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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 Council Meeting: / � ��1 Disposition: L4-,�«-°f' 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.