The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Public Safety Committee 1988-08-25BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS (Public Safety Committee August 25, 1988 Committee: Chairman Garrett, Trustees Aldrich and Dickinson Attending: All Also Attending: Mayor Dannels, Police Chief Racine, Fire Chief Rumley, Finance Officer Vavra, Secretary Hutter, Clerk O'Connor Absent: Town Administrator Klaphake Chairman Garrett called the meeting of the Public Safety Commit- tee to order at 2:00 P.M. POLICE DEPARTMENT: SKATEBOARD/BICYCLE ENFORCEMENT - DISCUSSION. The Committee reviewed the Department's policy concerning skateboard and bicycle enforcement. As stated in the Municipal Code, it is unlawful for any person to operate a skateboard upon any public sidewalk, parking lot, street or alley within the Town Limits. Police Chief Racine reported approximately 8 warnings had been issued to persons riding bicycles and/or skateboards on said public property. If three (3) warnings are issued, the Department confiscates the item. The Department attempts to advise the citizenry of the ordinance by use of newspaper articles and various school programs. Chief Racine reported the non -local traffic generally ceases this violation of the law when so advised. Discussion followed concerning the possibility of posting a copy of the ordinance in various accommodations facilities, with the Committee suggesting citizens report such offenses directly to the Police Department. ALCOHOL AWARENESS DIVERSION PROGRAM - DISCUSSION. The Committee reviewed a memorandum dated August 22, 1988 submitted by Department Secretary Hutter. Ms. Hutter advised an Alcohol Awareness Diversion Program was estab- lished this spring to offer a juvenile charged with various alcohol -related offenses an alternative to receiving a citation, court appearance, and criminal record. Those juveniles charged with three (3) offenses would have no choice, a mandatory court appearance would be required, and the judge could mandate complete alcohol and abuse training. The Institute for Alcohol Awareness sponsors the program and collects a maximum $100.00 consultation fee. Ms. Hutter advised the Institute would accept the amount accessed for an offense in lieu of the $100 cash outlay, e.g.: a "disor- derly conduct" offense carries a $50.00 fine. The Institute would accept the $50 in lieu of the $100 fee. Ms. Hutter also advised four juveniles are currently enrolled in the Alcohol Awareness Diversion Program. This is the first time the program has been utilized in Estes Park. The Committee commended Jo Hutter for assisting in the development of a positive program for juveniles. TRAFFIC FLOW - DISCUSSION. The Committee discussed traffic flow at the intersection of Highway 7 and U. S. Highway 36. Particularly during BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Public Safety Committee - August 25, 1988 - Page two weekends, traffic moves very slowly onto to Highway 36, causing a "bottleneck" on Highway 7. The Committee dis- cussed modifying working schedules, using traffic cones to identify the turning lane on Highway 36, and the actual placement of a traffic officer at the intersection. Police Chief Racine reported the State Highway Department does intend to reconstruct the intersection and add a traffic signal. This traffic plan was approved by the Board of Trustees June 14, 1988 and work should be completed by spring, 1989. Chief Racine stated that during the interim, the Department could monitor the traffic at the inter- section. The Committee also discussed placement of a "continuous turning lane" sign at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Elkhorn Avenue/Highway 36. Chief Racine stated any signs posted on a state highway must be approved by the State Highway Department. A traffic officer is placed at this intersection during the tourist season. "NO SMOKING POLICY" - REPORT. Chief Racine reported that Motorolla had advised cigarette smoke is harmful to the equipment servicing the Communica- tions Dispatch Center. Stating the following was an admin- istrative policy within the Police Department, Chief Racine advised that effective September 1, 1988, smoking would no longer be allowed in the Police Department or patrol cars. REPORTS. Police Chief Racine reported that due to a computer malfunc- tion, the Monthly Report for July was not available. Each Committee Member will receive the report as soon as avail- able. ESTES PARK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. PROPOSED "OPEN BURNING" ORDINANCE - REVIEW. Pursuant to the Committee's recommendation of June 28, 1988, Fire Chief Rumley and Town Attorney White amended the proposed open burning ordinance to address "fire rings." Chief Rumley presented the newly -revised ordinance for consideration. In summary, open burning of flammable material, without first obtaining an "open burning permit" will not be allowed; open fires for non-commercial cooking shall be contained in a self-contained cooking grill, built-in barbecue pit, or contained in a fire ring of not more than 6' in diameter made of stone or other non-combustible material. Following discussion, the Commit- tee recommends approval of the Open Burning Ordinance. There being no further business, Chairman Garrett adjourned the meeting at 2:32 P.M. Vickie O'Connor, Town Clerk APPROVED SEP 619 TOO OF ESTES PARK BOAR OF TRUSTEES