HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-14 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Steve Davis, Jeff Whitener, Susan Updegrove, Ron Regier and
Michael Parolini
ABSENT: Craig Kincaid
COUNCIL:
STAFF: Melissa Mudgett, Marti Reynolds
Public Comment
None.
1. Consideration of Minutes
MOTION: (Updegrove/Regier) Approve the December 4, 2013 minutes as submitted.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 2 absent (Whitener, Kincaid)
Chair Davis moved Item 2 down in the agenda until arrival of presenter.
Commissioner Whitener arrived.
2. Consideration of Meetings at Parks and Recreation Offices for 2014
Chair Davis discussed meeting location preference with the Commissioners. Commissioners agreed
the Conference Room at the Parks and Recreation Offices was not a large enough venue to suit the
needs of the Committee, however; a place somewhat smaller than the Council Chambers that includes
convenient parking for the public would be favorable. Directed Staff to explore options and return with
information for next meeting.
3. Wes Conner Award – Rules Review
Chair Davis and Commissioners had no changes to the existing criteria for the Wes Conner Award.
They will review the list of existing nominees and return with additional names for the next meeting.
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4. Presentation by Scott Cleere Unmet Tennis Court Needs
Scott Cleere, Tennis Instructor and Sports Courts affiliate, presented his thoughts to the
Commissioners on the need for lighted tennis courts at Sinsheimer Park in San Luis Obispo. Stated a
properly lit court has eight lights for four courts such as the Country Club and Avila Bay Club do. Cal
Poly has four lights for two courts. The High School, whose lights were installed in 1984, has four
light poles for two courts yet the older lighting is diffused and yellow making it difficult to see.
Technology has so vastly improved since then that lights are now more concentrated to a direct spot.
Los Osos, Atascadero and the Five Cities all have lit courts, yet San Luis Obispo still does not.
Feels neighbors who have concerns over lighting at Sinsheimer are thinking of this type of light or the
light poles at the baseball stadium that are much higher and therefore have a much more intrusive light
spill. Without lit courts it isn’t possible to play in the evening during daylight savings time which cuts
out a large opportunity for family recreation and health and wellness for the community. Concerns
neighbors have about vandalism or safety with lit courts seem opposite of what he feels lighting would
really do which is aid in safety and remove dark areas that can be attractive to transient inhabitants.
Mr. Cleere also touched on the topic of noise concerns from neighbors stating other players have a
responsibility to address potentially loud or foul-mouthed players as a matter of sportsmanship.
Explained width and length of standard courts (60’x120’) and the difference the narrower courts at the
High School (50’x120’) make in returning a ball (aka “cheese grater” effect). A current concern at the
High School courts is the use of the courts by approximately 20 soccer players between 8 and 10 pm.
Not necessarily vandalism, but the court fencing is not designed for soccer ball containment and, along
with its narrower court width, the fencing is becoming compromised.
Mr. Cleere noted past conversations with Recreation Supervisor James Bremer regarding percentage of
courts needed to meet population needs. Would like a schematic of time for peak use. Feels tennis is a
valuable sport for our community to keep active and deserves support.
Commissioners entered into discussion with Mr. Cleere. Included was the question of if there would be
enough demand for six courts to be lit – Cleere confirmed and added if even more courts (12) were
available would see a rise in use. An indicator his company uses to gage tennis’ increasing popularity
is the rise in ball sales which has been occurring. Discussed possibility of retrofitting lights at the High
School. Creative solutions were discussed such as funding from Sprint cell sites or using Public Art as
a venue for lighting at Sinsheimer and thus public art funding.
Commissioner Parolini expressed that both tennis and diamond court sports could increase the number
of people that come to San Luis Obispo to play and stay.
Commissioner Whitener felt it important to note that the PRC has felt the importance of lighting at the
courts in the past enough to include this in the budget process so is not that the PRC is ignoring the
subject but more a matter of timing, critical mass, resources and Council approval.
Commissioner Regier added the group should make a choice on being proactive.
Commissioner Updegrove added a field trip to the Los Osos courts may be in order and that there
could be new neighbors and new attitudes about lighting since the last time a community meeting was
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held.
Commissioner Parolini suggested starting small with a plan, for example, funding a design for the
courts and seeking planning and assistance from Public Works and then progressing toward funding
for the courts themselves.
5. Discussion of Commission Focus on Unmet Community Needs and Opportunities in 2014
Chair Davis noted the budget cycle will be coming around again in the next 18 months and asked
Commissioners to offer ideas on which topics should be addressed first. Commiss ioners Updegrove
and Regier emphasized looking at the Master Plan comprehensively as well as seek and build
community engagement through round table meetings, social media, email blasts or newsletters to
best address their needs before updating the plan. Also proposed scheduling certain topics to be
addressed on a regular once a year basis through the course of the monthly meetings, e.g.) dog
parks. The idea of a community forum for Parks and Recreation topics on an annual or semi -annual
basis was well met by all Commissioners. Commissioner Whitener expressed disappointment in
that the Parks and Recreation Element was not updated yet. Suggested PRC re-reading and
critiquing as a first step.
Recreation Manager Mudgett offered that additionally, the City website upgrade is in progress and
scheduled for the spring or fall will provide new webpage capabilities and will enhance the ability
to connect with the public. The topic of future needs was then tabled. Staff to send website link to
documents online.
6. Director’s Report (Mudgett)
Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett reported to the Commissioners on the following:
Expansion of Sports services to develop youth Lacrosse under discussion with Mark Lea.
PRC, Public Works and YMCA met to develop partnership and discuss opportunities.
Continued partnership with YMCA, Youth Sports and Youth Services divisions and
monthly and quarterly meetings to ensure the groups are communicating and not duplicating
efforts.
Senior Center started partnership with City. Finalizing details and seeking Council approval
in either February or March. Will use template for partnership with the Jack House as well.
Slacklining approval in December by Tree Committee. Council approval will be sought on
February 4.
Public Art Skate Park approved as well as approval to seek bids for construction. Bids
should be in by end of February and will see if align with engineer’s estimate of fees. Public
art scheduled for installation in late spring with groundbreaking for the park in the summer
of 2014.
97 applications were received in the fall for Public Art for the World Trade Center piece.
Five were chosen by jury in January to finalize proposals and return to jury in February. The
PRC should be seeing these results in the spring.
Community Services starting a new program with the SLO Blues called Friday Night Flicks:
Baseball themed movies being shown at the Sinsheimer Stadium.
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Youth baseball starts soon – Public Works is concerned about field conditions enduring the
season due to the extreme lack of rain. Asking to keep fields closed until opening of
baseball season to help sustain condition as long as possible.
Community Gardens have been receiving interest from other organizations to enhance either
old locations or create new ones. One Cool Earth continues to collaborate on this.
7. Committee Reports
Commissioners provided the following reports:
Tree Committee – Golf - Whitener
Natural Resources – Kincaid Bicycle Committee – Regier
Jack House Committee – Updegrove Damon-Garcia Sports Field - Parolini
School District – Parolini Youth Sports - Davis
Representation at the Tree Committee is open due to the vacancy created by Commissioner
Hensinger’s departure last month.
Commissioner Kincaid was not present but forwarded a report on Open Space which was read by
Chair Davis. Past Commissioner Havas was in the audience and asked to add the sustained
assistance from the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers group during trail workdays and the
incredible job done by ranger services staff on Froom trail bridge.
Commissioner Updegrove reported on last week’s meeting of the Jack House Committee stating the
bathrooms (ADA) and gazebo work went out to bid in December---hope to begin the project
February 10 and be complete before opening in May 2014. Recreation Manager Mudgett noted that
there were 24 bids on the project and almost all came in under estimate. Marilyn Darnell will talk at
the history center on her new book “Anything But Dull”.
Commissioner Parolini reported on the School District; a report will be circulating next week
regarding budget. Are experiencing staffing shortages regarding custodial clean up after programs.
Commissioner Parolini reported on the Damon Garcia sports fields; is personally less optimistic
about potable water negotiations that were to be discussed nearly a year ago on the department head
level. Parolini pointed out expensive for maintenance to break down salts in soil from recycled
water, germination of seeds takes longer and is removed by wind and birds in the meantime.
Parolini showed Commissioners a graph of field condition status over the last few years to illustrate
its current condition. Commissioner Parolini requested Director report or plan of action and to
inform PRC why not possible to get meter back at the field at least during off season maintenance
or one time in December to flush, or otherwise move forward. Chair Davis offered to meet with
Director Stanwyck. Commissioner Whitener also suggested agendizing to talk to Council as a
group.
Commissioner Whitener reported on the status of the Golf Course stating rounds for the month of
December were up 21 percent and revenue for the month was up 27 percent. Rounds for the year
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are up 5 percent and revenue up 9 percent for the year. Plumbing repairs are finished at the 11th
Hole Grill. Rinsing grounds due to the lack of rain. Hoping to flush with fresh water; in
communication with Public Works.
Commissioner Regier reported the Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting will be held January 16.
Chair Davis reported the quarterly meeting of the Youth Sports Association was scheduled at the
Library during the same time period as the PRC meeting.
8. Communications
Commissioner Parolini inquired about the brick campaign for the skate park and suggested the PRC
buy one as a group. Inquired about plans to involve the media on the topic. Recreation Manager
Mudgett informed that marketing efforts will likely increase in spring as will the issuance of a press
release and Council correspondence.
9. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. to the February 5, 2014 regularly scheduled meeting which will be
located at the Council Chambers.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 5, 2014.
/Sgd/
________________________________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant