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Item 4K M E M O R A N D U M October 13, 2015 TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager FROM: James Brandon, Chief of Police SUBJECT: Item 4K: Approve Revision of Ordinance 735-A(First Reading) Action Requested : City Council approval on first reading of a revision to City Ordinance 735-A, which regulates the ages in which children must wear a helmet while operating a bicycle. Background Information: Current City Ordinance requires that children under the age of 15 must wear a helmet while operating a bicycle or riding in a side car, trailer, carrier, seat, or other device attached to a bicycle. In order to provide the safest environment possible for our children, the ordinance revision will change the age to under 18, which coincides with many other cities in DFW. The revision will also change the penalty that can be assessed for a violation of this ordinance to “up to $500”, which complies with other City code and gives the Municipal Court Judge the necessary discretion to appropriately handle the case. The phrase “Director of Public Safety” was also updated to “Chief of Police”. The Police Department will approach enforcement of this ordinance through a dedicated communication and education campaign in order to lower the number of children who are susceptible to injury from not wearing a bicycle helmet. Financial Considerations: N/A Strategic Link : This item supports the City’s strategy through the focus area of Safety and Security and specifically to the objective of Achieving the Highest Standards of Safety and Security. City of Southlake Values: Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork Citizen Input/ Board Review : N/A Legal Review : Yes Alternatives : Approval, denial, of suggest edits of the revision to Ordinance 735-A. Supporting Documents : Revised ordinance (red lined) Staff Recommendation : City Council approval of the revision to ordinance 735-A, which regulates the use of bicycle helmets by children. City of Southlake Values: Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork