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Home My WebLink About04-04-12 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 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, David Hensinger, Ron Regier, Jeff Whitener, Susan Updegrove, Steve Davis and Michael Parolini ABSENT: STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Marti Reynolds, Charles Bourbeau and Katie Lichtig Public Comment Toni Kincaid, San Luis Obispo – Representing the Jack House Docents, promoting attendance to the Mother’s Day Event. This year’s theme is the ‘Parade of Purses’ featuring historical purse styles from 1850 to 1970. 1. Oaths of Office Shelly Stanwyck administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Michael Parolini and re- appointed Ron Regier. These appointments fill two regular vacancies on the Parks and Recreation Commission with terms expiring March 31, 2016. 2. Consideration of Minutes MOTION: (Regier/Updegrove) Approve the March 7, 2012 minutes as submitted. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent: 1 abstained (Parolini) 3. Measure Y Director of Finance Charles Bourbeau and City Manager Katie Lichtig presented Commissioners with a PowerPoint on Measure Y. Measure Y is a general purpose tax for the purpose of protecting and maintaining essential services. This tax went into place April 1, 2007 and will cease to be collected April 1, 2015 unless voted back in. Part of the purpose of Bourbeau’s and Lichtig’s presentations is to give Council feedback as to if should be on 2012 or 2014 ballot. A community forum will also be held the first part of May. August 10 is the deadline for Council to place on November 2012 ballot. Commissioners sought information on capital versus operating expenses, and monies collected and Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 4, 2012 Page 2 of 6 1-2 encumbered with Measure Y. City Manager Lichtig noted the tax has helped the City weather reductions and support essential services listing trash and debris removal from storm drains, paving operations, senior center improvements and tree plantings as among the many projects aided by the measure. Lichtig also noted that 30-50% of the revenue comes from non-residents and that the average impact per household falls within $150-$195 per annum. Lichtig also noted State Sales tax is 7.25% but 1% returned to local jurisdictions: the State takes about $30 million from the City. Measure Y proposes a half cent sales tax. Commissioners were asked their opinions regarding re-election timing, challenges and strategies. In particular their feedback was requested on three fundamental questions: 1) Is Measure Y of good value to the community, 2) Is Measure Y serving the purpose for which it was intended, and 3) what should City Council consider when evaluating the timing for reauthorization. Discussed increased voter participating typically seen during Presidential election years and the possibility of other items on the ballot such as utility taxes or state proposed taxes. Chair Kincaid voiced his support in favor of a 2012 ballot then excused himself from the meeting at 6 p.m. Acting as Vice Chair, Commissioner Hensinger directed further discussion. Commissioners raised questions for explanation by Finance Director Bourbeau and City Manager Lichtig and Director Stanwyck including unfunded mandates for storm water responsibilities, if a half cent tax is enough, increased revenue expectations with recession lifting, strategy in 2013 if does not pass (parallel budget adoption such as Salinas), necessity for paving program regardless, Cal Pers rates (unknown until 18 months prior—2014/15), clarified fire marshal and other essential services funded as support to community, the need to educate public well. One point brought up by Commissioner Hensinger was the name of the new measure. Bourbeau stated can request it be Measure Y again. Lichtig feels better served with a known brand than to rebrand. Hensinger’s perspective is that a new title for the measure could be positive in that the public may feel it is for a different purpose and not that they are renewing or repeating something and somehow penalized. All Commissioners agreed it is 1) of good value, 2) serving purpose (maintaining essential services). However the majority of Commissioners felt that the time between now and the 2012 election deadline to put forth and that a 2012 ballot measure feels inappropriate for a need that is still three years away—lacks urgency. Therefore, with the exception of Chair Kincaid who was unable to stay to hear the presentation’s points, all agreed the 2014 ballot to be the best choice. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 4, 2012 Page 3 of 6 1-3 4. Volunteers for SLO Triathlon Recreation Supervisor Rich Ogden was unable to attend for this report. 5. Park Tour Brainstorming: Places and Dates in June Director Stanwyck asked Commissioners for their ideas for this year’s park tour locations. Suggestions were made as follows: Froom Creek Trail construction this year Sun & Fun or STAR Summer camp Stenner Creek Skills Area Railroad Safety Trail Sinsheimer Park Facilities and Tennis Courts (access path, illegal camping issues) Pocket Parks (Anholm, Throop, Eto) Noted that there is no new significant Public Art to review. Commissioner Whitener suggested the option of both a half day and an all-day program so those available would have the ability to take a long morning or afternoon hike to Stenner Skills area. The date for the Park Tour was decided to be June 27 and thereby cancelling the June 6 and July 4 meetings. 6. Monthly Report: Increasing Play at Damon Garcia Sports Fields – Davis and Whitener Commissioner Whitener reported on meeting earlier in the day. Facilities in better condition now than they were previously. Use has increased 16%. Feels going in the right direction although will always be differences of opinion with different users. Best if expectation is that field will not always be green. There was a recent issue with a group continuing to playing during rainy conditions. Need staff to sort out how to approach and manage. Commissioner Parolini inquired about current rights and repercussions. Director Stanwyck explained variety of options from warning letters sent last year to revocation of permits. Commissioners inquired about turf maturity and quality. Commissioner Davis reported turf more durable and explained increased strength of rye grass over period of cuttings. Maintenance upcoming in May through August; a long closure period—hopes to find better solutions in year ahead. Continued goal of increased play. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 4, 2012 Page 4 of 6 1-4 7. Director’s Report – Stanwyck Director Shelly Stanwyck briefed the Commissioners on the following subjects: Forecast for May – Trail naming on behalf of retiring Natural Resources Manager Havlik. Interviews scheduled for Recreation Supervisor for Community Services. Three junior staff were rotated through interim assignments. Administrative Analyst Sheridan Bohlken is leaving her position next month. Will recruit in mid-April. Recreation Supervisor Robin Perrin will be retiring in September. Evaluating best practices for pools from a management aspect. Easter Egg Hunt at the Jack House this Saturday, April 7. SLO Marathon Sunday, April 22 – various staff setting plans in place with Marathon representatives. April 14 Trail Work Day at Froom Ranch. Highland Drive parking and night use of Bishop Peak has seen increased police involvement. Can’t close as part of environmental mitigation with Fix lini Ranch to keep open. Social media changing behavior of trail users (referenced Yelp postings). 8. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports:  Tree Committee – Hensinger  Joint Use Committee – Whitener  Youth Sports Association - Davis  Jack House Committee – Updegrove  Open Space –  Golf – Regier  Bicycle Committee – Commissioner Hensinger reported there was no recent meeting of the Tree Committee, however met regarding Arbor Day Art & Poetry competition, three winners were selected. Commissioner Davis reported on the executive board meeting of the Youth Sports Association (YSA). Discussed fundraising for $30K needed for next year and possible need for fee schedule. There was no Open Space report. There was no attendance at the Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting. Discussed possibility of receiving updates from Principal Transportation Planner Peggy Mandeville in the future. The Shared Use of Recreational Facilities Committee has been dissolved and absorbed into the PRC. No further reports from Commissioner Whitener. Commissioner Updegrove reported on the most recent meeting of the Jack House Committee. Coverings for the front windows are being looked into; temporary fix for gazebo in the form of steel Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 4, 2012 Page 5 of 6 1-5 brackets as recommended by Chief Building Official Tim Girvin while preserving architectural detail; upcoming Mother’s Day event. Commissioner Regier reported on the Golf Course stating monthly rounds increased 24%; and monthly revenues increased 26% from last year; year-to-date rounds up 9% and year-to-date revenue up 5% overall. 60 volunteers planted 25 Channel Oaks and Coastal Redwoods in area where 50 Monterey Pines were lost to pine pitch canker. Today marked first anniversary of Achievement House Grill opening. Seasonal aeration of greens has begun. 9. Communications Commissioner Parolini reported recent presence of Slackliners in Mitchell Park; an undesignated use area. 10. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. to the May 2, 2012, meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission to be located in the Council Hearing Room. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 2, 2012. /Sgd/ ________________________________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant