HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-07-10 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Craig Kincaid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, Kylie Hatch, Steve Davis and
Jeff Whitener
ABSENT: David Hensinger, Ron Regier
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Linda Fitzgerald, Neil Havlik
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
MOTION: (Davis/Havas) Approve the March 3, 2010 minutes as submitted.
Approved: 5 yes: 0 no: 1 abstained (Whitener):2 absent (Regier/Hatch)
1. Public Comment (items not on agenda)
None.
2. Presentations
In-lieu of the volunteer of the month, the Commission recognized Jill LeMieux for her eight (8)
years of service to the City as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, the final two (2) holding
the position of Commission Chair.
Recognition of Outgoing Advisory Body Member Jill Lemieux was given by Vice Chair Kincaid.
3. Oaths of Office – Cano
City Clerk Elaina Cano administered the Oaths of Office for new Commissioner Jeff Whitener.
Commissioner Whitener introduced himself to Commission members and the public.
4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair – Kincaid/Kiser
Nominations were taken for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Commission for 2010.
MOTION (Hatch/Davis): To elect Craig Kincaid as Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
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Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 1 abstained (Kincaid): 2 absent (Regier/Hensinger)
Commissioner Havas volunteered for the position of Vice Chair.
MOTION (Kincaid/Davis): To elect Gary Havas as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 1 abstained (Havas): 2 absent (Regier/Hensinger)
5. Appointment to PRC Subcommittee Assignments – Kincaid
Chair Kincaid asked the Commissioners if they were interested in different subcommittees of the
Parks and Recreation Commission than those on which they had been serving. The subcommittees
and appointed meeting times were reviewed and appointments or re-appointments made as follows:
Tree Committee – Jeff Whitener
Golf Committee – Ron Regier
Open Space – Gary Havas
Joint Use Committee – David Hensinger
Jack House Committee – Kylie Hatch
Youth Sports Association – Steve Davis
The Mayor’s Quarterly Advisory Body Meeting will be attended by Chair Kincaid
Appointments will also be discussed briefly next month with advisory body members who were
absent from this meeting.
6. Approval of the Use of Johnson Ranch Open Space for Mitigation of Impacts to a Rare
Plant Species by the Prefumo Creek Commons Commercial Development - Havlik
Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik presented Commissioners with background information
to his report on the proposed Prefumo Creek Commons commercial development project on Los
Osos Valley Road. As part of the project, approximately 12 acres of land in fee will be dedicated
to the City for use in continued agriculture and enhancement of the riparian corridor. Recently a
soil stockpile on a piece of property at Los Osos Valley Road and Foothill that is to be used in
the project was determined to be potential habitat for the rare plant species the Congdon tarplant,
which occurs nearby. As the issue came up late in the development process, the rare plant’s
presence is presumed and not observed in the stockpile area because its blooming season is not
until summer. The stockpile is soon needed as a fill source for the Prefumo Creek Commons
project, therefore waiting for proof of the plant’s existence is not feasible. Thus project sponsors
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propose to “assume presence” of the species, and to provide mitigation in the form of
“approximately 0.075 acres of land with the proper soil type that would then be graded to
produce conditions conducive to the establishment and survival of the tarplant species in that
location.” The project site lacks the proper soil type for successful mitigation, however the
Johnson Ranch was deemed an appropriate location. An area exists on Johnson Ranch that would
suffice where two or three depressions could be created and seeded with seeds from near the
stockpile, a successful approach used in the past at Laguna Lake Park. As a form of payment for
the right to utilize the site, the project sponsors have offered to create a habitat beyond what is
needed to mitigate their potential impact.
Under existing City policy, City Council may approve the use of City-owned lands for private
mitigation purposes (upon recommendation of the Natural Resources Manager and PRC
concurrence). This use is in furtherance of important City goals and would be of benefit to the
environment of the affected City property
Commissioners discussed habitat creation briefly with no further questions.
MOTION: (Hatch/Kincaid) Recommend City Council approve the use of a designated area
within the Johnson Ranch Open Space for mitigation of impacts to the rare Congdon tarplant
species occasioned by the Prefumo Creek Commons commercial development.
Approved: 5 yes: 0 no: 2 absent (Regier/Hensinger)
7. Off-Leash Dog Hours for Laguna Hills Park – Kiser
Director Kiser gave a PowerPoint presentation on the use of the 3.5 acre Laguna Hills Park for a
pilot program for off-leash dog hours. On September 23, 2009, the City received a letter from
neighbors within the Laguna Hills area requesting that the City consider establishing off-leash
dog hours at Laguna Hills Park. The advocates also attended the October 7 meeting of the Parks
and Recreation Commission and requested that the item be agendized for further discussion.
Director Kiser addressed research topics, benefits, drawbacks, and maintenance concerns as well
as fiscal impact and alternatives.
If approved by the Commission, staff will present the program to City Council for final approval.
Director Kiser explained that a City Council resolution is needed to suspend leash law in order
for the program to be implemented.
Public Comment
Charles DeVogel, San Luis Obispo. In favor of off-leash parks but opposed to off-leash plan
for Laguna Hills. Concerns include dogs not voice controlled, hazards to children and elderly,
established dog park close by. Presented petition to Commissioners containing 65 names
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requesting denial of proposed off-leash area.
Suzanne DeVogel, San Luis Obispo. Strongly opposed to off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Concerned that if it is built, use of park will increase. Suggested using only existing El Chorro or
Laguna Lake for off-leash areas.
Frederick Clegg, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park in Laguna Hills.
Julie Towery, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills. 13-
year resident close to park, has not witnessed harmful activity in that time.
Katie Allegra, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Inquired about any City record of aggressive behavior.
Lynne O’Conner, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Feels users/residents will police each other. Does not like using Laguna Lake because it is open
to everyone, feels a lack of responsibility there.
John Hausman, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Has never observed problems, feels benefits include a social time for owners and dogs.
Bob Wunderlich, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Feels pilot program appropriate; if not suitable, cancel. Works with guide dogs; feels dogs
should be allowed to socialize with time off leash.
Jeff Gwynne, San Luis Obispo. Is neutral in his support of an off-leash dog park at Laguna
Hills. Inquired as to liability law, signage, enforcement.
Cynthia Perrine, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Concerned with evening hours.
Tom Robinson, San Luis Obispo. Spoke in favor of an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills.
Feels resident’s dogs are well-behaved.
Rudy Madrid, San Luis Obispo. Strongly opposes an off-leash dog park at Laguna Hills. Feels
too little notification time for a significant change to be considered. Feels use will expand to
more than neighbors and residents with this allowance. Requested poll neighbors once more.
Closed Public Comment at 8:09 p.m.
Commissioners discussed alternatives to approve, deny, alter or extend meeting discussion to a
later date. Director Kiser answered questions of notification process for Commissioner Havas
who also inquired about the roles of police and ranger personnel in ticketing abuses and options
for increasing fines during pilot program. Director Kiser explained the role of Council in
establishing fines.
Commissioner Davis inquired of other parks that may be interested in a pilot program if
successful and about who will be making evaluations of success or failure. Director Kiser
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explained role of ranger services in reporting conditions of turf and complaints. Another public
hearing was also discussed and process of amending municipal code.
Commissioner Whitener shared observations made on a visit to the park site and felt the site was
small and too close to the existing playgrounds.
Commissioner Hatch inquired about liability concerns and fencing. Director Kiser shared
information from discussion with the City Attorney. City assumes normal liability risks when
hours and rules are posted.
MOTION: (Havas/Davis)
Approve the establishment of a 6-month pilot program permitting off-leash dog hours in the
morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. and in the evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. during the weekdays,
Monday through Friday, in a specific area of Laguna Hills Park.
Failed: 1 yes: 4 no: 2 absent (Regier/Hensinger)
MOTION: (Davis/Havas)
1) Approve the establishment of a 6-month pilot program permitting off-leash dog hours in
the morning from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. during the weekdays, Monday through Friday, in a
specific area of Laguna Hills Park.
2) Recommend the City Council adopt a resolution that temporarily suspends enforcement
of Section 12.24.040 (c) (3) (Leash Law) of the Municipal Code when such apparent
violation stems from dog off-leash activity occurring in the designated area in Laguna
Hills Park during the specified hours identified above.
Approved: 3 yes: 2 no: 2 absent (Regier/Hensinger)
Director Kiser reiterated the program will not go into effect until it is reviewed and approved by
City Council and addressed concerns of Commissioner Davis pointing out that the public will be
given additional notice and have another opportunity to speak at the time it is reviewed by
Council.
8. Staff Report – Fitzgerald
Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Customer
Satisfaction Survey used for rating many programs offered by Parks and Recreation. The survey
website address is advertised with postcards and is linked on many pages of the website, listed in
the activity guide, publications, and is posted at the golf course, swim center and main office.
Commissioners discussed more publicity ideas such as including in utility bills. Fitzgerald
suggested a marketing plan for the future, depending on budget, directed at a more focused
audience depending on activity, much like recent Facebook page development does.
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Director Kiser added that a paperless activity guide is being considered soon as well as other, more
cost effective advertising.
9. Director’s Report – Kiser
Director Kiser gave the Director’s Report and briefed the Commission on the following projects:
• Five staff members attended the CPRS Conference in Palm Springs
• The Rotary Community Garden held its first workday on March 27; the entryway was
constructed, posts for fencing installed and area was rototilled. Workdays are scheduled
for April 10 and 24.
• Santa Rosa Park Roller Hockey Rink received approval from Council on March 16 to
change its name to Hampian Hockey Rink and Multi-use Court. The rink was recently
“deconstructed”; waiting for it to dry out; will reopen in June.
• CIP Update:
-Throop Park playground went out to bid; opening is this week. Laguna Lake Park
playground is advertising Saturday. Meadow Park design is in plan check and should be
out to bid in May.
• Skate Park: RRM Design is collecting last minute info on shade structures and will then
submit plans and specifications to Community Development for the first phase of
architectural review.
• Began the Brick Fundraising program for the Skate Park (brochures provided to
Commissioners). 680+ are needed to be sold to reach goal of $90,000. Marketing
program has begun.
• Working on budget reduction options to balance 2010-11 budget; due this Friday. Parks
and Recreation’s target figure is $108,700.
Commissioner Davis requested staff to look into different recreation sports programming
models; however staff has not had the opportunity to do so yet.
10. 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
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Commissioner Kincaid reported on the most recent meeting of the Tree Committee. Reminded of
Clean Up Day at Laguna Lake April 17, Arbor Day Proclamation April 20, Earth Day
Celebration Booth in Mission Plaza on April 24, and Arbor Day Celebration on May 1. Council
reviewed the new tree ordinance last night. Link to Cal Poly search engine for local tree species.
Commissioner Davis reported there was no meeting of the Youth Sports Association in the last
month. However there is an executive meeting planned quarterly. Presented the Janssen Award
in memory of Bill Harvey at opening of softball.
Commissioner Havas reported on most recent communications with Natural Resources Manager
Neil Havlik regarding Open Space issues including Johnson Ranch update, pig eradication, $20K
from goal for Froom Ranch, BLM land not moving as fast, South Hills Council action on trail
from end of Lawrence Drive, Stenner Springs and working with Camp SLO and (slowly) USFS,
Cero San Luis bootleg trails, East Side Conservation Development Program, Reservoir Canyon
open space land negotiations, Filiponi effort to connect Irish Hills, success of artificial wetlands
created by rangers at Bob Jones.
Commissioner Havas reported on the most recent meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee
where information was shared regarding a potential collaboration with the City and French
Hospital to construct a path around a section of the railroad which also could result in a mini
park area. This would become part of the Railroad Safety trail.
Director Kiser mentioned railroad negations broke down so segment will not be completed as
planned.
Commissioner Hensinger was not present, but his report on the most recent meeting of the Joint
Use Committee was given to Commissioners by Director Kiser. A facility grant of $1,534 was
approved for the San Luis Obispo Soccer Club's annual soccer tournament. There was some
additional discussion about the allocation of facility grants in the future when money is again
available. The donation of 20-30 trees by One Cool Earth for Sinsheimer Park was accepted with
the condition that the recommendations of the SLCUSD Director of Facilities be followed. This
will result in the planting of oak trees (by volunteers) on the slope around the Sinsheimer
elementary school baseball field.
Commissioner Hatch reported on the most recent meeting of the Jack House Committee and
events at the Jack House including discussion on demolition of the gazebo and the potential for
finding a group to fund replacement.
Commissioner Regier was not present, but Recreation Manager Fitzgerald reported on the
Laguna Lake Golf Course, stating rounds were down 24% for March and 18% for the fiscal year,
revenues down 5% for March, no doubt due to weather. RFP for food and beverage
concessionaire received one bid which is under review. GPS measurement taken of course holes.
Received CPRS District VIII award for Park Maintenance. Staff attended two-day training on
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new irrigation system, aerating greens on April 7; First Tee starts April 20.
11. Communications
The SLO Journal for April is out featuring Parks and Recreation. The Buena Vista dedication has
been rescheduled for April 30, 4:00 p.m.
12. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. to the May 5, 2010 meeting of the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 5, 2010.
/Signed/
___________________________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant