Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council Regular Meeting of August 28, 2018
Title
TEXT AMENDMENT TO FORMALIZE THE
USE OF SCOOTERS IN THE SKATE PARK
(Community Resources Manager Kelly Orta)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
It is recommended that:
1. After the City Attorney reads the title of the ordinance, the City Council will introduce on first reading Ordinance XXX determining the project is categorically exempt from CEQA and amending HBMC Sections 12.28.090 and 12.28.100 to designate recreational areas in which scooters are permitted and to require users to wear safety gear in publicly owned or publicly operated skate and scooter facilities; and
2. Direct staff to schedule a second reading and adoption of Ordinance XXX for the next City Council meeting, scheduled for September 11, 2018.
Body
Background:
Since March, 2018, the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Advisory Commission (Commission) and the City Council have held several deliberations regarding the use of scooters in the Skate Park, which resulted in a trial period beginning on May 1. Staff returned to the Commission at their June 5 meeting to report that there were no issues or concerns resulting from the shared use of equipment in the skate park during this time. The Commission unanimously recommended formalizing the policy update and related code sections to allow the use of scooters.
Analysis:
The use of scooters has been permitted since the trial period began and there continues to be no issues or concerns. On average, the number of scooters is equal to or slightly less than the number of skateboarders, so it has proven to be a successful and popular policy change for the skate park facility.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the amendments to the HBMC to designate recreational areas in which skateboards, in-line skates, and scooters are allowed and also set forth the safety requirements for their use.
Attachment 1 includes the redline version of HB Municipal Code Sections 12.28.090 and 12.28.100. Signage and associated policy documentation at the Skate Park will be updated accordingly.
General Plan Consistency:
Allowing the use of scooters in designated recreational areas within the City is in line with the City’s General Plan:
Vision: Healthy Environment and Lifestyles, High Quality of Life
• Governance Goal 2. The community is active and engaged in the decision-making process.
o 2.8 Youth Participation - Engage and incorporate the viewpoints and ideas of the community’s youth population in long-range planning efforts.
o 2.9 Evaluation and feedback. Periodically solicit service evaluations from the community and utilize feedback to improve and develop the City’s policies, ordinances, programs, and funding priorities.
• Parks and Open Space Goal 1. First class, well maintained, and safe recreational facilities, parks and open spaces.
o 1.5 Evaluate community needs. Conduct a periodic review of community park needs and interests to inform maintenance and investment priorities.
• Parks and Open Space Goal 2. Abundant parks, open space, and recreational facilities to serve the community.
o 2.1 Diverse programs and facilities. Offer diverse recreational programs and facilities to meet the needs of all residents.
Environmental Review:
This Ordinance was assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. The City Council hereby finds that the Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 as an action taken by a regulatory agency that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use.
Fiscal Implications:
There are no known fiscal implications associated with this policy change.
Attachments:
1. Text amendment for HBMC Sections 12.28.090 and 12.28.100 (redline)
2. Text amendment for HBMC Sections 12.28.090 and 12.28.100 (clean)
Respectfully Submitted by: Kelly Orta, Community Resources Manager
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: John Jalili, Interim City Manager