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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-14 PRC MinutesMeeting Minutes 's Parks and Recreation Commission Council Chambers 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Steve Davis, Vice Chair Jeff Whitener and Commissioners Ryan Baker, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier ABSENT: Commissioners Craig Kincaid, Susan Updegrove COUNCIL: None STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Bob Hill, Michael Codron Public Comment None I. Consideration of Minutes MOTION.• (Whitener / Regier) Approve the May 7, 2014 minutes as amended. Approved: 5 yes: 0 no: 2 absent Page 1 -6 Damon Garcia correction "filed" to "field" & page numbers 2. Status Report Damon Garcia Sports Fields 2014 Renovation (Todd Beights, Parks Maintenance Supervisor) Parks Maintenance Supervisor was unable to attend the meeting. Parks and Recreation Director, Stanwyck, will present the status report on behalf of Parks Maintenance Supervisor as part of the Director's Report, item 6 of the Agenda. 3. Review, Comment, and Make Recommendations to City Council on the Laguna Lake Master Plan ( Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager) Page I of 12 �iTx o� CIS O Bob Bill presented on the Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan and discussed the public comment and input process. This project has been challenging and with a long history. The Laguna Lake Natural Reserve is scenic and recreational area. Bob presented and overview of the conservation plan with a historical perspective including contemporary aerial views (flood and drought conditions). Bob Hill continued to provide the Commission with a bit of history and timelines about the area. Circa 1900s, the Laguna lake area had a different alignment than that of today. In 1961, pre development, the Laguna Lake area was significantly marsh. In 1963, Prefumo Creek was redirected into the Prefumo arm which fed into Laguna Lake. In 1965, the creek was redirected again through what is now the Laguna Lake golf course and middle school. From 1965 to 1977 there were significant storm events adding to increase sedimentation of the lake. The estimated sedimentation rate transfers were characterized as "rapid" in the Prefumo arm. In 1982, after several years of drought -like conditions, Council adopted the Laguna Lake Management program. In 1991, the Laguna Lake delta was highly populated with willows, marsh and sediment. To address this issue, the Laguna Lake Park Master Plan was approved by Council in 1993 and bifurcated the park into two areas — an active park (BBQ, dog park, picnic tables) and passive park - nature preserve (trails). The Conservation Plan was codified as part of the conservation guidelines and open space element. In 2012, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Aquatic Land Surveyor compared the 1997 to 2012 sedimentation rates at Prefiuno creek inlet and bottom elevation survey. It was determined that if the sedimentation rates continue, a landform will eventually form and separate the lake into two parts. Bob noted that in 100 years' time frame, the Laguna Lake area will eventually revert back to marsh. Once again in 2014, this area is experiencing a significant drought. As such, a sand bar is forming, causing separation of the lake. Bob commented that eventually all lakes revert back to land/marsh through full sedimentation and that this lake may be reverting a bit faster due to human impact and diversion of the Prefumo creek. Bob continued to explain that the Wetland Mitigation project, as part of Costco Development, serves to capture a lot of sediment from various watershed areas. Erosion sources in the watershed above the lake are adding to sedimentation (Golf Course one example) along the shoreline. There have been numerous projects to help stabilize the creek banks. Bob noted that the City does not control the northwest inlet of the lake. He further explained that there has been mapping of various vegetation and wildlife habitat surveys completed in this area which show a diverse number of species and habitat types Page 2 of 12 ulS O (such as wetlands, marsh, grassland meadow, serpentine bunchgrass, seeps /springs /swells, Toro creek bog thistle and owls). Bob reiterated to the Commission that the goals and policies of conservation plan are to conserve and enhance the natural habitats, provide to the public safe and passive recreation, actively protect the creeks, minimize the impacts of harmful activities, provide signage and interpretive features, maintain protect and improve aesthetic views, restore resources within the reserve and regularly monitor and patrol the area. Bob discussed how a needs analysis would support a plan that marries the technical intelligence and available resources to that of the needs and desires of the community. In 2012 and again in 2014, community workshops were held to inform and receive feedback from the public and partner agencies. Some of the feedback received included support for resource management and protection (Utilities & Recycled Water for the ongoing management of lake levels), resource enhancement (such as steelhead trout, invasive species control and excavation/dredging), mitigation projects (such as Condon's tar plant, Adobe sanicle), updated signage & educational props and accessible amenities (such as a path trail loop and viewing boardwalk on peninsula area). Bob reviewed with the Commission the appropriate land use designations for habitat protection, management and restoration and the difference between "maintained" and " unmaintained" trails. Maintained trails would include actively protecting for hazards, creating trail stability and limiting erosion. Bob noted that there is currently an unmaintained trail in this area that has interior fencing used for seasonal cattle grazing. This open fencing along Madonna property and behind the existing restaurants could be potentially problematic with public expectations for trail maintenance. Bob provided the Commission with an overview of project implementation and stages. Stages 1 -3 would include the addition of signage and trailheads, accessible path and sediment basins and the beginning of a dredging project. Stages 4 -6 would include land conservation strategies of the water shed and various stabilization projects. Stages 7 -10 would allow for continued dredging, fish passage projects, construction of a boardwalk, recycled water use (which is currently undergoing a major facility upgrade) and a bathymetry lake survey. Bob mentioned that regulatory permitting process are expected to take some time. Ongoing tasks would include the monitoring of the habitat, conducting resource inventories, grazing use, patrols, sediment removal and management surveys, as Page 3 of 12 firs o well as eventual recycled water delivery. Bob stated that the fiscal impacts of this project are estimated at $10 million dollars over a ten -year period. General Fund Capital Improvement Project funding, Measure Y funding, operating budgets, grants and property assessments such as a Community Facilities District (CFD) could all be considered as funding options. Assessment Districts would require analysis of costs and significant outreach with the Laguna Lake neighbors. Bob provided to the Commission an outline of project review dates; the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 4, 2014, the Planning Commission on June 11, 2014 and the City Council on July 15, 2014, Chair Davis opened the presentation to questions from the Commission. Seeing that there were no questions, Chair Davis opened the item for public comment. Public Comment Don Green, resident of 966 Vista Delgatos, reiterated that a lot of work has been put into this plan and past plans on this topic. Mr. Green said it has been psychologically devastating to have plans to build up neighborhood hope and then nothing ever comes from the plans. He said it was nice to see City momentum to actuate the plan and agreed it was a good idea to keep sediment from entering into the lake. Mr. Green noted that for the past 35 years, approximately 3.6 in cubic feet of sediment in the lake which equates to the removal 150,000 cubic feet over 10 years. He would like to see more effort put towards keeping sediment from entering the lake. Mr. Green gave his support for forming a funding district as he felt this has been holding up the project. Mr. Green indicated that many of his neighbors are willing to pay to keep the lake as it increases their property values. Rob Davidson, resident for 26 years on Oceanaire, commended staff on an excellent, balanced report and summary of work. Mr. Davidson said the report was missing perspective on how much is being "not - spent' on the lake over past 50 years. He said the groups such as yacht club, canoe team, boaters, wind - surfers, kite surfers, weddings, photographers, bird - watchers have all used to use this area frequently in the past and that there has been a long -term decline of these types of uses of the lake. Conditions will deteriorate if no money spent on maintenance. Mr. Davidson said there should be a stronger emphasis of the value of the asset and said there was negligence on the part of the City for not maintaining this asset. He said he liked the concept of a Maintenance Fund to Page 4 of 12 GgT Y' OA support the ongoing maintenance needs of the lake in the future. As property owner, he said he was happy to pay into a Community Services District (CSD). Mr. Davidson asked what has happened to the extra property taxes generated by lakefront properties as this revenue is not being spent on maintaining the lake. He continued that the lake is a critical part of the active park and park recreational uses as it attracts people to the community. Jim Foley, a resident of Laguna Lake for the past 18 years, echoed what Mr. Davidson said about disappearing recreational uses of the lake (windsurfer, kite surfing, etc). He said at one time the lake was capable of supporting these uses. He would like to see the money from property owners used to maintain the lake. He supports the idea of planning ahead for permits before drought conditions become too severe. Mr. Foley said it might be an easier time to dredge when the lake is at its lowest levels. Mr. Foley expressed to the Commission that it is better to accomplish even a part of the plan that not at all. He hopes this issue sustains public awareness. Theodora Jones, resident of 1945 Oceanaire for 40 years, said she has seen a lot of changes in area and changes in attitude. She indicated that Laguna Lake was the laughing stock of town but she appreciates this area as a community asset. Ms. Jones said that when the pine trees started dying on Madonna Road, the overplanting row of pine trees now obstructs the views of lake and mountains. Ms. Jones said the "hodge - podge" of memorial grove trees are blocking the joy of the reserve and the views of the morrows and the lakes. Ms. Jones also noted that accessibility was an issue. She said that vehicle traffic along the loop were making it dangerous for pedestrian use of park. Ms. Jones said the lake was "well- used" at one time and would like to see it that way again. Bob Hill received written comments from Brett Cross and read highlights. The written comments provided support and recommended the Commission to support the sedimentation removal. Mr. Cross indicated his concerns about additional regulations for fishing (primarily steelhead) and that he was not in support of building a bridge across lake but that building a viewing pier would be okay. He provided other locations, such as Shoreline Lake in Mountain View and Lake Elizabeth as examples. Public Comment received from Mr. Don Dollar indicated he was not in support of dredging. However, he was supportive of more patrols, vegetation monitoring, interior fencing, time frames for botanical surveys, addition of regular trail work and maintenance. Page 5 of 12 ;a With no further public comment, Chair Davis closed the public comment period and asked the Commission to provide comments. Commission Comment Commission Parolini said that funds are needed to take care of this City asset. Rangers currently patrol and volunteers to maintain this area. Commissioner Baker asked if there was a plan for keeping sediment out of lake. Staff Bob Hill responded that dredging only would be like treating the symptons but not the illness. r Bob said a plan would include dredging, coupled with creek bank stabilization projects. Bob also clarified units of measurement as referenced earlier by Mr. Green during public comment. He said that some reports used cubit yards and some cubic feet and that's why there wasn't consistency in the date numbers as presented. Vice Chair Whitener asked why stabilization projects are beginning in years 4 -6. Staff Hill responded that this is due primarily to the lengthy permitting process. Vice Chair Whitener asked when was the last Master plan was reviewed. Staff Hill responded that the existing Master Plan for Laguna Lake Park describes the uses allowed in the active park versus the passive - nature preserve. Only the "nature preserve" portion of the plan is being presented to the Commission this evening. Chair Davis asked if Staff Hill had a sense of any regulatory agencies precluding actions as presented in this plan. Staff Hill said that mitigation efforts were assumed and included into this plan. He continued that there have been preliminary conservations with regulatory agencies and that this plan has addressed those questions or concerns. Staff Hill reiterated that staff is not proposing any change to the current uses of the lake area. Commissioner Regier said his experience with the lake was limited. He commended staff for good work in preparing reports over time. Commissioner said he would like to see the City determine the most economical and efficient way to sustain this area as an asset enjoyed by the community. He noted that there is profound community interest in the park. He would like to protect the natural resources and preserve the area in whatever state it may evolve into. Commission Regier stated he was in favor of dredging and restoring the lake and supported the development of a CFD. Commission Regier indicated he would like to see Measure Y, 1/2 cent sales tax funds used to support and maintain this community. He noted that additional improvements, such as building of a boardwalk are not as high of a priority but would like to see improved signage. He thanked the public for coming out and Page 6 of 12 ti leis o� expressing their concerns about this issue. He agreed with the public comments about disappearing uses of the lake and being prepared to act. He also supported that viewing increases appreciation of this resource and would like to see enhancement of the views. Chair Davis supported the plan and would like an opportunity to review it from time to time. Staff Hill said that the plan will further define funding areas for which project components are more likely to receive grant funds and which will utilize city general funds. MOTION. (Reiger /Whitener) the Parks and Recreation Commission to make a recommendation for Council to approve the Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan as presented and that Council strongly consider the CFD funding. Approved: 5 yes: 0 no: 2 absent 4. Presentation Re: Tennis Courts in SLO (Scott Cleere) Mr. Cleere expressed to the Commission his desire to keep the conversation alive about the need for tennis court lighting. With summer, and longer daylight hours, the Commission may not hear as much from the public about the need for nighttime lighting of the courts as opposed to winter time when there is shorter daylight hours. Mr. Cleere indicated that there were tennis advocates in audience to provide public support for this issue. He would like to convey to Council and the Commission that having lights at the Sinsheimer tennis courts would enhance play and demonstrate a need. Mr. Cleere shared with the Commission ideas about possible public support efforts such as an on -line questionnaire in which the community could express support of /or dissention for tennis court lighting at Sinsheimer, as well as a neighborhood focus, going door —to -door seeking community input. Mr. Cleere noted that the main objective of this would is to bring about a better idea of the current level of support for tennis court lighting. Mr. Cleere expressed that lit courts and Sinshiemer would grow recreational activities and desires. He noted that the Country Club and Bay Club have lit courts, but not all public have access to them or financial resources to become members. He continued to share his observation that thousands of people enjoy the Sinsheimer park throughout the year and that when public parks are fully utilized; it elevates and increases the value of the community as well. Vice Chair Whitener responded that he was keenly aware of this need and hopes that this Page 7 of 12 G1TX'�� � > O t�PS,`Q4� issue makes the list of Commissions' goals. He encouraged Mr. Cleere to keep up the efforts and invited the public to participate in the City's goal- setting process /community forum. He said that this public input it is helpful for Commissioners when advocating and has proven to be an effective method in the past, such as with the example of the new skate park. Commissioner Parolini encouraged Mr. Cleere to bring tennis racquets to the community forum as a visual representation. Commissioner Baker said he supports lighting and asked where else can tennis be played at night for free. A member of the public, Eddie Rodriguez, said that you can play tennis at night at Soto park in Arroyo Grande, Los Osos, Atascadero, Grover Beach and Paso Robles. Mr. Rodriguez continued to add that the SLO High school tennis courts are lit but that the lighting is not appropriate to need. The lighting is outdated and does not provide adequate illumination. Mr. Rodriguez stated that currently there is no location in the City of San Luis Obispo for young professionals to play tennis in the evening. He expressed a community desire to improve these facilities. A member of the public, Collin Jones, said that he is frustrated with the inability to play tennis at night in the winter months. He continued that there are issues with SLO High school tennis courts and upgrades are needed on court size and lighting. Mr. Jones expressed his disappointment that almost all of the other surrounding cities have lit tennis except for our city; the county seat. He further noted that there is a strong tennis community in SLO and would like to see the Commission view the tennis courts as part of the upcoming annual parks tour. He encouraged the Commission to take on an active leadership role and pass a resolution supporting lights at Sinsheimer tennis courts. Commissioner Regier added that there are other problems with the SLO High school tennis courts such as access to courts limited as it is on school (private) property, courts are not lined up linearly, the lighting is deficient as well as the court size (close proximately of the fencing) limiting the ability to play. In essence, having improved lights at the High school would not be enough as it would not improve the configuration of the courts and solve the other issues. In addition, Commission Regier said these tennis courts are not controlled by the City and the School District has preferred use. Commissioner Regier supported the ideas of coin - operated lights to help offset the costs. He also mentioned cities where tennis courts were placed on top of parking structures, such as in Los Angeles. Commissioner Page 8 of 12 Regier supported creative ideas that could help accommodate community needs. Commissioner Regier also supported public participation in the goal- setting process and noted that September is when the Commission will begin discussing recommendations for Council goals. Commissioner Parolini encourage the group to stay organized and be visual in the goal - setting process. A member of the public, Steve Kadin, said he would like to lend his support to the tennis community. He plays at both Sinsheimer and at the High school and said when he plays at the High school at night he has difficulty seeing the tennis balls. A member of the public, Vicente De1Rio, said that with all of SLO's resources, we should have lights at the tennis courts. He echoed the needs expressed by his colleagues that lit courts also means increased security. Public workshops only attract people with ability to attend and that there should be other means to collect community input. Mr. De1Rio said he supports all sports equally such as soccer at Damon Garcia sports fields. Director Stanwyck said she would send Mr. Cleere information about the City's goal - setting process and information about the School District's proposed bond measure. She further noted that there has been a significant reduction in the amount of tennis courts that used to exist in this city. She noted that the tennis courts at Sinsheimer were built by volunteers who donated time and materials in the late 1980s. Commissioner Parolini said that he recalled the goal- setting process including this specific topic for past 8 years. 5. Reminder — 2014 Park Tour Agenda (Director) Director Stanwyck reviewed the annual parks tour agenda as approved by the Commission at the last meeting. She noted two slight changes resulting from use of the Trolley as this vehicle will need to be available for Farmer's Market at 4:30pm. As a result, the time was changed to include pick -up at 12:OOpm and a return at 4:30pm. Director Stanwyck confirmed that viewing of the tennis courts were on the park tour agenda. Commissioner Parolini asked if both sides of Bob Jones trail were on the tour agenda. Director Stanwyck responded that currently only the new bridge connection portion was on agenda. She reminded the Commissioners to RSVPs for the optional morning hike. Page 9 of 12 G1iY:p fi. by ltpg O 6. Director's Report (Director) Parks and Recreation Director, Stanwyck, presented the status report and highlights on turf renovation for Damon Garcia Sports Field on behalf of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and agenda item 2. To date, over 250 tons of sand have been applied to the turf and new seed (Kentucky bluegrass) has been added to the impacted areas such as the goal mouth on field 8. Damon Garcia has benefited greatly by receiving two weeks of potable water. Public Works staff is still fine - tuning the methodology to support quicker seed germination such as pre - fertilizing the soil to make it more receptive to seeding. Director Stanwyck noted that there has been significant regrowth of the impacted trees of Golf course as flushing with potable water has gone a long way in making improvements. Director Stanwyck added that there will be more opportunities to invite Public Works and other city staff to speak under the Commissions new meeting style. Facilities & Pool ■ Hired new Aquatics Coordinator & Facilities Specialist ■ Swim Lessons Underway. Summer swim hours begin June 9 — August 17 ■ Santa Rosa Playground Replacement 4 Closure of BBQs ■ Skate Park Ground Breaking May 215` - Construction Started June 4�' ■ Damon Garcia — 2 weeks Potable Water — Significant Improvements Rangers Jr Ranger activity camp next week New Ranger Hire — (promotion to CDD) Working on Trails GIS Mapping Weed Abatement with CC's Youth Services ■ Summer Camps start June 16r' ■ Teen SPOT Camp ■ CIT Training — 15 (highest in years) ■ Collaboration with Public Transit for Camp transportation ■ Collaboration with School District Sports Summer Adult Softball started June 2nd • Jr. Giants starts June 9 — Aug 8th SLO Triathlon — July 27th 0 881 registered 0 Average age 42 (78 oldest, 15 youngest) 0 Volunteers Needed Page 10 of 12 GZTY' �A Sport N' Splash Camp (Sinshiemer) August 11 -15th Community Services ■ Skate Park Ground Breaking May 21 s` - Construction Started June 41, ■ Skate Park Time -Lapse Video Project (CANA) ■ Dive -In Movie Friday, June 6t1' ■ Jack House in full- summer swing (working with staff for elevator removal project ■ Gardens — Renewal Time & New potential site at Laguna Golf Course ■ Contract classes - offering new summer skateboard building camp ■ Senior Center - partnership agreement and new chair volleyball program Golf Fund Raisers — June 10t4 Ladies Fund Raiser "Pink Flags" & Sierra Vista Stroke Rehab • Marketing for Summer Play — June Buy 10 pays get 2 free rounds • Repair Range Netting Greens Improvement after 2 weeks Potable Water Other Marti is back!!! • Pedestrian Lighting Replacement CIP - Meadow Park Lighting (2014 -15) $60K Public Art Updates: WTC Memorial, Kyle Roofing Mural, Higuera- Fountain 7. Subcommittee Liaison Reports Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker reported the Tree Committee will meet on June 9`h. There is nothing to report at this time. Natural Resources: Commissioner Kinkaid was absent. There is nothing to report at this time. Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove was absent. There is nothing to report at this time. School District: Commissioner Parolini reported that the School District has not met. There is nothing to report at this time. Damon - Garcia: Commissioner Parolini supported Director Stanwycks' update on Damon Garcia but further expressed just how much staff effort and materials are involved in field renovations. Golf: Vice Chair Whitener reported that golf rounds up 5% and revenues are up 9% to date. He noted that the greens were doing great after two weeks of potable water and hopes to continue collaborations with Utilities staff. He reminded the Commissioners that there are opportunities throughout the year where potable water is in the system and that the golf course should take advantage of these times. Page 11 of 12 �Zi Y Off, �IS`Q Classed with Cal Poly and First -Tee continue. Vice Chair Whitener said that Altrusa, a local youth organization, played a fund- raising tournament on May 31st. Bicycle Committee: Commissioner Regier said that the Bicycle Committee has not met. There is nothing to report at this time. He added that long -time volunteer and avid cyclist, Gary Havas, is leaving on June 18a' for a 6,000 miles /100 days bicycle Journey. His trip will be journaled on the blog as provided: www.crazyguyonabike.com/g hp avas Youth Snorts: Chair Davis reported that the YSA has not met. There is nothing to report at this time. S. Communications Director Stanwyck reported to the Commission that she will return in August with a follow up report from the May 31 s` Special Meeting with a discussion about the assessment, work scope and review of policies in the Element. Commissioner Parolini expressed his gratitude for staff Bob Hill and his work on the Laguna Lake Master Plan. He added that Bob was very knowledgeable, a great advocate for staff and a huge asset to the City. Vice Chair Whitener added that Bob was the perfect guy to replace Neal. 9. Adjourned to Special Meeting (Parks Tour) on June 19, 2014 Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm to the annual Parks Tour Special Meeting on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 9:00am. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 3, 2014. Melissa C. udgett, Parks and Recreation e Lent Manager Page 12 of 12