10-04-1971 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RECESS At 8:35 P. M., a five -minute recess was declared. The meeting reconvened at 8:40 P. 1Vt,, with the same Councilmen pre sent. PORTOLA PARK Mr. Phillip K. Patton, 1606 E. Portola, presented a petition signed by 59 residents of the area of Portola Park, protesting conditions existing in the park area. On motion of Councilman Villa, seconded by Councilman Evans, and unanimously carried, the petition was received and ordered filed. Mr. Patton also called attention to his letter dated September 30, 1971, to the Council in which he listed a number of incidents which the residents feel present a serious threat to the happiness and safety of their area. Pie stated they have tried many ways to prevent individuals from loitering in the park; that they have a nice neighborhood and would like to keep it safe for their children; and that they are asking for immediate help. The City Manager reported that the Police Department has responded to many calls to the park and has made numerous arrests; that the City is aware of the problem and is seeking a solution; that Mr. Patron's letter has caused a great deal of concern, but that it is a situation that is very difficult to control; and thai perhaps the parking lot could be posted for limited parking and closed at 8:00 P. M. Mr. Patton stated that the residents are concerned enough that they would be willing to form a Committee to work with the City in any way possible, and requested that someone from the City be named to work with them. Mr. Keith De Sort stated that his home is adjacent to the Portola Park parking lot; thai the young people park in the lot, using their two way radios to pick up police calls, and are aware that patrol cars are on the way; that they toss beer cans, bottles, etc., over the fence into his yard; that if there is heavy ~olice action, residents find broken glass in their yards, air let out of the tires on their cars; and that the people are of high school age mostly, and come not only from the neighborhood around the park, but from other cities as well. Mr. Ben Karcher, 1602 Partola, stated that the residents in the neighborhood cannot enjoy the park, and that he felt the problem could be solved by eliminating the parking lot. Mr. Stan McCurdy, 1609 Portola, stated that there is a large parking lot for the park on Santa Clara, across from the Highway Patrol, and there is no trouble there; and agreed that closing the second parking lot might be the solution. Counciknan Patterson moved to refer the matter to Staff for a continuing effort to resolve the problem, and to report back to Council at the next meeting; and more specifically, to close the parking lot referred to on Portola at 8:00 P,M., each evening. Motion was seconded by Councilman Evans, and unanimously carried. CITY COUNCIL -334- October 4~ 1971