Carrollton proposes Parks ordinance changes, adds adaptive sports accessibility program (ASAP)

City staff presented proposed revisions to Chapter 133 of the Carrollton Code of Ordinances during the May 20 council meeting, showing a package of updates that reorganize definitions and processes and add a new adaptive sports program called ASAP (Adaptive Sports Accessibility Program).

A staff member leading the review said the alcohol rules were not substantively changed but recommended relocating unlawful alcohol use provisions to Chapter 130 so other chapters could simply refer to a single authority. The historic‑designation procedure was proposed to be moved out of the comprehensive zoning ordinance and into the parks code; staff said the Museum and Historical Advisory Committee would continue as the technical reviewer and would forward recommendations to council for final action.

The most substantive new proposal is the ASAP program, which would allow the city to partner with nonprofit organizations that provide adaptive sports programming and to waive rental or reservation fees for qualifying groups. Under the draft criteria presented, an ASAP applicant must: be a 501(c)(3) or comparable non‑profit, have a proven history of adaptive programming, maintain insurance and safety protocols, and provide a community impact matrix or projections. Staff proposed retaining a refundable deposit and allowing other fees (after‑hours staffing, event permit fees) to be assessed case‑by‑case by City Manager or designee.

Staff said the waiver should be treated as an in‑kind contribution for budgeting and reporting purposes and recommended tracking the value through KPIs so the city can quantify fee waivers in annual reporting. Councilmembers generally supported the concept and asked staff to quantify the fiscal impact so waivers can be reflected in future budgets. Councilmember Palomo said she supported fee waivers but asked staff to report the value of waived fees in the city’s budget materials; staff agreed to add that to KPIs.

On historic designation, staff said they had revised application materials and would coordinate with the city historian and the Museum and Historical Advisory Committee on accuracy checks before forwarding recommendations to council. Staff said the purpose and designation criteria remain focused on structures, locations, events or persons with historical significance.

Staff indicated they will retain some administrative discretion (e.g., refund deposits; determine after‑hours staffing fees) but recommended council approve the ordinance amendments before the city implements the ASAP program. No final vote was taken May 20; staff requested council direction and said the item will return for formal action.