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ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 1.04.010, 2.66.310 AND 2.66.330 DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO PARK RANGER TO ISSUE INFRACTION CITATIONS AND GENERAL UPDATES TO CHAPTER 2.66 (FIRST READING)
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council place the ordinance on first reading.
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SUMMARY
California State law permits cities to authorize and delegate the responsibility of enforcing park rules, regulations and laws to Park Rangers and authorizes them to issue infraction citations. This ordinance amends the Chula Vista municipal code to allow the City Manager or a director to designate Park Rangers that may issue infraction citations. Allowing Park Rangers to confront individuals who are violating City laws in City parks improves park safety and reduces the burden on the Police Department.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
On August 25, 2014, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to support amending the municipal code to authorize Park Rangers to issue citations. An excerpt from the August 25 meeting minutes is attached as item "A".
DISCUSSION
The City is responsible for maintaining public park property which enhances the quality of life for all City parks patrons. From time-to-time, irresponsible individuals commit violations of City law in the parks. These violations include, but are not limited to: drinking alcohol where alcohol is prohibited, urinating on public property, damaging City fields or play structures, and not honoring reservations for field or facility rentals. City of Chula Vista Park Rangers confront the individuals who are violating City laws, however, it is without repercussion because Park Rangers do not currently have the authority to issue citations for violations.
City parks would be better served if Park Rangers were authorized to issue infraction citations. In doing so, the Park Ranger Program would be better equipped to preserve the peace and quality of life at City parks and ensure that violations of City and state law are discouraged. Furthermore, by issuing infraction citations, Park Rangers would have the ability and authority to reinforce municipal code and curtail repeat offenders.
California State law permits cities to authorize and delegate the responsibility of enforcing park rules, regulations and laws to Park Rangers and authorizes them to issue infraction citations. This ordinance amends the Chula Vista municipal code to allow the City Manager or a designee to designate Park Rangers that may issue infraction citations. Allowing Park Rangers to confront individuals who are violating City laws in City parks improves park safety and reduces the burden on the Police Department.
The Department of Public Works will work closely with the City of Chula Vista Police Department to ensure proper training for all Park Rangers who are designated to issue infraction citations. Standard Work and departmental policies will be a large part of ensuring that the process and purpose of issuing the infraction citations are clearly defined, understood and adhered to by designated Park Rangers. An informational brochure will also be developed in order to better educate the public on municipal codes and other park rules that regulate park use. In addition, staff is submitting general updates to other provisions of Chapter 2.66 to reflect recent organizational changes for the City of Chula Vista.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site specific and consequently, the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations section 18704.2(a)(1), is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong & Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Authorizing Park Rangers to issue infraction citations supports the Strong & Secure Neighborhoods goal as City parks are better served by having Park Rangers preserve the peace and quality of life by ensuring that violations of City and State law are not committed.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no negative impact to the general fund. There may be a slight increase in fines and forfeiture revenues as a result of the issuance of citations by Park Rangers.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Amending the municipal code to allow Park Rangers to issue infraction citations for violations of City law in City parks will reduce park maintenance costs associated with vandalism and municipal code violations.
ATTACHMENTS
"A" - Excerpt from the August 25, 2014 meeting minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Staff Contact: Iracsema Quilantan