HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS Boyd Park ClosureAgenda Item No: 3. d
Meeting Date: February 17, 2015
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Carlene McCart, Director City Manager Approvavl)
SUBJECT: Extension of Emergency Closure of Boyd Park
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council accept this report.
BACKGROUND: On February 2, the City Council accepted the report on the Emergency Closure of Boyd
Park enacted January 26, 2015. The report stated the closure would continue for 30 days while City staff
created a strategy for a coordinated strategy to secure, restore and re -open Boyd Park with family friendly
community activities.
The action was taken in response to Illegal activity in Boyd Park has steadily increased over the last five
years. The presence of drug use and sale, alcohol consumption, overnight camping, after hours use and
dangerous debris has continued despite concentrated efforts of the Police Department, Park Ranger
Staff, the Parks Division of Public Works Department, and outreach to local service providers. The
number of resident complaints over illicit behavior in Boyd Park, intimidation of the public by people in the
park, and general park conditions has risen in past months.
The Director of Community Services is authorized in the San Rafael Municipal Code to close a park or
recreation facility as per the following chapter and section.
8.10.160 - Park closure.
Any park, building or portion thereof may be declared closed to the public by the director at any time
and for any interval of time, either temporarily or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise) and
either entirely or only to certain uses, as the director finds reasonably necessary for the protection of
property or for the public health, safety or welfare. No person shall enter or remain in any park, building,
or portion thereof, which has been closed and noticed as closed by appropriate signs, fencing or
cordoning, or by warning cones.
Staff from the City Manager's Office, Police, Public Works, and Community Services has teamed with
Economic Development and Volunteer Coordinator to create a strategy for re -opening Boyd Park to the
public. At the first meeting on February 5, it was clear that a comprehensive plan to secure clean,
restore, complete community outreach, plan and schedule community activities will require more than the
initial 30 -day closure to execute.
ANALYSIS: The multi departmental approach to re -opening Boyd Park will be undertaken in three
phases.
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: -° t-- 9
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SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Security
Phase 1 is securing the park site to interrupt the negative, destructive, and unlawful use patterns within
the park.
Park perimeter is posted with signage indicating Boyd Park is closed
Police Officers and Park Rangers are regularly patrolling the site
Police Officers and Park Rangers are responding to calls and reports of people inside the Park.
2 citations have been issued since the closure on January 26.
Ongoing, additional contractual security resources may be necessary. Security resources for initial
events and activities may be needed to provide a safe and inviting environment for the community.
Study of the cost and efficacy of a fence along the Dollar Drive boarder of the Park will take place.
Restoration
Phase 2 is restoring the site to a safe, secure and functional environment. Action has been taken for the
eradication of health and safety hazards in the park. Public Works will scope the clean-up project for
contractual services to remove debris, camping equipment, any additional drug paraphernalia, waste,
litter and similar material. The Parks Division of Public Works will oversee the removal of the existing
temporary restroom and determine the feasibility of removal of the abandon park features: closed
restroom, cement retaining wall, iron grating over a catch basin. The Volunteer Coordinator will work with
DPW to scope volunteer repair and improvement projects within Boyd Park to invite community
participation in the restoration process as well as provide critical upgrades to the park.
Re- Opening
Phase 3, the final phase of the strategy is to develop a plan of programs and events that will attract and
incentivize the community to utilize Boyd Park in new, and positive ways. Staffs from Community
Services, Economic Development, and the office of the Events Coordinator have identified several
approaches and will further define plans to:
Develop a regular schedule of classes/trainings/meetings in the Park such as yoga,
fitness, tai chi, etc.
Develop a series of seasonal lunch time programs featuring a variety of food truck
service in the park
Develop a promotional series of dates for group picnic opportunities to churches,
businesses and other local community groups, with incentives to use Boyd Park
Develop a program package for children's parties.
As noted in the February 2 Staff Report to City Council, achievement of the goals to secure, restore and
re -open Boyd Park will require longer than the initial 30 -day closure period. Staff will finalize the strategy,
continue current security measures, initiate restoration efforts to address health and safety issues over
the next 30 days, and request to return with a full proposal on March 16 to the City Council. It is
anticipated Boyd Park will re -open this Spring.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Police Department will not incur additional costs, but deploy current resources for
the this closure period. Department of Public Works will assess the initial need to clean and clear the site
for safety, and provide the necessary resources. Costs for larger corrective measures will be presented
on March 16. Likewise, Community Services will prepare a schedule and cost proposal for public events
and activities in the park after re -opening to stimulate interest and positive experiences. At this time there
is no estimated fiscal impact with the action of temporary closure.
OPTIONS:
1. Accept the report and the proposed activities during an extended 30 -day closure of Boyd Park.
2. Reject the report and direct staff to re -open Boyd Park and an alternate schedule.
ACTION REQUIRED: Accept the Report on the Extension of Closure of Boyd Park.