HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-2015 PRC Agenda PacketAgenda
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 @ 5:3013M, Council Hearing Room
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ryan Baker, Susan Olson, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier, Douglas Single,
Susan Updegrove and Jeff Whitener
Public Comment Period. At this time, you may address the Commission on items that are not on the agenda but are of interest to the
public and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission may not discuss or take
action on issues that are not on the agenda other than to briefly respond to statements made or questions raised, or to ask staff to follow
up on such issues.
PRC Meeting Agenda
1. Consideration of Minutes of Regular Meetings of March 4 and April 1, 2015
2. Community Input Focus: Ranger Service (Doug Carscaden Lead Ranger, 45 minutes)
3. Director's Report — Highlights (Shelly Stanwyck, Director & Melissa Mudgett, Recreation
Manager — 30 minutes)
4. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
Committee
Adult and Senior Programming
Liaison
Baker
Bicycle Advisory
Regier
City Facilities (Damon, golf, pool, joint use)
Parolini
Jack House Committee
Updegrove
Tree Committee
Olson
YSA
Single
S. Communications
Adjourn to Regular Meeting June 3, 2015
APPEALS: Administrative decisions by the Parks and Recreation Commission may be appealed to the City Council in
accordance with the appeal procedure set forth in Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
isThe City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs, and activities.
Please contact the Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance.
Parks and Recreation Commission
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Meeting Minutes
SLO Senior Center
1445 Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 4:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Steve Davis, Vice Chair Jeff Whitener and Commissioners Ryan Baker,
Craig Kincaid, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier and Susan Updegrove
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Dave Setterlund, Doug Davidson, Phil
Dunsmore, Brian Leveille, Jamie Hill
Public Comment
None
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES of Regular Meeting of February 4, 2015.
Amendments provided in writing by Commissioner Updegrove
MOTION: (Kincaid/Parolini) Approve the Minutes of February 4, 2015 as amended.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
2. COMMUNITY INPUT FOCUS: SENIOR PROGRAMS (Chair Davis, Dave
Setterlund, Recreation Supervisor)
Presentation Summary
Director Stanwyck introduced Recreation Supervisor, Dave Setterlund, who presented to the
Commission a summary of the City's Senior Programs. Staff Setterlund shared with the
Commission about the City's longstanding (37 year) commitment to provide a safe and healthy
environment for Seniors to recreate, support quality of life, cultural, civic and economic
development. The City provides funding, the Senior Center facility, staff (Parks & Recreation,
Public Works and the Finance & Information Technology Departments) and programming activities
and events for the Senior Center. Senior Center provides volunteer management (approximately
1700 volunteer hours annually) and the daily operations of the center which includes over 200
members. In addition to Senior Center activities, the Parks and Recreation Department utilizes other
program resources to provide senior programming at the Laguna Lake Golf Course, Sinshiemer Pool,
Boomer Recreational Sports and a new pilot program for Pickleball. Staff Setterlund spoke about
future opportunities for Senior Programming to include multi -modal opportunities, incorporate
technology, expand upon current recreational programming and community outreach.
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Public Comment
Jean Hyduchak, Pickleball advocate, asked about the new pilot Pickleball program at Meadow Park
and when the court lining would become permanent. Staff Mudgett responded the pilot program
will be ongoing for the next year to allow staff to evaluate the program and resources needed.
James Warner, Pickleball Association, expressed that the sport is great for the aging population. San
Luis Obispo is the only City in the County that doesn't have designated Pickleball courts. He urged
the Commissioners to continue to support Pickleball.
Barbara Pfisher, San Luis Obispo resident, spoke about technology at the Senior Center to help bring
in more of the male population to its membership.
Mary Vandenberg, Senior Center Executive Board member, shared that the Senior Center is a
volunteer -based program geared to older and less active seniors. She expressed that the Senior
Center should remain the community asset. She looks forward to working with Parks and Recreation
staff in support of the partnership agreement, future programming and a Needs Assessment for the
Senior Center. She invited anyone 55+ years to join the Senior Center with membership costing $12
/year.
Dixon Moore, San Luis Obispo resident, asked if the horseshoe pits at Santa Rosa Park could be
converted to Pickleball. Director Stanwyck responded that would need to be a capital improvement
project for Council approval. Mr. Dixon asked about the lack of Senior Softball in San Luis.
Director Stanwyck responded that there was a previous Senior Softball league but it was
discontinued because there was not enough interest /participation to form a league.
Commission Comments
Chair Davis complemented staff on development of a Pilot program for Pickleball at the Ludwick.
Community Center and Meadow Park. He stated that he felt provided Pickleball programs three
days per week and two locations was meeting an underserved need of the community and would
allow for City staff the time needed to fully analyze this recreational opportunity.
Vice Chair Whitener asked about the budget support for the Senior Center. Director Stanwyck
responded that the City commits approximately $250,000 annually for staff, facilities and ongoing
programming. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the budget request to update the
Parks and Recreation General Element will be presented to Council in April.
Chair Parolini restated some Capital Improvement Projects that have occurred at the Senior Center
over the past few years, such as the kitchen remodel and the parking lot.
3. OVERVIEW OF PARK IN LIEU AND SPECIFIC AREA FEES (Brian Leveille,
Senior Planner)
Community Development staff presented to the Commission the background and status of the
planned Orcutt Area Specific Plan (GASP) and recreational resources. The OASP was adopted in
2010 and provides a comprehensive development plan to guide public and private development in
the planning area. The OASP anticipated a maximum of 979 residential units. Planned recreational
resources in the OASP include both 12 acre neighborhood and 2.5 acre linear parks, open space and
1.5 acres of parkland. There are currently three development applications in process for the OASP;
Righetti Ranch, Jones Ranch and West Creek Development.
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Commission Comments
Chair Updegrove asked about the status of other developments. Senior Planner, Phil Dunsmore,
responded that this unknown at this time.
4. CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF WEST CREEK (Jamie Hill, Senior Planning
Consultant)
Director Stanwyck introduced the City's Contract Planner, Jamie Hill, for the presentation of the
West Creek project. Staff member Hill presented to the Commission an introduction and conceptual
overview of the West Creek project design and park proposal for new residential development in the
northeastern area of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan.
The West Creek project is an 18.5 acre development consisting of 165 residential units, 2.34 acres
of improved parkland and 6.6 acres of open space. This project is requesting a waiver of parkland
impact fees in order to provide parkland not otherwise identified in the OASP. The proposed
parkland not only serves the OASP properties, but the adjacent underserved neighborhoods that no
other location in the GASP does or will. The proposed West Creek park areas will be the only park
within a '/4 mile /5 minute walking radius for the surrounding neighborhoods.
The applicant is seeking the Commission's preliminary feedback on the project. Staff will be
returning to the Commission for a more formal review with specific analysis of the West Creek
parkland proposal, amenities, maintenance responsibilities and parkland fees at a future date.
Commission Comment
Commission Updegrove asked about bridges over creek walk. Staff Hill clarified that there will be
pedestrian access but no bridge to traverse the creek due to permitting/building challenges. She
recommended the applicant include Pickleball courts as part of the parks amenities for active uses.
Commissioner Kincaid asked if there was a mechanism in place to increase City operating budgets
for ongoing parks maintenance. Staff member Hill answered that changes to operating budgets
would ultimately depend upon what is dedicated to the City.
Commissioner Parolini expressed that he was not in favor of waiving in -lieu fees for private front
yards and recommend removing front yards from the acre total. Staff member Dunsmore thanked
the Commission for its feedback and reminded that the applicant will return to the Commission with
revised plan.
Vice Chair Whitener asked the Commission for conceptual support of the West Creek proposal as
presented to have met the need for reduction in parkland in -lieu fees. The majority that the parkways
could be considered part of the parkland development with connectivity to the rest of development.
5. REVIEW OF TWO ORCUTT PLAN TRACT MAP APPLICATIONS FOR BOTH
RIGHETTI AND JONES RANCHES (Doug Davidson, Deputy Director of Community
Development, David Watson, Consulting Planner, Watson Planning Consultants)
City Staff Davidson and Consultant Planner, David Watson, presented to the Commission on the
parks and open space components of the Righetti Ranch and Jones Ranch proposals. These two
proposed developments are a part of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and are currently under the
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Planning Commission and City Council review. The presentation included the status of permitting,
tract map proposals including proposed parks, open space and trails systems to serve the OASP
neighborhood.
Righetti Ranch project calls for 12 acre neighborhood park during phase 1 development of the
OASP. The project proposes a slight reconfiguration of the 11.63 acre neighborhood park as
proposed in 2010, allowing for a combination of high and medium density residential uses transitions
away from the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The reconfiguration does not result in a loss of
parklands for this public facility. While these plans are conceptual, the park as envisioned by the
applicant to include soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, Creekside trails, restrooms and
parking. The applicant intends to provide the parkland and the park in -lieu fees for the development
and future maintenance of the parks by the City. „
The Jones Ranch proposal includes 65 residential units, 11.56 acres and 2.03 acres of open space.
The proposal does not contain parklands, but it does include common areas and extension of trails to
connect to the Righetti Ranch and other OASP properties. The proposed Righetti and Jones Ranch
projects will be a significant step forward with development in the Orcutt Planning Area, with the
Righetti project creating most of the public parklands and public trails as described by the GASP.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Parolini asked when the park requirement would be built as part of the development
project. Staff Davidson replied that this requirement would occur as part of Phase 1 of the OASP
project development elements. He reiterated that the development project would return to
Commission for its review and discussion about impacts of parks maintenance. Commissioner
Parolini expressed he would like to see lighting of active recreational areas. Staff Watson responded
that the approved EIR for the project currently prohibits night lighting.
6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Stanwyck presented a summary of Parks and Recreation Department upcoming items.
The new Skate Park grand opening had an estimated 4,000 people in attendance. City staff continue
to meet regarding operational issues of the park. The City has received positive feedback about
night lighting. Staff is working on a budget request for the installation of ballfield netting at the
park.
New Pilot Program initiated for Pickleball at Ludwick Community Center and Meadow Park. Staff
will return to Commission following the conclusion of a pilot program to present Commission with
several options to consider about ongoing programming.
New upcoming events include the Family Water Safety Day at Sinsheimer Pool, Giants Trophy Tour
and Egg Hunt at Mitchel Park.
The City approved a Major City Goal for Open Space Acquisition and Maintenance. A budget
request has been submitted for trail enhancements and a master plan.
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• Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker reported review of illegal removal of trees by PG &E
and mitigation efforts.
• Natural Resources: Commissioner Kincaid reported City is reviewing appraisals for Ahern
properties. Awaiting Archeological for Ocean View trail (on BLM property). Working on
Laguna Lake Implementation Plan. He noted that 68 dead Monterey Pines were removed
from Laguna Lake Park.
• Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove reported that Jack House Chair, Ron Batterson,
announced retirement. The Jack House wallpaper remodel has been completed. The
Committee is working on developing policies for cleaning of historic structures.
• School District: Commissioner Parolini said there was nothing to report.
• Damon - Garcia: Commissioner Parolini shared met that he met with the Deputy Director of
Utilities and Distribution Manager. He shared that the new WRRF will have an impact on
recycled water which will have less mineral content.
Golf. Vice Chair Whitener said that rounds were up in February with increase revenue by
11 %. There is currently a capital improvement project for ADA restroom design at the golf
course. Staff continues to enhance partnerships with Cal Poly marketing and outreach.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
Dedication of Service Plaques for Chair Davis and Commissioner Kincaid.
Adjourned at 8:35pm to the April 1, 2015 Regular Meeting located in the Council Chambers at
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 6, 2015.
Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager
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Parks and Recreation Commission
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• Meeting Minutes_
City Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, April 1, 2015, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Jeff Whitener and Commissioners Ryan Baker, Susan Olson,
Michael Parolini, Ron Regier, Douglas Single and Susan Updegrove
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Bob Hill, Bridget Fraser, Anthony Mejia,
Leif McKay (RRM)
Public Comment
None
1. OATH OF OFFICE (City Clerk)
City Clerk issued Oath of Office to Susan Olson and Douglas Single.
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES of Regular Meeting of March 4, 2015 deferred to May
5, 2015.
3. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (Committee)
MOTION: (Parolini /Updegrove) Election of Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, Jeff
Whitener, and Vice Chair, Ron Regier.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
4. SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND APPOINTMENTS FOR 2015 -16 (Committee)
Director Stanwyck presented new subcommittees focused on areas of interest for the Commission;
Jack House, Tree Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Youth Services Association, City
Facilities. The five committees will allow for a commissioner to be available for adhoc committees
throughout the year. She added that the increased community input effort and regular attendance by
Natural Resources staff will hopefully provide a forum for discussion at Commission Meetings.
Commissioners recommended adding a subcommittee for Adult & Senior representation.
• City Facilities - Parolini
• Jack House - Updegrove
• Adult & Senior Programming - Baker
■ Youth Services Association - Single
• Bicycle Advisory Committee — Regier
• Tree Committee - Olson
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5. BYLAWS REVIEW AND REVISIONS (Chair)
Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the last Bylaws revision was to move the meeting
time to an earlier time in the day. The Commission discussed the option of removing the Parks and
Recreation Commissioner as a voting member of the Tree Committee. The Commission
recommends no changes to the Bylaws.
6. TERRACE HILL CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN REVIEW (Bob Hill)
Director Stanwyck introduced Natural Resources Manager, Bob Hill, and City Biologist, Freddy
Otte, for the presentation. Director Stanwyck recused herself from the discussion for potential
conflict of interest.
Staff Hill presented the Terrace Hill Conservation and Open Space Plan. There has been no
conservation plan to guide open space management of Terrace Hills which include 23 acres of land
surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The historical nature of Terrace Hill is due to the advent
of the railroad. He noted the most prominent features of Terrace Hill being the outstanding views.
Staff Hill shared that conservation guidelines the management of open space properties including
policies and wildfire preparedness. Staff Hill reminded the Commission that the Rachel Court trail
easement at the base of Terrace Hill was recently accepted by Council.
Staff Otte said that a biological inventory was taken of Terrace Hill which identified various plants
and animal specifies. A Needs Assessment of Terrace Hill identified improved trailhead
enhancements, signage and trail circulation, identified invasive species control, a fire protection
program, increased patrols, maintenance of drainage facilities, storm water and soil erosion control,
drainage basin maintenance, wildfire preparedness (goats), allowed active uses of this open space
(such as bikes), removal of old antiquated irrigation and dead trees /shrubs.
The management goals are Terrace Hill are to conserve and enhance habitat, encourage recreational
activities, address sedimentation issues, minimize impacts, protect aesthetic views, designate as
historical and cultural resources and provide for regular monitoring. Staff reminded the Commission
about the emphasis on maintenance as part of the Open Space Major City Goal.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Updegrove asked about trail maintenance at Bishop Street entrance to the left of the
Jennifer Street trail. Staff Hill said this trail area is currently overgrown with chaparral and would be
a good location area for goats to provide weed abatement. Staff Hill continued that contract services
would be used at Jennifer Street trail to overturn soil, add water bars and reduce future erosion in this
area. He added that there will be improved access and trailhead control at Bishop Street to allow for
strollers.
Vice Chair Regier said he would support bicycle use of Terrace Hill. He also supports exploration of
Rachel Court trailhead relocation with developers to minimize impacts to adjacent neighbors.
Chair Whitener concurred with Vice Chair Regier. He was complementary of Staff Hill and Otte's
presentations.
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Public Comment
Don Wiggan, resident of Paul Lane, said he borders Rachel Court where new trailhead is proposed.
His property is not fenced and visually exposed to the new trail placement between their residence
and a 12 ft. retaining wall. He asked the Commission consider the trail relocation on the other side
near a fenced residence. Staff Hill acknowledged the privacy issues and an impact to the residence.
Staff Hill said he would be willing to approach other properties owners to explore a realignment to
give some protection to the property owners. Staff Hill continued that he would discuss this
potential realignment of Rachel Court trailhead with the developers and to Council on May 16, 2015.
MOTION: (Regier/Updegrove) Recommend to City Council adoption of the Terrace Hill
Conservation and Open Space.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
7. REVIEW PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT LAYOUTS FOR SINSHEIMER PARK
(Bridget Fraser, Lief McKay)
Director Stanwyck introduced Senior Civil Engineer, Bridget Fraser, and Consultant, Leif McKay
(RRM), for the presentation of the revised conceptual design of the Sinsheimer Park Playground
Replacement project. Consultant McKay provided the Commission with a brief recap of the process
and project goals. In summary, the playground design utilizes existing slopes, provides signature
features, improves accessibility and offers a variety of new play experiences. Individual elements
were recommended through both student and community feedback. The project schedule is
estimated to have a final design in the Spring and construction to begin in the Fall. Completion of
the playground is estimated for late 2015 /early 2016.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Single asked about opportunities, for disabled access to enjoying the playground park.
Consultant McKay responded that the design address the physical disabled access with fully
accessible paths, bridge feature, slides and ground level activities. This design provides a variety of
elements to accommodate a range of experiences.
Commissioners thanked the Consultant RRM for incorporating ADA accessibility and stakeholder
feedback into the design.
Commissioner Parolini asked about additional project funding should contingencies be needed. Staff
Fraser felt confident with current budget estimates.
MOTION: (Single /Baker) Recommend to City Council to approve the Sinsheimer Park Playground
conceptual design.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
8. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Stanwyck presented a summary of budget items to present to City Council on April 21,
2015 Strategic Budget Direction. Budget requests for Open Space and Maintenance are in support of
the Major City Goal. A Golf Course reorganization is within existing resources and focusses on two
programming elements of golf course maintenance and operations /programming. Capital
Improvement Projects for Public Art Funding, Laguna Lake ADA Accessible Trail and Tennis Court
lighting at Sinsheimer Park have also been submitted for Council consideration.
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Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission about upcoming Parks and Recreation events; such as
Spring Break Camps, the Pool is currently open for recreational swim, Saturday 4/4/2015 is the
annual Egg Hunt at Mitchell park, Pickelball is being played at Meadow Park and Ludwick
Community Center. Lastly, the SLO Triathlon registration opens on April 251h
Public Comment
Scott Cleare, tennis advocate, urged Commission to continue to support the lighting of public tennis
courts for increased play. He added that the Commission consider seeking corporate sponsorship
opportunities to assist with funding.
9. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
• Bicycle Committee: Vice Chair Ron Regier reported on the Major City Goal for Bicycle and
Pedestrian facilities. He added that the Committee is considering a project for bike lane
extension on California Street towards Monterey Street to the Railroad.
• Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker had no report.
• Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove said there was no meeting. No report.
• School District: Commissioner Parolini said he had no report.
• Damon - Garcia: Commissioner Parolini reported he was waiting to hear back from the
Utilities Department regarding potable water use. He added that Field A and C are closed for
turf maintenance. He noted that the bridge is dark in the evening and that there are transient
issues in park.
• Golf. Chair Whitener said that golf rounds and revenues were both up 7 %. He added that
more patrons were using the ADA golf cart. Chair Whitener shared that staff was
researching various staffing models for upcoming retirement of the Golf Supervisor, Todd
Bunte.
Director Stanwyck said she would email Commissioners for their preference on electronic or printed
Commission Meeting agendas.
10. COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Baker said that he will be absent for the May 6, 2015 meeting.
Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the next meeting community input will focus on
Ranger Program and Open Space.
Adjourned at 7:50pm to the May 6, 2015 Regular Meeting located in the Council Chambers at
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on
Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager
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