HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/1996 B A K E,~S F I E L D
Staff: T Irma Carson
Jacquie Sullivan
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE
Thursday, July 25, 1996
4:30 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room-
1. ROLL CALL
Called to order 4:55 p.m.
Members present: Councilmembers Randy Rowles, Chair; Irma Carson; and
Jacquie Sullivan
2. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 1, 1996 MINUTES
Approved as submitted.
3. PRESENTATIONS
None
4. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
5. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES INFORMATION
Staff explained that the information on the National League of Cities had been
distributed as follow-through to a prior committee request. Councilmember Carson
' E COPY
APPROVED AS SI:]BI~T'I'ED OCTOBER 8, 1996
Agenda Summary Report
Legislative and Litigation Committee
July 25, 1996
Page -2-
indicated that the NLC benefits cities, and that it is not necessary to belong to
attend its conferences. The NLC provides a connection that is not otherwise
available to cities at the national level. There was general agreement among
Committee members that the NLC provided valuable services. Committee
Members Sullivan and Rowles agreed it would be valuable for Councilmembers
attending NLC conferences to report back to Council with their findings.
Chairperson Rowles indicated that the information distributed could be used if the
NLC issue is revisited at a future time.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A. REVIEW OF PROPOSED CHANGE TO SECTION 17.04.285 OF THE
BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE DEFINING FOOD AND/OR SHELTER
SERVICE AGENCIES
B. REVIEW-OF PROPOSED CHANGE TO SECTION 12.56.050 OF THE
BAKERSFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING SUBSECTION O,
PROHIBITING OPERATING FOOD AND/OR SHELTER AGENCIES IN
CITY PARKS
Chairperson Rowles indicated that since items A and B were so closely linked that
they would be discussed together. City Attorney Skousen explained that the
proposed ordinances are one way to attempt to resolve issues raised during recent
daily feeding program in Central Park and the unintended negative secondary
consequences of those feedings in and around Central Park.
Committee Member Carson felt the ordinances would curtail church activities in City
parks, especially those with large feeding programs, and indicated her resistance
to governmental involvement in church activities. Alternatives to the proposed
ordinances included stronger code enforcement, removing the pool at Central Park,
and fencing of properties that needed to be protected.
Chairperson Rowles indicated that Community House is used by seniors during the
day and that the Junior League uses it at night. The City built the Homeless Shelter
to assist the homeless. The proposed ordinances would allow the City to bring life
into the parks and make enforcement manageable.
Committee Member Sullivan indicated that the daily feeding encouraged transients
to stay in the Park, and a daily feeding program was not appropriate. A real focus
Agenda Summary Report
Legislative and Litigation Committee
July 25, 1996
Page -3-
needed to be placed on bringing Central Park back to a pretty park for everyone's
use and eliminate disappointments and concerns about safety.
City Attorney Skousen indicated that the ordinance could be passed independently.
Chairperson Rowles made a motion to move both ordinances forward to Council for
approval. Committee Member Sullivan seconded the motion. Committee Member
Carson abstained, indicating she would prepare a minority report in opposition to
the ordinances. Staff will prepare a majority report for the Committee and assist
Committee Member Carson in the preparation of the minority report.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Staff Attendees: City Attorney Judy Skousen, Deputy City Attorney Virginia Gennaro;
Administrative Analyst Trudy Slater
Public Attendees: None