HomeMy WebLinkAboutBates 12083-12097 - 12-04-2019 PRC Agenda PacketCityofSanLuisObispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
5:30 p.m. REGULAR MEETING Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Rodney Thurman
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, Keri Schwab, Vice Chair Robert Spector,
Adam Stowe, Chair Rodney Thurman, and Andrew Webber, VACANT
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of November 6, 2019.
CONSENT ITEMS
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Froom Ranch Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report (Scott – 30 minutes)
Recommendation: Provide comments to staff on any additional analysis or information
needed to adequately evaluate impacts to parks and recreational facilities in the EIR for the
proposed Froom Ranch Specific Plan.
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3. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update (Avakian/Scott –
10 minutes)
Staff update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element Update.
4. PRC Bylaws Review and Approval (Avakian – 10 minutes)
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
5. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair) – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Webber
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate
d. Jack House Committee: Commissioner Schwab
e. Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman
f. Youth Sports Association: Commissioner Stowe
6. Directors’ Report (Avakian - 5 minutes)
7. Communication
ADJOURNMENT
To the meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commi ttee as approved by the PRC to
Wednesday , February 5, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis
Obispo, California.
The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request,
this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a
disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request
to the Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx
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Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda Report Meeting Date: 12/04/2019
Item Number:
DATE: December 4, 2019
FROM: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner, Community Development
Prepared By: Emily Creel, Contract Planner
SUBJECT: Froom Ranch Specific Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report
RECOMMENDATION
1.Provide comments to staff on any additional analysis or information needed to adequately
evaluate impacts to parks and recreational facilities in the EIR for the proposed Froom Ranch
Specific Plan.
SUMMARY/BACKGROUND
On April 5, 2016, the City Council authorized initiation of the Madonna on Los Osos Valley Road
LOVR) Specific Plan (currently referred to as the Froom Ranch Specific Plan). The project includes a
Specific Plan, General Plan Amendment, and related actions that would allow for development of
approximately 50 acres of the 109.7-acre Froom Ranch Specific Plan area. Amendments to the General
Plan would include a change in the land uses to include a senior residential community (Villaggio) and
to allow development above 150 feet in elevation, since hillside development is regulated by several
General Plan policies and programs, including Policy 6.4.7(H), which specifies that no building sites
should be allowed above the 150-foot elevation line in the Irish Hills area. As part of its initiation of the
Specific Plan, the City Council required that the project applicant also develop a feasible “actionable
alternative” that located all development below the 150-foot elevation. Both the proposed project and
the actionable alternative are evaluated in the Draft EIR; the actionable alternative is discussed under
Draft EIR Alternatives Analysis, below.
Following initiation by the City Council and prior to submittal of the Specific Plan, the applicant
presented preliminary park concepts to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) on August 3, 2016
and the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) on September 26, 2016. At the time of conceptual review
in 2016, the applicant had identified an adjacent 7.4-acre parcel located behind (west of) Home Depot
within the City limits as the potential site for a park, which was conceptually proposed as a receiver site
for two relocated historic structures (the main residence and bunkhouse) and other interpretive elements.
During PRC’s previous conceptual review, members commented on screening and fencing of the
proposed park from Home Depot, alternative access routes, lighting, ADA access, the need for a dog
park, workout equipment, and whether the location provided enough usable park space (refer to
Attachment 1, PRC Meeting Minutes August 3, 2016). During CHC’s previous conceptual review,
2
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members considered the initially proposed relocation to be incongruous in proximity to Home Depot and
noted concerns that any building relocation “will destroy the historic narrative”. The CHC made a motion
indicating CHC is in favor of the preservation of structures intact and in situ, in accordance with the
California Environmental Quality Act and Secretary of Interior’s Standards, and toward maintaining the
historic narrative and meaning of the complex”.
Based on preliminary feedback received from the PRC and CHC during 2016 pre-application review,
the applicant incorporated the public park into the approximately 110-acre Specific Plan area and
developed a preliminary plan for reconstruction and reuse of certain “key” historic structures within the
park (refer to Appendix F.3 for detailed information on the proposed relocation of historic structures:
main residence, dairy [round-nose] barn, creamery/house, and granary). The actionable alternative
Alternative 1) assumes a similar relocation and reuse of these four buildings at a public park at a
different location located further west, adjacent to the Irish Hills Natural Reserve (refer to Figure 5-1 of
the Draft EIR).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Froom Ranch Specific Plan
proposes a mix of land uses, including
a Life Plan Community with 404 units
of independent and assisted senior
housing known as Villaggio, up to 174
multi-family residential units, 30,000
square feet of retail-commercial uses, a
70,000-square foot hotel, open space
54% of the project site), and a public
park (see Figure 1 Conceptual Land
Use Plan).
Both the proposed project and the
actionable alternative propose to
reconstruct, relocate, and reuse four
historic structures within the Froom
Ranch Dairy complex to a new public
park, including the main residence,
creamery/house, dairy (round-nose)
barn, and granary. The location of the
public park under the proposed project
is shown in Figure 1; the location of the
public park under the actionable
alternative would be located to the
west of this location adjacent to the
Irish Hills Natural Reserve, as shown
in Figure 5-1 of the Draft EIR.
Figure 1.Conceptual Land Use Plan
PROPOSED
PARK SITE
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The Draft EIR includes evaluation of parks and recreational facilities that would be potentially affected
by the proposed project. The Draft EIR has been referred to the PRC in order to receive focused
comments on the Draft EIR analysis which can be incorporated into the Final EIR and included with the
discussion when the Planning Commission and City Council consider certification of the Final EIR and
project approval. Relevant sections of the EIR, including the Public Services and Recreation section and
supporting technical reports are available on the City’s website:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/community-development/documents-
online/environmental-review-documents/-folder-2018
PROPOSED PUBLIC PARK CONCEPT
The project would include 2.9 acres
zoned for public facilities to provide
a public park; the park would serve
as a trailhead, with recreational
amenities, parking, and connections
to existing public trails within the
Irish Hills Natural Reserve. While
the Project would include
development of the park, it would
be owned and maintained by the
City.
The proposed park facilities would
include four relocated and/or
reconstructed / rehabilitated
historically significant structures
from the former Froom Ranch
Dairy complex, along with visitor
signage and information, a
playground area, picnic areas, 30
off-street parking spaces, and a
trailhead plaza with bicycle
parking. The proposed public park would link to the surrounding residential and retail uses and the
regional pedestrian and bikeway system with connecting Class II and Class III bicycle lanes and
sidewalks. The proposed park plan is shown in Figure 2.
PRC PURVIEW
The PRC’s role is to review the Public Services and Recreation section of the Draft EIR and provide any
feedback regarding the adequacy of the evaluation and additional needed information or modifications
or issues which should be addressed in mitigation measures.
Direct link to Draft EIR Public Services and Recreation section:
https://www.slocity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=24501
Figure 2.Conceptual Public Park Plan
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Staff will be available to clarify information contained in the Draft EIR, or to respond to straightforward
questions, but comments related to technical analysis are more appropriately responded to in the Final
EIR, once staff and the EIR consultant are able to accurately perform any needed technical review or
evaluation. Response in the Final EIR also provides full disclosure for all interested parties instead of
the information only being provided to members of the public in attendance at the meeting. All comments
received in this PRC review will be responded to and included in the Final EIR. The public comment
period for the EIR closes on December 23, 2019.
GENERAL PLAN GUIDANCE
The Froom Ranch Specific Plan area was one of three Specific Plan areas designated for development
in the General Plan Land Use (LUE) and Circulation Elements update (adopted by the City Council in
December 2014). The project is intended to be predominantly consistent with policy direction for the
area included in the General Plan by providing a mixed-use project that provides workforce housing
options and preserves at least 50% of the site as open space. However, the applicant has requested
modifications to the range of land uses currently designated in the LUE for the Specific Plan area,
including the proposed Villaggio life plan community and a requested modification to allow some
development above the 150-foot elevation, subject to certain performance standards.
EIR ANALYSIS
Potential impacts and mitigation measures identified in the Draft EIR are summarized below.
Table 1.Summary of Impacts to Recreational Facilities
Impacts on Public Services, Parks, and
Recreational Facilities
Mitigation Measures Residual Significance
PS-4. The Project would increase the demand
for public parkland and neighborhood parks
from increased residential population.
MM PS-1
MM PS-2
Less than Significant with
Mitigation
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 1,231 new residents, which would utilize project-
proposed recreational facilities as well as existing parks and recreational facilities within the City and
surrounding area (e.g., Irish Hills Natural Reserve). The City’s General Plan Parks and Recreation
Element requires Expansion Areas and all residential annexation areas such as the project site to provide
developed neighborhood parks at the rate of five acres per 1,000 residents and at least ten acres of
developed parkland for each 1,000 new residents. The Project proposes a 2.9-acre public park and a
public trail along realigned Froom Creek. Villaggio would serve an older population with unique needs
from typical residential uses. Therefore, the Draft EIR evaluated the Villaggio and Madonna Froom
Ranch components of the project separately.
Villaggio. The project proposes a variety of resident-only recreational facilities onsite to serve the needs
of senior citizens, including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, pickleball, bocce ball, community gardens,
theater, outdoor seating areas, library, and craft rooms. Additionally, Villaggio would provide walking
paths, including the proposed Froom Creek Trail and internal trails throughout the developed areas.
Access would also be available to the existing public trails within the Irish Hills Natural Reserve for
Villaggio residents via gated access points.
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Villaggio would generate an increased population of 825 persons, including approximately 93 persons
in assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care units that would require special recreational needs
with facilities that would accommodate persons needing more mobility support and transportation. The
onsite recreational amenities would provide the range of amenities to serve these special recreational
needs. The remaining 732 residents would be able to utilize onsite recreational facilities provided within
Villaggio, but active seniors would also likely use offsite parks and open spaces, hiking trails, and other
outdoor amenities, including the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, City-owned and maintained trails and open
spaces, City parks, community centers (e.g., SLO Senior Center), and sports facilities such as tennis
courts. Increased demand generated by the Project and use of existing public recreational facilities by
Villaggio would contribute to the use and physical deterioration of existing facilities.
To meet the goals and policies of the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element and decrease the rate
of deterioration of existing facilities from increased demand, the EIR determined that the project’s
increase of 732 independent living population would require development of an additional 7.32 acres of
parkland including at least 3.66 acres of neighborhood park within the City, which would be partially
satisfied by the proposed public park within Madonna Froom Ranch and proposed public recreational
facilities such as the Froom Creek Trail. As this requirement would not be met entirely with onsite
recreational facilities, the potential impact associated with Villaggio’s residents’ contribution to
increased rates of physical deterioration of existing facilities offsite and the need for additional
recreational facilities to adequately serve this population consistent with City policy is considered
potentially significant.
Madonna Froom Ranch. Madonna Froom Ranch is anticipated to generate approximately 406 new
residents, including approximately 37 school-age children. Based on the anticipated increase in new
residents of Madonna Froom Ranch, increased use and demand by project residents may result in
accelerated physical deterioration of existing facilities. The project would provide onsite public
amenities that would partially offset the impact of increased demand for City park and recreational
facilities generated by Madonna Froom Ranch. This includes a 2.9-acre public park that would provide
the basic elements of a neighborhood park as defined within the General Plan, including benches, picnic
tables, restrooms, and a playground. In addition, the Project would develop a publicly accessible Froom
Creek Trail that would extend from the existing trail system in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve through
the Specific Plan area with a terminus near the Calle Joaquin wetlands.
Based exclusively on the maximum population anticipated for Madonna Froom Ranch, at least 4.06
acres of public park would be required to meet the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element Policies
3.13.1, 3.15.1, and 5.0.2, of which approximately 2.03 acres would need to be a neighborhood park. The
Project would provide 2.9 acres of neighborhood park, thereby meeting the City’s standard, but would
be deficient in approximately 1.16 acres of required public parkland. As this requirement would not be
met with onsite recreation facilities, Madonna Froom Ranch residents would contribute to increased
rates of physical deterioration of existing facilities and the need for additional recreational facilities to
adequately serve this population consistent with City policy.
Mitigation Measures. The Draft EIR identified two mitigation measures to reduce impacts on
recreational facilities:
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MM PS-1 Public Parkland Requirements for Villaggio. Mitigation shall be calculated based on actual
buildout populations within Madonna Froom Ranch. At the discretion of the Community Development
Department and City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department, and to ensure that parkland
would satisfy the needs of the proposed population of Villaggio, the Applicant shall either:
a. Identify, purchase, and develop up to 7.32 acres of parkland, including 2.79 acres of neighborhood
park, within the City’s Sphere of Influence, consistent with City General Plan Parks and Recreation
Policies 3.13.1, 3.15.1, 5.0.1, and 5.0.2. If feasible, land for development of neighborhood park
space should be identified within interior areas of the City Sphere of Influence to maximize use and
access; or
b. Provide a contribution of fees in-lieu of dedication of parkland, restricted solely for parkland
acquisition and improvement.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The development of parkland and/or dedication of fees shall be
completed by the Applicant prior to issuance of building permits. While coordinating with the City
Parks and Recreation Department, the Applicant shall modify the Froom Ranch Specific Plan to
demonstrate the provision of recreational facilities to meet the demand of Villaggio residents if an
onsite option is selected.
Monitoring. The City shall ensure compliance with General Plan Parks and Recreation Element
Policies 3.13.1, 3.15.1, 5.0.1, and 5.0.2, and shall ensure the above measure is implemented prior
issuance of building permits.
MM PS-2 Public Parkland Requirements for Madonna Froom Ranch. The Applicant shall identify,
designate, dedicate, and/or develop up to 1.16 acres of public parkland into the Froom Ranch Specific Plan
to be operational at the time of buildout of the Project. Mitigation shall be calculated based on actual
buildout populations within Madonna Froom Ranch and may be implemented using one of the following
options, at the discretion of the Community Development Department and City Parks and Recreation
Department:
a. The Applicant shall designate an additional area of up to 1.16 acres of public facilities land use
with the intention of providing parkland, within the Specific Plan area, consistent with City General
Plan Parks and Recreation Element Policies 3.13.1, 3.15.1, 5.0.1, and 5.0.2, or
b. The Applicant shall identify and purchase or dedicate up to 1.16 acres of parkland within the City’s
Sphere of Influence, or
c. The Applicant shall provide a contribution of fees in-lieu of dedication of up to 1.16 acres of
parkland, restricted solely for parkland acquisition and improvement.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The development of parkland and/or dedication of fees shall be
completed by the Applicant prior to issuance of building permits. While coordinating with the City Parks
and Recreation Department, the Applicant shall modify the Froom Ranch Specific Plan to demonstrate
the provision of recreational facilities to meet the demand of Madonna Froom Ranch residents if an onsite
option is selected.
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Monitoring. The City shall ensure compliance with General Plan Parks and Recreation Element Policies
3.13.1, 3.13.1, 5.0.1, and 5.0.2, and shall ensure the above measure is implemented prior to issuance of
building permits.
With implementation of these measures, the Draft EIR determined residual impacts on recreational
facilities would be less than significant with mitigation.
DRAFT EIR ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS
The Draft EIR presents an analysis of four alternatives (Draft EIR Chapter 5), including the “actionable
alternative” required by the City Council as part of its initiation of the Specific Plan. The complete
alternatives analysis can be found in Chapter 5 of the Draft EIR:
https://www.slocity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=24506
This discussion focuses on Alternative 1: Clustered Development Below the 150-foot Elevation
Alternative (the actionable alternative), which was evaluated at a similar level of detail in the Draft EIR
as the proposed project to allow project review and decision-making through a detailed comparison of
both alternatives.
Alternative 1 Project Summary
Alternative 1 proposes the same type, number, and mix of land uses as the proposed project; however,
Alternative 1 would include a major reconfiguration of the proposed land use plan to cluster proposed
land uses into a smaller development footprint on the lower elevations of the site. Consistent with the
2014 General Plan LUE, under Alternative 1, all new urban development would occur below the 150-
foot elevation line. All residential land uses under Alternative 1 would be relocated to areas within the
project site that are below the 150-foot elevation line and all development within the Upper Terrace
would be removed. The only development that would occur above the 150-foot elevation line would be
the proposed public park containing the same four Froom Ranch Dairy structures proposed to be retained
by the proposed project. The proposed Alternative 1 land use plan is shown in Figure 5-1 of the Draft
EIR.
Alternative 1 Impacts on Recreational Facilities
While the Draft EIR determined that Alternative 1 would avoid or reduce several significant impacts
that would result from the proposed project, impacts to recreation under Alternative 1 would be similar
to that of the proposed project. Impacts (compared to the proposed project) are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2.Summary of Impacts to Recreational Facilities
Impacts to Recreation
Mitigation
Measures
Residual Impact
PS-4. Alternative 1 would increase the demand for public
parkland and neighborhood parks from increased residential
population.
MM PS-1
MM PS-2
Less than Significant
with Mitigation
Incrementally Less)
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By relocating the proposed public park and limiting all residential development below the 150-foot
elevation, Alternative 1 would provide 3.3 acres of public parkland within the project site, which is 0.4
acre greater than under the proposed project. However, Alternative 1 would still not meet the
requirements for public parkland under the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element. As under the
project, implementation of MM PS-1 and MM PS-2 would require additional parkland dedication or
payment of in-lieu fees to satisfy City requirements for 10 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents,
including five acres of neighborhood parks. As under the project, implementation of these measures
would result in impacts to park and recreation resources that would be considered less than significant
with mitigation.
NEXT STEPS
Provide any feedback regarding the adequacy of the parks and recreational resources evaluation and
additional needed information or modifications or issues which should be addressed in mitigation
measures and/or the Final EIR. All comments on the Draft EIR received in this PRC review will be
responded to and included in the Final EIR. When the Final EIR is complete, the PRC will consider the
Final EIR, Specific Plan, and associated entitlements, and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
The Planning Commission and City Council will consider the following entitlements: Specific Plan,
General Plan Amendment, Pre-Zoning, Vesting Tentative Map, Annexation, and certification of the
Final EIR.
ATTACHMENTS
1. PRC Minutes, August 3, 2016
2. Draft Froom Ranch Specific Plan, available online:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/community-
development/planning-zoning/specific-area-plans/froom-ranch
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Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
3 August, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Committee Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 3 rd day of August,
2016 at 5:32 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California,
by Chair Whitener.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members Douglas Single, Greg Avakian and newly sworn-in Commissioner Rodney
Thurman, and Chair Jeff Whitener
Absent: Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Susan Updegrove,
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Supervisor Devin Byfield, Natural
Resources Manager Bob Hill
PRESENT ATIO NS, INTRODUCTIONS, APPOINTMENTS
1.Oath of Office
The City Clerk provided the Oath of Office for new Parks and Recreation Commissioner;
Rodney Thurman
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2016 AS AMENDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SINGLE.
2.Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 4:0:0:3 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the
meeting of 07/06/2016.
AYES: AVAKIAN, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: OLSON, SCHWAB, UPDEGROVE
ATTACHMENT 1
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PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
3.Presentation of Conceptual Designs and Proposed Park Site Plan for Froom/11 Villagio
Project
ACTION: RECEIVE INFORMATION AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK
Contract Planner, Shawna Scott, presented to the Commission the Conceptual Park Site
Plan component of the Froom I 11 Villagio Specific Plan (Madonna on Los Osos Valley
Road Specific Plan). The proposed project would require several entitlements, which
would ultimately lead to the development of the project site. The applicant is proposing
a mix of land uses including a Continuing Care Retirement Community, housing,
commercial, open space, and park land. The applicant has identified an additional,
adjacent, 7.4-acre parcel located within the City limits as the potential site for a park.
Ms. Scott added that this is the first review of the project by the Parks and Recreation
Commission. She noted that the applicant is seeking early feedback from the
Commission on the proposed, conceptual, park facilities identified for the Specific
Plan, and for the Commission to provide preliminary input with respect to their
potential consistency with policies and programs contained in the Parks and Recreation
Element before preparing the Draft Specific Plan for the project.
Ms. Scott noted that the applicant team met with Parks and Recreation while
developing conceptual plans to determine the character and range of improvements
desired in a park for this project. The applicant has made an effort to make the character
of the proposed park more "naturalistic", celebrating the "uniqueness of the site". In
addition, parking and access to the open space have been identified as priorities at this
location. Ms. Scott said that the applicant is proposing a 4.7-acre park with the
following amenities:
Parking lot area to provide approximately 26 spaces
Historic plaza including relocated historic residence and bunkhouse (to be used as a
ranger's office and storage building) and a public restroom
Playground area with naturalistic equipment
Dog park area
Wetland overlook
Trail rest area
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Developer Representative, Pam Ricci, RRM spoke about the park design
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Single asked for clarification on screening between current development (Home
Depot) and Primary Park in reference to area in between park and Home Depot. Director
Stanwyck responded that loading area could not be adjusted but that fencing could be required
to alleviate safety concerns behind the trees. Commissioner Single expressed concern about
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safety and suggested small fencing. Ms. Ricci responded that the plans at this time are
conceptual.
Commissioner Thurman asked about workout equipment and the continued usage of the
equipment.
Commissioner A vakian asked about access to the park with the adjacent Home Depot and
Costco traffic. Ms. Ricci commented added that there has been discussion with current stores
for alternate routes.
Commissioner A vakian commented on senior living and access to the trail through the new
proposed neighborhood. Ms. Ricci added that there would be additional pedestrian access
between residential trails with a five-minute walk. Commissioner Thurman commented about
trailhead plaza being private. Commissioner Avakian asked about lighting and ADA access.
Chair Whitener asked about connectivity of the park to City. Ms. Scott responded that the park
would connect to Irish hills and current development with potential additional connection.
Commissioner Single said he viewed the conceptual park design more as a pocket park and
noted the need for a dog park in this area.
Chair Whitener added he was not in support of the location as there was not enough usable park
space.
Public Comments:
Michael Parolini, San Luis resident, commented that the conceptual design does not feel like a
typical park given its isolation and potential maintenance issues and suggested this located be
considered as open space.
Neil Havlik, San Luis resident, agreed that this is not an ideal location for a park.
John Madonna, San Luis resident, spoke about the ease of access to the trailhead as opposed to
the access from Madonna Road.
4.Update for Laguna Lake Dredging Project Relative to Laguna Lake Park
ACTION: RECEIVE INFORMATION AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK
Natural Resources Manager, Bob Hill, presented the Commission with an update on the Laguna
Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project relative to the Laguna Lake Park Area. He
added that he is seeking the Commission's input about the recreational uses at Laguna Lake
Park and Natural Reserve.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Thurman commented about capturing sediment attachment into the lake. Hill
explained the procedure in excavation of sediment and dewatering plans for removal.
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Commissioner Single asked about the dry lake conditions and cost associated with dredging.
Staff Hill explained difference between hydraulic (wet) and mechanical ( dry) dredging and
condition of lake during dry conditions.
Commissioner Avakian asked about the project duration and impact on other park usage. Staff
Hill responded that dredging would potentially occur over several seasons to minimize
construction impacts and employ a sediment management strategy that would limit amount of
sediment flowing into lake, thereby minimizing future impacts to the lake. StaffHill added that
there would be minimal impacts to the public and estimated approximately 400 cubic yards per
day could be removed (approximately 10 truckloads).
Public Comments:
Mike Parolini asked about the cost of the project and the tax incurred by the residences of
Laguna Lake.
John Smeglski, San Luis resident, asked if the improvements to Vista Lago Park would be
associated with the project. Staff Hill responded to provide feedback about how the
improvements could be incorporated.
5.Selection of Wes Conner Awardee for 2016
Director Stanwyck recommended the Commission postpone this agenda item to the September
meeting to allow the full Commission the opportunity to consider and select the Wes Conner
awardee.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER SINGLE, to recommend postponing the selection of the 2016 Wes Conner Awardee
to the September 7, 2016 meeting. Motion passed 4:0:3:0 on the following roll call vote:
AYES: AVAKIAN, SINGLE,
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: OLSON, SCHWAB, UPDEGROVE
6.Discussion of Annual Park Tour Dates and Topics
THURMAN, WHITENER
Director Stanwyck explained the itinerary of annual park tour and potential locations to visit.
The Commission agreed to finalize this at its September meeting.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Director's Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.
Hydro Flask Rewards for staff
Box Art Policy-Vote for next locations to be painted by August 281h
SLO Triathlon - a Success!
Movies in the Mission, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20
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Family Overnight Camp Out in Laguna Lake Park will be held on August 13-14
Skate Park Ramp n' Roll 8/20 (Fun & Educational Event)
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner 9/22 (at Jack House)
Commission Communications
LIAISON REPORTS
Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single said adult softball ended last week
and it was a great season. Fall softball sign-ups are starting. French Park pickleball is
being played twice weekly after restriping of the basketball courts. The Ludwick
Community Center hosts volleyball and table tennis -and attendance is in good numbers.
Adult soccer is starting at Damon Garcia Sports Fields. Seniors are staying active with
fun, well-attended, activities at senior center including bunko and bridge. Commissioner
Single requested a list of Senior Center Board Meeting dates.
Bicycle Advisory: No report. Commissioner Olson absent.
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Avakian said that summer is busy. Damon-Garcia is open as of August 1 but still closed
on Mondays for field recovery. Jack House weddings are booked through October. New
tables were ordered for the Ludwick Community Center. The City/County Library
conference room will be reserved for library use from October 2016 through January
2017. The Swim Center had a rise in attendance and will be closed for two weeks in
August for maintenance. Golf Course had good summer with rounds up 100 from
previous month and 550 rounds in one weekend. Increased youth participation at the Golf
Course and increase in merchandise sale. Tournaments were held over summer months.
Middle school classes held at Golf Course during school year.
Jack House Committee: No Report. Vice Chair Updegrove was absent.
Tree Committee:No Report. New subcommittee assignment for Commissioner
Thurman.
Youth Sports: Chair Whitener said YSA had some issues with field use due to
construction at SLO High School. YSA is planning a meeting with the School District to
discuss topics related to youth sports.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission is scheduled for07, September, 2016 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 09/07/2016
Minutes -Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 3, 2016 Page 5
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