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May 26, 2009 Page 4 of 7 <br />Director of Parks and Recreation Sandy Breuer reported a petition was received in November 2008 <br />requesting that the skate park be removed fi-on Freedom Park. In January 2009 two additional petitions <br />were received., requesting that the skate park not be removed. A Public Hearing was held May 6, 2009. <br />Residents reported that they were opposed to the undesirable behaviors occurring in the park, including <br />smoking, drinking and fightin& as well as the deterioration of the park grounds; including graffiti, trash, and <br />broken equipment. The users of the skate park shared their willingness assist City Staff in addressing the <br />resident's concerns. <br />Director of Public Safety Bob Jacobson reported his department would utilize the SARA model (Scanning, <br />Analysis, Response, and Assessment) to address the issues at Freedom Park. Some comparative data was <br />shared related to skate paries in nearby cities. Director Jacobson reported Freedom Park will have a good <br />presence of uniform officers, who will build partnerships with the youth and the youth leaders. Director <br />Breuer and Officer Hamdorfwill be holding meetings every two weeks with the skate park users and the <br />community. Director Jacobson reported it is likely calls for service will increase, as a result of increased <br />neighborhood involvement. <br />Councilmember Phillips questioned if a fence would improve the situation? Director Breuer stated she did <br />not think a fence would alleviate any of the problems occurring. Councdmember Phillips suggested placing <br />a sign posting the rules would be beneficial. Director Breuer reported signs have been posted and vandalized <br />in the past, but an attempt to install a new sign will be made. Councilmember Bauman commended the lads <br />who have stepped up to assist with the problems; but also expressed her concern with lads `policing" kids. <br />Additionally co-Lmalmember Bauman reported that she thought the Public Hearing went offthe issues that it <br />was initially intended for, the undesirable behaviors and the lack of safety at the park Councilmember <br />Baumann suggested parents accompany their lads to the skate park. Councihmember Burg reported she has <br />received calls and emails requesting the City take a pro -active approach to manage the issue of few <br />individuals causing the majority of the problems. It was reported that 60 youth were in attendance at the <br />meeting. Mayor Larson reported he was pleased with the efforts thus far. <br />Director Jacobson reiterated this is a multi faceted approach, and encouraged residents to call when they see <br />disorderly or undesirable conduct occurring. <br />Motion by Councilmember Phillips, seconded by Councilmember Burg to accept the Parks, <br />Recreation and Environmental Commissions Recommendation to keep the Skate Board Park open <br />at Freedom Park with recommendations contained therein, and with the provision the council <br />receives periodic updates via Friday memos, and that a staff update occurs at the first regular <br />Council meeting in Augus4 and the Parks, Recreation and Environmental. Commission will review <br />the status of the skate board park at their November 4, 2009 meeting. <br />4 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried <br />2. Acceptance of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Management <br />Reports for Fiscal Year Ending De=nber 31, 2008. ReportNo. 09-135. <br />Director of Finance Dan Maiers gave an update of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. <br />The General Fund ended the calendar year 2008 with a surplus of $145,000. Council has the option to <br />reallocate 20% of the surplus: Council has directed staff to leave the 20% of the Fund Balance in the general <br />fund as a hedge for reduced Building Permit revenues. Steve Wischmann representing the Accounting Firm <br />of Kern DeWenter View reported the City has received a clean, unqualified opinion. The audit process went <br />"very well." Records were reported as being very accurate, with no audit adjustments. The golf course <br />2 AocepWnceofdieGVE <br />Compdwri4ve Am" <br />Financial Rgot and <br />Management <br />Repau forFiscal Year <br />Fading 12-31-2008 <br />Report No. 09-135. <br />