Council amends parks code to clarify entrances and removes city float rentals over liability concerns

Council members on Dec. 2 amended the parks and recreation ordinances to modernize outdated language on park entrances and to remove an explicit option for the city to rent its parade floats.

Director Harris said many existing code provisions no longer match current operational practice (some entrances are not open to the public, Maple Avenue is only an exit in some cases). Councilwoman Feliciano asked for a clearer geographic description; the council adopted an amendment specifying "the outer drive to the Deer Paddock located at Hill Vista Boulevard shall be open to traffic during city-approved special events" and corrected the ordinance's spelling of "Deer Paddock."

Separately, councilmember discussion and administration testimony led to approval of an amendment to strike city-administered float rentals from the ordinance. Administration explained the city no longer rents floats because of liability exposure — a recalled incident "where the float almost came apart in the middle of the highway" — and said floats are generally only used for city events driven by city staff. After a motion and roll-call votes on the amendment and the ordinance as amended, council carried the item.

Council also debated permit lead times and fee attachments in the companion fees ordinance; Director Harris agreed to attach the updated application to the ordinance as an addendum so permit holders will see insurance thresholds, security-guard fees and rental-rate details.

Next steps: the administration will provide the corrected ordinance text and attach permit-application details to the clerk's office; council asked staff to circulate the clarified language to neighbors near the Hill Vista/Deer Paddock entrance.