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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 fiel...
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