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Boulder officials discussing options to clean up human waste, garbage in city parks

Posted at 10:03 PM, Feb 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-15 01:22:05-05

BOULDER, Colo. – Boulder officials met Tuesday night to address the continued buildup of human waste in some city parks and along Boulder Creek often left by an increasing homeless population.

According to the city, people are violating the camping ban and a rule that closes city parks between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day. That includes the public bathrooms some homeless people often use.

The city has already implemented increased overtime police patrols that cost taxpayers an extra $4,000 per week. It has contracted out a company to clean up homeless camps and remove hazardous waste and is investing in extra housing and volunteer efforts to combat the problem.

But the city is recommending the continuation of the increased police patrols, a continued contract with the company helping clean the city, and the replacement of several signs in city parks noting their hours.

Boulder is also looking at other cities across the Front Range for guidance, including a pilot program in Denver that offers mobile bathrooms.

The recommendations are still being tailored but the full city council is expected to review them as part of the budget process.

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