1994-10-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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60 Responding to a question from Mr. Toscano, Mr. Gary O'Connell, Deputy City Manager, stated that discussions are taking place between the City and County Parks and Recreation Department and the Teen Center on possible interim locations for skateboarding as well as a more permanent site. Mr. O'Connell noted that a portion of the Mclntire Road tennis courts is available for rollerskating/blading. Ms. Daugherty asked who had brought the issue of banning skateboarding up and Mr. O'Connell replied that the police had made the request. Mr. Toscano stated that he has witnessed close calls with skateboarders coming too close to pedestrians and situations where older persons have been frightened by the skateboarders. Ms. Slaughter stated that she was glad alternative sites were being explored and stressed the importance of talking to Albemarle County as well as the City. Ms. Slaughter noted that the downtown mall is primarily a business area and Council is trying to balance the needs of the youth with those of downtown merchants and customers. Mr. Toscano questioned whether skateboarding and rollerskating/blading on the mall should not be treated as two separate issues. Mr. Vandever stated that the thought skateboarding and rollerskating should be treated separately and, referring to Ms. Rich's comments, noted that in allowing vehicular crossing of the mall, a separate zone would be distinguished to alert pedestrians to the traffic, whereas the skateboarders use the same areas as pedestrians. Mr. Toscano stated that Council could defer action on the proposed ban and monitor the situation and make a decision in the future depending upon how skateboarders and roller skaters act. Mr. Vandever stated that he preferred to defer the matter. Ms. Daugherty agreed to defer the matter and see if skateboarders can be more considerate, careful and thoughtful in the future. Ms. Slaughter requested that the decision to defer be explained to the police officer who had requested the ban. The second reading of the ordinance banning skateboarding and rollerskatinggolading on the downtown mall was deferred, with the understanding that the situation will be monitored and a report will be sent to Council on the matter in December. PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCES: 1) REQUIRING DOGS TO BE LEASHED IN PARKS, CEMETERIES, GOLF COURSES, SCHOOL GROUNDS, AND DOWNTOWN MALL; 2) "POOPER SCOOPER" ORDINANCE (2nd reading) The public hearing was opened. Mr. Richard Scott, 3 05 2nd Street, N.W., opposed both ordinances for the following reasons: 1) they represent intolerable acts of discrimination as only dogs are singled out; 2) they are overkill in the extent of coverage; and 3) every single inch of public property is included in the ordinances, lvlr. Scott stated that he thought it would be useful in trying to evaluate the ordinances to: 1) include a description of the problem; 2) furnish evidence to support the problem; and 3) provide an explanation of how the problem will be remedied by the ordinances. Mr. Scott stated that he did not think the ordinances needed to apply to all areas, they are overly heavy-handed without supporting evidence, and are an intrusion on personal liberties. Mr. Scott pointed out that there are many public areas not frequented by people where the "pooper scooper" ordinance need not apply. Ms. Barbara Haskins, Foxbrook Lane, stated that she did not feel Council has any data to support the proposed leash law and recommending that a task force be appointed to gather data. Ms. Haskins noted that there is a drastic difference in park usage between the summer