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Home My WebLink About02-04-09 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jill Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Kylie Hatch, Ron Regier and Craig Kincaid ABSENT: STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Rani Shah CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Hatch/Havas) Approve the January 7, 2009 minutes as submitted. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month The February Parks and Recreation Volunteers of the Month are members of the Cal Poly Marching Band. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Children’s Services division would like to thank the Marching Band members for providing an afternoon full of hands-on learning for our children in the Sun N’ Fun and S.T.A.R. childcare programs at Hawthorne Elementary. The event on December 10, 2008 included a musical petting zoo, homemade instrument crafting and choral song and percussion time. As the marching band members displayed their passion for music, it inspired the children to possibly bring music into their own lives. Special thanks to Children’s Services staff member, Stephanie Beran, who invited her band mates out for this wonderful experience. The San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department is proud to thank the following as the Volunteers of the Month for February Band Members: Mark Fagan, Adam Brover, Raechel Harnoto, Aimee Ware, Steph Monette, Leigh Finley, Justin Paulson, Trevor Pell, Karissa Finn, Patrick Fina, Anna Bush, Michelle Hopkins, Becky Hennings, Leila Jewell, Stef Beran. 3. Biennial Review of the PRC By-laws – Kiser Director Kiser explained background of PRC bylaws established in 2006. Bylaws provide the procedures for voting, quorums, meeting conduct, election of officers, attendance and other aspects of Commission activity relative to monthly meetings. Proposed bylaws include a new provision from Council regarding residency requirements. Direction was given to update with the biennial review. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 Page 2 of 4 1-2 MOTION: (Havas/Hensinger) Approve the PRC Bylaws with provision regarding residency requirements and forward to the City Clerk. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 4. 3-Month Status Report on Pilot Slacklining Program – Kiser Director Kiser informed the Commissioners of results of the 3-month review and how information was gathered to monitor the pilot program. Stated that overall the program is going well. There have been “rogue” users in open space areas and some parks but they have been polite about ceasing and park rangers are enforcing. So far, only concerns have been with the length of rope. There has been no tree damage and no extra trash. Chair expressed concerns regarding marking trees with brighter rope; parks maintenance is addressing. Stated if the program becomes permanent after a year, can look at a more permanent marking system. The Commissioners look forward to the 12-month review. 5. Staff Report - Shah Recreation Supervisor Rani Shah gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Commissioners on the program goals of the Children’s Services division, explaining mandates, licenses and specifics of each program (Sun & Fun, STAR, Little Rec’ers, Summer Fun Day Camp, Adventure Day Camp, Fabulous Fridays, Spring Break, Teacher Work Days and other special days). Explained collaboration with Tri-Counties Regional Center for program aides for children with special needs. 6. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Mitchell Park Senior Center Renovations: 3 bids were received and last week the Assistant City Attorney sent those to the bonding agency; the low bid was clearly the low bid, so the bonding agency should make it’s decision quickly; then back on track • Council established Major City Goals Saturday, January 31. (Copies were given to Commissioners) Parks and Recreation received one goal: As resources permit, develop plans and specifications and seek funding to construct a skate park. Open Space preservation received one goal to continue efforts to acquire, preserve and protect open space and develop a master plan for City-owned agricultural land. Bikeway facilities was supported under Traffic Congestion Relief. • Currently scheduling interviews for Advisory Bodies: PRC received 6 applications, but only 3 were responsive to interviews; JUC received 3 applications. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 Page 3 of 4 1-3 • Roller Hockey Renovations final design is near completion. Stakeholders to meet next week with results to come to the PRC in March, then on to Council for bid release. • Community Garden Report was presented to Council for review only on January 20 (Copies given to Commissioners as they were unable to view previously). • Commissioner’s Training is February 21 at Hearst Castle. Will depart from Parks and Recreation offices at 7:45 a.m. Confirmed four Commissioners attending with Director. • CPRS Conference in Santa Clara may be attended in part by Commissioner Regier. Commissioner Regier requested information and feedback on installation of Born Learning Trail at Mitchell Park. Also suggested more attachments for sign than just through the back post. Director Kiser will pass on suggestion to United Way representative. 7. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports: Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – Lemieux Mayors Youth Task Force – Regier Jack House Committee – Hatch Open Space – Havas Golf – Hensinger Commissioner Kincaid reported on his attendance at the recent Tree Committee meeting; San Luis being nominated for best Arbor Day Celebration; floss tree replacement is in at the Mission; discontinuing advertising with the Tribune; two tree permits appealed by Council (Council upheld denial), losing Committee Chair. Mayor’s Youth Task Force meetings have been suspended. Commissioner Havas reported on Open Space and relayed information recently received from Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik regarding open space budget, Froom Ranch, Johnson Ranch (and the May opening of south side trail), Stenner Springs pipeline replacement concerns, and a 38-page wildflower guide publication coming in June. Commissioner Havas has also submitted an application for a position on the bicycle committee. Chair Lemieux attended the January 27 Joint Use Committee and will continue until committee is at capacity. Update on baseball team status - schedules completed; Jeff Hollister now heading Babe Ruth; Cal Poly starting hardball league that would need use of City fields. Director Kiser added that a letter of intent was received from new SLO Blue(s) owner which will go before Council. Commissioner Hatch reported on the January 14 Jack House Committee meeting; sprinkler project has been put on hold until September 2009 to coincide with the bathroom project; Jack Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes February 4, 2009 Page 4 of 4 1-4 House will be closed from September through November 2009; official date for the Jack House re- opening is April 5, 2009; received a donation from Ken Schwartz as well as a $1,000 donation from relative of docent Katchy Andrews (and JHS descendent) to use toward costumes. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Golf Course; revenue is still up (16%), rounds are up 10% for month; new entrance sign is up via Lion’s Club donation; hole realignment in 1-2 months after rains wash off some salinity; budget concerns, particularly recovery rates, open to ideas from anyone on increasing revenue in future; other local golf courses (Pismo) seeing rate increases. 8. Communications None. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. to the March 4, 2009 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission at the Council Chambers. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 4, 2009. /Sgd/ _________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant