Loading...
2007/02/26 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Packet 4�NNlRT PA1K f/y i9a>';:=`:`.^.::.`'+.`i;��b" R[ZREATION, DEPARTMENT. GAUP°"') ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA Monday February 26, 2007 6:30 p.m. 6750 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park To any member of the audience desiring to address the Parks and Recreation Commission: If you wish to speak on an item under discussion by the Parks and Recreation Commission, you may do so upon recognition from the Chairperson. After receiving recognition from the Chairperson,please walk to the rostrum located in the front and center of the room and state your name and address for the record before making your presentation. , , CALL MEETING TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Introduction and Administration of Oath of Office to new Commissioner Richard Armerding • Roll Call: ❑ Armerding ❑ Aronis Bird 'Black P1 Griffin • Approval of Minutes—January 22, 2006 • Acknowledgment of Recreation Department staffs report on the posting of the meeting's agenda. Agenda has been posted in three public places: Community Center, Public Safety Building and City Hall, and on the City's Website. • Unscheduled Public Appearances for public comments on items not listed on the agenda, or on agenda items if unable to speak at the scheduled time. Item#1 Amendment to Rohnert Park Municipal Code Section 2.32.02: Information only Reduction of Parks and Recreation Commission from seven to five members. Item#2 Committee/Liaison Assignments:Action item. The Commission is asked to designate members to the various active ad-hoc and liaison positions. Item#3 Enforcement of Posted Park Rules:Action item. This item makes suggested changes to the Municipal Code which designates all posted park rules established by the Commission, to be enforceable under the code. The Commission is asked to make recommendations for City Council. Item#4 Proposed "Nip&Run" Ordinance:Action Item The Commission is asked to make comments on the language of this proposed ordinance. Comments will be forwarded to City Council for possible inclusion in the ordinance. Item#5 Golf Course Oversight Committee Assignment: Action Item The Commission is asked to assign a new at-large member to the Golf Course Oversight Committee. Page 1 of 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission February 26,2007 Committee 1. PROS Reports 2. Park Audit 3. Dog Park Monitor Program 4. Park Development Guidelines 5. Others Matters from 1. CPRS Awards and Installation Banquet: February 24, 2007 Staff Matters to/from Commissioners Adjournment. Next meeting: March 19, 2007 6:30 p.m. Disabled Accommodation: If you have a disability which requires an interpreter or other person to assist you while attending this Planning Commission Meeting,please contact the City Offices at (707) 588-2236 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to insure arrangements for accommodation by the City. Please make sure the Planning Department is notified as soon as possible if you have a visual impairment that requires the meeting materials be produced in another format (Braille,audio-tape,etc.). Page 2of2 �OµMEIT fA�r CITY OF ROHNERT PARK RECREATION DEPARTMENT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION LIST OF COMMISSION COMMITTEES - 2007 AQUATICS PARKS,RECREATION AND OPEN Meets as needed SPACE Bonnie Black Meets as needed Richard Armerding BICYCLE COMMITTEE LIAISON Nick Monis Meets as needed Mike Bird Jerry Griffin Bonnie Black Jerry Griffin BUDGET Meets as needed SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION LIAISON CREEKS COMMITTEE LIAISON Meets 3 times a year Jerry Griffin Nick Aronis Jerry Griffin- alternate DOG PARK Meets as needed SKATE PARK Bonnie Black Meets as needed Jerry Griffin Nick Aronis Mike Bird GOLF COURSE Meets bi-monthly SPORTS & FITNESS CENTER Mike Bird Meets as needed Jerry Griffin Nick Aronis Mike Bird PARK AUDIT Meets as needed YOUTH SPORTS Bonnie Black Meets as needed Jerry Griffin Nick Aronis Nick Aronis-alternate • Jerry Griffin Mike Bird- alternate PARK DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBERS Meets as needed None Bonnie Black Jerry Griffin PARK SPONSORSHIPS Meets as needed Revised 1/2007 Nick Aronis Bonnie Black February 22, 2007 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Dan Schwarz, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Park Rules Amendment to Municipal Code At its September 12, 2006 meeting, the City Council concurred with the recommendation of the Commission to have staff prepare language to amend the Municipal Code to enhance enforcement measures for dog park rules restricting access to altered dogs. The recommendation of the Commission was to empower Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers to enforce this restriction through some form of citation. Currently, a DPS officer's authority to enforce park rules is limited to asking the patron to leave the premises. In reviewing the City's options to amend the Municipal Code to provide such authority to DPS officers, staff reached the conclusion that there are other park rules and restrictions that might have more effect and better serve park patrons with the added "threat" of a citation. After consultation with the City Attorney's Office, staff has determined that the Council can give DPS officers the ability to issue citations for park rules. Two options exist: (1) the Municipal Code can be amended to enumerate specific rules for which citations can be issued and the associated fine for the violation or (2) the Municipal Code can be amended to establish that the City shall maintain an adopted list of park rules for which violators may be cited and fines imposed. With respect to procedure and clarity, the first approach is the simpler of the two. The Commission would identify the rules and penalties it wishes to codify and the Council could approve an ordinance incorporating these rules and penalties into the Municipal Code. However, this approach presents time constraints. Any additions, modifications, or deletions from the codified rules will require the passage of a new ordinance. Factoring review by the Commission, a new ordinance could take 90 to 120 days to put into effect. Thus, this approach is ideal if the Commission primarily wishes to establish an annual review of rules subject to citation and does not anticipate needing to make changes on a more frequent or less regular basis. It is also the more legally concise approach in that park patrons should understand that the Municipal Code is the source for all regulations specific to Rohnert Park. The second approach presents greater procedural challenges to establish, but • would offer considerably greater flexibility with respect to time. Under this approach, the Municipal Code would be amended to establish that there is an official list of park rules for which violators can be cited and fined. The Municipal Code would state that this list of rules would be reviewed and endorsed by the Park Rules Amendment to Municipal Code February 22, 2007 Page 2 Commission and adopted by resolution of the City Council. Allowing for appropriate public noticing periods, this approach could put rule changes into effect in as little as 30 days. To proceed, there are several questions/issues that must be addressed. Staff will return to the Commission in March with a proposal based on the Commission's feedback. 1) Does the Commission prefer Approach 1, amending the Municipal Code to specifically enumerate rules subject to citation, or Approach 2, amending the Municipal Code to establish the existence of an official park rules list that identifies rules subject to citation? 2) If Approach 2 is employed, would the Commission be comfortable serving as the hearing body for park rules? The Municipal Code currently defines the Commission as an advisory body. If the Council concurs, the Code could be amended to expand the Commission's role and delegate authority to the Commission to hold public hearings concerning park rules. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Commission could adopt a resolution recommending changes to the park rules list. At a meeting subsequent to the hearing, the Council could adopt a resolution changing the park rules list as a consent calendar or individual item rather than through a public hearing. Staff believes such a change would benefit both bodies by clarifying the Commission's role in establishing park rules and placing the Council in more of an appellate role with respect to the rules. 3) With either Approach 1 or Approach 2, would the Commission want DPS officers to have some discretion in issuing citations? Specifically, would the Commission want officers to be able to issue documented warnings for first offenses before issuing a citation with a corresponding penalty? 4) Does the Commission wish staff to explore penalty options other than fines, such as requiring community service? Fines are the easiest form of punishment to establish and enforce, but they might present undue hardship on some individuals and might be seen as severe for juveniles. Staff has not explored other punitive options but will if it is the Commission's desire. The Rohnert Park Municipal Code requires this sign to be posted in all parks. This is the only required sign. PARK RULES PARK HOURS 6 AM. — 10:30 PM ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PROHIBITED BETWEEN 9 PM — 6AM GLASS BEVERAGE CONTAINERS PROHIBITED DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH EXCEPT IN DESIGNATED AREAS MOTORIZED VEHICLES BY PERMIT ONLY ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 9 ARTICLE V CHAPTER 9.62 LIST OF APPROVED PARK REGULATIONS 9.62.010 Unlawful acts in public parks. It shall be unlawful for any person, entity, firm or corporation to do or commit any of the acts enumerated below in any city park: A. To damage, by any means whatsoever, any public property planted, placed, located or otherwise situated in a public park. B. To cut or remove any wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or any found object, whether above or below ground. C. To release any livestock of any kind on park property with the exception of dogs which shall be permitted pursuant to posted regulations or if under leash. D. To distribute any handbills or circulars, or to post, place or erect any bills, notice, paper or advertising device of any kind. E. To sell or offer for sale any merchandise, article or thing whatsoever without written permission from the city. Such permit shall be carried by the vendor at all times that he is selling within a city park. F. To wilfully tamper with or damage any water or gas pipes, hydrant, stopcock, sewer, basin or other construction in any park. G. To carry any firearms, airgun or slingshot. H. To make or kindle a fire except in picnic stoves or other fixtures provided for that purpose, or to camp, except in places designated as such by official action of the city. I. To ride or drive any horse or other animal or any motorized vehicle, cycle or scooter elsewhere other than on the roads or drives provided for such purpose, or to drive a motor vehicle in an erratic or hazardous manner on any park roads, paths or parking area. J. To indulge in riotous, threatening or indecent conduct, or abusive, threatening, profane or indecent language. K. To enter, remain, stay or loiter in the swimming pools in the public parks or the enclosures surrounding said pools at any time when the pools are not open to the public with a lifeguard on duty. L. To play or engage in model airplane flying, driving of golf balls, archery, hardball or any similar games of a hazardous nature except at such places as shall be especially set apart for such purposes. M. To throw or place on or in any park any paper, rubbish, garbage or refuse matter of any kind, unless in a receptacle designed for the purpose, but no person shall deposit household rubbish and garbage in any city park, rubbish or garbage receptacles. N. To possess any beverage container made of glass or to bring, carry, or transport any beverage container made of glass into a city park. (Ord. 475 § 1, 1987; Ord. 452 § 1, 1985) 9.62.020 Unlawful to enter, remain or loiter in posted designated parks during certain hours. It is unlawful for any person to enter, remain or loiter within any city park between the hours of ten-thirty p.m. and six a.m. of the next day. A violation of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor unless the citing officer is able to make one of the findings contained in subsections 1.16.010 B (1) through (4) of this code and elects to issue a citation for an infraction. (Ord. 743 § 5, 2005: Ord. 452 § 1, 1985) 9.62.030 Method of posting designated parks. A. Each park shall be posted with signs not less than one square foot in area and upon which, in lettering not less than one inch in height, appear the words "ENTERING OR REMAINING IN THIS PARK BETWEEN 10:30 P.M. AND 6:00 A.M. WITHOUT RECREATION DEPARTMENT PERMIT FORBIDDEN. Rohnert Park Municipal Code, Title 9, Section V, Chapter 9.62." B. Posting. 1. If the park does not contain any lineal dimension exceeding three hundred fifty feet, by posting signs at each corner of the area and at intervals not exceeding one hundred fifty feet, and, if such property has a definite entrance or entrances, at each such entrance. 2. If the park has lineal dimensions exceeding three hundred fifty feet, by posting signs at each corner of the area and at intervals not exceeding three hundred feet, and if such property has a definite entrance or entrances, at each such entrance. {Ord. 452 § 1, 1985) 9.62.040 Exemption--Peace officers, etc. The provisions of Section 9.62.020 shall not apply to the entry upon park property in the course of duty of any peace officer or other duly authorized public employee, nor to any organized events conducted in such parks when authorized by the city manager or his designate. (Ord. 452 § 1, 1985) ROHNERT PARK DOG PARK REGULATIONS • Dogs with a known history of dangerous or aggressive behavior are prohibited. • Leash dog(s) prior to entering and leaving the park. Unleash immediately upon entering. • Dogs must be immediately removed from area at the first sign of aggression toward people or other dogs. • Dogs must be under voice control at all times. • Owners must dispose of their dog's waste in trash receptacles immediately. • Dogs must be licensed, current on vaccinations and wearing ID at all times. • Puppies under 4 months of age and sick dogs are prohibited. • All dogs 6 months and older must be spayed or neutered. • A responsible person must remain with your dog at all times—you may not "drop-off' a dog to play. • Children must be closely supervised. This means within grabbing distance if needed. • Limit of 2 dogs per person. • No food (dog or human) inside of park. This includes chew type toys, rawhide etc • Choke, pinch, shock and pronged collars must be removed with the leash. • No animals other than dogs permitted in this area. • Smoking is prohibited. TENNIS COURT REGULATIONS • Courts are open daily from 6 am to 10 pm • Courts are for tennis playing only. • Recreation and Parks Dept. programs have priority. • No soccer, bicycles, skates, skateboards, animals, food or drink on the courts. • Tennis shoes only. • No more than four players on the court. • Private tennis lessons prohibited, except with department issued permit. • • If others are waiting courts shall be given up after one hour. • Appropriate language and common court courtesy are expected. February 22, 2007 . TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Dan Schwarz, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: "Nip and Run"Amendment to Municipal Code At its September 12, 2006 meeting, the City Council concurred with the recommendation of the Commission to have staff prepare language to amend the Municipal Code to create a definitive reporting obligation for owners whose animal bites another animal. The Municipal Code currently speaks only to instances when an animal bites a person. Staff reviewed language in the codes of several local agencies and consulted with the City Attorney's Office to prepare language that is clear and defensible. The intent of the proposed language is to ensure the exchange of key information so that the owner of an injured animal can obtain further information as needed and/or pursue appropriate civil remedies to address damages. The proposed change is illustrated below in legislative notation. Staff recommends that the Commission (1) recommend that the Council approve the proposed change and (2) direct staff to prepare and submit the change to the Council in the form of a resolution amending the Municipal Code. 6.04.350 Biting animals—Notification and disposition. A. The owner or other person in custody or control of any animal that bites a human being shall immediately notify the department of public safety of such bite, giving the name and address of the person bitten, if known to him/her, and shall obey any quarantine instructions given by the department of public safety and/or health officer.The animal control officer may, in her or his discretion, order the animal quarantined at the shelter, at a veterinarian's office, or at the owner/guardian's residence and may impose such reasonable conditions thereon as may be required. B. It is the.responsibility of the owner or handler of any animal that has bitten or otherwise caused physical injury to another animal to. if requested by the owner or handler of the injured animal.provide the biting animal's license number (if available), and the handler's name and address. ,Q. If any person fails or refuses to obey any lawful order for the quarantine of an animal __--(Deleted:B for observation of rabies, the animal control officer may impound the animal for such quarantine at the expense of the owner.The animal control officer shall charge the owner in such case for the care and board of the animal.Such rates shall be set by resolution of the city council.The redemption fees provided in Section 6.08.150 of this Title shall also apply to an animal quarantined for rabies observation.(Ord.738§1 (part),2005) February 22, 2007 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Dan Schwarz, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Vacancy on Golf Course Oversight Committee Staff is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Jim Cronin, the at-large member and chair of the Golf Course Oversight Committee. Mr. Cronin has left Rohnert Park and can no longer serve. The Golf Course Oversight Committee was formed in response to a Grand Jury recommendation and meets quarterly with city and Foxtail staff to review and discuss issues relating to the two golf courses owned by the City and leased for operation to CourseCo, Inc. Formation of the Committee was handled by former Recreation Director Tim Barry. Though no formal rules were established, the Committee was placed under the Parks and Recreation Commission and two members of the Commission were appointed to the Committee. The Committee currently has five seats. In addition to the two seats reserved for Parks and Recreation Commissioners, there are two seats for members of the many golf clubs associated with Foxtail. The fifth seat is reserved for a member of the public at-large. Staff believes the intent was for the Committee to be part of the Recreation Department's governing structure. As such, it appears to be the Parks and Recreation Commission's responsibility to determine a process for replacing Mr. Cronin. Staff recommends that the Commission authorize the circulation of advertisements for the position and that applications are available at City Hall, the Sports Center, and online. The applications would be due no later than March 12, 2007. The Commission could make an appointment at its March 19, 2007 meeting. The next meeting of the Golf Course Oversight Committee is March 20, 2007, so the newly appointed member could attend.