Title
Ordinance No. 18-24 amending Section 104 (Discharge of Weapon) of Part 1 (Dangerous and Deadly Weapons), of Article 7 (Dangerous Weapons and Substances) and multiple sections of Article 9 (Parks Offenses) of Chapter 9 (Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to Park Offenses
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Body
Summary:
The proposed ordinance implements updates to the park and public offenses provisions of the City Code to provide further definition and clarification regarding damage to park property including cultural, archaeological, geological, and paleontological resources; metal detecting; mechanical gold panning; litter; animal defecation; domestic animals at large; hoofed animals; park water activities; picnic areas; fires and fireworks; fishing limitations; games and athletic activities; and discharge of firearms. Please refer to Attachment A to review the proposed changes. Staff did make additional updates regarding section 9.9.406 per Council Member Knight’s question.
Previous Council Action:
The only official City Council action to date was a recommendation to assign City Councilmembers to each Department to assist with their respective code revisions. City Council President Merv Bennett assigned City Councilmember Pro-Tem Jill Gaebler and City Councilmember Tom Strand to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
During City Council Park briefings all City Councilmembers have received the draft versions for review and comment.
We have met twice with our assigned City Councilmembers and their input has been reflected in the proposed revisions.
Background:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department began Code revision discussions in 2014 to update terminology and current practices as it applies to our governance and operations. Staff reviewed each applicable code section line by line. In addition, staff met with key Departments such as Fire and Police to discuss areas that could be strengthened to better enforce rules and procedures within the park system. We reviewed citizen and partner organizations’ recommendations made over the years regarding hours of operations, as well as new trends in recreation and enforcement. Specific topics not addressed at this time include the Park Land Dedication Ordinance, Pioneers Museum Board, Full Drone Decision and the Appeals Process.
The updates provided are the work of two years of review and edits to determine the best path forward. We will evaluate the code annually for proposed improvements that may need to be made based on citizen feedback or operational modifications.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to excelling at City services by utilizing periodic evaluations and reviews to ensure accurate documentation of policies and procedures.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously to support the proposed Code revisions at its March 9, 2017 meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings serve as an opportunity to receive public comment on any item related to the Department.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the Ordinance Amending Section 104 (Discharge of Weapon) of Part 1 (Dangerous and Deadly Weapons), of Article 7 (Dangerous Weapons and Substances) and Multiple Sections of Article 9 (Parks Offenses) of Chapter 9 (Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended, Pertaining to Park Offenses.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An Ordinance Amending Section 104 (Discharge of Weapon) of Part 1 (Dangerous and Deadly Weapons), of Article 7 (Dangerous Weapons and Substances) and Multiple Sections of Article 9 (Parks Offenses) of Chapter 9 (Public Offenses) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended, Pertaining to Park Offenses.