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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-08 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Kincaid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Craig Kincaid, Commissioners: David Hensinger, Rick May, Gary Havas, Ron Regier and Kylie Hatch ABSENT: Chair Jill Lemieux STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Bridget Fraser, Karen Jenny, Sheridan Bohlken, Joey Chavez, Marti Reynolds CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (May/Hensinger) Approve the June 4, 2008 as adjusted and July 9, 2008 Special Meeting as submitted. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) 1. Public Comment Rose Shapley, San Luis Obispo, requested future agenda item reviewing lost open space due to intensive development to be restored. Suggested new buildings and public parking structures to designate public park-like area on rooftops as additional park space affording vistas of City. 2. Volunteer of the Month The August Volunteers of the month are Alex Marter, who will be a sophomore at SLO High School in the 2008-09 school year, and Sofi Torres, who will be a freshman. Both Alex and Sofi joined the work training program Quest in June 2008. The program’s goals were to provide youth with skills to find jobs of interest as well as learn to apply for and interview for these jobs. This free program offers opportunities for the participants to volunteer and have their volunteer hours count toward the 30 community service hours recommended prior to attending a four year college. To date both Alex and Sofi have given over 70 hours of community service to the Parks and Recreation Department and both have been invited to apply for employment with the department. These two young individuals have displayed personal strength and character, job responsibility, enthusiasm, commitment to learning new skills, and respect by demonstrating promptness and good listening skills, while offering needed services and working well with others. They are both great candidates Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 2 of 7 1-2 for future leadership positions as they have been open to learning valued developmental assets, are willing to share and give back to others in need, to make constructive use of their time and lead others with their positive behavior. They seek learning opportunities and are not afraid to ask questions when in doubt, demonstrating that they know how to make the right decisions. They both have been volunteers for Family Fun Day, Fourth of July, Teen Dayz, Triathlon and Junior Giants. In addition, Alex Marter has been a volunteer for Teen Idol. These young people are a pleasure to work with and are most deserving of acknowledgment for their hard work and achievements. Their talents and strengths will lead them to great success and no doubt they will continue to be great role models to youth and staff in years to come. Parks and Recreation is grateful for their contributions to the community of the City of San Luis Obispo. 3. Laguna Lake Park Restrooms – Fraser Bridget Fraser, Engineer III for the Public Works Department, briefed the Commissioners on the two restroom buildings currently located within Laguna Lake Park and plans for their replacement. Both restrooms were built over 35 years ago. In December 2004 the City entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to bring various facilities into compliance with federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. These two restrooms were among the various facilities targeted for compliance retrofits, but given their age and poor condition, it was determined that complete replacement was necessary. The project was approved as part of the 2007-09 Financial Plan. Engineer Fraser explained the new restrooms would be ADA compliant, have an anti-graffiti coating, sealed concrete floors and walls, stainless steel fixtures, electric sensors for flushing and hand washing, and a rolling gate for after-hours to help control vandalism. Commissioner Havas commented on his recent site visit of the facilities and his discussions with the public. Director Kiser responded to Commissioner Havas’s inquiries about vandalism and shared vandalism stories on the now-closed ten-year old public restrooms across from Big Sky. She added that DOJ has given us a timeline to comply with ADA accessibility. Commissioner Hensinger confirmed that doors would still be needed with security gates in front of the structures and hoped that there would be an opportunity for natural lighting as much as possible. Engineer Fraser confirmed lighting would exist inside and outside to accommodate for nighttime use and for security. MOTION: (May/Regier) Approve the proposed replacement of the two restroom buildings located within Laguna Lake Park and forward the recommendation to the City Council. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) 4. Slacklining in City Parks – Kiser Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 3 of 7 1-3 Director Kiser presented the staff report to the Commissioners. A Sub-committee was formed after the last meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to review criteria and make a recommendation on whether to move forward with the activity or not. During the annual Park Tour, several Commissioners and staff also had the opportunity to experience slacklining themselves after the demonstration at Meadow Park. Of primary concern was the use of trees as anchors as opposed to the two to three bollards as recommended by the City Arborist. Discussion centered on potential damage to trees however there is no empirical data as to if that would really be the case. Also, the use of bollards could limit the ability to create a challenging course. The Sub-committee recommended that trees be used. Also of high concern was the ability of staff to effectively monitor the program given existing workloads. Sub-committee recommended that the Ranger Services division take the lead role in patrolling the area and enforcing the rules in partnership with Parks Maintenance staff who will support the rangers by reporting observed abuses or requesting compliance of users themselves. As with other enforcement issues in our parks, police officers are always available as back-up and on weekends. The Sub-committee recommendation is to identify 13-15 trees in Meadow Park and incorporate a 12-month pilot program. Director Kiser then shared a memorandum from Jerry Miszewski with recommendations for tree friendly specifications and a letter from Peter Jenny of the County of San Luis Obispo stating their support for a pilot program. Risk Manager Karen Jenny spoke on liability concerns. San Luis Obispo, along with over a hundred other cities in the State, is a member of California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) which provides liability coverage. According to JPIA, San Luis Obispo was the first City to inquire on slacklining. Although JPIA expressed some concern with liability, they would not deny the City coverage. Vice Chair Kincaid inquired about potential affects to insurance premiums. Risk Manager Jenny clarified a deposit rather than a premium is paid each year that is then adjusted later depending on claims for damage that occur. The City Attorney has suggested that rather than pursuing an ordinance change at this time to amend the Tree Regulations, which prohibit anything from being tied to public trees that the PRC ask Council to adopt a resolution temporarily suspending enforcement of this regulation for one year if activity is in conjunction with slacklining. Vice Chair Kincaid added that he did not sense great opposition from the Tree Committee when the subject of slacklining was discussed at last month’s meeting. Vice Chair Kincaid then opened up Public Comment: Jerry Miszewski, San Luis Obispo, gave a simplified definition of slacklining to the Commissioners and public. Mr. Miszewski shared his research on other areas that allow slacklining including Pismo Beach where the Chief of Police recently granted his request for slacklining in an area under the pier. Also California’s Humboldt State University and Graceland University in Iowa allow slacklining on campus. Yosemite National Park, as well as several parks in British Columbia, allows Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 4 of 7 1-4 the sport. Colorado has an annual Highline Festival. There are annual slacklining competitions throughout Europe, and German schools offer slacklining to 6th and 7th graders as part of their physical education curriculum. End of public comment. MOTION: (Havas/ Regier) 1. Approve a 12-month pilot program to allow slacklining to take place in a designated area of Meadow Park subject to established rules and regulations; and 2. Recommend the City Council adopt a resolution that temporarily suspends enforcement of Section 12.24.130 (Protection of Trees) of the Municipal Code (which provides that no person shall post any sign on any tree, tree stake or guard, or fasten any guy wire, cable or rope to any tree, tree-stake or guard) when such apparent violation stems from slacklining activity occurring in the designated area in Meadow Park. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) Director Kiser stated she will take the resolution before Council on September 2, 2008. 5. Selection of Recipient for the Wes Conner Award – Kiser Director Kiser explained the Wes Conner Award which was created last year subsequent to Wes Conner’s passing and intended to honor individuals who, like Wes, have provided sustained valuable service that resulted in improved access to high quality parks and recreation services in the City of San Luis Obispo. Director Kiser then reviewed the criteria established for the award as outlined in the agenda report noting that the PRC removed the requirement that the individual must be a resident of the City of San Luis Obispo as long as the person’s efforts are of benefit to the City. Director Kiser also clarified the award need not be given every year, rather only if feel justified. Last year Jim Neville was the first recipient and was presented the award at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department. Commissioners can add to, keep, or eliminate the biographies accumulated already and can make changes or clarifications. Director Kiser asked the Commissioners consider the nominees and be prepared to review and vote at the September 3, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Additional biographies may be added at the next meeting. Vice Chair Kincaid expressed last year’s candidates were all very worthy making it a tough decision, feels it would still be valid to select another candidate this year using the same list. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 5 of 7 1-5 Commissioner May and Director Kiser noted Richard Kriet as the person who recommended the creation of the award last year. Commissioner Regier indicated he has additional biographical information on Richard Kriet and his role in the Youth Sports Association which he will forward to Director Kiser. Also clarified the criteria in that the nominee need not necessarily be involved in more than one sport but rather “multiple interest groups.” Inquired as to awards for past staff, perhaps done through the State. Requested a plaque be displayed in the Parks and Recreation lobby in honor of the recipients (past and present). Commissioner Havas discussed protocol in making contact with the nominees personally. While difficult to be stealth, there is nothing wrong with contacting these leaders to get to know them better. 6. Staff Report – Bohlken Recreation Supervisor Bohlken of the Teens, Seniors, Boomers & Classes division presented information on the Junior Giants program. In the Junior Giants program, baseball is used as a forum for youth to live healthy and productive lives using the fundamentals of baseball to teach leadership, consistency and skills in a non-competitive learning environment. All equipment is provided by the San Francisco Giants. College scholarships are also available through the Giants to youth who participate in Jr. Giants’ programs. Past City Corp and Quest participants often return to serve as positive role models and coaches on staff. This year there were 25 coaches and 143 players. The program runs from July 8 through August 14, culminating in “Junior Giants Day” at a San Francisco Giants game in which 5,000 Junior Giants and coaches from across the State are honored. Program Specialist Joey Chavez then presented part of a self-produced video showcasing the 2006 Junior Giants program. Commissioners discussed possibility of the video being displayed on the website or as Channel 20 programming. Also suggested past participant biographies perhaps be placed on the website. Also asked that there be an effort to invite successful SLO athletes to interact with the program participants as inspiration. 7. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: a) Skate Park – Because of the City’s pending financial situation, the Skate Park Master Plan has been delayed until the CIP Committee reviews all existing projects and makes a recommendation as to what projects will go forward at this time. In the meantime, the Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee continues to raise funds via pizza sales, contests, etc. Their goal is $500,000. There may be an opportunity to use parkland development funds. Commissioner Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 6 of 7 1-6 Havas confirmed with the Director that if the funding for equipment is not approved, the park should be closed for safety concerns.) b) Mitchell Park Senior Center – Design plans and specifications for the parking lot have been completed and are being circulated through the various departments for review and comment. It will be presented to the ARC on August 18 and to Council in early September. Construction remains slated for December. The Senior Center renovations were begun on Monday, August 4, with completion set for late September, early October. The RFP for the Senior Center Needs Study has also been put on hold at this time. c) Roller Hockey Rink Improvements – This project has also been put on hold until CIP review has occurred. d) The Athletic Field Needs Assessment is in final draft. Will be presented to the PRC in September with recommendations for improving the status of fields in the community. e) Blues and Rattlers end their season this week. Everything has gone smoothly. We anticipate early fall negotiations for next season due to the 3-year contracts approved last year. f) The Triathlon was a huge success. Over 1000 participants, 200+ volunteers. Great event. g) Fourth of July in Mitchell Park, co-sponsored with the Rotary of SLO, was also a huge success. 2000 attendees. h) The Born Learning Trail was dedicated Saturday, August 2, at Mitchell Park i) Summer programs are winding down; Movie at the Mission Plaza on Saturday; Art in the Garden on August 17, 10-5; Fall brochure released; Fall registration for childcare begun. j) Volunteer Recognition BBQ is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 at the Ludwick Community Center. k) There are three openings on the CAPRC Board as noted in attachment 6-1 of the agenda. 8. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports: Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – May Mayors Youth Task Force – Regier Jack House Committee – Hatch Open Space – Havas Golf – Hensinger Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 6, 2008 Page 7 of 7 1-7 Commissioner Kincaid reported on the Tree Committee, which is close to finalizing the new tree regulations. Relayed information on two neighborhood appeals to Council regarding tree removal. Commissioner Regier informed the next Mayor’s Youth Task Force meeting is in September. Communicated our interest in Cal Poly fields to Poly officials. Commissioner Havas did not have any recent meetings on Open Space but had information meant to be shared on the Park Tour that he will bring to the next PRC meeting. Commissioner May had nothing to report on the Joint Use Committee as meeting was replaced by the Park Tour. Commissioner Hatch had nothing to report on the Jack House Committee as meeting was replaced by the Park Tour. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Golf Course and the new walkway. The July revenue was up 22 percent, cart rentals up 33 percent, and rounds up 8 percent. Hole number 3 green is coming along slowly but hope is to open soon. Bids for the netting and bridge will go out in September. 9. Communications Commissioner Havas will not be able to attend the September meeting. Commissioner Kincaid will be performing at Linnea’s August 30 with Jim Thurman. 10. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. to the September 3, 2008 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission at the Council Hearing Room. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 3, 2008. /Sgd/ _________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant