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Committee narrows parks ordinance to ban glass containers citywide, removes proposed $1,000 Dolores Park fine
Summary
After testimony from Rec and Park, the Treasurer’s Office and public commenters, the committee voted to amend the park‑code ordinance to remove the $1,000 littering fine for Dolores Park and instead prohibit glass containers in city parks, with a phased outreach before citation enforcement; the item was forwarded to the Board with a positive recommendation.
The committee voted to amend and forward to the Board an ordinance that would ban glass beverage containers in city parks and authorize park patrol to issue citations, while removing earlier language that would have imposed a $1,000 administrative fine for littering in Dolores Park.
Supervisor Sheehy opened the hearing and said he would "amend the ordinance to remove the portion regarding fines and fees" and keep the glass prohibition. Sarah Madland of the Recreation and Park Department told the committee the proposal matches what other park agencies do and noted Rec and Park recorded 107 3‑1‑1 requests this year to clean up broken glass in parks. When asked about enforcement, Madland said the department intends a phased rollout that includes outreach and education for roughly six months before citations begin.
Deputy City Attorney John Gibner explained which lines of the draft ordinance would be deleted so the measure would focus on the glass prohibition and to clarify park patrol authority. Amanda Fried from the Treasurer’s Office clarified that the Municipal Fines and Fees Task Force is not currently evaluating criminal penalties and that the proposed ordinance would not by itself change existing park‑code penalties; those are governed elsewhere in the code and in court processes.
Public commenters including Vince Courtney (Laborers Local 261) and representatives of park‑advocacy groups urged adoption and emphasized worker safety. Speakers from the community asked for attention to enforcement fairness and to carve‑outs for permitted concessionaires and large permitted events.
Supervisors discussed exemptions for permitted concessionaires and large ticketed events (Stern Grove, Outside Lands) and the department confirmed exceptions tied to permits and cleanup plans. Supervisor Sheehy moved to strike the fines and forward the amended ordinance; the committee passed the amendment and sent the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation without objection.
The committee record shows the ordinance will be scheduled on the Board of Supervisors agenda for Sept. 19, 2017.
