Admin Order 58-99-07 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. ~R-99-07 of the Executive Director of the Public Works Department PROPOSING THE RESTRICTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCESS TO SKINNER BUTTE PARK BETWEEN 10:00 P.M. OF ONE DAY AND 7:30 A.M. OF THE SUCCEEDING DAY, AND PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT. The Executive Director of the Public Works Department of the City of Eugene finds that: A. Section 1.003(2) of the Park Rules, as amended by Administrative Order No. 58- 98-16-F on October 20, 1998 authorizes the temporary restriction of vehicular access to City parks during hours the parks are normally open upon finding that such restriction is necessary for the preservation of the health, welfare and safety of residents of the City. B. At the present time, the gate to the upper portion of Skinner Butte Loop is required to be closed at 11:00 p.m. and reopened at 6:00 a.m. Numerous complaints have been received by the Ciry from nearby residents with respect to drinking and loud music originating from large congregations in the upper parking lot, and cars speeding on Butte Loop Road. These activities create an atmosphere that is unsafe for those using the park as well as interfering with the health and welfare of residents of the area, many of whom are elderly. C. Police Department records indicate there is a significant increase in complaints and incident reports from this area between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m. D. Criminal conduct has included drunk driving, assaults, criminal mischief, indecent exposure, drug activity, minors in possession of alcohol, and other dangerous activities. Closing the gate to vehicular access at 10.:00 p.m. instead of 11:00 p.m. should significantly decrease the disturbances presently experienced by residents of the area as well as the demand for police services. As noted above, those using the park at night often are drinking, and City employees frequently are required to clean up broken glass and other hazardous items such as needles when opening the gate in the morning. Reopening the gate for vehicular access at 7:30 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. will insure that City employees have adequate time to perform the necessary clean up activities. This order will not limit the public's right of non-vehicular access to the park between 6:00 a.m. and i 1:00 p.m. E. To preserve the health, welfare and safety of the citizens of the City of Eugene, it is necessary to restrict vehicular access to the upper parking lot in Skinner's Butte Park. Now, therefore, based on the above findings, which are hereby adopted, Administrative Order - 1 r: \adminorder\99gateord. wpd{3/25/99)