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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-14 PRC MinutesCity of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, September 3, 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 and Susan Updegrove ABSENT: Commissioner Kincaid COUNCIL: None STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Ashley Villarreal, Todd Bunte, Jeff Hendricks, Barbara Lynch, Bob Hill Public Comment Tim Ross of San Luis Obispo requested the Commission place the issue of slacklining on next agenda as he would like to include ordinance language allowing slacklining in the City’s open space. Director Stanwyck explained the differences between “active” and “passive” recreational uses of the open space and future changes may require amendments to recently adopted Open Space and Natural Conservation Element. Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager, referenced the conservation guidelines, the update to the Bishop Peak conservation open space plan and reiterated the Cerro San Luis is not within the City’s purview. Staff indicated that it could be several months before this issue is returned. 1. Consideration of Minutes Correction to June 4th Minutes, page 2-6, correct spelling of “symptoms”. MOTION: (Updegrove/Parolini) Approve the Minutes of Special Meeting of May 31, 2014, Regular Meeting of June 4, 2014 as amended and Special Meetings of June 19, 2014 and July 22, 2014. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent 2. Volunteer of the Quarter Recognition (Bob Hill) Staff Hill recognized Eagle Scout, Alex Plummer, for his outstanding volunteer efforts in the refurbishment of the “Let it Be” Nature preserve – Open Space signage, which was originally dedicated in 1995. Chair Davis thanked Alex Plummer for his initiative and excellence work in cleaning, sanding and lettering the sign. Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 3. Introduction of Parks Maintenance Staff (Barbara Lynch, Public Works Deputy Director) Staff Lynch introduced new Public Works Parks Maintenance staff. Recruitments for recent retirements in Public Works succeeded with internal promotions of Jeff Hendricks to Parks Maintenance Supervisor and Adam Basden to Parks Maintenance Coordinator. Mr. Hendricks comes with 16 years City experience and Mr. Basden with 7 years. New staff, Bill Harvey, was not present but was announced as the new Parks Maintenance Worker at Santa Rosa Park. Mr. Harvey has extensive experience in public agency and school districts. Director Stanwyck reiterated the strong City partnership between Parks and Recreation and Public Works Department staff. 4. Discuss Conditions of Damon Garcia Sports Fields (Chair Davis) The Commission discussed with user groups the impact of summer field renovations. Public Comment Garrett Kelly, representing a non-profit Rugby organization, indicated his group utilizes the sports fields on a regular basis and recommends the Commission consider use of the fields as a practice facility. He continued that Damon Garcia is the only facility with lights to accommodate evening practices. Mr. Kelly said he would be open to alternative practice locations, such as Sinsheimer softball fields in the winter season. Director Stanwyck clarified city policy for prioritization of use and that Damon Garcia is prioritized for use with primary competitive league play. She confirmed that two years ago lunchtime usage increased to allow for mid-day drop-in play at a level that can be maintained by Public Works staff. (6 audience members showed support of this public comment) Tim Towley of San Luis Obispo, speaking on behalf of Central Coast (CC) Soccer, said that the sports field did not recover as well as it has in the past. As a whole, he reiterated that the soccer community is satisfied with the use of Damon Garcia sports fields. Mr. Towley welcomed the opportunity for user groups to discuss and coordinate field usage. He is supportive of transitioning fields to artificial turf or utilizing field rotations as he indicated that Fields A & B are in worse condition. He continued that some user groups may be willing to provide needed funding to support artificial fields. He expressed concerns about the homelessness issue within the sports field and park. (6 audience members showed support of this public comment) Commission Comments Commissioner Baker asked why the fields are renovated at the same time. Staff Basden responded that field renovations begin in mid-September and are a significant operation involving shared equipment and other park location renovations. He shared concern for the City’s ability to limit public access during critical seed germination time as well as June/July providing for optimal weather conditions. Ms. Basden responded that the City has implemented field rotations to allow for maximum field regeneration. Commissioner Baker asked about the process for transitioning to synthetic fields. Director Stanwyck responded that new artificial turf would be considered a new capital improvement project. She stated that there are many ways to provide community feedback and support as part of the Advisory Body goals setting process in October 2014, the Community Forum on January 13, 2015 City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle (at the Ludwick Community Center 6:30pm), at the Major City Goal setting process in February 2015 as part of the 2015-17 Financial Plan process in May-June 2015. Director Stanwyck confirmed that ongoing funding for maintenance would need to be included as synthetic turf requires replacement of plastic pellets and watering for public safety concerns. Vice Chair Whitener asked about the process of adding sand to the fields. Staff Hendricks responded with information about how the addition of sand sustains the use of the fields through the management of organic materials levels as the addition of sand limits the organic layer from sealing off the turf roots which prevent the absorption of nutrients Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that current drought conditions have had a significant impact on the fields and other parks event though potable water was applied to these fields for annual flushing. Public Works staff offered to provide to the Commission a field conditions update in the Spring. Chair Davis summarized the evenings’ comments to include a desire for more practice time, more game time and better field conditions. He urged the Commissions to consider if conditions can be met and works towards solutions to best meet these needs. Commissioner Regier reiterated the importance of public input during the Advisory Body Goals setting in October 2014 and the Community Forum in January 2015. Commissioner Parolini would like to consider future opportunities to improve lighting of the sports fields and other parks for evening use to accommodate increased usage and to support responsible growth. He expressed a desire to hire a professional turf consultant to help recommend turf species and develop a field maintenance plan. Commissioner Parolini shared aerial photos of the Damon Garcia Sports field for comparison and in response to drought conditions. 5. Discuss Laguna Lake Golf Course Operational Review (Ashley Villarreal) Staff Villarreal presented a brief presentation about the operational review of the Laguna Lake Golf Course and evaluation phases as it relates to the Major City Goal for fiscal sustainability. Director Stanwyck reiterated that successes of the operations and maintenance of Golf Course. She commended Golf Course staff for serving as incredible stewards of city resources in maintaining an excellent facility with very limited resources. She continued that a similar analysis for street sweeping was completed upon a staff retirement resulted in an understanding that contracting was not sustainable. Director Stanwyck restated that the operational review is an information gathering opportunity to compare and determine the long-term health and viability of operational models within existing conditions. Any information gathered would be used to evaluate any potential degradation in the level of services and quality of play as part of the operational analysis. Commission Comments Commission Regier asked why the food vendor was not included in contracting out. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the current food vendor had recently invested over City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle $60,000 in funds to refurbish the kitchen facilities in addition to the current contract terms. With this information, staff felt it more appropriate to inform potential proposers of existing contract conditions. Commissioner Parolini commented about possible restrictions of land use. Director Stanwyck clarified the restriction for ‘continued recreational usage’ and that the proposed Laguna Community Garden is consistent with this stipulation. She reminded the Commission that the design phase for the Golf Course Restroom remodel is currently funded in 2014-15 of the City’s adopted Financial Plan. Public Comment Jordan Bridges of Cypress Golf Course expressed that the largest concern for a golf course operator is water. Staff Bunte responded that there are two (2) irrigation wells on site. Non-potable water accounts for 55% of usage and is supplemented with 45% recycled water. There are currently no restrictions for use of recycled water. Mr. Bridges voiced concern in marketing a golf course that you don’t maintain. Although he supports the Achievement House concessionaire improvements to the club house facility, an operator would need control over instructional programming, food/beverage and merchandising would make it sustainable for business. Travis Bobbitt, a local business owner and professional golfer, agreed that Golf Course may be lacking revenue streams and there may be some areas for improvement. He reiterated his support of public outreach and the Achievement House concessionaire improvements for contributing to success of the golf course and in serving the community. He would like to see the City strike a balance of fiscal sustainability and upholding community services. Mr. Bobbitt asked about Union feedback. Director Stanwyck responded that union representatives have been included in the operational review process and should a future recommendation have staffing impacts, the City would meet and confer with union representation. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Parolini asked about rounds in relation to course users. Staff Bunte responded that there are approximately 40,000 rounds annually. Of those rounds, 10,000 are San Luis Obispo residents. Staff Bunte confirmed that demographics are not available on twilight round purchases as we cannot distinguish between Senior or Youth. Vice Chair Whitener asked about the extent of the partnership model with Public Works. Director Stanwyck replied that staff is in preliminary discussions with Public Works and that this option would require additional analysis and additional staff may be required to support this model. Commission Regier asked about Option 4 which would be the closure or different use of the course. Director Stanwyck answered that conversion to a park could cost more money for maintenance in addition to a loss of revenue stream from golf rounds. She continued that in the past, the adjacent neighbors had expressed desire to continue operation as a golf course. Commissioner Parolini encouraged the Commissioners to participate in the various user group meetings at the Golf Course on September 9 and 11, 2014. Staff Bunte invited Commissioners to the 9/11 ceremony at golf course at 10:00am. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 6. Consideration of Nominees for Wes Conner Awardee (Chair Davis) The Commissioners considered nominations for the 2014 Wes Conner Award recipient. Vice Chair Whitener asked who had been on the nomination list the longest. Commissioner Parolini nominated Rick May for his continued passion for youth sports. Mr. May had also served as a past Commissioner. Director Stanwyck asked for a Commissioner to work with staff on developing the award presentation for the recipient. The Wes Conner Award will be presented at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on September 25, 2014. MOTION: (Parolini/Whitener) . Motion to select Rick May as the recipient of the 2014 Wes Conner Award. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent 7. Agenda Forecast for October 1, 2014 PRC Meeting (1) Retreat Follow Up Materials and (2) Major City Goal Discussion (Stanwyck) Director Stanwyck confirmed that there is currently a request for carryover funding in support of a PRC Needs Assessment and that we will know more about approved funding in October. She reminded the Commission about Advisory Body goals setting in October and continued conversations about the Laguna Lake Golf Course operational review. 8. Director’s Report (Stanwyck/Mudgett) Director Stanwyck provided an update for the Skate Park construction project. This week there were 14,000 hits on the skate park Facebook page. The Commission asked about the purchase of a skate park brick. Staff Mudgett will provide the order form information to the Commission at its next meeting on October 1, 2014. 9. Subcommittee Liaison Reports Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker reported the impacts of drought on the urban forest. The Committee is reviewing 10-15 tree removal requests per meeting. Natural Resources: Commissioner Kincaid was absent. No Report. Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove said the Jack House will be closed for Christmas. There is a Chamber Mixer on September 18th. The Jack House will be closed end of October/November for exterior house painting. There is a future wallpaper parlor project anticipated in early 2015. School District: Commissioner Parolini said the School District has not met and there is nothing to report at this time. Damon-Garcia: Commissioner Parolini said he had no additional information to add to the Damon Garcia Field Use reports. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle Golf: Vice Chair Whitener reported that golf rounds are up from July. Bicycle Committee: Commissioner Regier said the Bicycle Committee has not met and there is nothing to report at this time. Youth Sports: Chair Davis reported on the July meeting. He stated that AYSA will take lead for tri-annual field allocation meetings. Youth football is set to install new goals. The AYSA is anticipating purchasing smart watering clocks to aid in water conservation efforts. The School District will be meeting tomorrow to discuss AYSA usage. Commissioner Parolini reminded the Commission about the City’s recently upgraded irrigation control system. 10. Communications None. Adjourned at 7:49pm to the October 1, 2014 Regular Meeting in Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on __________________. ________________________________________________ Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager