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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-07 PRC MinutesG:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2007\Minutes\02.07.07 amend apprvd.doc Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street Wednesday, February 7, 2007 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Chair Pyper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Pyper, Vice Chair Jill Lemieux, Commissioners: Richard Kriet, Gary Clay, Don Dollar, John Knight, and Ty Griffin ABSENT: STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Todd Beights and Marti Reynolds CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: The minutes from December 6 were approved as submitted. 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month - February Commissioner Pyper introduced Volunteer of the Month Michael Sternjacob. Michael was recognized for his assistance during Snow Night at Farmer’s Market in January during which he shoveled snow, played with the kids, and then assisted with the large task of cleaning up afterwards. Michael was noted for his extreme enthusiasm which was appreciated by the parents, children, and the parks and recreation staff. 3. Major City Goals Director Kiser reported to the Commissioners on the Major City Goal Workshop held on Saturday, January 27, 2007, in preparation for the 2007-09 Financial Plan. Kiser explained that the Council set twenty goals for the next two years. Using recommendations from Advisory Bodies, results from the Community Forum held on January 10, 2007, and responses to the Community Budget Bulletin, the Council identified twelve major city goals, three other important objectives, and five goals to address as resources permit. Two major city goals were established for Leisure, Cultural and Social Services. These include the enhancement of senior citizen facilities through improvements to the current senior center and pursuit of plans for a future senior center and also completing major upgrades to the existing roller hockey and skateboard park facilities at Santa Rosa Park. Kiser explained the next step in the process is for staff to develop detailed work programs for achieving the goals. City Council will review these work programs on April 10, 2007. Kiser indicated that a number of PRC and JUC recommendations for goals were submitted as Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). These include Stockton field, upgrading Islay park tennis courts, partial update of P&R element, fleet upgrade, golf cart and irrigation repairs to the golf course. Commissioners asked for clarification from Director Kiser on the status of the three goals they had put forward to the council, namely the issue of synthetic turf. Director Kiser explained Council’s prior directive to bring synthetic turf forward as a CIP for the 2007-09 Financial Plan using Parkland Development money as the funding source. It was also explained that although there was no public Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda February 7, 2007 Page 2 of 4 interest in upgrading the tennis courts this year, a CIP was being advanced 1) because of prior demands for tandem courts for league play and 2) because it was already a part of the 4-year CIP Commissioner Knight reiterated the positive by addressing the goals that did go forward. Commissioner Kriet submitted his letter of resignation from the Parks and Recreation Commission, to be effective after the April meeting. Kriet expressed his concern with the effectiveness of advisory bodies for the public’s interest and plans to remain active for and within the community. Commissioners expressed their extreme disappointment in Commissioner Kriet’s departure and their hopes that he reconsider. 4. Wes Conner Award Commissioner Kriet distributed criteria describing the concept of an annual service award in recognition of the late Wes Conner. Kriet pointed out that Conner spanned a spectrum of involvement in more than one advisory body for the City of San Luis Obispo. The proposal states that the “Wes Conner Award” be presented annually by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City. The award honors individuals who have provided sustained valuable service that has resulted in improved access to high quality Parks and Recreation services in the City of San Luis Obispo. Nominations for the award will be received by the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department and presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission which will determine the recipient. The Parks and Recreation Commission must be unanimous in their approval for the award to be presented. The criteria will be that awardees will have worked to advance the goals of the Parks and Recreation Dept. for at least ten years. Their efforts will have been directed towards the benefit of multiple interest groups within the city. Awardees may not be an employee of the city or a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee at the time they are selected to receive the award. Director Kiser mentioned that there may be years when no one meets the criteria, so it will not necessarily be awarded annually. Terry Conner spoke on behalf of his family who feels the awardee should be a citizen of San Luis Obispo, particularly if vacant commissioner seats are ever filled with people from outside the jurisdiction. The Conners also feel it should be someone who has served a minimum of ten years. Commissioner Knight stated that we as a community were touched by all that Wes Conner did. Recommendation: Action: Approve an annual service award in recognition of the contributions Wes Conner has made to Parks and Recreation using the general format and concept as recommended, but calling the person an “honoree” rather than awardee, and striking the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph that the Parks and Recreation Commission “must be unanimous in their approval.” Motion: (Griffin/Lemieux) 7 yes: 0 no Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda February 7, 2007 Page 3 of 4 5. Staff Reports Park Maintenance Supervisor Todd Beights informed the Commission of the status of various park maintenance projects including turf renovation and health report; trees lost from cold temperatures; replacing the terra cotta tiles at the mission from truck damage; recycled water service (reclaiming 90% of potable water) tied into Damon Garcia and subsequent rupture of 6” pipe which system master valve detected and closed; vandalism to landscaping at Sinsheimer including discovery of new transient encampments near creek area; vandalism to gazebo and fountain at the Jack House on February 6; hypodermic needles found at Mission Plaza and the impacts of those choosing “alternate lifestyles.” Commissioners asked various questions of Supervisor Beights regarding the recycled water system, Damon Garcia’s 8-week midwinter rest, composting, temporary parking, and security at the Jack House. 6. Director’s Report Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:  SLOCAPRA Commissioner training has been delayed to May 5 and will be held at Hearst Castle. There will be two morning sessions, lunch and a tour of the Castle.  Stockton Field is in the midst of renovations with donations from Cal Ripken. Will be increasing fence height, deeper infield and extended baselines. Sports Authority purchased Copelands and wants to donate $35,000 of which the City will utilize $22,500 for a scoreboard, PA system, and a new backstop, with the remaining funds to sponsor Cal Ripken youth baseball teams.  Damon Garcia overflow parking was used for the first time last week and was absolutely full (holding 100 additional cars than main parking lot). Lights will be in soon  The Johnson Ranch had a fire stemming from water pipes that froze and then overheated the pump. Damaged in the fire were the pump, tank, and an acre of ranch land including the Apple Farm billboard. Damage assessed at $4,000 will be funded from carryover money as the amount was too minimal for insurance to be used.  Therapy pool bids went to Council on January 6th – awarded to Sansone Construction with plans to break ground in February. Pool will be in by beginning of summer. There will then be a publicity shoot with the mayor and commissioners  The Perpetual Hope public art has been completed. We will be holding a dedication ceremony  Bill Beeson Project - Family donated $10,000 and Council matched for a $20,000 art project near Little Theatre. Admin staff will assist with the project.  Three jury reviews of public art in private development have taken place: Tank & Broad St., Islamic Ctr. on Walnut, and a new commercial area adjacent to Trader Joe’s  SLO Baseball: Commissioners updated on JUC decision with assistance from Commissioner Kriet - teams are encouraged to work out a schedule by Feb 9; a lottery system may be used otherwise Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda February 7, 2007 Page 4 of 4  Impending April advisory body vacancies were discussed – there should still be five advisory body members available for March’s meeting  The Mission Statement with values clarification summary was distributed to Commissioners  The Key has been completed and was distributed to Commissioners as well 7. Committee Reports Commissioners gave reports on Committees they attended:  Tree Committee – Dollar  Joint Use Committee – Kriet  Mayors Youth Task Force – no report  Jack House Committee – Lemieux  Open Space – Dollar  Golf – no report Commissioner Dollar reported on the Tree Committee’s new supervisor at Public Works, Keith Pelemeier. Will soon review changes to the City’s tree program. Director Kiser discussed the status of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force, stating that it needs to be revisited and a recommendation made as to its effectiveness. Commissioner Dollar reported on Open Space funding and a recent field trip with Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik at the Johnson Ranch. Commissioner Kriet reported on the Joint Use Committee’s meeting January 23 which was attended by the SLO Blues and the Rattlers, regarding scheduling use of Sinsheimer stadium. Kriet also reported on the Committee’s $20,000 designated grant contribution to the Youth Sports Association to help fund school facility improvements and drainage. Commissioner Lemieux relayed that the most recent Jack House meeting on January 17th had regrettably been Wes Conner’s last attendance. During that meeting longtime docent Betty Stockton was sworn in as a new committee member, the 2007 calendar was reviewed, and there was discussion on closing the Jack House from January through March each year. Commissioner John Tischler has moved and is no longer a part of the committee as of this month, but still plans to help with planting at the Jack House in the spring. 8. Communications There were no communications. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 7, 2007, at the Council Chambers. Approved by Parks and Recreation Commission on May 7, 2007. ________/s/________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervisory Administrative Assistant