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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-11 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Gary Havas called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, Ron Regier, David Hensinger and Jeff Whitener ABSENT: Craig Kincaid, Kylie Hatch and Steve Davis STAFF: Director Shelly Stanwyck, Sheridan Bohlken, Marti Reynolds, Bridget Fraser, Neil Havlik, Freddie Otte, Bijan Riley, Doug Carscaden Public Comment None. 1. Consideration of Minutes MOTION: (Regier/Whitener) Approve the May 4, 2011 minutes as submitted Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 3 absent (Kincaid, Davis, Hatch) MOTION: (Whitener/Hensinger) Approve the June 22, 2011 special meeting minutes as submitted. Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 3 absent (Kincaid, Davis, Hatch) 2. Volunteer of the Month - Havas It is with great appreciation that the Parks and Recreation Commission recognizes the July Volunteer of the Month, Paul Wilson. Paul has volunteered at the Senior Center since 2005 and has acted as the Senior Center Newsletter editor since February of 2008. Paul collects stories and information and compiles it into the monthly newsletter that goes out to over 250 people. Paul also sits on the Senior Center Board and is a substitute office receptionist at the Center. In addition to volunteering his time at the Senior Center, Paul also volunteers at the California Men’s Colony at the West Side Catholic Chapel, the RSVP Information Desk at the Amtrak Station, and also inputs inventory data for the Mission San Luis Obispo Museum. Paul and Marie, his wife of 66 years, have lived in San Luis Obispo since 2004 and in San Luis Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - July 6, 2011 Page 2 of 6 1-2 Obispo County since 1979. Prior to retiring to the area in 1977, Paul worked as a Land Surveyor with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Paul and Marie have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. In his “spare” time, Paul enjoys photography, reading, puzzles and writing short stories about his life. 3. Directional Signage Program – Fraser Director Stanwyck introduced Public Works Engineer Bridget Fraser. The Commission requested a report on the program a few months ago. Engineer Fraser gave a PowerPoint presentation and updated Commissioners on the Citywide Wayfinding Program. Explained that as part of the process in obtaining a unified system, and image audit and signage list was developed as well as designing a ‘family of signs’. The audit included versions of the City seal, logo and word mark, facility, parking, bus and trail signs among others. All signs are inconsistent over long periods of time and because of different designers. Explained a sign list was developed including every kind of component; funding only allowed for the top six, those being: primary and secondary community entry signs, entry arch signs, urban and rural vehicular directional and pedestrian wayfinding signs. Next a family of signs was designed with inspiration from the mission and mission school, mission hotel, and San Simeon architecture. The train station was showcased for its Spanish flair font which is felt to be more appropriate for the area than the currently used Libra font which is Celtic in origin. The City emblem will be updated (tree graphic will be removed) and versions will include full color, bronze and a single color for Council approval. Fraser then showed a map overview of sign locations throughout the City. The signage program was already adopted by the Promotional Coordinating Committee, the Cultural Heritage Committee and the Architectural Review Committee. Next steps are Council approval of the design (August or October), construction of Highland Street monument sign, development of a list of destinations, finalizing a location plan, installation signs and expansion of the family of signs. It is hoped there will be interest in the next budget with assistance from other Departments. Commissioner Regier commented on the need to help visitors find parks, particularly where tournaments are being held. Fraser assured there was discussion as to what may be unfamiliar territory to visitors and locations for primary signs. Fraser also addressed Commissioner Whitener’s concerns about number of destination signs stating the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices is used as a regulatory federal guideline which limits signs to three per area. Chair Havas entered into speculation about the importance of consistency and branding. Fraser explained the intent is not to make all entry signs the same but that when you come to a City facility it is recognized as such. Havas inquired as to the intent of the message to passing motorists. Fraser explained it is the historic nature of our City, a statement of ‘you are here’. So much traffic passes by the downtown area without seeing or getting a feel for the real city itself. Chair Havas requested research be done regarding bar codes and directives for website addresses. Fraser will look into. Director Stanwyck suggested discussion with Brigitte Elke for possible tourism info and applications. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - July 6, 2011 Page 3 of 6 1-3 4. Consideration of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Update and Initial Study – Havlik Director Stanwyck introduced Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik, City Biologist Freddy Otte, Ranger Bijan Riley and Ranger Services Supervisor Doug Carscaden. Natural Resources Manager Havlik credited Ranger Riley with doing most of the work on the update and initial study which he completed for his Master’s degree thesis. This plan is considered an update as the original plan was done in 2003 and there has been a 390 acre increase (to 1,100 acres) in open space since that time. Havlik gave a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the plan and highlighted points using a location map. Havlik discussed the important natural and cultural features, physical features, soil types, habitat types and the sensitive species in the plan area. Issues addressed by the update included habitat areas to be left alone, management areas, restorative areas and four cultural areas. Havlik discussed various management issues and concerns including the wildfire preparedness plan. New trails in the Froom Ranch portion were discussed and future plans to connect to Mountain Brook Church property. Havlik commended Ranger Services for their high quality trail work and bridge construction. Havlik and Otte addressed several inquiries made by Commissioners including controlled burn possibilities, potential future tie-ins to the Montana de Oro trail system, grazing areas, and any decision points that may not have been in the report (e.g., resources prioritized due to economical considerations). City Biologist Otte also spoke of decommissioning a portion of upper Froom Road and a proposed supplemental project. Ranger Services Supervisor Carscaden spoke of his anticipation of the Master Plan and tying properties together in a sustainable manner so the community can enjoy the open space areas the City has to offer. MOTION: (Regier/Whitener) Recommend approval to City Council of the Update and Initial Study as submitted. Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 3 absent (Kincaid, Davis, Hatch) 5. Staff Report – Bohlken Administrative Analyst Sheridan Bohlken gave a PowerPoint presentation on the various special projects she is working on including facility use analysis and policy development as well as the several grant applications that are in queue for Council approval. Grant applications include PG&E (for Junior Rangers), Avalon Foundation (for SLO Teens), Central Coast Funds for Children and the Janssen Foundation (for FUNdamentals program). Bohlken also discussed the Prop 84 Safe Drinking Act and Stewardship Council for Skatepark funds. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - July 6, 2011 Page 4 of 6 1-4 6. Monthly Report: Increasing Play at Damon Garcia Sports Fields – Davis and Whitener Commissioner Whitener shared information from last several meetings of the ad hoc committee including introduction of Bermuda grass, aeration and seeding by Parks Maintenance crews which was accomplished more quickly this year to allow for growth. As the Bermuda grass has done quite well so far it is being left alone to see how it fares by the end of summer. Administrative Analyst Bohlken is circulating a survey desires for Damon Garcia field use to users and non-users alike. Information will be provided at the next meeting of the PRC. 7. Review and Select 2011 Awardee for Wes Conner Award – Havas Commissioners reviewed biographies of the nominees for this year’s Wes Conner Award and commented on the worthiness of all potential recipients. MOTION: (Regier/Hensinger) Recommend Agatha Reardon as the recipient of the 2011 Wes Conner Award. Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 3 absent (Kincaid, Davis, Hatch) 8. Director’s Report –Stanwyck Director Shelly Stanwyck gave the Director’s Report and briefed the Commission on the following projects: Good Old Fashioned 4th of July was held on Monday at Mitchell Park with a tremendous turn-out. Activity Guide progress is being made so that it will be digital with a small print collateral reminding when it’s time to register. Rangers are dealing with ongoing Homeless/Illegal Camp Activity and have increased coordination with Police. Touring camps next week to educate and inform officers who will continue to do citations. Junior Ranger Camp was very successful and is a program that is constantly evolving and changing. Dogs off leash have become an increasing problem. Trying to change some behaviors (when Rangers arrive, owners are putting dogs back on leash). Ultimate Frisbee partnership is starting in the fall for organized drop in Ultimate Frisbee. Lacrosse in future plans: Working with Cal Poly Coach Marc Lea. Summer Camps are in full swing with the usual diversity. Youth services is a hotbed of Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - July 6, 2011 Page 5 of 6 1-5 activity right now! The Pool is in full swing as well, from warm weather lap swimmers to triathletes to lessons to the big swim meet last week, the pool is hopping each and everyday. Meadow Park Public Art had seven finalists who came to the hosted ‘meet and greet’ with the panel. Reminders: o July 24 is the SLO Triathlon o Our public counter is closed from 1-2 p.m. for lunch as of July 1. 9. 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: All removal requests were approved and they are in the process of expanding the approved tree list. The Committee is trying not to have too much repetition of just a few different types of trees. Hensinger addressed question of appropriateness of non-native trees in town which may be less troublesome to maintain. Commissioner Davis was not present but there was no quarterly meeting of the Youth Sports Association. Commissioner Havas shared information from Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik regarding Open Space including discussion of the Righetti property, possible protest to annexation, Filiponi acreage, Irish Hills, Reservoir Canyon, positive news on the Stenner Springs skills area and low response on Agricultural area Master Plan. Commissioner Havas reported there was no recent meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee. Commissioner Whitener reported there was no recent meeting of the Joint Use of Recreational Facilities Committee although in May the Committee met on priorities for use at Sinsheimer and a subcommittee was set up to review priorities that match goals. In the process of reviewing changes in the conditions under SLO Rattlers’ priorities for use. Commissioner Hatch was not present to report on the Jack House Committee, however; Director Stanwyck mentioned plans for the gazebo remodel and that the sewer lateral for bathrooms had been completed. The House is in the midst of the wedding season and other special events. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - July 6, 2011 Page 6 of 6 1-6 Commissioner Regier reported on the state of Laguna Lake Golf Course in that revenues were up for June due in part to the good weather. Use is trending upward. A new lawnmower approved through the Capital Improvement Plan budget was test driven with good results. Commissioners Whitener and Regier both commented on how impressed they are with the condition of the greens. 10. Communications None. 11. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. to the September 7, 2011, meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission to be located at the Senior Center. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 7, 2011. /SGD/ ___________________________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant