HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Public Safety 1986-08-29. 1 SUMMARY AND EVALUATION OF ESTES PARK PARKING ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND OPERATIONS JUNE - AUGUST, 1986 Prepared by Rita Simpson 8/29/86
. SUMMARY AND EVALUATION OF ESTES PARK PARKING ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND OPERATIONS JUNE - AUGUST, 1986 I. Names and time limits of areas actively enforced A. Time limits are either 15 minutes, 2 hours, or 3 hours. Other areas enforced are loading zones, signed No Parking areas, and safety violations (e.g. fire hydrants, crosswalks, double- parking, etc.) Following is a list of all areas we actively enforced this summer: 15 Minute Zones: South half of Post Office lot East side of MacGregor (in front of Municipal Building) 2 Hour Zones: West side of MacGregor Ft.AAR - Park Lane Virginia Drive Coffee Bar Lot Elkhorn Ave. - E. Riverside-by drugstore in front of Library & West of Moraine Weist Drive Moraine St. Cleave St. 3 Hour Zones: Country Kitchen lot North half of Post Office lot Darkhorse lot (behind Wheel Bar) Bus Depot/Weist lot Tregent Park lot Cleave lot South half of Municipal lot (West of The Estes Park Bank) Handicap Stalls: Mac~regor East - 1. (Total 5) Post Office - 2. Tregent Park - 3. Cleave Lot - 4. Elkhorn Ave - 5. (in front of Library) Loading Zones: Elkhorn Ave. (between Riverside & Moraine) Cleave St. Moraine St. Signed No Park- ing Areas: Cleave St. Across from Tregent Park Moraine St. - first block off Elkhorn (West Side) W. Riverside in front of Post Office Behind Firehouse
.. . B. Problem areas or frequently abused areas 1. Post Office Lot - (15 minute zone) - patrol heavily to keep open for the locals. 2. Cleave St. - No Parking 3. Loading Zones on Elkhorn and Cleave 4. Handicap Stalls (always enforce strictly) II. Method of enforcement for timed zones We used a small chart listing all the timed areas to record the exact time we finished chalking each lot or street (see attachment). We usually allowed a five minute tolerance factor when returning to ticket the lot. Fifteen minute zones (especially the Post Office) should be chalked six to eight times a day, or more often if necessary and/or feasable. We chalked 2-hour zones an average of two - four times a day and 3-hour lots once a day, except during peak periods when we chalked some of the 3-hour lots twice . For 2&3 hour lots, we only chalked every two or three hours, respectively. However, if stricter enforcement of these areas is desired, it would be possible to chalk every hour and only ticket cars which have two chalk marks (in 2-hour zones) or three chalk marks (in 3-hour zones). III. Processing tickets All tickets issued are kept in a 2-drawer filing system. The left side containing the current weeks tickets filed by day and ticket number (within each day) and the right side containing all tickets that have been paid, voided, billed, or sent to court. At the end of each day, all tickets issued to Estes Park plates should be marked at the top with a red check, and all that days tickets filed in the front of the left drawer, in num- erical order. Drop boxes should be collected once a day, and ticket payments deposited in the money box. Payments are processed approximately once or twice a week. If payment has not been received within one week, and the ticket is on a local plate, a reminder letter is sent, advising violators of the elevated fine for late payments. As of yet, there is no billing system for any plates other than local (Estes Park). IV. Suggested changes for tickets The following information should be included on tickets: 1. Space for two times - time chalked & time ticketed 2. Handicap violation and fine ($10.00 - encourage this to be increased) 3. Obstructing access violation and fine ($5.00) 4. Eliminate 2nd and 3rd violations.
' 4 . In addition, the area for the license number should be longer and the license number, State, and year should all be on one line. V. Other problems and recommendations A. Delivery trucks and loading zones 1. An effort should be made at the beginning of the summer to personally contact delivery truck drivers and advise them of the best places to park for unloading. 2. Particular problem areas include: - E. Elkhorn Ave. (in front of La Casa) - Cleave St. - Moraine St. - Weist Dr. - W. Riverside Dr. (near Post office lot) B. Bus & mobile home parking 1. If possible, advise all drivers of vehicles too large for a standard parking stall to park in the municipal lot West of The Estes Park Bank. 2. Suggest that signs directing these vehicles to the appropriate lot be put up at several strategic locations on the routes coming into town, and/or that certain additional areas be designated and signed for use solely as bus & RV parking C. Merchant parking This issue needs to be smoothed out in the future as there is no clear policy on parking options available to merchants working in the downtown area. While some of them can convenient- ly use one of the three all-day parking lots (lot behind the Municipal Building, lot behind Bob's Chevron, and lot behind Tregent Park), many are unable to park there either because of an insufficient number of stalls, or because of the location. In many cases it is impossible for them to return to their vehicles to move them every two or three hours; consequently, they park there all day, defeating the purpose of keeping those lots open for visitors. Suggest that the possibility of establishing one or two permit-lots for use by merchants and employees in the downtown area be examined. D. Policy on moving vehicle after expired time limit The question of how far a vehicle must be moved after the time limit has expired must be resolved. That is, for example, does moving the vehicle to a space in the next row of the same lot suffice to avoid a ticket, or should it be moved to another lot? And on street parking, how far up the street should vehicles have to be moved?
. . A consistent policy on this issue should be established for purposes of legality and fairness. E. Areas needing additional signage: 1. Post Office lot: West and East rows. 2. Cleave Street: several ambiguous areas VI. Statistical Summary of tickets written July 1 - August 30, 1986 A. Total number of parking tickets written 1,907 Total number of out of state vehicles 727 Total number of Colorado vehicles (Other than E.P.) 638 Total number of Local Vehicles (E.P.) 542 B. Percentage of Tickets paid as of 8/29/86 Out of State 67% Colorado (Except E.P.) 60% Local 73% TOTAL PERCENTAGE PAID 66% TOTAL REVENUE PAID TO THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK FROM PARKING TICKETS AS OF AUGUST 26, 1986 $2,271.00
. .1 1st 2nd 3rd LOT/ST. LIMIT TIME TIME TIME P.O. 15 SOUTH |MINS. MACGREGOR 15 -EAST VINS. MACGREGOR 2 i WEST HRS. LIBRARY 2 .- HRS. :...:...I ~..... PARK 2 LANE HRS. VIRGINIA 2 HRS. COFFEE 2 BAR HRS. EAST 2 RIVERSIDE HRS 2 ELKBORN BRS. 1 2 WEIST DR HRS. 2 MORAINE HRS. 2 CLEAVE ST HRS COUNTRY 3 KITCHEN HRS. P.O. 3 NORTH HRS. DARK- 3 HORSE HRS. BUS DEPOr 3 -WEIST HRS. 3 TREGENT_.HRS. CLEAVE 3 'LOT HRS. MUNICI- ' 3 PAL HRS. ..
. Date: 09/23/86 TO: Estes Park Public Safety Committee SUBJECT: Update on Radar Program This presentation will cover two aspects of the Radar Program. 1. Training 2. Equipment and Demonstration This presentation is intended to update The Public Safety Committee on the status of the Radar Program. Attached is a written summary of our presentation. This is for your file should you wish to refer to it. Please feel free to ask questions should you have any. Thank you for your cooperation. Respectfully submitted, 1 :/1 - 100.411(I V f-480~ DAniel T. Heifn¢t Bobby J€ Rmerine Training Liaison, E.P.P.A. Radar Liaison, E.P.P.A. ,b
I - RADAR TRAINING Our radar training has been set-up as follows: INSTRUCTOR: Richard Gage, Deputy Larimer County Sheriff's Dept. Deputy Gage is a graduate of The Northwestern Traffic Institute as a Certified Radar Instructor. Deputy Gage has been acting in that capacity for the last three years. He not only performs this service for the Larimer County Sheriff's Department but has also assisted other departments with their training programs. This Radar Operator Certification program is allotted forty hours. This is a more extensive program than many departments require for their operators. Some departments require as little as eight hours. The program is broken down as follows: 16 hours of classroom instruction, including practical demonstrations. 16 hours of practical application. 8 hours of testing, including written, oral, and proficiency tests. Classroom instruction will be given in (four) four hour segments to minimize impact on work schedules. The Officers will then be required to operate the radar units in the field, under actual working conditions for sixteen hours. A written log will be maintained by each Officer recording date, times, and locations of use. During this period the Officer will be restricted from issuing speeding tickets. He may, however, issue warnings. This can be utilized as part of a public awareness program.
The eight hours of testing is interspersed throughout the training. Upon the successful completion of the above, each Officer will be individually tested by the Instructor for proficiency and given final exams and then be Certified. For scheduling purposes, the Police Department will be divided into two groups for training. All Patrol Officers, Investigators, and Supervisors will be required to become certified. I have reviewed this training program with Judge Littlejohn and he has indicated that it is satifactory. Judge Littlejohn will address each group to instruct them regarding testimony in his court. Court testimony in general will be reviewed as part of the normal instruction. A general course outline is attached for your information. Thank you for your cooperation, Respgctfully submitted, /1 14 - 4-0 FUL#,u ,(2,+V~ Daniel T. Meifner
Radar Training Outline SESSION #1 Introduction Speed and Enforcement Pre-test History and theory of radar SESSION #2 Stationary Radar Quiz Moving Radar Radar Effects . SESSION #3 Visual speed and range determination Quiz General review SESSION #4 Practical demonstration Equipment operation Test SIXTEEN HOURS OF FIELD EXPERIECE REVIEW FINAL EXAM AND PROFICIENCY TESTING CERTIFICATION
. RADAR EQUIPMENT As of this date the Police Department has been supplied with the following equipment from Decatur Electronics: ITEM # QUANTITY ITEM 1 3 "Hunter" Moving/Stationary Radar units 2 3 Front-mount Antennas 3 3 Mounting brackets 4 3/sets Tuning Forks(Certified) 5 3 "Hunter" Radar Manuals 6 3 "Third windows" The only items we are waiting on are the Rear-Mount Antennas which are on back-order and should be here prior to final training and implementation. A note of interest in the ordered equipment is that the delay in obtaining the equipment was an equipment change which updated our "Hunter " radar units. This enables us to have the "Third Window" capability at no extra cost to the Police Department. This will give the officer the ability to take the "Third Window" with him/her to the violator's car to show them the radar reading; rather than take the violator to the patrol car for viewing. This helps ensure the safety of the violator from passing vehicles, since they do not have to get out of their car to view the radar reading. This procedure will also increase the safety of the officer since the violator will not be in the patrol car viewing the reading. I have a radar unit for viewing at the meeting and also have one installed in a car for demonstration purposes should you wish to see how it works. Thank you for your cooperation. Respectfully submitted, ~~h~*Lot€-r~«' Bobby J. Emerine ,r
0 -- ESTES PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT Office of the Chief of Police GENERAL ORDER Date Issued 09/23/86 Date Effective 09/23/86 Order No. 13 Reference Radar Subject Operational Procedures To All Personnel POLICY The Estes Park Police Department will use both stationary and moving radar in its vehicles to aid officers in speed enforcement. Radar devices may be used by any officer who has successfully completed radar certification and/or instructors course, and has demonstrated proficiency in the proper operation of the device for which he is certified. To assure a high level of proficiency, each officer will be periodically recertified to demonstrate practical ability in proper radar operation techniques and the estimation of speed. PROCEDURE I. Radar set up and calibration check A. Prior to commencing radar operation, each officer will ensure that all radar sets are properly set up according to the manufacturer'r instructions and Larimer County Court procedures. B. The calibration of all radar devices shall be checked with two tuning forks of different speeds. Moving radar will be checked with both tuning forks in both the stationary and moving modes. All tuning forks will be kept in the storage pouch when not in use. C. Tuning forks are not to be struck against any hard objects, ie: clipboard, side of table, desk, etc. They may be struck against semi-hard objects, ie: the heel of a boot. D. An additional calibration check shall be performed by comparing radar speed displays with the patrol car speedometer while the vehicle is in motion. E. Periodic calibration checks shall conform to the following minimums: 1. If a sustained operation is conducted, a full calibration check with two tuning forks and speedometer verification shall be performed once each hour.
2. If an operation is less than one hour duration, a complete calibration check shall be performed at the beginning and end of the operation. 3. Calibration checks will be made in accordance with Larimer County and Estes Park Municipal Court guidelines. F. It will be the officer's responsibility to make certain a radar device is working properly and to report any malfunction, damage, or operational difficulty. Upon determination that repairs are necessary, the device will not be used. II. Radar Operation A. All moving radar antennas shall be aimed straight ahead in order to eliminate any error relating to Patrol car speed. B. If a radar device is equipped with an audio circuit, this functioning will be in operation at all times. Operators may adjust the audio volume to a comfortable listening level, but the audio will be loud enough to clearly detect all incoming signals or interference. If the device has no audio, the operator must ensure that all known or obvious sources of interference are avoided to reduce the probability of a faulty reading. III. Radar and tuning fork recertification A. It is the responsibility of the Lt. to ensure that radar sets are within certification. Redertification shall be done at least thirty (30) days prior to expiration of certification. B. Tuning forks shall be certified accurate once every twelve (12) months. Any tuning fork which becomes damaged or fails to produce the proper reading will be retruned to the Lt. for replacement. Should a tuning fork become lost, replacement will be handled only through the Lt. or the Chief of Police. IV. Radar operator recertification A. The Lt. will ensure that every radar oeprator is recertified at least once every two years. Evidence of current recertification will be provided to each radar operator in the form of a wallet card designed for that purpose. The specific types of radar the holder is qualified to operate will be listed on the card. The recertification worksheet will remain in the officer's training files to be available for use in court. -2-
. B. A master file of all radar-qualified officers will be maintained by the Lt. and will be updated accord- ingly. Notice of all changes in operator status such as certification, renewal, or the addition of different radar devices will be sent via memorandum to the Lt. V. The traffic radar will only be used in the below listed situations: A. During traffic periods where speeding presents a special danger in school zones and residential areas. B. In areas where complaints have been received and at the directions of the shift commander. C. During supervised safety checks. D. D.U.I. enforcement. VI. Basis for issuing summons' as follows: A. Summons' into court will not be issued where the violator is found to be driving 10 MPH or less, over the posted speed limit except in the following situations: 1. The violator is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 2. The violator's driving priviledge is found to be suspended, revoked or denied in Colorado. 3. Where special hazards exist in regards to road conditions, or other circumstances, at the direction of the shift commander. It is to be clearly understood that at all times when radar is in use, either stationary or mobile, the patrol vehicle must be clearly visible to the motoring public unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police. Respectfully submitted, Robert W. Ault Chief of Police RWA/jh