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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2025 PRC Agenda Packet Parks and Recreation Commission AGENDA May 7, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo The Parks and Recreation Commission holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting): Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401. Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not be read aloud during the meeting. Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting. *All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received after the deadline may not be processed until the following day. Public Comment during the meeting: Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be present at the meeting location. Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy, Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation must provide display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Blair will call the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to order. 2.PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA At this time, people may address the Commission 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. 3.CONSENT 3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - PARKS AND RECREATION MINUTES 1 To approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of April 2, 2025. Recommendation: To approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of April 2, 2025. 4.BUSINESS ITEMS 4.a PRESENTATION ON THE PROJECTED PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION PLAN FOR THE RIGHETTI COMMUNITY PARK PROJECT (AVAKIAN – 30 MIN) 5 Showcase the key amenities included in Phase 1a. Outline budgetary constraints and phasing processb. Timeline for RFP request for Council meeting on May 20, 2025c. 4.b PRC SUB-COMMITTEE LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) AMENITIES DISCUSSION ON THE BLUEPRINT FORTHE FUTURE (15 MIN) – CHAIR BLAIR AND COMMISSIONER DUPERRON Commission to discuss and provide any additional advisory topics related to the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and LOS updates a. 4.c PRC REVIEW OF AGENDA FORECAST AND MEETING DATES (PRC-CHAIR – 15 MIN) Review and discuss content for summer and fall meeting datesa. Identify agenda topics and forecast of key project datesb. 4.d DISCUSS LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS (PRC CHAIR / STAFF - 10 MIN) Review current roles and discuss additional opportunitiesa. Identify timeline for transition of rolesb. 4.e RECEIVE DIRECTORS REPORT: (AVAKIAN - 30 MIN) Budget Process Updatea. Laguna Lake Dog Park Revitalization Project: Progress Updateb. Righetti Hill Trailhead Opening - Timelinec. Jack House Roof Project – Status Updated. 4.f RECEIVE DEPARTMENT UPDATES (HYFIELD / TOLLEY - 30 MIN) Divisional Update – Community Services, Public Art, Senior Programs, Youth Services, Volunteer Program a. Divisional Update - Aquatics, Golf, Facilitiesb. 5.SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS 5.a COMMUNICATIONS The Chair will request updates from the Commissioners. 5.b SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS (CHAIR - 15 MIN) Adult and Senior Programming (Chair Blair)a. Active Transportation Committee (Vice Chair Howell)b. Youth Sports Association (Commissioner Stowe)c. Jack House (Commissioner Kincaid)d. 6.ADJOURNMENT The next Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for June 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. LISTENING ASSISTIVE DEVICES are available -- see the Clerk 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 City Clerk’s Office at (805) 781-7114 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410. Agenda related writings or documents provided to the Parks and Recreation Commission are available for public inspection on the City’s website: https://www.slocity.org/government/mayor-and-city-council/agendas-and- minutes. Meeting recordings may be found on the City’s website: https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=61014 City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission DRAFT Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission April 2, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers – 990 Palm Street The Parks and Recreation Commission holds in-person meetings. Zoom participation will not be supported at this time. Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible to receive one hour of complimentary parking; restrictions apply, visit Parking for Public Meetings for more details. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Public Comment prior to the meeting (must be received 3 hours in advance of the meeting): Mail - Delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Address letters to the City Clerk's Office at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401. Email - Submit Public Comments via email to advisorybodies@slocity.org. In the body of your email, please include the date of the meeting and the item number (if applicable). Emails will not be read aloud during the meeting. Voicemail - Call (805) 781-7164 and leave a voicemail. Please state and spell your name, the agenda item number you are calling about, and leave your comment. Verbal comments must be limited to 3 minutes. All voicemails will be forwarded to the members and saved as Agenda Correspondence. Voicemails will not be played during the meeting. *All correspondence will be archived and distributed to members, however, submissions received after the deadline will not be processed until the following day. Public Comment during the meeting: Meetings are held in-person. To provide public comment during the meeting, you must be present at the meeting location. Electronic Visual Aid Presentation. To conform with the City's Network Access and Use Policy, Chapter 1.3.8 of the Council Policies & Procedures Manual, members of the public who desire to utilize electronic visual aids to supplement their oral presentation must provide display-ready material to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Contact the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@slocity.org or (805) 781-7114. Page 1 of 16 DRAFT Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission April 2, 2025 2 | P a g e Wednesday, April 2, 2025 5:30 p.m. MEETING City Hall Council Chambers 990 Palm Street CALL TO ORDER: Chair – Rick Blair ROLL CALL : Vice Chair - Kari Howell, Commissioners Kari Duperron, Toni Kincaid, Desi Lance, Yukie Murphy, and Adam Stowe 1. Swearing in of New Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Desire (Desi) Lance (City Clerk – 10 minutes) 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. SLO Senior Center Vice President (Cathy Marvier) – Thank you to the Parks and Recreation department for the continued support and funding. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES 2. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission of March 5, 2025 a. Action: Approval of the regular meeting minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission for March 5, 2025. b. Carried: 7:0:0:0 to approve the minutes as motioned by Vice Chair Kari Howell and Commissioner Adam Stowe. AYES: Blair, Howell, Duperron, Kincaid, Lance, Murphy and Stowe. NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None CONSENT ITEMS NA Page 2 of 16 DRAFT Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission April 2, 2025 3 | P a g e BUSINESS ITEMS 3. PRC Sub-Committee on Level Of Service (LOS) Amenities: Discuss and Review Amenity Prioritization Associated with the Parks & Recreation Blueprint for the Future (15 min) – Chair Blair and Commissioner Duperron. a. Commission to discuss and provide any additional advisory topics related to the Parks & Recreation Blueprint and LOS updates. Recap of the project scope and purpose was provided to the Commission by Chair Blair. Consideration of pilot projects and preparation for the June meeting. 4. Receive Directors Report: (Avakian - 30 min) a. Laguna Lake Dog Park Revitalization Project - Progress Update Landscaping and punch list in progress. No opening date has been set. b. Emerson Park Grant Project – Status of Design Staff will be meeting with SSA to continue the construction documents to the 50% stage. c. Jack House Roof Project – Timeline and Status. Goal is to finish by fall 2025 to be ready for the winter holiday season. d. Next Steps of City Financial Plan Timeline. City Council budget presentation will take place on April 15, 2025. e. General Department Announcements: Several staff attended the state-wide California Parks and Recreation Society conference in Sacramento the third week of March. Aquatics received a State award for Water Safety Campaign as well as the Coordinator was a co- presenter for a session on developing of an Aquatic Safety Plan manual. 5. Receive Department Updates (Hyfield / Tolley - 30 min) a. Divisional Update (Tolley) - Community Services (Youth Futsal, Monster Skate event, Youth Volleyball Clinic kick-off, Junior Giants registration, Spring Fling family event and Leprechaun Lost event in downtown SLO). An extensive Public Art update was provided (New Public Art information added to the city website, new walking and driving tours available and art programs will be incorporated into SLO summer school programs). Senior Programs (Garden Tours, Family BBQ and Member Appreciation Day). Youth Services (Spring Break camp update on “Zoo to You” event, summer camps registration kicking off in April and Early Bird Registration for the 2025-2026 school year). Volunteer Program (Volunteer appreciation month includes many events in the community. Many single service day opportunities are available). b. Divisional Update (Hyfield) - Aquatics, Golf and Facilities. Aquatics – Aquatics Division received a CPRS Conference Award for their new water safety program. Aquatics summer hiring is ramping up and intensive Lifeguard training and recertification has begun. Aquatics Coordinator Shawn Tucker attended the Central Coast Aquatics Professionals Conference, The “Inspiring Happiness Page 3 of 16 DRAFT Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission April 2, 2025 4 | P a g e Challenge.” Golf - Operations and Maintenance updates. New summer camp programs being developed for kick-off this summer. Summer hiring is ramping up. Volunteer workday and tree planning will take place in April. Facilities – provided Indoor/Outdoor Facilities updates and City-Wide Special Event highlights. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS 6. Subcommittee Liaison Reports and Selection of New Liaison Roles (Chair– 15 minutes) a. Adult and Senior Programming: (Chair Blair) – No additional report. b. Active Transportation Committee: (Vice Chair Howell) - Met at the end of March. c. Youth Sports Association: (Commissioner Stowe) - No report. d. Jack House: (Commissioner Kincaid) - Field trip to Chapman House with docents. Next trip is in May is to the Price House in Pismo Beach. e. Selection of New Liaison Roles: (Chair Blair) The Adult and Senior Liaison role previously held by Chair Blair will need to be filled. Revisit at next PRC meeting. Communications: Partnering with the HHS could be an option for Liaison roles. Staff to recommend additional liaison roles for the PRC and will report back in May. SLO Pickleball club memorial event will take place this weekend on April 12. P&R staff supported the St. Fratty’s Day event logistics to support law enforcement field teams efforts. Next meeting budget discussion and summertime meeting schedules. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. To the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to Wednesday, May 7 , 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street. 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 Page 4 of 16 Staff Report Parks & Recreation Commission DATE: May 7, 2025 FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks and Recreation Director Prepared By: Erica Long, Capital Projects Manager SUBJECT: OVERVIEW OF PROJECTED PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION PLAN FOR RIGHETTI COMMUNITY PARK PROJECT Background The Righetti Community Park is one of several public parks and open space improvements identified in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP), a long-range planning effort guiding development in one of the City’s primary residential expansion areas. The Orcutt Area has been recognized as a potential growth area since the 1970s. In 1998, property owners submitted a draft specific plan to the City, initiating a formal planning process that culminated in the City Council’s adoption of the OASP and certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) in March 2010 (Resolution No. 10154, 2010 Series; SCH #2004011059). The OASP envisioned appr oximately 1,000 new residences across 230 acres, with nearly 45% of the area preserved as open space and parkland. The plan outlines a connected system of parks, trails, and open spaces to support a livable, walkable community. Righetti Community Park, referred to as the “Neighborhood Park” in the OASP, was identified early as a key public amenity intended to serve both the Orcutt Area and the broader San Luis Obispo community. The development of the surrounding area, now known as Righetti Ranch, began in 2018 and is approximately 95% complete, significantly limiting the potential for new fee revenue from future development. While one development remains in the pipeline and one large parcel is still undeveloped, it is unlikely to move forward in the near term. As a result, the original assumption that developer impact fees would fully fund the community park is no longer viable due to rising construction costs, park development delays, and limited new development to generate additional fees. There are three park sites, and one trailhead included in the plan: • Community Park (~11.25 acres): The largest park in the system, designed to serve neighborhood and city-wide needs. • Linear Park (~1.16 acres): A greenway with recreational, ecological, and stormwater functions along the western edge of the plan area. • Pocket Park (~0.20 acres): A passive space for informal recreation and gathering. • Righetti Hill Trailhead and Open Space Trail (1–1.5 miles): A trail providing access to hillside terrain and views from Righetti Hill. Page 5 of 16 Page 2 Initial conceptual designs for the three parks were prepared by the developer Ambient’s design team and presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) in 2016. Funding for the OASP park projects were first allocated in the City’s 2019–21 Financial Plan and continues to be supported through the 2023–25 Financial Plan under the Development-Related Park Improvements project. It fulfills OASP development obligations to provide active recreation spaces and maintain the level of service for recreational amenities which were identified in the Parks and Recreation Blueprint for the Future: 2021–2041 (Master Plan and General Element). Public Engagement The design of the Righetti Community Park has been developed through an extensive multi-year public engagement process, including community forums, online surveys, outreach to nearby residents and neighborhood groups, and regular PRC updates from 2021 through 2025. In 2023, the City launched a focused outreach effort to inform the design of the Community Park, Linear Park, and Pocket Park. This included: • A Community meeting on April 11, 2023, held at the Ludwick Community Center (LCC), where conceptual designs were presented and discussed with residents. • An Online Survey (open April 10–May 10, 2023) that gathered public input on park priorities, layout preferences, and desired amenities for the three park sites, including the open space trail system. • A series of PRC meetings (May 3, June 14, and September 6, 2023), including associated public correspondence and public comment opportunities. Public input for the park system consistently emphasized the importance of shaded seating, an inclusive and accessible playground, community garden, dog park, bike park, activity field areas, and a variety of recreational amenities such as pickleball court s and picnic areas. These preferences directly influenced design decisions, resulting in the following recommendations for the park system as a whole: • Expanded shaded gathering and seating areas • Inclusion of a community garden and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure • A revised dog park layout and pedestrian circulation improvements • Selection of a themed, inclusive playground design • Improved Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) connectivity within all three parks Righetti Community Park Project Design The Righetti Community Park is the most advanced of the OASP parks in terms of design and readiness for construction. The two other park sites are currently in earlier phases of development and projected to enter construction in future Financial Plans. Together, these projects reflect the City’s long-term commitment to implementing the OASP’s vision of a complete, connected, and recreation-rich neighborhood. The Community Park is a major new recreational asset identified in the OASP to support the Orcutt Area and the broader community. The project will deliver high -priority amenities Page 6 of 16 Page 3 envisioned in the OASP that have been shaped by public input and Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) feedback. This park is intended to provide active recreation space for nearby neighborhoods and residents citywide. The current scope of the Community Park project includes a wide range of amenities, such as: • Two parking lots and two restroom buildings • Multi-use playing field(s) • Multi-age playground (0-5 and 5-12 years of age) • Eight pickleball courts and two tennis courts • Two basketball courts, bocce courts, and a bike pump track • Picnic areas, shade pavilion, and seating • Walking and bike paths • Three pedestrian bridges connecting various park zones The current design of the Righetti Community Park aligns with the general intent of the OASP, while incorporating refinements into the design rather than major modifications that would significantly affect the scope of the project. The phased design remain s consistent with this flexible vision, adapting certain amenities to better reflect evolving recreational preferences. Project phasing became a staff priority beginning in late 2023, as staff worked to align the construction approach with available funding. Community engagement related to phasing included: • December 6, 2023 – PRC received a Director’s Report introducing the need for project phasing. • June 5, August 7, and September 4, 2024 – PRC received updates on revised phasing options and potential design adjustments. • November 6, 2024, and February 5, 2025 – PRC received updates on refined phasing diagrams and construction cost estimates. • January 23, 2025 – A visual phasing layout was presented at the City’s Community Forum for the 2025–27 Financial Plan, allowing the public to see the updated construction strategy and timeline. • January 29, 2025 – Parks and Recreation staff sent a project update email with the phasing diagram to the Homeowners Association (HOA) representing residents in the surrounding Orcutt Area. • February 5, 2025 – PRC received updates within the Directors Report confirming the phased elements and plan for Community Park phase 1 and Add Alts to be included in the City’s 2025-27 Financial Plan for Council review. • March 20, 2025 – A follow-up email with a narrative explanation of the phasing approach was sent to the HOA to address questions and clarify next steps. To align with available funding and provide flexibility to award additional additive alternates if sufficient funding exists, the project has been structured with a Base Bid and four Additive Alternates. If insufficient funding exists to award any of the a dditive alternates, those would become future phases of the Community Park. With input by the PRC and staff review of the priorities from the Community Survey and Community Forum, Page 7 of 16 Page 4 the Base Bid focuses on essential infrastructure and amenities including the lower parking lot, main restroom, multi-age playground, shaded seating areas, playing field, two pedestrian bridges, walking paths and bikeway work. Figure – Community Park Alternates Diagram Additive Alternates include additional high-demand recreational features such as: • A dedicated pickleball court complex (Alternate #1 – Phase 2), • A dual-purpose basketball/futsal court area, bocce courts, a second restroom, and the upper parking lot (Alternate #2 – Phase 3), • A bike pump and skill track (Alternate #3 – Phase 4), and • Tennis courts, a shaded picnic lawn area, a third pedestrian bridge, and additional parking (Alternate #4 – Phase 5). These phased options provide flexibility to deliver the most critical elements of the park while allowing enhancements to be added as resources become available. This approach reflects priorities identified from community feedback gathered over the course of the project. The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) has been closely involved throughout the process—from the initial conceptual design review in 2016 through ongoing updates and phasing discussions. Their input helped guide the refinement of amenities, layout, and prioritization of elements for construction and will continue to be updated as the project progresses. This engagement process ensures the phasing strategy reflects both City priorities and community expectations. It also provided multiple channels for input from stakeholders, including residents, the PRC, and neighborhood groups. Public outreach will continue as the project moves into construction and additional park phases are implemented. Page 8 of 16 Page 5 FISCAL IMPACT The Righetti Community Park construction project is included in the 2025–27 Financial Plan, which is anticipated to be adopted by City Council at the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting and go into effect on July 1, 2025. The Financial Plan identifies fund ing for the Base Bid in Year 1 (FY2025-26) and outlines the bid alternatives associated with future phases of the project in the outyears. Including these bid alternatives in the Financial Plan provides a transparent framework for potential future investments, while allowing flexibility based on available resources and actual construction costs. Once bids are received, staff will have a clearer understanding of the costs associated with each bid alternative and can return to Council at the 2027-29 Financial Plan with refined cost estimates and funding strategies. This approach enables the City to move forward responsibly while maintaining alignment with long-term capital planning goals. Originally intended to be funded through development fees, the Orcutt Area Parks project faced a significant funding shortfall as the revenue collected proved insufficient to fully finance park development. To date, $8.5 million has been appropriated to th e project, including $3.4 million from the OASP Park Improvement Funds (Fund 511) and $5.1 million from Local Revenue Measure Capital Outlay Funds. A portion of this funding has already been used to support the design phase, leaving a remaining project bal ance of approximately $7.35 million. The total cost estimate of $27.4 million presented in this report reflects real-time construction cost projections. In the 2025–27 Financial Plan, funding is broken out by project phase and escalated to reflect the anti cipated year of construction, allowing for more accurate financial planning and alignment with projected inflation and market conditions. The Engineer’s Estimate for the Base Bid of the Righetti Community Park Project is approximately $9.5 million. The Engineer’s Estimate for Righetti Community Park Project, including the base bid and four additive alternatives, is approximately $24 million. A breakdown of the estimated costs is provided in the table below, which does not include soft costs: Righetti Community Park, Specification No. 2000054-01 Project Costs Base Engineer Estimate $9,540,000 Additive Alternative 1 (Pickleball) $1,800,000 Additive Alternative 2 (Basketball and Parking) $7,165,000 Additive Alternative 3 (Pump Track) $1,284,000 Additive Alternative 4 (Tennis Courts) $4,438,000 Total $24,227,000 Page 9 of 16 Page 6 In addition to capital expenses, operational impacts will be critical once the park is constructed to ensure the park remains clean, safe, and welcoming to the public. Currently, the City’s Parks Maintenance Division is staffed with 10 Parks Maintenance Specialists responsible for maintaining 26 park facilities totaling over 110 acres of City improved parkland. Aside from Damon-Garcia Sports Complex, each specialist is responsible for maintaining 3–4 facilities. Adding a major new park facility of this scale to existing staff responsibilities would place an unsustainable burden on the team and risk diminished service levels across the citywide park system. As each subsequent phase of the Orcutt Area Parks project is completed, additional staffing and operational costs will be evaluated and brought forward as part of the City’s budget process to ensure the park is properly supported and maintained for long-term community benefit. PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES TO BE PRESENTED TO COUNCIL ON MAY 20, 2025: 1. Do not authorize advertisement at this time. This alternative would delay the construction of the Righetti Community Park. Staff does not recommend this alternative, as further delays will likely increase costs. 2. Direct staff to revise the project scope or phasing prior to advertisement. Staff could return with an adjusted scope, such as removing or bundling Additive Alternates differently. Staff does not recommend this option, as this would extend the schedule, delay project delivery and result in increased costs. 3. Defer the project until full funding is secured. Council could direct staff to re-incorporate all alternatives into the base plan set and program additional funds towards the Park. Staff does not recommend this option, as it would take several years to accumulate the necessary funds and result in the delay of several key capital projects. ATTACHMENTS: Righetti Community Park – Amenity Designs Page 10 of 16 Righetti Community Park - Phased Page 11 of 16 Restroom Facilities - Lower Basketball and Bocce Courts Page 12 of 16 Pickleball Courts Page 13 of 16 Playground Area Page 14 of 16 Bike Park Area Page 15 of 16 Tennis Courts Page 16 of 16