PC 09/13/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

few kids who do clean up the trash are dumping it in his dumpster; 4) the skateboarders and in- line skaters are now skating through the shopping center's parking lot, on the sidewalk in front of his restaurant, and even skating through his establishment out the back door; 5) the kids are using their restroom facilities and phone, and asking for ice water and first aid. Furthermore, the kids' overall appearance is not conducive to his type of establishment. Mr. Nostrand has had to call the police on a number of occasions in the last week to break up fights. Per the Hop Yard conditional use permit conditions, Mr. Nostrand asks his customers and employees to park in the rear lot. His customers and employees are now refusing to park there because of the presence of the skateboarders. He feels a majority of the problems may be caused by out-of-town kids. He also does not believe the increased litter is being caused by the softball people. As a citizen and business owner, Mr. Nostrand is concerned about the safety issues and would like to be part of the solution. His ideas for resolving the problems are: a need for adult supervision, enforcement of the laws, litter control, and installation of phones and restroom facilities. Commissioner Hovingh inquired if the park is for both in-line and skateboarding. Ms. Bengtson advised that it was conceptualized for skateboarding and is so signed. She went on to describe how the two activities are not compatible sports. Commissioner Hovingh visited the park on Saturday and didn't notice many cars in the parking lot. Commissioner Dove asked the speaker if it was fair to say that the problems are fewer during daylight hours. Mr. Nostrand agreed to that statement, and noted that it seems to be the older kids who are causing more of the problems when staying later at night. Commissioner Wright stated he has been to the skateboard park a number of times, and concurs with everything Mr. Nostrand has stated regarding the skaters in the shopping center, litter, etc. Ms. Bengtson is aware of the problems and has been to the park several times. Staff anticipated these kinds of problems during the first few weeks, as evidenced in Benicia and Santa Rosa. Staff is waiting a short time for the attendance to start to fall off. Staff will be there, starting Friday night, to educate the users about the rules, courtesy, litter clean-up, staying out of the shopping center, etc. New signage is being posted indicating daylight hours use only, and she will ask police to cite those using the park after hours. Staff will also be tracking cars using the skateboard park as well as counting the number of empty spaces available. They are providing staff to clean the parking lots in the morning. Ms. Bengtson advised there is a need to provide sporting facilities for all youngsters in the City. The challenge of staff is to educate the users to become respectable users of the park. If this cannot be accomplished, the use of the facility will have to be reevaluated. planning Commission Minutes Page 2 September 13, 1995