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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/04/2018 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 107, 2018, AMENDINAgenda Item 3 Item # 3 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY September 4, 2018 City Council STAFF Mike Calhoon, Parks Supervisor Jody Hurst, Legal SUBJECT Second Reading of Ordinance No. 107, 2018, Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins Regarding Model Rocketry. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Ordinance, unanimously adopted on First Reading on August 21, 2018, amends City Code to allow model rocketry activities under a permit issued by the Parks Department. Model rocketry is currently allowed by City Code in areas that are signed for the use. There are no areas currently signed for this use. This change would allow for the development of an internal policy for the safe and appropriate use of model rockets in the parks system and issuance of a permit for that use. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on Second Reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. First Reading Agenda Item Summary, August 21, 2018 (w/o attachments) (PDF) 2. Ordinance No. 107. 2018 (PDF) Agenda Item 12 Item # 12 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY August 21, 2018 City Council STAFF Mike Calhoon, Parks Supervisor Jody Hurst, Legal SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 107, 2018, Amending Chapter 23 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins Regarding Model Rocketry. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to change the City Code to allow model rocketry activities under a permit issued by the Parks Department. Model rocketry is currently allowed by City Code in areas that are signed for the use. There are no areas currently signed for this use. This change would allow for the development of an internal policy for the safe and appropriate use of model rockets in the parks system, and issuance of a permit for that use. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Model rocketry is an activity that provides a great learning tool in disguise. This activity combines science and technology along with individual creativity and group co-operation. It appeals to all ages and skill levels including Cub Scout groups, model rocket clubs at universities and members of all ages in groups such as the National Association of Rocketry. Currently, City Code 23-203 - Prohibited acts; permits. Section b.4 states: "Unless a sign has been posted by the Service Unit that the particular recreation area or a portion thereof is open for such use, it shall be unlawful to: Launch a model rocket in, onto or over a recreation area." With the build out of the parks system and the increasing population growth, areas to sign for this activity have become scarce. This request to change the ordinance is so that a permit may be issued for model rocketry in the parks system. This will allow for the completion of an internal policy which has already been reviewed by the City Attorney's Office, Safety Security and Risk Management and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Rocket size limitations, insurance requirements, appropriate locations and safety zone standards have been addressed along with the requirement to adhere to the National Association of Rocketry standards. The permit process will also facilitate communication with the Park Ranger staff to ensure proper compliance with the restrictions proposed in the new policy. CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS There are no financial impacts from this change. The current permitting system will accommodate this change with no additional resources required. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENT 1 Agenda Item 12 Item # 12 Page 2 At its April 25, 2018, regular meeting, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and supported this change with a vote of 6:1. PUBLIC OUTREACH Staff has worked with Cub Scout Troop 116 to develop the standards for safe model rocketry in the parks system. ATTACHMENTS 1. Parks and Recreation Board Minutes from April 25, 2018 (PDF) -1- ORDINANCE NO.107, 2018 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS REGARDING MODEL ROCKETRY WHEREAS, model rocketry is an activity that provides a great learning tool; and WHEREAS, when done properly and safely, model rocketry advances science, technology, creativity, and group cooperation; and WHEREAS, the Code currently prohibits the use of model rockets in recreation areas unless a sign is posted permitting the activity; and WHEREAS, there are no signs posted in any recreation area permitting the activity, effectively banning it from all recreation areas; and WHEREAS, City Staff believes a permit system will allow for the safe and effective use of model rockets in parks, removing the effective ban of the current Code system and placing specific requirements on both the model rocket and the persons using the model rocket; and WHEREAS, a Code amendment is needed to change the current requirement from only using model rockets where signs are posted to only using model rockets when given a permit to do so; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the proposed amendments are in the best interests of the City and are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the City’s citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and findings contained in the recitals set forth above. Section 2. That Section 23-203 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended as follows: Sec. 23-203 Prohibited acts; permits. . . . (b) Unless a sign has been posted by the Service Unit that the particular recreation area or a portion thereof is open for such use, it shall be unlawful to: . . . -2- (4) Ride or have a horse in a recreation area more than ten (10) feet from a designated trail or roadway, or on any irrigated turf grass, except to the extent unavoidable circumstances require that a horse be ridden or taken into such areas briefly to avoid imminent danger to other persons. (5) Skateboard or in-line skate, except on a sidewalk, roadway, parking area or designated trail. . . . (d) Except as authorized by a permit obtained for such use from the Service Unit, it shall be unlawful to: . . . (16) Launch a model rocket in, onto or over a recreation area. . . . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 21st day of August, A.D. 2018, and to be presented for final passage on the 4th day of September, A.D. 2018. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 4th day of September, A.D. 2018. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk