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68 COUNCIL CHAMBER - February 3, 1992 Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Rev. Edwards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano, Mr. Vandever, Ms. Waters. MINUTES On motion by Mr. Vandever, seconded by Ms. Waters, the minutes of the January 21st meeting were approved as presented, with Rev. Edwards abstaining. On motion by Ms. Waters, seconded by Mr. Vandever, the minutes of the January 24th meeting were unanimously approved as presented. On motion by Mr. Vandever, seconded by Ms. Waters, the minutes of the January 27th meeting were unanimously approved as presented. PUBLIC Mr. John Gaines of 214 9th Street, N.W., representing the Sector II neighborhood, expressed two concerns: 1) rumors that the University will build an arena in the West Main Street area and 2) possible changes in the response procedure by the Police Department and possible reduction of the walking patrols in Sector II. Rev. Edwards stated that no commitments have been made to the University of Virginia regarding an arena. Rev. Edwards stated that he would respond in writing to the concerns about possible changes in the Police Department after discussing the matter with staff. Mr. Toscano explained that a Steering Committee will be meeting to design a process for studying the West Main Street corridor after which a Task Force, which will include neighborhood representatives, will study options for the corridor. Mr. Tom Hill of Rugby Road, repeatedly his request that the City solicit bids for management of the gas system. Mr. Gaines stated that members of the Carver lunch program have said that Council promised that they would be relocated to another site. Mr. Gaines questioned whether the Senior Center on Route 29 North has a complete kitchen and stated that many participants in the program have said they would not be comfortable at the Senior Center. STAFF REPORT: REQUEST TO CLOSE LEE AND JACKSON PARKS AT 10:00 P.M. Ms. Sharleen Martenas, President of the North Downtown Residents Association Board, stated that the NDRA Board unanimously voted to request that Lee and Jackson Parks be closed in the evenings and while there was a difference of opinion on the time, a compromise of 11:00 p.m. was reached. Ms. Martenas explained that the Board has received complaints stemming from the behavior of groups of men who congregate in the parks and recommended that the parks be closed for safety reasons. Mr. David Benjamin, 219 E. Jefferson St., presented a petition signed by residents of Queen Charlotte Square supporting closing Lee and Jackson Parks in the evenings due to the noise and climate of fear and intimidation created by groups of men in the parks. Mr. Frank Mueller, 503 2nd St., N.W., stated that he has witnessed drunkenness, public urination, panhandling, and harassment in the parks. Mr. Mueller questioned whether closing the parks would remedy the situation since the