Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2014 08 13

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Open Space Advisory Board th July 9, 2014 VII. Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda- Marianne Hainey (1117 LaFarge) visited as an ambassador from the City Sustainability Council. She reported that the Sustainability Council is spearheading a plan for a new community garden site on city- owned plots at the intersection of Garfield Ave. and Griffith St. The garden would start with 25 plots, sized around 10x25. It will be maintained solely by citizens who sign a contract pledging to clean up and pay a fee for water. The city is currently working on rezoning the plots to allow agriculture, and the plan will go to council for final approval in November. The Sustainability Council has heard a lot of citizen interests and demand for the garden. Discussion Item-Meet David Hayes, Chief of Police, and Discuss Overlap Between Open Space and the Police Department. Chief Hayes reported that he and the Department are happy to help with open space issues, including coyote management. He wants to have information-sharing between the open space staff and the police department. He also wants to have a police presence on open space, but is cautious that police dont drive on open space property, and that they act as guestson open space property. He wants to see how things go the first year and is very open to guidance from open space staff on whats needed. He is also hoping that the open space staff can come do some training for the police on issues and needs. Ember reported that she and Joe discussed with Chief Hayes a very preliminary idea for a program of seasonal open space rangerswho might be able to do some open space-specific minor ticketing. Chief Hayes offered training for enforcement and compliance outreach. They would be primarily on bikes, and end up acting as trail hosts/ambassadors. Chief Hayes reviewed the coyote management plan with open space staff and he is in support of the police departments role as outlined in the plan. Spencer commented that he lives adjacent to Annette Brand Park and open space. His experience is that most people, once they are aware of the rules, tend to comply. He suggests that time-targeted patrol of open spaces during high-use periods like before and after work will help educate people. He observes a lot of curfew violation issues, in particular. Jeff asked if the needed city ordinances are in place to do this sort of open space rule enforcement. Chief Hayes said that he is still learning the Louisville-specific code, but will be examining it further. Ember will consult with the police department as open space staff work to revise the rules and regs signs and web pages during the wayfinding campaign process, so that the signs properly conform to city code. Joe noted how well the intensive education campaign worked during this past spring when people were trespassing on the damaged and closed Coal Creek Trail. Jeff pointed out that some of the recent animal control issues might also overlap with open space issues. Chief Hayes suggested that open space could be added to the animal control officerspatrol. Helen commented to Chief Hayes that there is a new issue coming on line regarding electric bikes and powered skate boards on trails and open space. The city will need to