Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks board hears updates on parade rules, leash enforcement, charter review and a staffing promotion
Summary
Board staff announced parade safety changes, plans to emphasize enforcement of a new state "Avery's Law" leash requirement, discussed charter review implications for park funding, and announced the retirement of a longtime supervisor and promotion of a new supervisor.
At the May 6 meeting the Parks and Recreation Board received several administrative updates on upcoming events, enforcement of a new leash law, charter changes under review and a personnel promotion.
Staff member (S4) outlined Memorial Day parade changes: participants on moving vehicles must remain seated and candy may no longer be thrown; items must be handed to spectators. "Those are the only two major changes," S4 said, noting the changes should not impact spectators but are meant to increase safety.
Board members and staff also discussed recent state legislation referred to in the meeting as Avery's Law, which tightens enforcement on off'leash dogs and raises penalties. S4 said the city's ordinance already requires a visible, tethered leash and staff plan to distribute literature reminding residents to use six'foot or shorter leashes (not virtual or electronic tethers). "So that's one thing we're gonna be really emphasizing," S4 said.
On governance, S4 updated the board on an ongoing charter review process that may redefine the park board's role and revisit funding provisions. The charter review committee has requested spending data; staff compiled five years of capital spending to clarify that capital funds pay for equipment and construction rather than routine expenses. S4 said funding changes remain debated and the committee will make recommendations to city council.
In new business S4 announced that Scott Robbins, the parks supervisor for about five years, retired April 30, and that Brian Klinger was promoted to supervisor effective May 1 after a civil service exam and internal assessment. Staff said Klinger is enrolled in a three'year Public Service Institute to develop management skills.
The meeting ended after the board reviewed conceptual art installation materials and staff confirmed no art will be installed in parks without board review.
