HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 13, 1995r OF
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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AGENDA TITLE:
Indoor Skate Facility
MEETING DATE:
December 20, 1995
PREPARED BY:
Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: That the City Council approve the proposed program and assume liability
risks for a four month period.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: A community based special interest skating group brought before
the Youth Commission a proposal to develop a skating facility in
Lodi. The Youth Commission endorsed the idea and deferred the
concept to the Parks and Recreation Department. In an effort to
determine public interest, the Recreation Department held public meetings to address different aspects of
the proposal. The meetings were constructive and positive. The proposal was then refined to a portable
indoor skating facility on a temporary basis. This would reduce the initial capital outlay and give
administration a better picture on community support and interest. The revised proposal was then
presented and endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Information regarding this proposal is attached.
FUNDING: $2,000 General Fund 5/96 Recreation Operating Budget)
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Ron Williamson, Director
Parks and Recreation Department
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cc: City Attorney
APPRCVED: (—x r !
H. D XON FLYN �^
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City Manager
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THE CITIZENS COMMITTEE for an INDOOR SKATE FACILITY and the
LODI PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Why do we need an indoor skate facility?
The Lodi Youth Commission heard, studied and endorsed the concept that was
brought to them by youth in the community. Consequently public meetings were
conducted by the Recreation Department to determine the interest and need. 70-
90 people attended the meetings, which we felt was a sufficient segment of the
Lodi market. The concept was then presented to the Parks and Recreation
Commission who supported the idea and recommended that the proposal go to the
City Council for approval. In addition local City code does not allow
skating/skateboarding on the sidewalks. So with the growing interest and demand,
we feel there is a need to offer an alternative to the youth of the community.
Who would the facility be for?
For young and old alike that want to skate and skateboard indoor on a variety of
surfaces. All minors would sign a hold harmless agreement.
Where would the facility be located?
On the Grape Festival Grounds in the old Boys and Girls Club location (this has
been approved in concept and operation by Mark Armstrong, Grape Festival
Manager and Board).
When would the facility be open?
Wednesday through Saturday, weekdays from 4:00 to 8:00 pm except Friday from
4:00 to 10:00 pm and on Saturday 2:00 to 10:00 pm.
What would it cost to lease the facility?
$1000 per month, with one free month to set-up. Tentatively this would be from
January 1, 1996 to April 30, 1996 and would be paid for by money raised by the
volunteer Board.
What types of structures would be in the facility?
A variety of home skating apparatus will be donated and secured in the facility.
Various aspects that will be constructed would be curbs, benches, mini banks,
shallow dips and bowls and open riding grounds. Payless Lumber will donate the
wood and Anderson Homes will donate the plans and labor for these additional
features to the facility. The exact design and layout will be finalized after Council
approval, rest assured that it will meet low hazard skate park underwriting
standards, which will not include any deep vertical drops or half pipes normally
associated with safety issues.
Who will maintain the facility?
Staff and volunteers will clean, maintain and check the apparatus each day the
program is in operation. Repair materials will be donated by Anderson Homes. In
addition Parks staff will check facility on an ongoing basis to make sure the
structures are sound and safe.
Who would supervise the program?
(1) one paid staff person that would be a part-time temporary employee of the City.
This person would coordinate and oversee the operation for a 3 month period of
time at an estimated cost of $2000. This money has already been appropriated
and is in the miscellaneous indoor/outdoor Recreation budget. In addition 1 or 2
volunteers would be on site each day the facility is open. One volunteer will be a
Board member and the other hopefully a member of the Partners (unconfirmed).
We also hope to develop a youth volunteer group called "Skate Vine" which will
assist in the general operation, discipline and cleanup of the facility.
Would protective equipment be required by the participants?
Yes. The requirements would include helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. We will
have equipment available for rent. 5 complete sets of gear have already been
donated with more to come in the future.
What are the revenue sources?
A door charge of $2 per person would be assessed each day. Equipment rentals
hope to net $50 per day. A pseudo concession would be offered that will sell
sodas and candy only. Contributions have been collected totaling $1500 to date
These combined efforts should offset the direct costs (excluding staff).
What will the rules of participation be?
No; fighting, spitting, graffiti, drugs, alcohol or stealing. No skating in the parking
lot. All minors must have their legal guardian sign the waiver. Protective
equipment must be worn at all times.
Who is your insurance carrier?
Homestead Insurance Company could insure the program with a $5,000 to
$10,000 minimum premium. This would price us out of business, thus we are
asking the council to assume liability coverage on the program as the City's JPA
does not include this in their coverage. Our JPA is currently debating the issue and
hope to make a decision regarding skating sometime this summer. A number of
JPA's in the state are beginning to cover the activity due to the low number of
claims. Davis JPA (YOPARMA) recently granted coverage for their park, which
previously had been covered by Homestead.
What is your organizational structure
There will be a volunteer Board of Directors with a President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer and a Recreation staff liaison. This Board will also include
local youth and any others who may want to assist the program. The Board will
help oversee operations, equipment, maintenance, safety, rules and regulations,
fundraising, fees and charges and discipline at the facility.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Layne Van Noy, Recreation Supervisor
FROM: Kirk J. Evans, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: December 13, 1995
SUBJ: Temporary Skateboarding Activity @ Grape Festival
Although I am no longer responsible for coordinating Risk Management, you and the human
Resources Director have requested my input regarding a proposed skateboarding facility at the
Lodi Grape Festival grounds. Apparently, this is a project the Youth Commission has its heart set
on and wants to pursue.
I have confirmed with Robert German, General Manager of the California Joint Powers Risk
Management Authority (CJPRMA), our Memorandum of Coverage provides no coverage at all
for this form of City organized skateboarding activity. CJPRMA is examining this issue -- I
represent Lodi on the board. My best estimate is CJPRMA will not change its current position for
several years. If this project proceeds, the City of Lodi will pay 100% of all costs associated with
the defense and settlement of any claim arising from injury sustained at this facility.
The first step in any risk management program is to prevent injury or loss from occurring.
Unfortunately, there is no doubt in my mind, given time, and despite the City's best efforts,
skateboarders will injure themselves -- some severely. They will turn to the City for
compensation. Worst case scenario is a head or neck injury resulting in impairment of mental or
physical function. Loss of this sort is profoundly heart wrenching when it happens to anyone,
especially a young person. Beyond this, it could be extremely expensive.
Proposed hours of operation are Wednesday to Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You indicated a
staff person would Qotentiallbe present. Even if this facility was heavily insured, I would
recommend a staff person always be present during operating hours to maintain a degree of
control. You are probably aware the State Health and Safety Code requires all participants to
wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. The proposed use of temporary wooden ramps or
ridges, etc. is also a concern. Lumber and plywood can degrade quickly under skateboard use,
forming slicing edges and long splinters. Careful monitoring of these materials would be essential
for preventing loss.
I feel the smart move is to reevaluate the overall benefit of this facility to the citizens of Lodi. If
you consider all costs (i.e., include potential losses in your analysis) you may find the community
is better served pursuing another form of facility construction or organized recreational activity.
cc: Joanne Narloch, Human Res. Director
Randall Hays, City Attorney