HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-10 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Craig Kincaid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, Kylie Hatch, Steve Davis,
David Hensinger, Ron Regier and Jeff Whitener
ABSENT:
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Christine Wallace and James Bremer
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
MOTION: (Whitener/Hatch) Approve the April 7, 2010 minutes as submitted.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 abstained (Hensinger): 0 absent
1. Public Comment
None.
2. Oath of Office – Cano
City Clerk Elaina Cano administered the Oath of Office for returning Commissioner David
Hensinger.
3. Volunteer of the Month
The May Volunteer of the Month is Betty Himoto. Betty volunteers at the Senior Center and
leads the Senior Exercise Group. This group benefits seniors who are looking to maintain or
improve their fitness, flexibility, coordination and balance through chair exercises and gentle
stretching. Betty had been a participant in the group for several years and started substituting as
the instructor when that person couldn’t attend. When the instructor had to stop teaching, Betty
was asked to take over the class and she’s been at it now for 10 years. Betty teaches each
Tuesday and Thursday for an hour each day.
Betty has lived in San Luis Obispo for the past 12 years and has four children that live in SLO,
Goleta, Seattle and Isleton. Betty’s son owns the Santa Maria Valley Railroad and she helps him
out with special events when she can. Betty enjoys staying active and socializing with her peers.
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4. Review Appointment to PRC Subcommittee Assignments - Kiser
As a few Commissioners were absent last meeting, Director Kiser and Chair Kincaid asked
Commissioners if they were satisfied with current subcommittee assignments. Commissioner
Whitener offered his appointment on the Tree Committee to Commissioner Hensinger in exchange
for the Joint Use Committee. The subcommittees and appointed meeting times were reviewed and
appointments and re-appointments made as follows:
Tree Committee – David Hensinger
Golf Committee – Ron Regier
Open Space – Gary Havas
Joint Use Committee – Jeff Whitener
Jack House Committee – Kylie Hatch
Youth Sports Association – Steve Davis
The Mayor’s Quarterly Advisory Body Meeting will be attended by Chair Kincaid
5. PRZ Executive Summary – Walter/Beights
Director of Public Works Jay Walter and Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor Todd Beights gave
a PowerPoint presentation and update to Commissioners on Damon Garcia Sports Fields field
maintenance and findings by PRZ Consultant Larry Musser. The sports field complex has
proved to be different than the typical large park turf area. Public Works and Parks and
Recreation staff continue to learn about managing this type of facility. Background was given on
high use, rain wear patterns, the first turf campaign (strengthening efforts, current status, site
review and soil sampling). It was noted that nationwide soccer use has increased 60%. PRZ
commended user groups for patience, attitude and conscientiousness resulting in the field
condition being better than what one would anticipate given its use.
Recommendations are to use a sodium blocker, growth regulators, changing to a spreading type
of sod, increased fertilization and aeration. Also shifting maintenance to a more productive time
of year (referenced cart showing healing potential). Public Works believes these
recommendations have the potential to greatly assist the condition and durability of the turf at
DG and allow some increased use in the future.
Alternatives were discussed such as a ‘no till method’ of reconstructing the turf and installation
of artificial turf on Daryl Damon Field, both very expensive alternatives. Support recommended
turf program, all options support “varying degrees of additional future use.” Critical to
understand relationship of field wear to field maintenance.
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May 5, 2010
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Commissioners entered into discussion with Walter and Beights.
Commissioner Havas inquired as to stakeholders, end-user group concerns, sustainable system,
SLOCUSD and YSA, rainy conditions effect on sodium, test areas for grass types and staff
opinion on maintenance recommendations by PRZ. Beights explained difficulty of plot testing
on 15 acres and very limited personnel hours available. Noted Cal Poly trials and similar micro-
climate.
Commissioners Regier and Davis discussed condition of field affecting long term legitimate use
and desire to get to point where can increase hours of use per week to more effectively meet
demand and user groups’ expectations.
Commissioner Hensinger discussed redlining fields and high wear areas. Parks and Urban Forest
Supervisor Beights explained that due to design changes involving the placement of lights, there
was little room to allow flexibility in moving fields or managing high impact to allow for
healing. Inquired about clippings, mulch, more frequent mowings. Beights explained process of
using growth hormones.
Commissioner Whitener entered into discussion with Beights on sand-based fields, failure rates,
drainage, sodium bicarbonate deposits and fertigation. Also inquired as to history of Damon
Garcia land and development costs.
Chair Kincaid expressed disappointment in report and concern over new consultant suggestions
getting any better results than initial field treatments. Beights explained background and basis
for hiring consultant. Also explained 52-week PRZ model and scientific monitoring of
renovation program that has begun. Chair Kincaid also inquired about revenue from fields.
Bremer explained relationship with youth organizations and that rental fees are not charged to
youth.
Chair Kincaid Opened to Public Comment.
Mauricio Argentay, San Luis Obispo. Landscape Architect, and involved with soccer programs.
Excited for report but disappointed even knowing in advance of design flaws. Discussed
differences in rye and Bermuda grasses as well as bluegrass; referenced Cuesta College field as a
good example and not on reclaimed water. Liked idea of pilot testing a portion of DG to see if
new program works.
Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor Beights discussed use of various products to date and offered
to meet with Mr. Argentay to explain and discuss findings of consultants further. Explained
difficulty of pilot testing on a portion of DG due to irrigation/fertigation system.
End of Public Comment.
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Commissioners discussed further.
Commissioner Hatch noted if field was what was meant to be, would have different issues to
face. Commended Beights on work in handling issues at hand.
Commissioner Whitener voiced recognition of the frustration involved with the situation and
noted a long term solution would be needed if facility is to provide what was initially desired and
promised. Asked Commissioners if wanted to push for more budget to do right, approach
Council.
Chair Kincaid expressed disappointment with the fields but supports staff and commended
Beights for education gained on the subject.
Director Kiser suggested that the Commissioners may want to support the proposed program but
consider crafting a statement that also supports the desire for more use in the long term.
Director Walter offered the statement to ‘have staff explain options that will achieve X number
of hours at sports complex, drastically increasing use.’ Then come up with number to strive for
with Supervisor Bremer’s experience. Bremer stated that perhaps what is needed is to spend the
money on another field; that even under a perfect scenario of hours, there are still only four lit
soccer fields in the City. If optimum number of hours is found and experts say can’t be done on
DG, what has been achieved.
Beights referenced the Athletic Fields Needs Assessment of 2008 with 100 hours of use.
Walters stated solution may very well involve another field. That 60 hours/week justifies cost.
Commissioner Hatch agreed that as the community grows, increased fields may not ever satisfy
demand.
Commissioner Regier expressed not ready to craft a statement. Director Kiser suggested
developing a goal statement for submittal to Council as part of Goals and Objectives for 2011-13
budget. Commissioner Hensinger suggested putting a subcommittee together to craft a sports
field goal for the next budget cycle.
MOTION: (Havas/Hatch) Support continued low cost turf strengthening activities suggested by
PRZ report.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 0
Commissioner Regier asked to reflect on Commissioner Whitener’s comment that staff should be
looking for a long-term solution starting now. He would like to see Council direct Parks and
Recreation staff to explore possibility of changing out turf at Damon Garcia.
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6. Community Garden Fees – Kiser/Wallace
(Note: Agenda item was moved up).
Recreation Supervisor Christine Wallace provided a presentation on the Community Garden
Fees. In January 2009, staff presented a best practice review of the community garden program
to City Council. The City of San Luis Obispo has one of the oldest Community Garden Programs
in that it has been in operation since 1975 and includes three sites; Emerson Park, Laurel Lane,
and Broad Street. With the recent addition of the Rotary Community Garden at Meadow Park
(opening in June) there will be a total of 110 spaces available for the community’s use.
Currently the annual fee for gardeners is $24/year regardless of size of plot. The cost recovery
rate is 9.8% for this program. While San Luis Obispo offers the most garden space, it is the
lowest in terms of cost recovery. A new best practices review of other cities shows there is no
fee structure standard aside from charging by the square foot. Proposal is to keep the base fee at
$24/year/plot but charge an additional 3 cents per square foot. This would bring cost recovery to
20% and still provide affordable plots. Director Kiser added the desire is to remain sensitive to
existing users, those with low incomes and seniors and is the reason cost recovery to 30% was
not considered.
Commissioners discussed. Commissioner Havas expressed concern as to the number of people
on the waiting list who would be challenged by the new fee (which is unknown). Although the
new gardens at Meadow Park are all a standard 14’x10’, the ability to offer variable and smaller
sizes with the other older gardens can also be appealing to users. Also discussed was concern
over some plots appearance to be unused and overgrown right now. This is felt to be the result
of a very rainy spring and that gardeners have not had the opportunity to tend to as of yet.
Commissioners were informed letters requesting “TLC” to plot owners are issued as a reminder
when necessary; the goal being not to have any down time in garden use. Chair Kincaid added
his praise of the new community garden at Meadow Park as an incredible amenity for the City
and community.
Public Comment:
Elizabeth Johnson, San Luis Obispo. Feels the Community Garden program is wonderful and is
aware fees are not enough for cost recovery but feels figures are fair. Has a large garden plot at
Laurel Lane; gives away produce regularly and also uses garden for studying and photography.
Organized first seed exchange in the community. Commends the City’s support.
Pam Dillan, San Luis Obispo. Currently on a waiting list; attended out of concern for raise in
fees. Feels the new amount would be fine.
Recreation Supervisor Wallace added the dedication of the new Rotary community garden at
Meadow Park will be on June 8; invitations will be forthcoming.
MOTION: (Davis/Regier) Approve the revised fee schedule for the Community Garden program
and recommend that City Council adopt a resolution adopting the fee increase and adding the fee
to the Master Fee Schedule.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
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7. Laguna Lake Golf Course Fund Rate Review – Kiser
Director Kiser provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Golf Course Fund Rate Review.
The objective of the rate review is to establish a fee schedule that maximizes revenue and
ensures the continued operation of a safe, attractive and reasonably priced golf course with an
emphasis on senior and youth services. Staff continues to address closing the gap between the
direct operating costs and revenues. With measures taken several years ago to keep expenditures
down, the course operates on a “shoestring” budget leaving little flexibility to reduce costs.
Explained reasoning for rounds being down as illustrated on “assumptions” chart. Also noted
online registration program helped raise awareness of demographics of golfers (40% of which
are SLO residents).
Golf Course Supervisor Bunte and Director Kiser provided a comparison with competing County
courses and discussed economy and assumptions, including RFP for another cell site lease.
Director Kiser added RFP for concessioner under City Attorney review. Goal is to cover direct
costs.
Based on assumptions, staff recommendation is that the green fee rate increase for 2010-11
remain what was approved last year ($1.00/round and $10/ten play card). The goal to close the
gap between revenues and direct operating costs and reduce the burden on the general fund for
support to the golf is driving the increase.
The recommended fees for next year were explained from the graph included with the staff
report.
Alternative is to not increase the green fees at LLGC for 2010. Enhanced marketing efforts, new
revenue sources (good/beverage concessionaire and another cell site lease) and ways to sustain
and attract new golfers would continue to be considered.
Proposed operating transfers from general fund were discussed. General Fund transfers would be
$7,400 for 2009-10 and $49,500 for 2010-11. Director Kiser informed the Commissioners that
these were preliminary figures and would change as we approach the end of the year and have
more definitive numbers.
Commissioners reviewed and discussed.
Chair Kincaid inquired as to ramifications of general fund transfer if fee increase was not
approved. The general fund transfer would increase.
Commissioner Regier discussed projecting increase in rounds played for next year, economic
recovery, as well as possibility of a one-year delay in fee increase. Discussed further with
Supervisor Bunte likeliness of seeing growth in courses such as LLGC with regular repeat users.
Clarified Council approval. Feels there is a growing awareness of City’s financial issues and an
understanding that subsidizing may not be able to continue; however agreed discussion on that
situation and comparisons to the swim center should be at another time.
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May 5, 2010
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Commissioner Davis discussed impacts with Supervisor Bunte.
Commissioner Whitener asked for more detail on expenditures such as staff costs, equipment
purchases, water and supplies. Director Kiser explained operating costs and indirect costs.
Supervisor Bunte will breakdown into more detail for the Commissioner. Also discussed other
reasons besides weather for rounds being down, including same number of golfers and number
of new courses available since 2007. Commissioner Whitener also discussed concerns for being
priced out of market.
Chair Kincaid discussed unknowns of future, expressed appreciation for excellent condition of
greens, possibility of increased utilization of driving range, and examples of looking beyond golf
for other uses of course.
Chair opened for Public Comment.
Carolyn Smith, San Luis Obispo. Thanked staff and Council for fixing Hole 3, has no more
balls going through window of house. Concerned for increase. In 30-years residence there has
seen large array of age groups using course and youth completing first tee program playing later
with parents. Concerned over possibility of losing course and begs Council to keep it. Asked if
course could be removed from enterprise fund and become funded and viewed as a park (general
fund). Asked PRC to appeal to Finance Manager or CM to keep. Asked how she or a group
could approach the City Council to make this recommendation.
Chair Kincaid agreed and noted the PRC has sent messages to Council previously as its
existence as a golf course is continually threatened.
Director Kiser stated she would make City Manager aware of view and suggested appearance at
June 1, 4:00 p.m. Council meeting.
Supervisor Bunte noted indirect and capital improvement costs would still be involved either as a
park or if leased.
Commissioner Hensinger added that as an enterprise we have received a proactive course, would
argue other facilities would have increased incentive if were also under enterprise funds. In this
way the LLGC serves its community well.
MOTION: (Hatch/Davis)
1) Support the assumptions of the golf fund rate review and recommend that Council
implement the increase in green fees of $1.00/round and $10.00/10-play card as approved
in the 2008-09 golf fund rate review, effective July 1, 2010.
2) Recommend additional General Fund transfers of $7,400 for 2009-10 and $49,500 for
2010-11.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
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May 5, 2010
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8. 2010 Park Tour Date and Sites – Kiser
Director Kiser asked Commissioners for additional thoughts from the last meeting on potential
parks, open spaces, facilities and amenities for inclusion in the 2010 Annual Park Tour as well as
a decision on date and time. After discussion, Commissioners determined the most convenient
date and time for the Park Tour will be June 23, 2010 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule will be
finalized on June 2 and sent to Commissioners accordingly.
MOTION: (Whitener/Havas) The July 5, 2010 meeting of the Commission is to be cancelled in
lieu of the June 23, 2010 Special Meeting and Park Tour.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
9. Staff Report – Bunte
Recreation Supervisor Todd Bunte of Laguna Lake Golf Course had little to add to the report
that was included in Agenda Item 7. Added information on application to Audobon Society for
certification; information on the May 23 Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the LLGC – in
customer appreciation there will be twilight rates during that time, free hot dogs, free lessons and
club swap and sales.
10. Director’s Report – Kiser
Director Kiser gave the Director’s Report and briefed the Commission on the following projects:
• The new Activity Guide has been published for Summer.
• Rotary Community Garden will have its next workday May 15; dedication June 8 to be
announced.
• CIP Update:
-Throop Park contract awarded to Central Coast Playground; and Laguna Lake Park bids
open on Thursday
-Meadow Park design still in plan check and should be out to bid in May
-Roller Hockey Rink has been excavated but is behind schedule because of rain;
potentially mid-August
• Skate Park – RRM Design should be submitting plans and specifications to Community
Development by end of week for architectural review.
• Began the Brick Fundraising program for the Skate Park; five have been sold thus far;
will be taking it to Good Morning SLO the end of May.
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• Budget reduction options submitted; awaiting news of what will be proposed to City
Council for 2010-11 budget.
• Working with the YMCA on a new agreement for use and maintenance of the Roller
Hockey Rink.
• Currently preparing an RFP for a third cell site at LLGC.
• A contract is close to being finalized for a Concessionaire at the LLGC.
• The Public Art piece “Bequest” was dedicated last Friday.
11. Committee Reports
Commissioners provided the following reports:
Tree Committee – Whitener Joint Use Committee – Hensinger
Youth Sports Association - Davis Jack House Committee – Hatch
Open Space – Havas Golf – Regier
Bicycle Committee – Havas
There was no representation at the most recent meeting of the Tree Committee. Next month
Commissioner Whitener will attend.
Commissioner Davis reported on the most recent meeting of the Youth Sports Association in the
last month. The majority of the meeting was spent on the PRZ consultant report.
Commissioner Havas reported on most recent communications with Natural Resources Manager
Neil Havlik regarding Open Space issues including fundraising efforts for Froom Ranch
acquisition and either on-going revenue sources or an agreement with the County needed for
future taxes; Bob Jones Trail artificial wetland nearly complete-opening ceremony possible;
Johnson Ranch pig removal, south slope restoration and mitigation; the Calle Joaquin Ag reserve
project; new environmental water quality regulations at Laguna Lake will mean no more feeding
of ducks.
Commissioner Havas reported there was no meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee this
month. Referenced rideshare.org Bike Month calendar.
Commissioner Hensinger reported on the most recent meeting of the Joint Use Committee
stating returning member Stephen Cairns was given the Oath of Office; the new Chair will be
Jesse Bilsten and Vice Chair will be Stephen Cairns; suggestions for Park Tour sites were made
and Linda Fitzgerald was given a plaque in appreciation of her years of service.
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May 5, 2010
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Commissioner Hatch reported on the most recent meeting of the Jack House Committee and
events at the Jack House including a presentation by non-profit corporation interested in Jack
House interior retrofit; discussion on gazebo removal led to subcommittee formation, cost for
removal higher than repair, structural engineer will check. Mother’s Day concert Sunday.
Commissioner Regier had nothing further to report on the Laguna Lake Golf Course,
12. Communications
None.
13. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 10:24 p.m. to the June 2, 2010 meeting of the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 2, 2010.
/Sgd/
___________________________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant