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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/2010, C 4 - DONATION FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO BABE RUTH LEAGUE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO STOCKTON FIELD council 4m Nm6e.�' j acEnaa REpoat CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO FROM: Betsy Kiser,Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: DONATION FROM SAN LUIS OBISPO BABE RUTH LEAGUE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO STOCKTON FIELD RECOMMENDATION 1. As recommended by the Advisory Committee on Joint Use of Recreational Facilities (JUC), accept a donation from the San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League for improvements to Stockton Field. 2. Enter into an agreement with the organization for installation and all future maintenance. 3. Direct staff to remove a section of irrigated turf at Exposition Park extension to offset water requirements for the new turf installed at Stockton Field in order to meet water use reduction targets adopted by the Council in the 2009-11 Financial Plan. DISCUSSION Background Over the past eight years, the City has been working with the San Luis Obispo Youth Sports Association (YSA) to identify and provide adequate practice and competition fields for youth sports. Where possible, the intent has been to provide each youth sport with a primary facility for use. As part of the overall plan, for instance, the Damon Garcia Sports Fields were constructed to meet the needs of youth soccer. In 2006, the City completed renovations to El Chorro Regional Park to provide facilities for adult softball, which in turn, freed up Meadow Park for use by girls' softball and Stockton Field (in Sinsheimer Park) for conversion to a youth baseball facility. The standard practice is for conversions to occur as time and funding permits. Stockton Field Conversion During the spring of 2007, through a generous donation of time, materials and manpower from the San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League (Babe Ruth Baseball), Stockton Field was formally converted to a youth baseball facility. In doing so, the following renovations were made to the field: 1. Increased the size of the infield to allow for an 80' base path; 2. Extended the height of the outfield fencing to compensate for the short outfield; 3. Replaced the backstop; 4. Added a scoreboard and PA system through a donation from Sports Authority. Donation from Babe Ruth Baseball for Stockton Field Renovations Page 2 The facility has since been well-used by Babe Ruth Baseball and other youth baseball leagues that have formed over the past several seasons. On November 2, 2009, the City received a letter from Babe Ruth Baseball seeking approval to continue to improve Stockton Field for youth baseball through a donation to install new bleachers and a turf infield with accompanying irrigation. The organization indicated a willingness to install these improvements per City specifications and to assume responsibility for all required future maintenance (see Attachment 1 for donation letter). Per the City Donation Policy, all donations exceeding $5,000 in value must be accepted through a written agreement and approved by City Council (see Attachment 2 for Donation Policy). Water Usage In reviewing the donation request, staff had to consider the Council's adoption of water reductions in the parks maintenance program intended to help in balancing the budget. Reductions in irrigation citywide are needed to meet the required 10% reduction adopted, so the question became how the City would maintain this new amenity while still meeting budget reduction goals. The annual anticipated cost for irrigating the proposed infield turf is estimated at $2,000 based on calculations provided by the Utilities Conservation staff. Public Works staff has looked into the possibility of removing selected park areas from irrigation that are currently consuming an amount of water equal to that expected to be needed for the proposed infield. Staff reviewed several of the small irrigated areas in the City including the Margarita and Broad street islands, the turf areas at Osos and Santa Barbara streets, the Police Department turf, Poinsettia Creekwalk and park turf, Ludwick Community Center turf, Swim Center turf, Parks and Recreation/Emerson Park, Meadow Park/Exposition Park, Priolo-Martin Park, and Vista Lago Park. The majority of these areas evaluated were 10% to 30% of the necessary "match" and so multiple sites would have to be removed from irrigation. The exceptions were the Margarita islands and the Parks and Recreation/Emerson park site which have about four times the irrigation anticipated to be needed. The location staff felt best met the need was a small section of Exposition Park that is somewhat disconnected from the main park (see Attachment 3.) This area of Exposition Park consumes about the same amount of water anticipated to be needed. In addition to being a good match for irrigation, public use at Exposition Park extension is relatively low, and this particular area has low visibility to the general public. For these reasons, staff deemed it to be a reasonable choice for a possible swap. Neither Exposition Park nor Sinsheimer Park is close to the installed Recycled Water mains to have a connection made to assist in reducing the cost of irrigation. Some work would be needed to convert this area to a non-irrigated status, meaning the irrigation would be capped and the area turf removed and replaced with a non-irrigated material such as wood chips or decomposed granite. It is anticipated conversion work could be accomplished by staff or some minor funding approved for conversion by contract. T:\Council Agenda ReportsTarks&Recreation CAR\Babe Ruth Donation\CAR-Babe Ruth Donation to Stockton Field 1.05.10.doc Donation from Babe Ruth Baseball for Stockton Field Renovations Page 3 Donation and Maintenance Agreement Staff has worked with Babe Ruth Baseball to develop an agreement which addresses the nature of the renovations and ongoing maintenance of Stockton Field once improvements have been completed. Babe Ruth Baseball's obligations include design and installation of infield irrigation and turf materials and ongoing daily maintenance of Stockton Field throughout the year in coordination with Parks Maintenance staff. Conversely, City staff will be obligated to coordinate with Babe Ruth on installation of irrigation wiring and timing, annual outfield turf reseeding, ongoing irrigation system maintenance, regular mowing of the outfield turf and maintaining the fencing and gates (see Attachment 4 for Agreement). Advisory Body and School District Review Because Sinsheimer Park is a joint use site, the Joint Use Committee reviewed the request from Babe Ruth Baseball at its December 1, 2009 meeting and unanimously endorsed the project (see Attachment 5 for minutes). Per the Joint Use Agreement with San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD), the City is required to consult with the District before making any improvements to Sinsheimer Park. The District reviewed the request from Babe Ruth Baseball and administratively approved the renovations on December 15, 2009 (see Attachment 6 for approval letter). CONCURRENCES Both the JUC and SLCUSD have provided recommendations to proceed with the project. The Youth Sports Association reviewed the request at its quarterly board meeting on October 14 and submitted a letter of support for the project (see Attachment 7). Staff has worked with representatives from Babe Ruth Baseball to develop the donation and maintenance agreement. FISCAL IMPACT There are ongoing maintenance costs associated with the conversion of a dirt infield to a turf infield, including water, mowing, fertilizing and trimming. Public Works staff, working with Babe Ruth Baseball has developed an agreement which gives Babe Ruth the primary responsibility for maintenance tasks throughout the year associated with the infield, while Parks Maintenance staff works in concert with them maintaining the outfield areas to provide a quality playing field for this major user. ALTERNATIVES 1. Do not require an area of park to be removed from irrigation as mitigation. Council could choose to absorb the $2,000 cost of irrigation in the City budget and direct staff to accept the donation of the infield turf and maintenance, without converting another area to non-irrigated status. Staff believes that this would not be consistent with the intent of TACouncil Agenda ReportsTarks&Recreation CAR\Babe Ruth Donation\CAR-Babe Ruth Donation to Stockton Field �1j.05.l0.doc Donation from Babe Ruth Baseball for Stockton Field Renovations Page 4 the 2009-11 budget reduction strategy that was adopted after many months of deliberation and somewhere irrigation will have to be reduced to stay within the available budget. 2. Council could choose not to accept the donation from Babe Ruth Baseball. Given the increased .water usage associated with the installation of infield turf, Council could request Babe Ruth Baseball to pay for the additional water on an annual basis. 3. Council could accept the bleachers only and deny the installation of the infield turf. This option is not recommended, primarily because the renovations will make Stockton Field a much better facility for youth baseball. ATTACHMENTS 1. Letter from Babe Ruth Baseball 2. Donation Policy 3. Aerial photo of Exposition Park Extension 4. Agreement 5. December 1, 2009 JUC minutes 6. Letter of approval from SLCUSD 7. Letter of support from YSA T:\Council Agenda ReportsTarks&Recreation CAR\Babe Ruth Donation\CAR-Babe Ruth Donation to Stockton Field 1.05.l0.doc o Z/— San Luis Obispo BABE RUTH League P.O. Box 1501 San Luis Obispo,CA 93406 To: City of San Luis Obispo,Parks and Rec Department November 2,2009 San Luis Coastal Unified School District Re: Donation to Stockton Field The San Luis Obispo Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth baseball league would like to donate improvements to the Stockton baseball field in San Luis Obispo. Our league would like to donate.new bleachers and a turf infield with accompanying irrigation. The installation of these improvements will beper city specifications and include all required future maintenance. Our league is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of youth baseball in our community. With the exception of Sinsheimer Stadium,this will become the only turf baseball field in our community available to all kids in our recreational program. We hope you will work with us to make this idea a reality in the near future. Sincerely, Jeff Hollister San Lois Obispo Babe Ruth League,President cy-s" E'IT Section 760 DONATION POLICY RESOLUTION NO. 8965(1999 Series) A RESOLUTION OF TIIE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING A CITY DONATION ACCEPTANCE POLICY WREREAS, individuals, community groups, and businesses may wish to make donations to the City in either cash or in-kind contributions that enhance projects, facilities, and programs;and WHEREAS, the need for projects, facilities, and programs exceeds the City's ability to fund all such needed projects; and WHEREAS, it is an acceptable and appropriate practice to accept donations, in order to enhance City programs an&or facilities to provide a higher level of service to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby adopts the following policy concerning the acceptance of donations: 1. The donation must have a purpose consistent with City goals and objectives 2. The City may decline any donation without comment or cause. 3. The donation will not be in conflict with any provision of the law. 4. The donation will be aesthetically acceptable to the City. 5. The donation will not add to the City's workload unless it provides a net benefit to the City. 6. The donation will not bring hidden costs such.as starting a program the City would be unwilling to fund when the donation was exhausted. 7. The donation places no restriction on the City,unless agreed to by the City Council. 8. The donation shall become property of the City. 9. All donations will receive recognition appropriate to the level and nature of the donation as determined by the City. For those of a capital nature, that may be in the fonn of signage, marking, or naming. Any naming of Parks and Recreation facilities shall be consistent with City policy on the naming of such facilities as set forth in Resolution 8621 (1997 Series). Regardless of the recognition strategy selected, the intent shall be to appropriately honor the donor for their contribution to the community. The appearance of traditional commercial advertising shall be avoided. 10. Donations exceeding $5,000 shall be accepted through a written agreement consistent with these guidelines and approved by the City Council. In-kind capital donations will be subject to normal City review,permitting,inspection,and insurance requirements. Upon motion of Council Member Marx seconded by Council Member Ewan, and on the 745-1 C7 � a Donation Policy Resolution No. 8965 (1999 Series) Page 2 following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members Ewan, Marx, Schwartz, Vice Mayor Romero and Mayor Settle NOES: None ABSENT: None The foregoing resolution was adopted this 7th day of September, 1999. Mayor Allen Settle ATTEST: \ I J Lcc Pnce, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Jeffrc or en C?q Attorney" 745-2 `/ 1 N MOO 3W O C � N r OC m 0 OIlISO Y G U O L 0 S H Q O ' DD AW9 AS 6L'7 it VP • { 4 -1 � - 1. - IP ✓� v FF .gid q r � \ � � •r �"" d _� �"�� . � \ �. •,\ . •ti o `y _ car' � �`v • yt _ �, , i qtly- 'ice �F y - AP - F `' r� ?Ii;CNiEivT y AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND BABE RUTH FOR STOCKTON FIELD This Agreement made and entered into this day of , 2010 by and between the City of San Luis Obispo, hereinafter"City," and Babe Ruth. This agreement applies to upgrade and maintenance of Stockton Field, within Sinsheimer Park, only. The City and Babe Ruth mutually agree and covenant as follows: 1. Term The term of the agreement shall be from the date of execution by both parties until terminated by one of the parties. The agreement is subject to annual review by both parties. 2. Obligations of Babe Ruth 2.1. Upgrade of infield Babe Ruth will complete the construction work necessary for the conversion of the existing Stockton Field infield to turf, including but not limited to: 2.1.1. Complete design for infield irrigation and planting to City standards and obtain approvals 2.1.2. Complete a pre-construction site meeting with staff to clearly identify responsible parties, work areas, and allowable equipment access points and routes 2.1.3. Install irrigation lines and control wire from the Stadium building to the infield and connect to the main control system for the park 2.1.4. Install irrigation in the infield for proper watering of the turf 2.1.5. Install and establish turf 2.1.6. Repair any damage resulting from the work to complete the infield upgrade 2.2. Maintenance Babe Ruth will complete the following maintenance of Stockton Field year round at a level acceptable to the Parks Maintenance Supervisor: 2.2.1. Aeration, fertilization, and re-seeding of the infield area 2.2.2. Maintenance of irrigation system for infield 2.2.3. Coordination with City of San Luis Obispo Parks Maintenance staff for infield irrigation timing 2.2.4. Regular mowing of infield turf year round as needed to keep it below maximum heights established 2.2.5. Edge trimming of infield and warning track as needed for safe and acceptable play during the season 2.2.6. Removal of trash after games 2.2.7. Herbicide treatment for infield areas and warning track Stockton Field Babe Ruth Agreement Page 1 of 4 I-'H;:4ENT�- 2.2.8. Maintenance of concession stand, maintenance/score shed, bleachers, and scoreboard 3. Obligations of City 3.1. Upgrade of infield As part of the infield conversion to turf, City will complete the following work in support of the infield upgrade: 3.1.1. Review and approve irrigation and planting plans 3.1.2. Complete final wiring connection to irrigation Master Controller 3.1.3. Coordinate with Babe Ruth for proper establishment timing for irrigation 3.2. Maintenance City will complete the following maintenance of Stockton Field year round: 3.2.1. Aeration, fertilization, and reseeding of the outfield area 3.2.2. Maintenance of irrigation system and irrigation timing for outfield 3.2.3. Regular mowing of outfield turf year round as needed to keep it below maximum heights established 3.2.4. Maintenance of fencing and gates 4. Emergency Repairs Babe Ruth agrees to reimburse the City for repairs requiring immediate attention due to broken irrigation systems in the infield to prevent significant water waste. 5. Alterations Babe Ruth is not authorized to make any other alterations to the facility other than those outlined in this agreement without prior written authorization from the City Public Works Department. 6. Insurance Babe Ruth shall maintain insurance as shown in Exhibit A to this agreement,provide proof of insurance to the City and maintain that insurance for the duration of the agreement. 7. Indemnification To the fullest extent permitted by law, Babe Ruth shall indemnify,protect, defend and hold harmless the City and any and all of its officials, employees and agents ("Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses, including attorney's fees and cost which arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of Babe Ruth, its agents, servants, employees or subcontractors. 8. Annual Agreement Review Once each year, before the start of the ball season, City and Babe Ruth representatives will meet on site to review the requirements of the agreement, identify contacts, and review any Stockton Field Babe Ruth Agreement Page 2 of 4 C q-/v i problem areas for the prior year. The City will initiate such meetings working with Babe Ruth to arrive at a reasonably convenient time for both parties. 9. Safety Babe Ruth shall conform to the rules and regulations pertaining to safety established by OSHA and the California Division of Industrial Safety. Whenever Babe Ruth's operations create a condition hazardous to the public or City employees, it shall, at its expense and without cost to the City, furnish, erect and maintain such fences, temporary railings,barricades, lights, signs and other devices and take such other protective measures as are necessary to prevent accidents or damage or injury to the public and employees. 10. Preservation of Property Babe Ruth shall provide and install suitable safeguards, approved by the City, to protect City property from injury or damage. If City property is injured or damaged resulting from Babe Ruth's operations, it shall be replaced or restored at Babe Ruth's expense: The facilities shall be replaced or restored to a condition as good as when Babe Ruth began work. 11.Termination If, during the term of the contract, the City determines that Babe Ruth is not faithfully abiding by any term or condition contained herein, the City may notify Babe Ruth in writing of such defect or failure to perform. This notice will give Babe Ruth a 10 (ten) calendar day notice of time thereafter in which to perform said work or cure the deficiency. If Babe Ruth has not performed the work or cured the deficiency within the ten days specified in the notice, such shall constitute a breach of the contract and the City may terminate the contract immediately by written notice to Babe Ruth to said effect. Thereafter, neither party shall have any further duties, obligations, responsibilities, or rights under the contract except, however, any and all obligations of Babe Ruth's surety shall remain in full force and effect, and shall not be extinguished, reduced, or in any manner waived by the termination thereof. Upon termination, the City reserves the right to return the infield to its prior condition. 12. Ability to Perform Babe Ruth warrants that it possesses, or has arranged through subcontracts, all capital and other equipment, labor, materials, and licenses necessary to carry out and complete the work hereunder in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, county, city, and special district laws, ordinances, and regulations. 13. Authority to Execute Agreement Both City and Babe Ruth do covenant that each individual executing this agreement on behalf of each party is a person duly authorized and empowered to execute Agreements for such party. Stockton Field Babe Ruth Agreement Page 3 of 4 04-11 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed the day and year first above written. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO: BABE RUTH: Ken Hampian, City Manager By: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Christine Dietrick, City Attorney I%awore4lgmpslpubl w ftVefe ce4ibmroagreementsVwn-pmfdsS babe MhN 1-09 infeW instaO n hLdm Stockton Field Babe Ruth Agreement Page 4 of 4 C q-p-- `� 1,CP.1iEftT _ JUC Minutes—Decemt)cr 1, 2009 page 3 Class I multi-use path connection from the southern terminus of the Railroad Safety Trail at Orcutt Road to the new traffic/bike signal/at Laurel and Orcutt. Because these improvements are all on City property, Uni'M Pacific approval is not required. These improvements are also noted in the Sinshheimer Park Master Plan and unmet bikeway needs were also specifically requestedfr the public last year. These improvements are supported by the Bicycle Advisory Co 'ttee and will come before Council December 1 for 10 perc/eB g. Chair Parod into di ussion with Principal Transportation Planner Mandeville regarding Jtreet B ' ge route. MOTION: J es) Endorse the request by the Public Works Department to apply for a 2010e Transportation Grant to benefit the Railroad Safety Trail with a connectionimer Park:Approved- No: 1 Absent(Bilsten) 6. San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League Donation Chair Parolini summarized the donation offered by the San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League for improvements to Stockton Field. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald indicated that the Utilities Department has yet to determine whether the proposal would add to water consumption rate. There is water consumption without infield turf because of the need to water down dirt before play so a comparison needs to be made with a field that has infield turf. SLO Baseball Stadium is the only City baseball field with infield turf so it may be used as a benchmark for the amount of water to be used. Committee members expressed their gratitude to Babe Ruth for the donation offer. Committee members requested opinion of the representative of Babe Ruth, Gary Foster. He hopes to accomplish the project within a one to two week period followed by four to six weeks estimated sod growth. Babe Ruth can use the field at old Pacheco School in the interim. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald informed the JUC that a staff report based on this meeting will be present to Council on either December 15 or January 5. Proposal also needs to go before school board which can be done concurrently. Suggested Gary Foster contact Arnie Silacci to be placed on the agenda. Committee Members discussed what may be involved in turf maintenance for clarification. MOTION: (Jones/Cairns) Recommend City Council accept a donation from San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League for improvements to Stockton Field and enter into an agreement with the organization for installation of bleachers and a turf infield with accompanying irrigation responsibility for all future maintenance. Iii;' 5---- JUC Minutes—Deceme 1, 2009 page 4 Approved- 6 Yes: 0 No: I Absent (Bilsten) 7. Staff Report None. 8. Additional Items Committee Members entered into further discussion of San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League contributions, including the batting cages at Sinsheimer Park. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. to the January 26, 2010 Joint Use Committee Meeting to be held at 12:00 p.m. at the Ludwick Community Center. e �- 1�4 i Sim L'u%r coaxial UflifivSchaal .Dilfrict 1500 Lizzie Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3062 (805) 549-1331 I RUSSELL MILLER j ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT BUSINESS SERVICES December 15, 2009 Ms. Betsy Keiser, Director Parks & Recreation Department City of San Luis Obispo 1341 Nipomo Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Betsy- Re: etsyRe: Improvements to Stockton Field in Sinsheimer Park It is our understanding that the San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League has offered to donate improvements to the Stockton Baseball Field in Sinsheimer Park. The improvements include new bleachers, a turf infield with accompanying irrigation, and all required future maintenance. The City of San Luis Obispo has provided specifications for, and has accepted, the proposed improvements. Additionally, it has been determined that these improvements will not displace any groups currently using Stockton Field- Section 5.11 of the Joint Use Agreement between the City and San Luis Coastal states: The City will consult with the District before making any improvements to Sinsheimer Park. " The City has complied with this requirement and San Luis Coastal hereby approves the proposed improvements. If you have any questions, please contact me. Sincerely, I RUSSELL MILLER Assistant Superintendent, Business RM:iko c: Jeff Hollister, President San Luis Obispo Babe Ruth League Arnie Silacci, Operations Supervisor San Luis Coastal Unified School District i i i. �0%3Tff sA ka Board of Directors December 16, 2009 Jim Neville, President Bill Harvey Jeff whitener City of San Luis Obispo Todd Cooper Public Works Department Staci Truelson Gary Nichols Gentlepersons, Jeff Hollister Stave Hamill Currently the SLO Babe Ruth has a pending request to have a grass infield installed at Stockton Field. The San Luis Obispo Dick Gin youth Sports Association would like to support one of its Cortney Staffort member organizations in its effort to improve Stockton Field. The support was unanimous among our membership which Gail Marcum represents the city's youth through their individual sports Maria Sweasey associations. Sincerely, Q Ex Officio Members Cal Poly Alison Cone Cuesta College Robert Mariucci Jim.Neville San Luis Coastal President Unified School District SLO YSA Arnie Silacci City of San Luis Obispo Betsy Kiser P 0 Box 13509 San Luis Obispo California 93406 Y RECEP ""D JAN 5 1010 2437 Cj615rP&kERK San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 _ RED FILE January 4, 2010 - MEETING AGENDA- DA i %0 ITEM #- Y-Honorable Mayor and City CounciluG rNc� L� _CDD DIR City of San Luis Obispo ErFIN DIR 0AeA0'q-:�8rea Yrtre-L?"FIRE CHIEF 990 Palm Street ErATTORNEY D-PW DIR San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 21CLERK/ORIa ZPOLICE CHF ❑ DEPT HEADS O-REC DIR Pt R Re: January S, 2010 City Council Agenda, Item C-4 ff-rJTIL DIR TR 91R Dear Mayor Romero and City Council Members, �G2 I have just received notice of the above referenced item and feel compelled to comment concerning the staff recommendation, and the process through which the matter has progressed to you for action. There appears to be two distinct, separate parts to the project you are being requested to approve: installation of turf and irrigation in the infield of the baseball diamond at Stockton Field in Sinsheimer Park, and the reduction of irrigation somewhere else in the city to offset increased irrigation requirements for the new turf. The Stockton Field project is proposed as a community-wide benefit for city recreation programs that admirably partners the City with other community organizations. This is a formula that has worked well in a achieving a variety of other community goals in addition.to recreation. It seems appropriate to continue such partnerships in the current case. Unfortunately, the recommendation for achieving off-setting irrigation reductions is not on such firm ground. It appears to lack an appropriate depth of policy and technical analysis, and to my knowledge suffers from a complete absence of effort to involve residents of adjoining properties and the larger surrounding neighborhood in arriving at the conclusion presented. The only public exposure for this project seems to have been a lunch-time meeting of the Joint Use Committee. Evaluation at public hearings by such bodies as the Architectural Review Commission and/or the Planning Commission (which bodies review parks location and design), or the Parks and Recreation Commission, are appropriate and should have occurred. A de facto policy, and precedent for future actions, will be established by whatever decision the Council makes on the matter in question. Thus you should be confident and comfortable that your action is equitable and reasonable. The elimination of turf in Meadow Park will have a specific, negative impact on the immediate surroundings. It would remove a tranquil, useable open space area which currently requires little maintenance but provides significant benefit to both the residences which open directly onto it and neighborhood residents in general. Other alternatives mentioned in the staff report seem to have the potential for achieving water-use reduction goals with impacts that are shared by the community in general and with less specific neighborhood impact. I do not see a need for Council action on this specific water reduction strategy at this time. The approval of the Babe Ruth agreement can proceed separately from a more reasonable, and reasoned, analysis of water use alternatives that would be implemented at a future date at the discretion of the city. I urge you to take your time and employ the public planning processes for which our city is noted. S' cereI 1 Arnold B. Jo s U O U •� M U 00. b � •.4 0 a 0 xUrnu1 w ¢ � U 0 c U p : OLO r. Az V �Illllllllilll�������lllll`IIIIII council memonanbum . 777_COUNCIL %TCDD DIR H�"We-x [n'FIN DIR TO: City Council j fACAOAtZVc1Mi&2 Z'FIRE CHIEF I�ATTORNEY n-PW DIR ECLERK/ORIG D�j OLICE CHF VIA: Ken Hampian, City Manager ❑ DE HEADS rJ�IEC DIR _ L UTIL DIR FROM: Jay Walter, PW Director '¢" "'� _ ff'HR DIR Betsy Kiser, P&R Director ' �' .1 CPu4)etL_ Gc-ry rrt� SUBJECT: USE OF A PORTION OF EXPOSITION PARK AS A WATER OFF-SET FOR INSTALLATIONN O FILL TURF FIELD AT STOCKTON FIELD Background MEETING AGENDA DAT I ro ITEM # &� On tonight's agenda, Council will be considering the acceptance of a donation from SLO Babe Ruth Baseball League to install an irrigated turf infield at Stockton Field in Sinsheimer Park. Per the report, in considering the donation, staff also had to consider the Council's adoption of water reductions in the parks maintenance program intended to help balance the budget (10%reduction adopted in irrigation citywide). As a means of off-setting the increased water usage created by the irrigated turf, staff looked into the possibility of removing selected park areas from irrigation that are currently consuming an amount of water.equal to that needed for the proposed infield. After reviewing a number of options, staff recommended that an area of Exposition Park separate from the rest of the park be converted from irrigated turf to wood chips or gravel. Because the conversion would have little impact on the actual use of the park, no public outreach other than a public hearing at the Joint Use Committee was conducted. Input from the Neighbors Subsequent to the release of the Council agenda report regarding the donation, Council and staff received a considerable amount of input from the park neighbors opposing the removal of irrigation from a portion of Exposition Park and replacing it with wood chips or gravel. The theme throughout the correspondence was for Council to consider other alternatives before approving the Exposition Park location, which is greatly valued by the community for its beauty and tranquility. In response to this input, staff provides greater detail on a number of options available for Council's consideration. 1. Absorb the Added Landscape Costs. The estimated water consumption on a turf infield at Stockton Field is 358 units or 267,748 gallons/year at a cost of $2,132. The total operating program budget for water in the parks program budget is about 72,000 units or 53,700,000 gallons/year at a cost of$428,100 and for Meadow Park/Exposition Park the total cost of water in 2009 was $38,500. To put this in perspective, the savings staff is trying to offset represents 0.005% of the total park budget for water and only about 5.5% of the Meadow Park watNF—up I�is, and the neighborhood concerns we've RR JAIIN�,CC5 7010 SLO CITY CLERK heard, Council could consider Alternative 1 in the staff report to just absorb the added landscape costs. 2. Work with the Neighbors on Suitable Landscaping. Changing the landscaping to a less water thirsty type will reduce water usage somewhat, but will have costs associated with new landscape design, irrigation revisions and planting. Staff feels it would be less costly to pay for the additional water. 3. Find an Alternate Location. Staff could look to turning off irrigation in other areas of parks or landscaping. Council's recent direction on the South Street medians would indicate removing plantings from medians is not acceptable. Large areas of turf are generally watered with large turf irrigation and the irrigation system may have to be reworked to allow areas to be excluded. This again will incur costs and it is likely less costly to fund the additional water for the infield. This was part of the reason staff looked to the small turf areas that were near to the size of the proposed infield. 4. Request funding from Babe Ruth. If the Council feels that this additional cost should not be borne by the City, then as mentioned in the alternatives in the staff report, Babe Ruth could be approached to absorb this cost. The area will not be separately metered, so the City and Babe Ruth would need to agree on a methodology for estimating water costs to be paid. Representatives from Babe Ruth will be available at the Council meeting and have been apprised of this alternative. 1 i From: Dodie Williams [mailto:bndwms@sbcglobal.net] Sent:Tue 1/5/2010 1:19 PM To: Council, SloCity Subject: Consent Agenda 1/5/10 - Item #C4 Dear Mayor Romero and Council Members, I am requesting that you pull the above item from the Consent Agenda tonight for further discussion. There are several reasons for this request,i.e., this project was approved without notification or input from residents in the Woodbridge-Corrida-Meadow Park neighorhood;there are alternative sites from which water off-sets could be made,the area is used on a daily basis by both walkers and school children;and it is visible to the many residents who use Woodbridge every day. Thank you for your consideration. Dodie Williams RECEIVED JAN 5 2010 SLO CITY CLERK From: Terry Mohan [mailto:catsdad@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wed 12/30/2009 6:.41 AM To: Council, SloCity Subject: Stockton Feld It is unfortunate that no mention of artificial turf was made in the proposal for the new infield at Stockton Field. (Consent Agenda Item 4) This would have been an ideal location for its implementation saving all of the irrigation installation, water and maintenance costs. Not to mention taxpayer money to redo Exhibition Park. The $2000 annual fee could still be collected from the Babe Ruth League with the initial installation to be payed by the city. 2-COUNCIL CDD [)IR rF-IN DIR RED FILE •_ er gc�dssrcmirrc�J�t`IpE CHIEF (MEETING AGENDA LI-ATTORNEY W OIR [�CLERK/OR13 ITEM # r PoNrvE OHF ❑ DEPT EADB ik 514 Poo; B'PR � Wt� 7/�11[� — G'01lvCcL RECEIVE® JAN s 2010 SLO CITY CLERK From: Christopher Manning [mailto:cm-design@charter.net] Sent: Mon 1/4/2010 6:30 PM To: Council, SloCity Cc: Helene Finger Subject: Meadow Park- Consent Agenda item Dear Council Members, It has been brought to my attention by my neighbor that the irrigation system on the west end of Meadow Park is planned to be indefinitely turned off. My understanding is that this is being done so that improvements at Sinsheimer Park can be accommodated. I realize that this small quadrant at Meadow Park may be under utilized and that valuable resources must be carefully distributed within our community, however I believe it's the Parks & Recreation Departments responsibility to inform the community of the proposed change of use. Is it going to be a field of wood chips, decomposed granite or just left as a scruffy, half dead lawn. I believe there are several opportunities for several low cost alternatives that the nearby residents and our community at large might like to consider such as: dog park, bocce ball square, etc. For this reason, I am suggesting that this item be pulled from the consent agenda for further discussion and input from my neighbors. Thank you, Chris Manning 404 Corrida Drive RECEIVED JAN 5 7010 SLO CITY CLERK From: Scott Metzger [mailto:metzger.scott@gmail.com] Sent: Mon 1/4/2010 5:32 PM To: Council, SloCity Subject: agenda item for january 5th meeting...yikes! please tell me this is not a done-deal...please. just hours ago,i was informed that a change is being proposed(i understand that it is a consent item on tomorrow night's agenda) for meadow park,right here in our neighborhood. my first thought,was that i have never even heard mention of this, been asked about park use,heard proposed ideas,saw a sign posted or the like. my second,third and fourth thoughts all blurred in between a pile of questions—why?why take away beautiful,used park open space?at what expense?who is to benefit?once green space like that is gone, it never really comes back. is this just going to become a neglected strip of misc. turf that becomes a dog bathroom and an eyesore in a year or two? what was explained to me,was that an estimated$2000 of irrigation money will be redirected to water babe ruth baseball fields at sinshimer park----and babe ruth will maintain this redesigned'park' on exposition drive. hmmmm-how much does pulling out grass and shrubs,bringing in new'turf,etc.cost?who pays for all of that? and what incentive does babe ruth really have to make the investment in maintaining beauty in our neighborhood?our community? it makes more sense to me to have babe ruth pay for the irrigating of the baseball fields,and allow people to continue to enjoy the park. i guess there were comments and questions in the proposal,if that part of meadow park is used and that it is not very visible.well-my boys(age 8 and 11)use it multiple times each week,i see people having lunch that work at businesses on bridge street,regular walkers (with and without dogs)pass thru all day long----i know,because we are one of the houses that backs up to that small part of park. with the'south street diet',there are more vehicles that drive down exposition drive to cut thru the neighborhood,certainly increasing visibility to the green space---not to mention that several school bus routes havestopsthere(that children and parents wait by),plus all the bicyclists that pass thru the park to head down bridge street. part of what makes san luis obispo a wonderful place to live and raise a family,includes all the parks and outdoor recreation options. i realize it may seem like only a small change to you-but i do believe that this'little'change would bring larger negative impact than you truly may understand when looking only at the numbers.with open, green space-the possibilities are endless and not'single use.....unlike rocks/gravel/bark or whichever turf option would be RECEIVED E C E S\/E installed. v H please don't pass something,without doing your homework,or at least JAN 5 2010 talking with those that live here and those that would be most impacted. SLO CITY CLERK i am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow night-but please,please, please realize that our family and neighbors that i spoke to are all concerned about this proposal----especially that it may be passed thru without public notice,input or awareness of any kind. i appreciate your consideration-and am anxious to hear what is decided tomorrow night. jenni and scott metzger 2275 exposition drive 542.0301 RECEIVE® JAN 5 2010 SLO CITY CLERK From: Judy Nielsen [mailto:slojude@att.net] Sent: Mon 1/4/2010 5:37 PM To: Council, SloCity Subject: Item C4 of January 5th agenda Honorable Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council: Only this afternoon did we"hear" of the proposal to accept a donation from the Babe Ruth League for Improvement to Stockton Field which involves (portion 3) removing turf at Exposition Park basically so new/more turf can be installed at Stockton Park. As a property owner who backs up to the park we were NEVER notified in any form of this proposal. I just walked to John King Enterprises, Charter Communication and all the small businesses in the mall which faces South Street. This little park is used by employees at all these businesses and is a major walkway/access between Higuera and Exposition. It is also the neighborhood bus drop off because of the walkway. There are a number of condominiums that face this area. The aesthetic effects will be significant if this area becomes a rock pit and unusable. Clearly the neighborhood should have been contacted before this item became a part of the January 5th agenda. We have a number of questions for which I seek answers: *Which department or division made this decision. On what grounds and based on what information? *How much is the donation from the Babe Ruth League? * How much will it cost to remove what is Exposition Park? Will the trees be removed? * How much water does Exposition Park use annually and what will be the size of the new area and subsequent cost at Stockton Field be annually? * What materials will be replace the turf? How much will they cost? *Will a walkway exist still ? Can it be used as a connector? *What maintenence will be required? How much would that be annually and who will pay? We certainly support the concept of Babe Ruth baseball and understand the water offset issues but at this point it does not seem very logical or prudent for Babe Ruth League to donate a sum of money to the city so it can remove a small well used city park for offset irrigation in Stockton Field. ` 'C C RECEs d ® JAN 51010 SLO CITY CLERK Sincerely, Jim and Judy Nielsen Judy Nielsen 2279 Exposition Ct San Luis Obispo,CA 93401 (805)541-6774 RECEIVED JAN 5 2010 SLO CITY CLERK.