CCP 11-09-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-2 - them all on their efforts and felt they would all be leaders in their high schools. Frischman inquired what Hamdorf s communication has been with the neighbors in the area. Hamdorf stated that for the most part it has been positive. He asks the neighbors what their perceptions have been and the perception has changed and are more assured that there will continue to be change but they are somewhat tenuous. Hamdorf is confident that if we continue this involvement it will change. People know the negative behavior is not tolerated. Tandeski addressed the issue of how long the leaders participate. They are talking through some of this and have chosen younger leaders so that they could stay about 2 years. The 3 that were chosen actually asked to help him spray paint some graffiti that was up on the picnic table. Frischman wanted to also thank the parents and other family members that are involved up there; they are making a huge difference at the park by supporting you. Resident representative Mrs. Schicker has agreed that things have gotten better at the skateboard park. She believes that is because of the increase in patrol of the park. She does not believe it is because of the skate park involvement. One of the major concerns is the Police involvement and the money that is associated with that. She heard there are overtime hours being used. She thought this would be more parent guided. Thought the park would be cleaned-up. The park was clean but she hasn't seen that type of involvement stepped up. Neighbors and residents say there hasn't been a lot going on. Neighbors have not been apprised of the situation with the skateboarders. Went up by picnic shelter and saw the racial slurs. That continues to be an issue. She is looking at having more parental involvement. Would like more parent volunteers and see that develop in a more organized way. Would like to see some skaters parents step up and take this over. As great as kids are, it takes adult help to keep kids going in the right direction. Have not seen people use the upper picnic area. There was someone sleeping there when they had a picnic. Do we really want to have this picnic area there? It seems to be where we continue to have problems. Maybe there could be an informal survey on whether this area is used and needed. Schicker applauded the skateboarders for their leadership but also wanted to applaud all those in other sports and activities that have stepped up and taken leadership roles. Tony, one of the youth, stated usually the drugs, graffiti, and negative behavior happens in other parts of the park away from the skate park. Schicker stated that is true. She would like to see skateboard parents step up and lead this as the parents of basketball,hockey and other sports do with parent lead organizations. Hamdorf stated that the overtime hours mentioned total 6.5 hours. Most of it is from attending these meetings on days he has off. Also, there are cost savings by not having as many calls to the park so the cars can be out doing other things. There was cost savings also at the painting day when everyone showed up to help. Also park maintenance cost savings from skaters helping to pick up garbage. Hamdorf feels that what we have gained far surpasses what has been spent. The quality of life issue is hard to put a price on. Much of the problem solving is displacing the problem. He agrees we do need more parental involvement but we do need to have some staff involvement in order to trespass people. Due to data privacy, only officers can look up juveniles. So there are some reasons why Public Safety needs to be involved. VIPs have1,600 volunteer hours already this year. Those are only the hours from 1 of the 3 volunteer groups that we have. Schicker believes it is time for the Police to start stepping away from the direct organization of meetings and activities. Last time Hamdorf was the only one here. She is glad to see these other young men here and getting involved.