McCall police report spike in juvenile disorder over Fourth; chiefs propose fenced, ticketed Legacy Park event

Dallas Palmer, chief of police for the City of McCall, told the City Council that police responded to an unusually large number of disturbances and alcohol offenses around the Fourth of July holiday and that “a great effect of the population” was coming from 15- to 18-year-olds concentrated near Lake Seapark and the marina.

Palmer said the department’s resources were largely consumed by that concentrated activity, leaving officers less available to serve other parts of the city. “It was a much larger crowd of that population than what we've seen in the past,” he said, and added that at times ambulances were blocked from reaching the marina because crowding prevented emergency vehicle access.

Why it matters: Council members said they wanted to preserve a family-friendly event but expressed concern that unregulated alcohol and unsupervised juveniles were creating public-safety risks. The council directed staff to develop specific options for next year and to return with costs, legal constraints and marketing plans.

Palmer outlined a proposal to create a controlled event footprint in Legacy Park that would be fenced, staffed by contracted security and use alcohol permits to allow sanctioned, regulated sales. He said the goal would be to reduce unregulated drinking and related disorderly conduct by creating an area where bags could be checked and alcohol sales monitored. “Alcohol consumption isn't the main issue, but the unregulated consumption of alcohol and certainly by minors is our big problem,” Palmer said.

Several council members voiced support for trying a controlled approach while avoiding an atmosphere that would feel overly punitive to families. Council Member Colby (first name not stated in the record) said she was “concerned that we don't go down the path … of just taking an anti approach to kids having fun,” and urged that the solution remain welcoming while addressing crowd control.

Council Member Lyle said the city should publicize the expectations well in advance and partner with media and the Chamber of Commerce on messaging. Palmer said staff has discussed the idea with the city manager, communications staff and Parks and Recreation and that legal review will be needed because Legacy Park is a public park.

What council asked staff to do: Council asked the police, parks and city administration to develop detailed plans that include estimated costs (security, fencing and permitting), possible revenue offsets (licensed alcohol sales or vendor fees), a marketing plan explaining permitted behavior, and legal review of what restrictions the city can lawfully impose in a public park. Palmer said staff will reach out to potential vendors and to legal counsel and return with options.

Quotations used in this article come from the meeting transcript and are attributed to the speakers who said them.

Ending note: Council asked staff to return with specifics in time to plan for the next Fourth of July and to coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce, Parks and Communications on marketing and operations.