HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - July 8, 1988 (10)C O U N C I L C 0 M M U N I C A T 1 0 N
T0: THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: THE CITY MANACERS OFFICE
COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING DATE
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1988, 7:00 A.M.
SUBJECT: HELICOPTER RIDES AS PART OF "DOWNTOWN DAYS", JULY 14, 15 and 16, 1988.
PREPARED BY: City Attorney
As part of the "Downtown Days" event scheduled for
July 14, 15 and 16, 1988, i t has Seen proposed that
the City allow use of a municipal parking lot in the
area for takeoffs and landing of helicopters providing rides to the public.
At the meeting of July 6, 1988, the City Council directed the City Attorney's
office to look into the proposal and to make recommendations. Because of the
short response time involved, an in depth analysis is not possible. However,
a few points deserve attention:
I spoke with Duane Ferguson, California Department of Transportation,
Aeronautics Division on Thursday, July 7, 1988. Fir. Ferguson informed ne that
there are no restrictions placed on such operations other than a requirement
that if the take off and landing site is located within 1000 linear feet of a
school , whether public or private, the proposal must be inspected and approved
by his office. Depending on which site was proposed for utilization as a take
off and landing area, this might be a problem since the St. Anne's school
(kindergarten through 8th grade) and the United Methodist preschool
operations are both located within that 1000 foot radius of certain City
lots. It is unknown how long it would take CALTRAM to respond, inspect and
approve such a project, but it would probably be difficult to accomplish
before the propcsed event.
In addition, the liability aspect of the proposal causes mr, concern. I t was
stated that the helicopter service carries a $1 million liability policy;
however, any major accident involving one of the helicopters could easily
generate liability far in excess of this figure. Since the service would be
operating with the cooperation of the City and utilizing a municipal parking
lot for landings and take offs, the City would probably be included in any
lawsuit, and it is at least possible (although the probability is uncertain)
that the City might be deemed liable.
In summary, I would recommend that t h
present and allow more time to reach
is possible that all concerns stated
annual "Downtown Days" if desired.
Respectfully submitted,
BOB McNATT
City Attorney
BM: vc
CCHELIC/TXTA.OIV
e Council decline the proposal for the
an informed conclusion on the matter. I t
could be addressed prior to the second
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