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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-09 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, November 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: Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Kylie Hatch, Ron Regier, and Steve Davis ABSENT: STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Robin Perrin CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Hatch/Havas) Approve the October 7, 2009 minutes as submitted. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month The November Volunteer of the Month is Toni Kincaid. Toni has volunteered with the Parks and Recreation Department as Docent at the Jack House for four years and has served as President of the Docents for 2-1/2 years. Toni has done an outstanding job representing the Docents at Jack House Committee meetings and has taken an active role in helping to get projects done at the house. In July, Toni led the Docents in the production of the first Victorian Tea held in the Garden. From arranging flowers to working with the caterer, Toni did an outstanding job coordinating the Tea from top to bottom. Toni also assisted with the daunting task of packing breakables and books throughout the house in September immediately prior to the start of the sprinkler project. Without her help, the project would have taken a week instead of a day. Toni also helped install the new plant identifying markers in the garden. Armed with her bucket of garden tools, Toni led the charge and helped pound the markers into the ground. Toni’s dedication to the Jack House is unmatched and her drive to get things done is exceptional. Toni is married to the Commission’s very own Craig Kincaid and, when not working at the Jack House, she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading and spending time with family. Toni is well traveled, enjoying historic locations and art museums across the nation. The next big Kincaid adventure will be a visit to the Dominican Republic. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 2 of 7 1-2 3. Presentation on Octagon Barn Project – B. K. Richard Mr. B. K. Richard, Land Conservancy Board of Trustees and organizer of the Octagon Barn project, gave a presentation to the Commissioners entitled “Raising a Barn, Raising a Community.” Land Conservancy members also gave a presentation on the project at a meeting of the Bicycle Committee last month, and indicated their high interest in completing the Bob Jones Trail from the Ranger Services area to the Octagon Barn. The Octagon Barn’s proximity to a major town and being at the gateway to San Luis Obispo as well as at the start of the Bob Jones Bike Trail make it a welcoming entry point that connects people to the land and will create jobs by stimulating tourism. Mr. Richard explained the barn can be used as a venue as it stands right now, but certain permits still need to be acquired. There are two buildings on site and the hope is to also restore the 2nd building as a gathering and public meeting space, to promote local agriculture, history, recreation and sustainability. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Land Conservancy and there are more than 10,500 acres of land in the County under their stewardship. Conservation, planning, restoration and education are part of their mission with the overall theme being sustainability. Mr. Richard gave background history on the barn explaining it was a dairy farm built 109 years ago. The Octagon shape dates from the 1700s and was particularly cherished in the late 1800s as it was felt to be a more efficient use of building materials per square foot and enhanced the function of dairy agriculture. In 1996, with the barn’s impending deterioration, the Land Conservancy approached owner John Hayashi with letting them take over full responsibility and covering the structure with their insurance policy. Historic architectural elements, such as the cupola were at risk of permanent damage. By 2002 the barn was structurally stabilized, boundary properties at Highway 101 and Buckley Road were discussed and four acres leased from CalTrans for a total of 6 acres. A 125-space parking area, visual buffer and future access to Buckley Road are included in the development plans, as well as a commons area, honor grove, walking path, garden and wetland. The goal for the property will be to serve as a social gathering place for events such as the film festival, a harvest festival, Mosaic Festival, art shows, non- profit fundraisers, musical events, plays and an agricultural teaching facility. The 2nd building on the property is a milking parlor built in 1938. It needs structural upgrades but classroom seating could be approximately 40. Mr. Richard stated there has already been an art show at the barn in May with 500 people attending in a two day period. There is an invitation-only lighting ceremony the first weekend in December. Mr. Richard feels this special building has a designated public purpose. The primary partner at this point is the County Parks. The conditional use permit from the County is the biggest hurdle to face. They are working with CalTrans to finalize the lease. Mr. Richard states the Land Conservancy hopes for partnership from the City which would be its main beneficiary given the barn’s close proximity to the City. Funds required are $75K for permits and studies, $75k to finish the barn rehabilitation, $100k for milking parlor structural support and $50k to grade and landscape the barns commons – a total of $300k. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 3 of 7 1-3 Chair Lemieux questioned the ability for the City to join in a partnership in something that is outside the City limits. Director Kiser explained that it is currently done with open space and if the City considered such a partner ship, it would be treated like a City park. 4. Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 – Smoking Prohibited in Certain Areas – Elke Principal Administrative Analyst Brigitte Elke gave a presentation to Commissioners outlining the background of the smoking prohibition request and the dangers of secondhand smoke. Staff and Council members recently received numerous complaints regarding smoking or secondhand smoke mainly in outside areas downtown. Council directed staff to review the current city ordinance on smoking and return with recommendation for possible amendments. Chapter 8.16 of the City’s Municipal Code currently regulates smoking in the City of San Luis Obispo. The regulation is based on current state law and prohibits smoking in certain public places. It regulates workplaces, health care facilities, government buildings, entertainment places, and food- related indoor spaces. However, it does not regulate the City’s outdoor recreational areas, sport facilities or Open Space. Allowing smoking in outdoor areas does not correlate with the mission of Parks and Recreation. Disposal of cigarette butts and other materials associated with smoking and tobacco products creates unsightly conditions and possible hazards to children, animals and the riparian corridor and its creek aquatic life. Significant time is spent cleaning smoking and tobacco related waste. Aside from second-hand smoke and waste related issues, there is also the concern for possible fire in the City’s Open Space areas. Given complaints, community readiness, and the City’s mission for its parks and recreational areas, staff recommends prohibiting smoking in all City outdoor recreation areas. This would include City parks, dedicated Open Space, sport facilities, hiking and biking trails, the City’s golf course, aquatic facilities, and skate and dog parks. Staff also recommends including Mission Plaza and the creek walkway in this definition since it is the most frequented City outdoor area with a multitude of events and gatherings happening all year round. Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and Atascadero have already passed similar ordinances. (A letter from the Director of the City of Arroyo Grande was distributed to Commissioners as well as two other letters of comment from the public). Principal Administrative Analyst Elke informed Commissioners that if the motion is passed, the next step will be community outreach and education, new strongly-worded signage and enforcement. Chair Lemieux opened the floor to Public Comment. Dr. Steve Hansen, Tobacco Control Program, County of San Luis Obispo. Supports smoking ban. Stated the Surgeon General indicates there is no safe level of drifting tobacco smoke. Explained physical effects of nitrous oxide in smoke, particularly in those with heart conditions. Informed that smokers are not considered a special class by the court systems, discussed taxes (Prop 99), and Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 4 of 7 1-4 pointed out much of the tobacco product (such as the filter) does not degrade for decades. Stated California has already banned smoking in bars (1998), prisons and mental health facilities (2005) without large public complaint and that, in that time, two new drugs have been developed to help smokers to quit. Believes passing this measure would help to prevent loitering downtown, and that helping smokers to quit would lower disability payments and decrease emphysema. Christina Lefevre, Tobacco Control Program, County of San Luis Obispo. Supports smoking ban. Gave handouts to Commissioners as well as petition containing 1500 signatures in support of a smoking ban. Explained harmful effects of tobacco litter including toxins leached into the water and animal ingestion. Showed Commissioners and audience large containers of cigarette butts collected from the recent Creek Clean-Up Day and tobacco litter collected after an hour in the Mitchell Park playground. Informed that schools receive a portion of Prop 99 funds as well as the Tobacco Coalition itself. Stated the Coalition would like to be put ‘out of business.’ Sara McGrath, Mitchell Park neighbor. Supports smoking ban in parks. Represents parents in her neighborhood who would appreciate enforcement of a smoking ban. Stated difficulty in keeping her young daughter from finding and picking up cigarette butts in the playground. Showed Commissioners a baggie of cigarette butts collected from one visit to the playground swing set. Feels the ban should be “a given”. Wayne Hansen, Atascadero resident and employed in San Luis Obispo. Chair of County’s Tobacco Control Program/Coalition. Supports smoking ban. Suggested work with Tobacco Control to develop plan and that resources are available to address needs and potential problems. Feels the ban would send a message that the City cares about the health of its community. Pointed out Atascadero and Bakersfield have already passed similar bans. Laura Slaughter, San Luis Obispo resident, new mother and emergency room nurse, volunteer member of Tobacco Control Program/Coalition. Supports smoking ban. Informed asbestos and car exhaust in same category as second-hand smoke, that children are more susceptible to the effects of second-hand smoke, particularly the physical affects to fetuses. Feels it is a social norm for teens that should be removed and that this habit should not come before citizens’ health. Encouraged protection of parks, the plaza, creek walkway, businesses, sidewalks and dining areas. Feels San Luis Obispo has a legacy of leadership and hopes the City demonstrates its commitment to protect its citizens. Commissioner Kincaid inquired about budgeting and any revenue loss from sales tax; which was answered by Elke and members of the County’s Tobacco Control Program Coalition. Commissioner Regier inquired as to new signage with stronger language prohibiting use, transit areas bans and current position on smokeless tobacco. Elke estimated approximately $10k in funding would be needed for signage but that budget assistance could be provided by the Tobacco Coalition. Elke indicated smokeless forms of tobacco were not included at this time but could be at the option of the Commissioners. Commissioners also discussed Rangers role in education more than enforcement. Kathleen Carley of the Tobacco Coalition was asked to the podium to address Commissioner Havas’ questions on demographics. Dr. Hansen offered information on the program in the City of Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 5 of 7 1-5 Calabasas. Chair Lemieux discussed meaning of City amenities and the role of the Downtown Association and Chamber of Commerce for areas such as the Mission and Farmer’s Market. Would like to see more specific language regarding areas. Commissioners also further discussed sports fields. MOTION: (Regier/Kincaid) Recommend Council amend Chapter 8.16 of the City’s Municipal Code to ban smoking and all forms of tobacco products from outdoor recreation areas in the City of San Luis Obispo. Strongly recommend Council consider expanding area to include downtown core. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 5. Staff Report – Perrin Recreation Supervisor Robin Perrin demonstrated the online customer satisfaction survey implemented in the last year by Parks and Recreation. Individual surveys are offered for each division and linked separately on each respective web page. Surveys are created and monitored using the Survey Monkey program where they are periodically reviewed for concerns and suggestions. Each month survey responders are gathered and a random name drawn to receive a free coupon book for many activities provided by the parks and recreation department. Recreation Supervisor Perrin browsed anonymous responses and commended the survey program as a helpful resource that was unavailable in the past and that its use as a source of information has proven a helpful tool in improving customer service. 6. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Programming: Howl-o-ween Hoopla went well; youth sports programs going strong, as is adult softball; preparing for Holiday in the Plaza, December 5-6 and Christmas Open House at the Jack House, December 11-13 • New fundraising program is in full swing with Running Warehouse and Plus 3 Network. Encouraged Commissioners to sign up. • Held first planning meeting with Rotary project managers for Meadow Park Community Garden design; should come before Commissioners in December. • Biennial Advisory Body Training was held October 15, 2009. Commissioners unable to attend should work with the City Clerk’s office for online make-up information • Received notice that we did not receive the Stewardship Foundation Grant for the Skate Park. No word has been received yet on the Tony Hawk Foundation grant; staff attended a regional workshop on Prop 84 funding for application in March 2010. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 6 of 7 1-6 • Received a letter from Babe Ruth seeking approval of a donation of grass infield, bleachers, irrigation and maintenance thereof at Stockton Field. • The Director met with a group of individuals from the Laguna Lake Dog Park who are interested in forming a Friends of Laguna Lake Dog Park to raise funds and complete the park. • Two additional items coming before the Commission in December include the Laguna Lake Playground equipment and the Golf Course Revenue Best Practices. Due to the busy agenda, the off-leash dog hours will not come before the PRC until January. Chair Lemieux expressed her disappointment that the Laguna Lake dredging item was not on the PRC agenda prior to going before the Council. 7. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports: Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – Hensinger Youth Sports Association - Davis Jack House Committee – Hatch Open Space – Havas Golf – Regier Bicycle Committee – Havas Commissioner Kincaid gave information from the last meeting of the Tree Committee. At the next meeting the Committee hopes to officially nominate seven heritage trees at the CalTrans work yard. Commissioner Davis reported on the latest quarterly meeting of the Youth Sports Association during which they made some changes to the bylaws, adjusted membership information and discussed finances and future field improvements. Discussed the need to raise in-lieu fees, however decided to wait to see what field renovations need completed first; questioned reliability of City’s future contributions. Field allocation meeting in January. Commissioner Havas met with Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik and reported on Open Space. No items have moved forward. The urban farm at Calle Joaquin was discussed. Letters soliciting Froom Ranch funding to be sent near the end of November. 310 acres of a different parcel is being considered. Commended Dr. Havlik for his knowledge and efforts. Commissioner Havas attended the bi-monthly Bicycle Advisory Committee. Director Kiser noted a letter was received from Kevin Christian requesting a letter of support for a grant to complete feeder trails along the Railroad Safety Trail (one of which is into Sinsheimer Park). Commissioner Hensinger reported there was no meeting of the Joint Use Committee last month due to a lack of quorum and offered his apologies for being unable to attend. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 4, 2009 Page 7 of 7 1-7 Commissioner Hatch reported on the last meeting of the Jack House Committee. The annual Docent Appreciation dinner is scheduled for November 18th following the next meeting of the Committee. An Open House is scheduled for December 11 through 13 (from 5 to 8 p.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. on the 13th). The sprinkler project is coming along well. Commissioner Regier reported on the Laguna Lake Golf Course, stating rounds for October were down 9%, however; revenue was up 15% which could be attributed to use by Cal Poly. Overall year-to-date rounds are down 14% and revenue is down 3%. The Mustang Daily is advertising a two for one special. AT&T began construction of the equipment storage building; cell tower antenna installation will bring an additional $26K. AT&T will also be rebuilding the barbecue area as part of the agreement and putting a new roof on the pro shop. The food vender has moved inside the pro shop; their contract has been extended to June 2010. The putting greens have improved and benefited from the 7 inches of rainfall received. Chair Lemieux attended the Mayor’s Quarterly Luncheon on October 8 and delivered the Commission update. 8. Communications Commissioner Havas read a letter of appreciation from the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers (CCCMB) regarding their support of the Stenner Conservation Plan and approval of a skills area. Commissioner Kincaid thanked the Volunteer of the Month, Toni Kincaid, for all of her hard work. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m. to the December 2, 2009 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 2, 2009, as amended. /sgd/ ___________________________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant