Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/05/06 Item 8 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT MAY 6, 2008, Item~ SUBMITTED BY: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING POSTING OF "NO ALCOHOL" SIGNS AT HARBORS IDE PARK CHIEF OF POLICE Gi2W for- e.Pe, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WOtlJRKRATIONS DIRECTOR OF REC~~TA~ CITY MANAGER If/V r 4/5THS VOTE: YES D NO ~ ITEM TITLE: REVIEWED BY: SUMMARY Harborside Park located at 670 Oxford Street, was opened in May of 2006. Since its opening, the rate of violent and disorder calls at the park have increased 252% over the rate in 2006; from 2.1 per acre per year to 7.4 per acre per year. Alcohol use is a factor in 29% of all calls to the park and 31 % if the park's disorder calls. Municipal Code Section 2.66.043 makes it unlawful to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage without a permit within any city park if there are signs posted prohibiting such activity. 10 order to post the signs, the Municipal Code requires a City Council resolution finding that the park, or a portion thereof, is experiencing problems withj:he public's consumption of alcohol. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it does not involve a physical change to the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060 (c) (3) of the State Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary. RECOMMENDATION Council adopt the resolution. 8-1 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 2 of9 BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At their April 17, 2008 meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the posting of no alcohol signs in Harborside Park. At the April 23, 2008 meeting of the Public Safety Subcommittee, the Subcommittee unanimously approved the posting of no alcohol signs in Harborside Park. DISCUSSION In January, 2006 the City installed signs prohibiting alcohol in Lauderbach, Eucalyptus, Memorial and Friendship Parks unless in possession of a valid permit. This action was prompted by concern from Chula Vista residents about crime and disorder in these parks. This provided police officers with a tool for dealing with alcohol-related crimes in these parks, and, at the same time, allowed legitimate users to enjoy the parks as they had in the past. As a result of the signs and additional efforts by Public Works and Recreation, we have seen a downward trend in violent and disorder calls to those four parks (see Figure I). 60 50 40 .!!l 'ii u ~ 0 30 :;; '" E ~ z 20 Violent and Disorder Calls Memorial, Friendship, EucalyptUs, and Lauderbach Parks January 2006 through March 2008 10 0 ~ % ~ ~ ~ :g ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ '" '" '" '" ." ." '" 0 '" '" X 5: '" '" '" 0 0 ~ " ~ 0 > 0 . D ~ " ~ 0 > 0 . .6 '- -': . . ~ . " , . 0 0 . -': . . ~ . , , . 8 0 . -': . . ~ " <( " <( "' 0 z " ~ " <( " ~ <( "' z " ~ " Month/year - Violent and disorder calls - Linear (Violent and disorder calls) Figure 1 Harborside Park was opened in May of 2006. Since it's opening, the rate of violent and disorder calls at the park have increased 252% over the rate in 2006; from 2.1 per acre per year in 2006 to 7.4 per acre per year in 2007(see Figure 2). 8-2 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 30[9 2006 and 2007 Violent and Disorder Calls per Acre West Side Parks Two Acres or Larger 20.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 S 10.0 . '" 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 '" '" '" '" '" '" ~ '" '" '" ~ '" !li ~ !li ~ ~ ~ !li !li c: 0- 0- :Ji", 0- 0- ;g W >- :I: "' 1; "0 w g 0- 0 Z ~ ~ "'~ 0 J' '" <ii 0 >- ~!!d '" "' 0 '" '" ~ z~ l!i 0 " ~ '" >- ~ w 0 ~ w ;;' J' w " z " '" 0 '" " w !li '" iil " ~ :J 0 :I: ~ w ~ '" ~ gj z Z gj ~ '" '" c: !li ~ ~ " 0- '" '" " 0- W 13 o '" Pari< . 2006 Rate . 2007 Rate Figure 2 An analysis of the calls and police activity since the park opened shows: . Alcohol is a factor in 29% of all calls to the park . Alcohol plays a part in 31 % if the park's disorder calls . 35% of the disorder calls involve juveniles and in 10% of those calls alcohol is a factor. . 61 arrests and 141 field interviews for a variety of offenses including: o Narcotics (85) and alcohol violations (15) o Assault, robbery, weapons, disorderly conduct, vandalism, truancy, tobacco violations, parole violations, and wanted people. The principal of Harborside Elementary School wrote III an email to the Police Department: I see a great park that is well kept and has a lot of potential for family fun and physical activity for children. Unfortunately, I see a lot of behavior that is just the opposite. I usually get here in the morning, Monday through Friday between 7:30 and 8:00. 75% of the time that I am on campus during these times, I can observe young men drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, and behaving erratically. Some of the behavior I have seen is consistent with intoxication; yelling at no 8-3 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 4 of9 one in particular, jumping up and down on benches, stumbling over bushes and trash cans, and littering around the park. I have also observed younger men entering the school grounds after school, when Little League uses our facilities, and they proceed to urinate on our campus. We have had Little League and our custodians try to combat this behavior. On two occasions, I have directly observed men drinking beer and smoking joints of marijuana as I monitor the perimeter of our school. Last week, during a fire drill at our campus, I found four 32 ounce beer bottles on our campus that I needed to throwaway. I do believe that the alcohol and drug use at the park is a problem. I have had numerous concerns voiced to me by parents that they observe the same types of behavior on the weekends. Officer Xanthe Rosario, the School Resource Officer assigned to Harborside Elementary School reports that in March and April of this year she has been spending about 33% of her time in the park making contacts and dealing with issues that have an effect on the school and park. Officers Sarah Sharpe, Jose Cortez, and Brandon Becker, all of whom patrol that area, report that they continually make contact with people in the park who are in possession of or drinking alcoholic beverages or who are under the influence of alcohol. All officers report contact with legitimate users of the park who express their concern to the officers about the presence of alcohol and the effect it is having on the park's usability. DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. FISCAL IMPACT Parks Operations maintains a supply of signs on had as part of normal sign installation, therefore there will be no general fund expenditures required to install the signs. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 - Various photos of alcohol-related trash at Harborside Park. Attachment 2 - Minutes of April 17, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Prepared by: John Stedman. Public Safety Analyst, Police Department 8-4 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 5 of9 ATTACHMENT 1 Harborside Park Photos 8-5 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 60f9 ATTACHMENT 2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. Public Works Center Aprill7.2008 1800 Maxwell Road Meeting called to order by Chair Searles at 6:30 p.m. Stafl Present: Ed Hall. Assistant Recreation Director Richard Hopkins. Engineering & General Services Tom Ciass, Parks Supervisor Guests: Peter Watry- Crossroads, Chula Vista, CA Don Salcido, Chula Vista, CA l. Roll Call/Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Rios, Searles, Garza, Cien-Mayer, and Chambers Commissioner Scot!, Commissioner Ramos Members Absent: MSC (Garza/Chambers) to excuse Commissioner Scott and Ramos 9. MSC Rios/Cien-Mayer (Vote 5-0-0-2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to take Item 9 Public Comments out of order. Mr. Peter Watry of Crossroads addressed the Commission and thanked the Commission for approving the Drop Hammer that was placed in Memorial Park. He distributed photographs of the Drop Hammer and urged the Commission to visit the park. Mr. Don Salcido, former Parks and Recreation Commissioner commented that the dumpsters at Veterans Park are not emptied often and present an unsightly odor to neighbors of the park. He also noted that he believes that the Park Rangers do not carry enough authority with them to enforce park regulations when it comes to removing people that are utiiizing the park faciiities ii1egally and recommends utilizing the senior patrol or reserve police oflicers to control these issues or to have a "presence" in the park. Chair Searles stated there seems to be a discrepancy with regards to enforcing the current ordinance. This topic was discussed at the February meeting and the park rangers appeared to not have any issues with removing unauthorized users from the park. Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Engineering and General Services) noted that he is aware that the Police Department does not like utiiizing their senior patrol oflicers in situations that will put them at risk. 2. a, Approval of Minutes - February 21 , 2008 8-6 05/06/2008, Item-B- Page 7 of9 MSC Rios/Ramos (Vote 5-0-0-2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to approve Minutes of February 21,2008. b. Consider Changing Meeting Venue for May Meeting - Chair Searles noted that he would like to hold the Parks and Recreation Commission in alternate locations between the Public Works Center and the Civic Center. He requested that staff research meeting venues and provide information at the May meeting. Commissioners Rios, Chambers. Garza. and Cien-Mayer all stated that this was an excellent idea. MSC Rios/Chambers (Vote 4-0-0-2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to approve having the meeting locations in alternate locations and having staff research meeting sights for the upcoming meetings. c. Approval of Alcohol Ban at Harborside Park - Mr. Ed Hall (Assistant Director of Recreation) informed the Commission a request was coming forward with regards to posting signs making it unlawful to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage without a permit within Harborside Park. He further noted that in January 2006 the City placed signs prohibiting alcohol in Lauderbach. Eucalyptus. Memorial. and Friendship Parks (unless the park user was in possession of a valid park use permit). As a result of this action. a downward trend in violent and disorder calls to these parks has been noted. Mr. Hall explained that since the opening of Harborside Park in May 2006. the rate of violent and disorder calls at the park have increased 252% over the rate in 2007. A graph which represents parks in the west side of Chula Vista was discussed. and indicated the "Violent and Disorder" calls to parks that are 2-acres or larger. Commissioner Chambers noted that this ordinance is greatly needed at this park. Chair Searles asked if there are any members of the public who are opposed to the ban of alcohol at any of the parks. Mr. Hall responded that he is not aware of any complaints or opposition to this type of ban. MSC Cien-Mayer/Garza (Vote 5-0-0-2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to recommend the installation of signs prohibiting the possession and/or consumption ot alcoholic beverages in Harborside Park. 3. Information Items a. Update Status on San Miguel Ranch Park and All Seasons Park - Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Engineering and General Services) provided a narrative update on the Master Plan for both parks. He noted that all required fees have been collected for both parks. and also made note of the maintenance cost to both parks as such: $120K for Rancho San 8-7 05/06/2008, Item--f'L Page 8 of9 Miguel Park and $40K for All Seasons Park. The construction cost of the parks are as such: Rancho San Miguel Park - $7million and All Seasons Park is $2.7 million. The contractor will maintain both parks for I-year and then turn it over to fhe City. Mr. Hopkins briefly talked about the park concepts of both parks and its amenities. Commissioner Garza asked about lighting at Rancho San Miguel Park. Mr. Hopkins responded that the electrical conduits would be installed and the City Council would have to rnake decision on weather the park will be lighted or not. since there are budget constraints. . Commissioner Garza highly urged and recommended that the park be lighted. Chair Searles inquired if the maintenance cost for both parks are for additional staff. Mr. Hopkins responded no, and stated that the maintenance cost reflects current staff levels. Mr. Class (Parks and Open Space Manager) also responded that the $120K includes current staffing, at of which, the departrnent is down 7 gardeners. Mr. Hopkins inforrned the commission that the Parks Division took rnajor hits with regards to their staffing, and the maintenance of parks would be decreased due to the shortage in staff. He further noted that he wasn't optimistic with the City hiring additional park maintenance staff. b. Update on Lauderbach Park - Mr. Hopkins (Director of Engineering and General Services) made reference to the public meeting of December 2006 as a result of continued complaints and concerns about homeless individuals hanging out in the park. Priorities were received at the public meeting which included, enhancement to lighting, fencing off the Boys & Girls Club area, improvernent to tot-lot area, restroom, improve the picnic areas, and programming of park for practices. The City is starting on the 2nd phase of construction which includes: building a restroom, upgrading the tot-lot area which includes removing the sand and replacing it with surfacing, and adding a fence around the tot-lot area. In addition, the fencing between Most Precious Blood and Lauderbach will be taken down, and there will be shared cost of maintaining the shrubbery. Chair Searles stated that it is important that the park is safe and engaging the community to make the park useable and as friendly as possible is the goal. Mr. Hopkins also made the commission aware of the San Diego Community Housing Corporation. This organization provides youths between the ages of 18 and 24 training in construction. They approached the City about renovation projects that this group can take 8-8 05/06/2008, Item~ Page 9 of9 on. Examples of renovation projects include: Greg Rogers Park restroom, break-room at Rohr Park, public area in-front of Luaderbach (Boys & Girls Club) remove bench which used to be bus stop, but is now used by homeless individuals. 4. Unfinished Business: None 5. New Business: None 6. Written Communications: None 7. Commission Comments: Commissioner Rios noted that he read in the San Diego Union Tribune that Recreation was now overseeing the Nature Center and thought it would be a great addition to the Department. Commissioner Garza asked that staff look at the pros and cons when making decisions that would affect the community. Chair Searles stated that he also thinks that the Nature Center is a great addition to the Recreation Department, and thought about having Nature Center staff attend the commission meetings and vice-versa. 8. Staff Comments - a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Hall informed the Commission that the City is streamlining board and commission functions. The recommendation is that the commissions will meet every other month with the ability to call a special meeting if needed. Currently the City has 22 boards and commission, and total yearly cost is $850K. Recreation's staff cost is $30K. Chair Searles made note of Mr. Hall receiving the Public Health Champion Award that he received on April 4th. b. Public Works Monthly Report - Mr. Class reported that 1 full-time park ranger was cut from the budget, however, the department was able to transfer him to the parks division as a gardener. Commissioner Cien-Mayer asked how many park rangers the city had. Mr. Class responded that there are 2 full-time park rangers, and 9 part-time rangers. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. to May 15, 2008 Margarita Cellano, Recreation Department 8-9 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING POSTING OF "NO ALCOHOL" SIGNS AT HARBORSIDE PARK WHEREAS, Harborside Park, located at 670 Oxford St., was opened in May of2006; and WHEREAS, Since its opening, the rate of violent and disorder calls at the park have increased 252% over the rate in 2006; from 2.1 per acre per year to 7.4 per acre per year; and WHEREAS, Alcohol use is a factor in 29% of all calls to the park and 31 % if the park's disorder calls; and WHEREAS, Municipal Code 2.66.043 makes it unlawful to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage without a permit within any city park if there are signs posted prohibiting such activity; and WHEREAS, Harborside Park currently does not have any signs prohibiting the consumption or possession of alcohol in the park; and WHEREAS, In January, 2006 the city installed signs prohibiting alcohol in Lauderbach, Eucalyptus, Memorial and Friendship Parks unless in possession of a valid permit; and WHEREAS, From January 2006 through December 2007, there was a 25% decrease in violent and disorder calls in Lauderbach, Eucalyptus, Memorial and Friendship parks; and WHEREAS, Both the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Public Safety Subcommittee have supported the installation of "No Alcohol" signs at Harborside Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby find that Harborside Park, located at 670 Oxford Street in the City of Chula Vista, is experiencing problems with the public's consumption of alcohol, and as a result, pursuant to the provisions of Chula Vista Municipal Code section 2.66.043, the City Council does approve the posting of signs, prohibiting the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages at Harborside Park. Presented by: Approved as to form by: Richard P. Emerson Police Chief G.. t fl0vf;tkttd/tL ~ /;,Ann Moore 1 ' , ;I City Attorney 8-10