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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-14 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, May 7, 2014, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Davis and Commissioners Ryan Baker, Craig Kincaid, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier, Jeff Whitener and Susan Updegrove ABSENT: None COUNCIL: None STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett Public Comment None 1. Consideration of Minutes MOTION: (Regier/Whitener) Approve the April 2, 2014 minutes. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 2. Rachel Court Trail Alignment (Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager) Bob Hill presented to the Commission the proposed “SLO Terrace” development by the Coastal Community Builders (CCB) which will include seventeen (17) new single-family residences on existing parcels located on Rachel Street and the corner of Florence Street. This project was reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) on December 16, 2013. The proposed project condition no. 38 identified a trailhead and trail easement into Terrace Hill Open Space. There are two proposed locations of the trail head. The first location would be at the back of the culd-e-sac between lots 9 and 18. This proposed trailhead would be located within 10 feet of the existing residents of the adjacent Leiland Court. Bob indicated that several neighbors to the east of the project site have expressed concerns that the trail alignment as proposed would infringe on the privacy and quiet enjoyment of residences. The second proposed trailhead location, as recommended by the ARC, could be between lots 16 and 17. The ARC’s recommended alignment, however, is problematic for two reasons. The first is that it would require that the trail be build straight between the two lots traversing up a grade that approaches a 30% slope. It would be very challenging to construct such a trail in a safe, durable and enjoyable manner. Typical trails are constructed at grades under 10% to avoid erosion issues, increased maintenance costs and unsafe trail use and decreased overall user experience due to excessive grades. The second reason that this trailhead location is problematic is that the proposed lots are already substandard in size. A trailhead easement in this location would significantly encroach into the yards of both residences. Bob concluded his presentation to the Commission to recommend to the City Council to accept a public trail easement and trailhead Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 2 of 5 1-2 improvements in the location as shown in Attachment 5 of the PRC Agenda Report. The Commission was provided alternatives to staff’s recommendation which included continuing the item for further discussion, not recommending to Council the acceptance of a trail easement, or recommending the trail location as originally proposed by the ARC condition no. 38. Public speaker, Don Wigton, a neighbor to proposed trail expressed his concerns with privacy and safety issues due to close proximately of his backyard to proposed trail. The proposed trail location at the end of the culd-e-sac could have an impact to on-street parking of the neighborhood. He noted that there are already two entrances to Open Space and therefore the third proposed trailhead would be unnecessary. Should the Commission approve the trailhead at this location, he requested a plant barrier (buffer zone) to protect the privacy and ensure safety of the existing residences. Don also mentioned he was concerned about maintenance of other trails, such as Bishop Trail where he has noticed beer bottles and trash. Commissioner Kincaid expressed he was also concerned about parking demand and issues to existing residents. Commissioner Kinkaid agreed with creating a plant barrier if a trailhead is approved. Commission Kinkaid asked about the timing of this proposed trail. Bob Hill responded that there is limited parking already as the street is very narrow and the Fire Department has required red curb on one side of street. In response to Commissioner Kinkaid's question about the timing of the proposed trail, Bob responded that now is the time to accept the proposed trail now or the opportunity would be lost. Bob cautioned that sometimes lack of a designated trail could lead to smaller, unmitigated, trails out the back of homes which could lead to erosion control and other issues. Commissioner Regier asked if the City has other trails that are sloped at this level or stair-stepped. Director Stanwyck responded that at this time the City has no stair-stepped trails and that the typical grade for trails is 10% or less. Commissioner Regier said he understand residents’ concerns and also recommends a plant barrier between the trailhead and homes. Commissioner Parolini asked where the proposed plant barrier would be located. Bob responded that the developer, CBB, is proposing to build the trail and then it would be transferred to the City for ongoing maintenance needs. Bob said the location of the plant barrier would be on City-owned open space property. Bob continued that currently there is no condition for a plant barrier in the building permit process with CBB. Commissioner Updegrove stated she would like to see a designated trailhead. She has observed Islay Hill which does not have a designated trailhead and there are several individual house trails now leading into the Open Space. Commission Updegrove asked how steep is the proposed slope between lots 16 and 17 and would it require stairs. Bob responded that he didn’t know the exact slope, off hand, but assumed it to be around 30% grade and is very steep. Bob said that City Ranger, Doug Carscaden, confirmed this slope and that drainage would be an issue if a trail was placed here. Commissioner Baker agreed with Commissioner Parolini that a plant barrier would be needed. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 3 of 5 1-3 Vice Chair Whitener asked how the City acquired this open space and asked if there is any “use data” available for these trails. Director Stanwyck responded that the open space dedicated to City by two separate development projects and it was intended to provide the high density homes access to open space as an amenity for those projects. Directed Stanwyck noted that she lives very close to Terrace Hill and has noticed mostly neighborhood use and some bicycles on the trails. As such, she noted that this trail use is predominantly pedestrian traffic. She stated that the City does not have a system in place to provide trail counts. She also noted that most users of the Open Space park on Bishop Street. Bob Hill said he continues to work with City Ranger Services about bike racks at trail heads and counts data. Chair Davis stated that a plant barrier could be planted on the open space property as it is City-owned. Bob confirmed this and also indicated that mostly likely drought tolerant plants and chaparral type shrubs would be the recommended plantings so as to not obstruct the current homeowner’s view. MOTION: (Reiger/Whitener) Recommend that the City Council accept a public trail easement and trailhead improvements in the location shown in Attachment 5 of the PRC Agenda Report with the condition of working with the applicant to create a buffer zone on the Rachel Court easement between the site and neighboring property. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 3. Confirm Park Tour Date and Route – June 19, 2014 (Shelly Stanwyck, Parks & Recreation Director) Director Stanwyck proposed a tour date and schedule as derived from last months’ PRC discussions and the Commissions’ direction. As proposed, there would be a hike in morning, a tour to LOVR Bridge/Bob Jones Bike Path and the Octagon Barn as this is the proposed staging area in future. The tour will continue to the City Farm, Johnson Park to view the new playground equipment, Sinshiemer Tennis Parks to discuss lighting and usage and finally to the Jack House to view the completed restroom and gazebo capital improvement projects. A BBQ will be provided to Commissioners upon the conclusion of the tour at the Ludwick Community Center. Director Stanwyck stated that this is the opportunity for the Commission to review or revise the proposed tour route. Chair Davis said he had asked Todd Cooper, YSA President, to see if there are any youth sports they’d like the Commission to visit. Commissioner Parolini said he would like to look at both ends of the Bob Jones trail at the “oh great spirit” public art. Vice Chair Whitener asked if there was any value in adding Righetti Hill to the tour route. Director Stanwyck responded that Righetti Hill is located on private property. She continued that it may be best to look at this property on a separate occasion and not as an organized tour. Also, the City’s Water Treatment Facility could be offered as a tour at a later date. A member of the public, Toni Kinkaid, asked where the tour will start. Director Stanwyck reposed that the tour will take place on the newest City trail at Froom Ranch. She noted that access is tricky and that Commissioners will be driven into the first part of the trail and then hike. She further noted that the tour will enter at John Madonna’s property and she encouraged the Commissioners to meet at Ludwick Community Center and carpool over. The PRC provided Director Stanwyck with consensus for the proposed tour route. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 4 of 5 1-4 4. Cancel July 2, 2014 Commission Meeting Date in Lieu of Park Tour (Steve Davis, Chair) MOTION: (Davis/Updegrove) Cancel the July 2, 2014 PRC meeting date in lieu of the annual park tour to be held on June 19, 2014. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 5. Discuss Format of May 31st Parks & Recreation Element Retreat (Steve Davis, Chair) In response to the Commissions desire to hold a retreat to discuss the updating of the Parks and Recreation Element, Director Stanwyck has solicited the work of facilitator Dale McGee. She has worked with the City before and currently with the City’s Measure Y ½ cent sales tax. Director Stanwyck said she has set up a meeting to work with Dale and Chair Davis next week to develop a format of the retreat. Director Stanwyck solicited the Commissioners for any hot topics or issues of concern that they would like to have included in the retreat format. Commissioner Parolini said he would love it if refreshments were provided. Commissioner Parolini also asked if there were any barriers to the Commission asking the Downtown Association for a booth at Farmer’s Market to provide PRC information. Director Stanwyck responded that this is an acceptable practice. Chair Davis said he was looking at the P&R Element and how the Commission can become better advocates for the community. He indicated he would like advocacy as the focus and the Commission should look to the Element as a guiding document. Vice Chair Whitener agreed the Commissioner should look at Element for any glaring efficiencies and liked the idea of being better advocates for the Community. He also stated that the Commission should look at future projects that they could advocate for, such as deferred maintenance or infrastructure replacement in the longer-term. Commissioner Regier asked if a draft retreat agenda could be provided to the Commission after Stanwyck and Davis’ meeting with the facilitator. Stanwyck responded yes and that she could provide the Commission the draft agenda by next week. 6. Directors Report – Highlights (Stanwyck/Mudgett) Facilities & Pool Interview Season – Lifeguards, Facilities LBT, Aquatics Coordinator Swim Lessons Underway Ground Breaking for Skate Park Wednesday, May 21st at 3:30PM  Closure of BBQs due to Playground Replacement Great Tennis Tournament with Paul Fiala this past weekend Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 5 of 5 1-5 Rangers Trail clearing thanks to interagency Fire Training – when the fire broke out on 101 Southbound on Saturday Youth Services Gearing-up for busy summer season! Registration Now Open. Bike to School Week All Star Gun Zone at Ludwick Community Center Sports Another successful Teen Track in partnership with Rotary. Over 500+ kids participated. Highest attendance yet. First few hours of SLO Tri Registration – over half the spots were filled and we did $40,000 in business. Currently 700+ registered. Futsol season winding down. 3 weeks left of play. Registration opens for Summer Adult Softball. Starts June 9th. Community Services Skate Park Ground Breaking May 21st at 3:00pm Jack House Mother’s Day event Sunday, May 11th from 1:00 – 4:00pm. Theme is cards and carnations. Children can make cards for their moms. Music and refreshments. Jack House Egg Hunt on April 20th a success! Very highly attended event. Cross-Department promoting of Senior Services with Golf and Chair Volleyball. Volunteers came out to help clean up two Community Gardens this past weekend on May 2nd and 3rd. Monster Skate wrapping up its last weekend of a 3 month event. Other Pedestrian Lighting Replacement CIP - Meadow Park Lighting (2014-15) $60K Summer Activity Guide out and registration opened on Monday May 12th – can you say summer camps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7. Discuss Current Subcommittee Assignments and Confirm Roles (Steve Davis, Chair) Commissioner Kincaid said he would like to stay on for Natural Resources and recommended Commissioner Ryan Baker for Tree Committee liaison. Commissioner Updegrove said she may be interested in Golf. Commissioner Baker asked when the Tree Committee meets. Recreation Manager, Mudgett, responded that the Tree Committee meets on the 4th Mondays of each month. Chair Davis asked if there would be a conflict of three PRC Commissioners in attendance since both he and Commissioner Parolini are on the YSA board. Director Stanwyck said she would look into it and get back with the Commission. Commissioners kept their current liaison assignments with exception of Commissioner Baker who assumed the Tree Committee liaison role. 8. Subcommittee Liaison Reports and Liaison Appointments Commissioners provided the following reports:  Tree Committee – Baker  Golf - Whitener  Natural Resources – Kincaid  Bicycle Committee – Regier Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 6 of 5 1-6  Jack House Committee – Updegrove  Damon-Garcia Sports Field - Parolini  School District – Parolini  Youth Sports - Davis Tree Committee: Commissioner Kincaid reported that the Tree Committee has reviewed the Grange Hall plan and has come up with some solutions. Arbor Day celebration was on April 21st and was very well attended. The Committee is currently working on revising tree application process for clarity of the criteria and a more transparent process. Eventually residents will be able to apply on- line. Natural Resources: Commissioner Kinkaid said that the Laguna Lake Natural Conservation Plan meeting was held on the 28th and it was very informative. Any items of discussion resulting from this meeting will come before PRC next month. He asked if Director Stanwyck could check on Kincaid’s and Parolini’s residential location to determine if they live in close proximately and if they would need to abstain. Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove said that the Jack House was cleaned; furniture put back and is ready for the re-opening on Sunday, Mother’s Days. The Mothers’ Day event is from 1-4pm with music provided by the “Quiet Nights”. The restrooms and gazebo remodels have been completed and look great! Jack House docent, Toni Kincaid, told the Commission that “three generations” of family will qualify to get in free. The theme this year is cards and carnations. Children will have an opportunity to make a card for mom. The Jack House board met with Thom Brackovicjh about removing elevator shaft and a proposal to build a shed out back for storage. School District: Commissioner Parolini said there was nothing to report at this time. Damon-Garcia: Commissioner Parolini said that field renovations start on May 12th and the fields will be shut down for the next 11 weeks. Public Works had a capital project to replace the outdated irrigation systems and install new central irrigation controllers throughout all City parks. This will control all irrigation systems from one central location which can better monitor flow, has a rain sensor feature and is a great way to save energy and water. There was an issue last week with a homeless encampment tapping into park electricity. This was very dangerous and could have killed the individuals. The Police Department and City Rangers assisted in resolving this issue. Public Works is experiencing staffing changes in 2014. There has been discussion about changing the type of field grass. City staff is recommended Kentucky Blue Grass, which might increase costs, and Rye grass. Bermuda grass was planted earlier and did not tolerate the heavy levels of field play. Commissioner Parolini summarized the effects of recycled water at Damon Garcia. Utilities, Public Works and Parks & Recreation staff continue to work together on developing short and long-term solutions. In the short term, the fields will be flushed with potable water provided by the Utilities Department starting next week. The duration of the “flushing” is currently unknown. Director Stanwyck added that Utilities staff is assisting Public Works and Parks & Recreation staff to works towards ongoing solutions and determining the most appropriate timing to apply water during the field renovation season. Currently, the system does not allow for segregation of potable/recycled water. Replacement of the meter is not an option at this time due to constraints Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – April 2, 2014 Page 7 of 5 1-7 and regulations imposed by the California Water Board. She indicated that staff will r eturn to PRC in July with a field plan. Commissioner Parolini said Public Works staff is working with turf management expert from Davis for field play, compaction, soil types and best types of grass to grow. They have installed “flush meters” on the restrooms to alleviate the double-counting people who enter, exit and reenter the fields after using the restrooms. Golf: Vice Chair Whitener said that golf rounds down slightly in April and overall revenues were even. Year-to-Date, Golf rounds were up 4% and revenues up 7%. The sanding of the golf greens has been completed. The Golf Course continues to promote classes. The Cal Poly class has 70 students enrolled. Golf is also offering a golf etiquette class. The Achievement House held their annual fund raiser last month. Bicycle Committee: Commissioner Regier said there was nothing to report at this time. Youth Sports: Chair Davis attended the YSA quarterly meeting and said that youth sports programs as doing well. The YSA has increased its fees from $5 per child to $15. YSA would like to advocate for the next budget cycle to place planning of future sports facilities on the radar. Chair Davis attended the field scheduling meeting last week which plans out the field use for the upcoming 6 months. Communications Commissioner Regier noted that he saw the “wayfinding” signs were installed last week. He asked is destination parks could be added to the signs. Bob responded that the wayfinding signs are being installed in phases and that this could be included in a subsequent phase. Commissioner Parolini offered his support both the City and for the SLO Marathon. He said that fitness events like these bring needed funds into the City. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. to the a Special Meeting on May 31st, which will be held at the Parks & Recreation Offices located at 1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on _________________. ________________________________________________ Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager