Enforcement of illegally-placed portable basketball hoops was a
focus at the monthly Parks and Recreation Commission meeting this
week.
Hollister Code Enforcement Officer Tim Burns discussed the
city’s efforts to persuade residents to remove portable hoops from
streets and sidewalks.
Enforcement of illegally-placed portable basketball hoops was a focus at the monthly Parks and Recreation Commission meeting this week.
Hollister Code Enforcement Officer Tim Burns discussed the city’s efforts to persuade residents to remove portable hoops from streets and sidewalks.
Burns and parks and recreation officials had a “really good discussion,” according to Commissioner Christopher Alvarez.
“We don’t want to confiscate these things,” Alvarez said. “Our goal is to keep kids safe out there.”
Burns also said he wants to prevent taking hoops away from residents. Since he started in March 2002 as the city’s first code enforcement officer, officials have confiscated only two hoops.
That’s because most residents warned with notices have complied. Burns has marked nearly 200 hoops that were violating a city ordinance prohibiting the obstructions on sidewalks or in streets.
When the department receives complaints, Burns has routinely surveyed that entire neighborhood. He marks an initial notice giving 72 hours to remove the hoop. Then he returns and marks a final 72-hour notice, after which any remaining baskets would be confiscated.
The commissioners, Burns said, were satisfied with the policy.
“We asked if the problem was citywide,” said Commissioner Adam Breen. “He said ‘yes,’ it is something he’s seen around the city.”
Burns and commissioners, however, discussed strategies to avoid taking hoops. For one, the city plans to advertise in the local newspapers and spread word about the issue. Officials said they will also further promote basketball programs, such as those run by city’s Recreation Division and the YMCA.
Burns also recommended the Parks and Recreation Commission consider future options for building additional basketball facilities. Burns particularly mentioned the Sunnyslope Village area where he marked 54 hoops in May. The neighborhood lacks public facilities within walking distance, Burns said.
The city, however, will not immediately recommend building additional outdoor courts, partly because there haven’t been any formal requests from residents, according to Clay Lee, director of management services.
Officials said citizens should voice concerns at the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, which are held the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
“We’re not looking to crack down on people or take the basketball option away from kids,” Breen said. “We just want to remind people they need to be smart with their usage of these hoops.”
