01/07/2003 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 1/7/2003 disabilities. Among other things, an ice skating program will be considered, and ;~ possibly gymnastics and swimming, for children with disabilities. To some degree, this will provide to the city personnel properly trained to deal with children in these situations. We have not had personnel to handle our special needs recreation program. As a result, some of the children have left and gone on to other communities which offer these programs. They also seek to provide a year round child care program. They hope to establish during the school year an after school activities program and a all year young adult program and summer camp. Not all of these involve financial commitments by the city, but they may involve use of facilities. It's interesting to note that one of the objectives of the program was to give the parents a level of comfort with their children in programs and allow them to take a break from their sometimes difficult burden. The commission passed a motion showing support for the mission of Special Children First, Inc. The commission was excited about the proposal and looks forward to reviewing the proposal in the near future. ^ Security at the Recreation Center. Mr. Stotz and Mr. Dial, who have had their property stolen, had an opportunity to speak. Mr. Stotz expressed concern about the lack of security and made several suggestions, some of which can be undertaken with no additional cost to the city. Things suggested were a panic button or a direct line phone contact to the Police Dept. in case of an emergency. Another inrteresting idea was a security plan that was well known to all employees and the Police and Fire Departments: security cameras, properly labeled entrances in order to provide swift police and fire response. There are so many doors, that it would be easier for the security forces if the doors were labeled by side of the building and numbered. Mr. Stott expressed the desire for the increase presence of auxiliary police officers during special events. He also suggested signage indicating video cameras. A sign-in sheet was also suggested. It may include vehicle number, driver's license number. Also, people could be asked to turn in their driver's license until they leave. Agate or turnstile at the entrance will slow down those who are coming and going. A plan to confront some on-going security issues with the skatepark where there are vandalism issues, fighting and rowdiness, was suggested. It isn't a safe environment for employees who are going out to confront these children. There was a request for security for the people at the front booth who are handling money. Mr. Jesse indicated that he recognized the problem and indicated the desire to balance access with security. He recognized that changes need to be made and has advised he would like to do a full security review of the facility. It will be one of the first matters brought to the attention of the new Recreation Commissioner. Mr. Jesse said he would be speaking with Rae Ann Thomas who was involved with the skateboard park about concerns that she has regarding the skatepark and some security issues there. Above all else, it is something that the Safety Department indicated they wanted to tackle in 2003. .~.,, 12