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Council tables proposal to allow 15' 18-year-olds 24/7 access to Tag Center after attorney flags liability
Summary
Council members discussed allowing 15' 18-year-olds to use the Tag Center's 24/7 access with a legal waiver but tabled the item after the city attorney warned of significant liability and the need for a lengthy release of liability for minors.
City staff raised the possibility of extending 24/7 Tag Center access to 15- to 18-year-olds with legal guardians present, but the council tabled the proposal after the city attorney raised liability concerns.
At the meeting a staff presenter summarized counsel's advice: there is "no such thing as an ironclad contract or release form" and requiring minors to be in an unattended facility—even with parents—creates high liability for the city. The presenter said that, if the council wanted to proceed, the city would need a detailed waiver and release tailored for minors.
Council members voiced operational concerns during discussion, citing risks such as vandalism and damage that might not be discovered until the next day. One council member urged postponing the change so the city can focus on stabilizing operations at the Tag Center before expanding access. Another recommended tabling the item to gather more information.
A motion to table the item to the next month passed; the council did not adopt a policy change. The council directed staff to consult further with the attorney and bring back any proposed liability waivers, operational controls and recommended conditions for minors' access at a subsequent meeting.
