HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-02-11 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Craig Kincaid called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, Steve Davis, Ron Regier, David
Hensinger, Kylie Hatch and Jeff Whitener
ABSENT: Steve Davis
COUNCIL: Dan Carpenter
STAFF: Director Shelly Stanwyck, Marti Reynolds, James Bremer, Christine Wallace,
Dave Hix
PUBLIC COMMENT
Robert Wilson, UC Santa Cruz, regarding naming Broad Street Community Gardens after his
grandmother, Minnie Della Bitta, who he believes initiated the Broad Street Community Gardens in the
year 1974 or 1975.
Chair Kincaid suggested Mr. Wilson submit his request in writing so that it may be placed on the
agenda for an upcoming advisory body meeting. Director Stanwyck added that, if consistent with the
City’s Naming Policy and with PRC approval, it would then be submitted to Council.
1. Consideration of Minutes
MOTION: (Havas/Hatch) Approve the January 5, 2011 minutes as amended.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Davis)
2. Volunteer of the Month
The February Volunteer of the Month is Mark Wilder. In January, Mark performed juggling and
unicycle tricks for each of the Youth Services Sun N’ Fun and STAR programs. The kids were
dazzled by Mark riding on top of a six foot tall unicycle while juggling a variety of objects. His
routine was an opportunity for kids to see a unique style of performance art first hand and they
loved every second of it.
Mark has been unicycling for over 9 years and juggling for 18 months. He was bitten by the
performance bug while in college at Evergreen State in Washington where he was the school’s
mascot; the Geoduck. Mark has also organized a juggling and unicycling club that meets twice a
week. Mark was born and raised in Needham, Massachusetts, and moved to San Luis Obispo two
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
February 2, 2011
Page 2 of 5
1-2
years ago after finishing college. When not working on his performance, Mark enjoys being
outside, hiking, backpacking, unicycle basketball and mountain unicycling. Mark hopes to one day
develop a youth program that teaches kids to unicycle and juggle.
3. Discussion and Direction to Staff Regarding Request to Revise Diamond Sports Prioritization
for Youth – James Bremer, Facilities Supervisor
Facilities Supervisor Bremer reported back to the committee on the process used for allocation of
City fields. Supervisor Bremer attended the Youth Sports Association (YSA) meeting on January
26, 2011, to share the concerns raised by Babe Ruth and the current practice used by the City for
field allocation. The YSA members shared their points of view regarding the current practice. The
YSA did not recommend any changes in the current practice. It encouraged each group to work
together to resolve field issues.
Commissioner Regier spoke of his experience as a coach; supports the “do nothing approach”
recommended by YSA; accepting any one registration and not giving priority over a group.
Commissioner Whitener expressed agreement for different reasons such as: players are not always
local and residents should be given priority over non-residents. Many players live; work and go to
school here, but clubs are county-wide.
Remaining Commissioners agreed on preference for inclusive teams. Director Stanwyck added that
staff will monitor for future but for the time being will work with this method. Recreation
Supervisor Bremer will monitor hours and locations requested.
There were no changes to the prioritization methods for use at this time.
4. Discussion and Direction to Staff Regarding Request to Teach Rock Climbing Classes at
Bishop’s Peak Open Space – John Knight, Central Coast Climbing
Director Stanwyck gave background on this unique opportunity which, if allowed, will start
incrementally as a contract class and expand if successful.
John Knight of Central Coast Climbing then presented his idea to the Commissioners to teach rock
climbing at Bishop Peak. Mr. Knight met previously with Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik and
Ranger Services Supervisor Doug Carscaden. Mr. Knight anticipates being certified soon with
American Mountain Guides Association. Part of certification involves education on impacts of hikers
and climbers on the environment (such as trash and noise). Knight feels he could use this opportunity to
educate students to help alleviate graffiti and trash problem and asked Commissioners for their support
in this endeavor.
Commissioners discussed the pilot program approach, inquired about obstacles to becoming an
independent business in the future and the RFP process. Commissioners also discussed the actual
location of classes and controlled areas as well as potential impacts from ropes, anchor systems,
belaying and bouldering. Mr. Knight explained the care taken with equipment for safety purposes as
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
February 2, 2011
Page 3 of 5
1-3
well as the benefit of a regimented system of learning to properly instill safety into the sport.
Commissioners expressed unanimous support for the venture.
5. Presentation on Compost Usage as Soil Enhancer in the City’s Parks – Dave Hix, Deputy
Director, Utilities
Deputy Director of Utilities Dave Hix updated the Commissioners on the November 9, 2010
Council approval of a composting agreement and explained biosolid composting at the Water
Reclamation Facility. The process removes solids from wastewater which become biosolids,
clarifiers and digesters. The material is heated and mixed and after 45 days water is extracted. The
hauling out of several dump truckloads of biosolids a month is contracted out. Engel & Gray in
Santa Maria turn the material into “Harvest Blend” compost which is sold in garden centers.
Although not all that is sent is received back, the product has been used in City parks: it has a
beneficial reuse value. Council supports use in parks where appropriate. Commissioners were
invited to visit the Reclamation Facility and were given samples of the compost.
Deputy Director of Utilities Hix answered Commissioner’s questions on yield, anaerobic digestion
and methane generation and confirmed product is treated and non-hazardous.
6. Featured Division: Community Services Presentation – Christine Wallace, Community
Services and Events Supervisor
Community Services and Events Supervisor Christine Wallace gave a PowerPoint presentation to
Commissioners on the many programs within the Community Services division. After
reorganization within the Parks and Recreation Department, the management of contract classes
and senior programs was absorbed by the Community Services division. 65 events are managed
annually which includes pre-event meetings, packet approval, and liability insurance. The
community gardens (110 plots) are also in this division’s purview as is the skate park, volunteer
program database, film and banner permits, boomer classes and liaison to the Jack House
Committee. Wallace complemented the staff of program managers that help accomplish the
administration of such a variety of programs.
Commissioners inquired about long-term planning for demands of seniors. Director Stanwyck
explained the volunteer management of the center. Also discussed was skate park fund-raising
progress.
7. Director’s Report – Shelly Stanwyck
Director Stanwyck gave the Director’s Report and briefed the Commission on the following
projects:
Major City Goals results including increased utilization of Damon Garcia Sports Fields
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
February 2, 2011
Page 4 of 5
1-4
Department Reduction Target of $201,400 due end of the month. Continuing to identify new
ways of doing business, creative cross-departmental opportunities, shared resources and
more efficient program locations.
The City Manager report on the Golf Course is complete. Rounds and Revenues were up in
January for the first time since November 2009. March 1 is expected opening of
café/concession.
Giants World Series Trophy Tour Update: Viewing on Thursday, February 24 at Farmer’s
Market
Aquatics: High School Swimming and Diving season has started. There is discussion of
pool use by Morro Bay High School; gathering information.
Johnson Ranch Trail: Both loops reopened after the installation of large concrete pavers.
Finalizing contract with Central Coast Soccer for Adult Soccer
Froom Trail is officially open
Youth Sports: Boys high school basketball is underway; junior high boys’ volleyball is
registering as is hockey for its first full season at the Rink.
The department is hosting the California Parks and Recreation Association Section Annual
Dinner in SLO on Friday, February 25.
Commissioners’ Work Shop is Saturday, February 26 at Hearst Castle
8. Committee Reports
Commissioners provided the following reports:
Tree Committee – Hensinger Joint Use Committee – Whitener
Youth Sports Association - Davis Jack House Committee – Hatch
Open Space – Havas Golf – Regier
Bicycle Committee – Havas
Commissioner Hensinger reported on the most recent meeting of the Tree Committee with
information about PG&E findings regarding legislation for tree removal, an update on oak root
fungus and unpermitted tree removal.
Commissioner Whitener reported on the Youth Sports Association; priority use of facilities and
possible future renovation sites were discussed.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
February 2, 2011
Page 5 of 5
1-5
Commissioner Havas shared information regarding Open Space and Johnson Ranch, although
unable to meet with Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik. Director Stanwyck shared
information on the wild pig situation and slope damage affecting protected steelhead in stream
below, game camera findings and permit application.
Commissioner Havas reported on the most recent meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee and
noted there will be a dedication February 18, at 3 p.m. at the Madonna Inn for the opening of the
bike path which connects to lower Higuera.
Commissioner Whitener reported on the most recent meeting of the Joint Use of Recreational
Facilities Committee which included approval of the 2011 Work Program and list of
accomplishments for 2010.
Commissioner Hatch reported on the most recent meeting of the Jack House Committee which
included discussion and plans for preserving the gazebo, ramp design concerns and the donation of
period pieces by the Historical Society for use as costumes or display.
Commissioner Regier reported on the state of Laguna Lake Golf Course; rounds are up 16% and
revenue 8% compared to last January, however down overall for the year. New doors, floor and
take-out window have been installed for the new concessioner; still anticipate opening March 1.
9. Communications
The upcoming Advisory Body hosted by the Clerk’s Office was discussed. At the recent Mayor’s
luncheon, City Manager Katie Lichtig shared plans to visit all advisory body meetings at some point in
the future.
10. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. to the March 2, 2011, regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation
Commission to be located at the Meadow Park Community Building.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 2, 2011.
/SGD/
___________________________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant