Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Establishing Specific Guidelines for the Sale, Service and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in and about Certain Specified City-Owned Parklands and Recreation Centers
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5C: Continue to market and highlight McKinney as a unique destination for residents and visitors alike)
MEETING DATE: May 7, 2019
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
CONTACT: Michael Kowski, Director of Parks & Recreation
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Staff is proposing to amend Chapter 14 (Alcoholic Beverages), Chapter 74 (Parks and Recreation), and Chapter 87 (Special Permits), of the Code of Ordinances in order to allow for the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages in and about certain specified City-owned parklands and recreation centers in accordance with specific guidelines; and to provide additional clarity regarding camping in parks or public areas other than designated campsites in Erwin Park.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages already is permitted on select City-owned properties, such as the StarCenter, Oak Hollow Golf Course, and the McKinney Performing Arts Center. At present, the consumption of alcoholic beverages in parks and within parks facilities is prohibited.
• Staff presented this item for discussion purposes at the December 17, 2018, Work Session and received consensus from City Council to move forward with and develop criteria to allow for the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages in and about City-owned parklands and recreation centers in accordance with specific guidelines.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
• The proposed ordinance amendment folds into our existing rules and regulations that already are applied to special events, such as fees, insurance requirements, and TABC and City Secretary requirements. In addition, it builds upon and is modeled after the existing rules and regulations for events located in downtown McKinney and those hosted within MPAC.
• The proposed ordinance amendments will allow for the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages as part of an approved event, programming activity, or management or vendor contract in and about City-owned parklands and recreation centers. Examples include: weddings, festivals, and musical performances, and may also include expanded recreation programming opportunities.
• The proposed ordinance amendments will allow only for the sale, service and consumption of certain alcoholic beverages, specifically beer and/or wine only.
• In no case do the proposed ordinance amendments allow any City employee to sell, serve or consume alcoholic beverages while on duty.
• In no case do the proposed ordinance amendments allow for the open consumption of alcoholic beverages on City-owned parklands or recreation centers outside of an approved event, programming activity, or management or vendor contract.
• The proposed parklands where such activity may be permitted with approval from the City include: Oak Hollow Golf Course; Towne Lake Recreation Area; Gabe Nesbitt Community Park; Bonnie Wenk Community Park; McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch; Al Ruschhaupt Soccer Complex 1 & 2; Old Settler’s Park; Finch Park; and Mitchell Park in downtown McKinney.
• The proposed parks facilities where such activities may be permitted with approval from the City include: Apex Centre, McKinney Community Center, Courts of McKinney Tennis Center, Recreation Center at Old Settler’s, Senior Recreation Center and the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices.
• Each parks facility shall maintain a separate facility policy establishing the particular fees, rules and regulations governing alcohol sales, dispensing and consumption upon, within and about the facility and its appendages, property and grounds. For example, larger events will include the requirement that the applicant provide, at the applicant’s sole cost and expense, off-duty city police officers at a ratio of at least 1 officer per 100 anticipated patrons to provide security related services.
• Specific to Erwin Park, Section 74-80 is added to clarify that camping within the City is permitted only at designated campsites within this particular park.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• Staff presented this item to McKinney’s Parks, Recreation & Open Space Advisory Board on November 8, 2018, and received positive support.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A