1986-12-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes December 9, 1986 Council Business, continued In response to Benke's inquiry about barking dogs, Kelley indi- cated the ordinance states the city must receive written formal com- plaints from two households before any action can be taken. Motion by Williams, seconded by Schmidt, to ACCEPT THE STAFF REPORT REGARDING NOISE ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT AND TAKE NO FURTHER ACT! ON. 5 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried Kelley reviewed staff report on Pike Lake School vandalism and related issues and indicated the problems with the creation of a trespassing ordinance. Kelley indicated both the Park and Recre- ation Department and the Police Department can patrol parks but cannot do much beyond that, other than change the ordinance. Benke asked if there had been any discussion with the School District; Kelley indicated he had received no communication from them. In response to Benke's inquiry, Kelley stated their is no pattern with which to identify sources of vandalism. Williams stated the Park Board discussed this issue and felt there may be some merit in using the Police Reserves; Kelley indicated they could patrol the park on weekends and particularly as a pattern of abuse develops. Kelley also stated the Police Department has a four wheel vehicle and a snowmobile which could be used and reported the Reserves have community pride and would be glad to work in the parks. In response to Williams's question, Kelley indicated this is the first time he could recall a substantial amount of vandalism at a school (because of new playground equipment?); vandalism in parks seems to be sporatic (as soon as trees get planted); differ- ent types of vandalism occur at different types of the year with no real pattern. Schmidt felt the broad question is whether or not this is a problem where other school/park situations exist; if this is an isolated situation, we should be focusing on the particular prob- blem. The jurisdictional control issue is one that merits having the school initiate and, in terms of trying to patrol through the police reserves, that should alleviate the particular concerns for this particular playground and park. Gunderman stated one of his original concerns was whether or not we had an appropriate ordinance so that enforcement could happen. Another concern Gunderman expressed is the graffiti on school buildings (after 12 Midnight); a lot of kids use the area late at night/early in the morning on nice evenings in the summer. If we provide an opportunity for them to physically be there, and there is no guideline or ordinance that suggests they can be removed, we are inviting the behavior we are getting. Feels it would be appropriate to have an ordinance and hopes there will be a letter coming from the School District asking the city to take a look at it. Page Six School/Park Vandalism Report 86-313