nice place to be. After further philosophical discussion, the Board on a motion by John Rabun, seconded by Bill Loy, voted 4-0-1 (Roger Tarum abstained and four Board members were absent) to approve the revised rules and regulations for parks, open space and trails, and recommend same to City Council. After the vote several Board members commented that -it is a sad state of affairs that a curfew is needed. Rick Ramirez sees a curfew as a prudent act. Bill Loy expressed his concern that selective enforcement could be a problem if not handled correctly. Open Space Purchases Randy Balok presented information on two pieces of property for consideration as follows: -- Donaldson - This open space is a total of 130 acres of land' and is adjacent to the Campeau property at the north entrance to the foothills trail. The Water Department is looking at 35 acres on the North Reservoir peak to purchase for a microwave relay dish. They would co-op the site with ours. Donaldson has great views and has good wildlife on site. We have offered $199,000 for the entire 130 acre site. The owner wants more. After discussion, the Board unanimously agreed that staff should continue negotiations. -- Hazaleus - This site is 170 acres of both parklands and open space located at the northeast corner of Shields and Trilby. The owner, Mrs. Hazaleus, would like to preserve the location from development if possible. There are water shares associated with the site. Randy noted that the topography of the site lends itself for many recreation purposes. Councilman Loren Maxey shared some historic expertise regarding the site. Randy updated the Board that the Clarendon Hills site (north of this location) on Shields does not look promising. The Board unanimously agreed that staff should continue to pursue this site. CHOICES 95 Update Staff provided the Board with an update of the CHOICES 95 process. The Board looked at the original 27 unfunded Capital projects totalling $38,567,000. Staff noted that the Parks and Open Space Subcommittee is also going to consider improvements to Buckingham Park, which this Board Parks and Recreation Board Minutes March 29, 1988 Page Three referred to them. Karen Schubert and Leslie Beckmann from our Parks Planning Staff met with Mr. Lemos (who attended our January meeting) to understand his concerns. Leslie prepared the project information for CHOICES 95. After some questions and discussion, it was decided that this Board would look at making further recommendations to the committee, and discuss this item again next month. Other Business - Bill Loy asked about the status of the Junior High School Basketball program again. Staff noted we are making changes for next year. - Staff distributed copies of the Board Members meeting attendance during 1987. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jerry P. Brown Assistant to the Director Parks and Recreation Meeting Attendance Board Members Staff Guest Karen Schubert John Rabun Bill Loy Rick Ramirez Roger Tarum Jerry P. Brown Virgil Taylor Randy Balok Kathy Allin Councilman Loren Maxey