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Council asks staff to study QR codes and URL stickers for park signs; staff to return with cost and risk analysis
Summary
Council directed staff to study options for adding Glendale 1 direct links to park signage — QR codes, plain URLs or both — and asked staff to include a cost estimate and information about QR-code scams and monitoring requirements.
Council discussed March 20 whether to add QR codes or direct URLs linking to Glendale 1 on park regulatory signs to make it easier for users to report maintenance and safety issues.
John Kennedy, director of parks and recreation, presented three options: study and add a Glendale 1 URL sticker, study QR codes, or study both and apply stickers short-term while replacing signs on schedule. He estimated the research would require approximately 80 staff hours.
Council members split on the technology. Supporters said QR codes are convenient and speed reporting to Glendale 1; Council Member Turner called QR codes “convenient” and urged the ability to report on the spot. Opponents and staff raised security concerns: several speakers noted an increase in malicious third-party QR-code stickers that can redirect users to spoofed sites and potentially harvest personal information. Council Member Mellner and others recommended caution; Mellner suggested focusing on advertising Glendale 1 rather than a citywide QR rollout.
Staff said the deliverable requested by council would be a study covering costs, implementation details, the prevalence of malicious QR-code activity, and maintenance implications. Parks staff noted an 80-hour estimate to complete the research; several council members asked staff to include operational costs for monitoring signage and to compare alternatives such as phone numbers already posted on signs.
Outcome/direction: Council gave staff direction to study both options — QR codes and plain URLs — and to return with findings on costs, prevalence of QR-code scams and recommended next steps. Staff said they would include maintenance implications in the analysis.
Why it matters: Clear, reliable reporting channels matter for park maintenance and public safety; the method of access (QR code vs. URL/phone) influences ease of use, security exposure, and staff monitoring requirements.
Ending: Staff will return with a cost and risk analysis detailing implementation options, estimated staff time, monitoring needs and recommended language for signage.
