2003-05-07 P&R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Parks & Recreation Meeting Minutes 04-02-03 The Parks & Recreation Committee held a Public Input Hearing at the February 5, 2003 regularly scheduled meeting to gather information from the area residents as to possible solutions. The area resident's focus was on the younger children in the neighborhood and they felt strongly about leaving the play structure as is. Committee Member LeBlanc said that one idea the committee has been discussing is possible camera surveillance of the park and questioned whether it would do any good if the vandals were caught and identified on tape. Officer Bernardy stated that if there were a camera at Royal Meadows Park the individuals causing the problems would probably just move to another park and he questioned who would monitor the camera, changing and viewing the tapes, is this something the city staff had time to support. He also said night surveillance is very expensive and it is difficult to say whether or not that would work because the tape is often of such poor quality, especially trying to cover such a large area. Committee Member Peterson reported on the most recent episode of vandalism at Tracie McBride Park where a fire was lit in a crawl tube melting the plastic. A new crawl tube has been ordered, but it is an older piece which is no longer stocked. The price to replace it will be $215.00 plus shipping and handling. There are currently cones covering the area and it is as safe as Public Works was able to make it. Council Member Lee inquired about formalized neighborhood watch groups in the area and Officer Bernardy said that is exactly what they are trying to do. Community Service Officer Noren is contacting two (2) volunteer firemen in the neighborhood to see if there is interest in leading a neighborhood watch group. Officer Bernardy also said the residents need to call whenever they see anything at all suspicious. There may be that there is nothing the officer can do at the time, except make a presence, but the individuals responsible for the vandalism will be aware they are being watched. Chairperson DeVine said that the police have been there many times, but when they arrive the individuals are gone or they are no longer involved in the suspicious activity and the frustration level is high. Officer Bernardy said the Centennial Lakes Police Department is very well aware of the problem and of the individuals suspected of causing the problems, but the burden is in providing proof and they have been unable, at this point, to get an investigation formally started as no one is willing or able to provide evidence. He also said bike patrols by officers in the summer months help with the problem. Committee Member Seeley still feels better lighting should be considered, either higher or directional or both. Committee Member Peterson said he doesn't believe there is anything that can be done with the existing light, but he will check with a few electricians to determine what options are available for different types of light fixtures, surrounds to protect the glass and making the light higher. Chairperson DeVine and Committee Member LeBlanc had previously done research in this area and Committee Member LeBlanc will supply the committee with the information at the next meeting. Council Member :Marv Capra / Earth Dav An appearance was made by Council Member Capra to discuss Earth Day to determine what areas the committee members were planning to work clean up in on Saturday morning, April 19, 2003. Council Member Capra serves on the 51. Genevieve' s Volunteer Committee and the Boy Scouts and church volunteers would like to clean up Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park based from the church basement where coflee, lemon-aid and cookies will be provided. Trash bags will be supplied by City Hall and Waste Management is available to pick up the bags if the City Clerk is 2of6