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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 02-04-2015 Minutes_FINALCity of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 1 Council Hearing Room 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Steve Davis, Vice Chair Jeff Whitener and Commissioners Ryan Baker, Craig Kincaid, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier and Susan Updegrove ABSENT: Vice Chair Whitener COUNCIL: None STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Devin Hyfield, Rich Ogden, Jeff Hendricks, Dave Setterlund, Ron Munds, Jennifer Metz, Adam Basden Public Comment Tim Ross. SLO resident, addressed the Commissioner about amending the City’s ordinance to remove the prohibition of slacklining in the open space and seeking direction from Commission to agendize this item. Chair Davis responded that the City Council is responsible for making amendments to General Plan Conservation of Open Space Element and municipal code. The recent amendment expanded the use of slacklining in most city parks. The Commission would discuss further under the Communications section 8 to determine if this items should be placed on a future agenda. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that slacklining is prohibited on Bishop’s Peak and in the City’s open space. The existing climbing bolts and anchors on Bishop’s Peak for slacklining have been removed. 1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES of Regular Meeting of January 7, 2015. MOTION: (Kincaid/Baker) Approve the Minutes of January 7, 2015 as amended. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent 2. COMMUNITY INPUT FOCUS: TURF/DAMON GARCIA (Hyfield/Ogden) Presentation Summary Director Stanwyck presented a summary of Damon Garcia Sports Field and recreational turf use. Recreation Supervisors, Devin Hyfield and Rich Ogden, introduced staff and the joint partnership with Public Works for providing turf opportunities for the community. - Parks and Recreation and Public Works Parks Maintenance staff provide for recreational turf opportunities at Emerson, Throop, Islay, Meadow, Damon-Garcia - Typical turf users are for drop-in play, soccer, YMCA, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, tournaments, - Common issues are the sensitivity of the turf and renovation periods which require aerification of fields to break up compaction and allow for regrowth - Damon Garcia parking lot currently has 150 spaces, with overflow spaces from adjacent SESLOC bank Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 2 - The City has partnerships with organizations and agreements, however; City-sponsored activities have priority use, such as with CC Soccer (co-ed and mens league) that has 300 participants for a 10 week season, Ultimate Frisbee which has 30-50 participants daily, and the YMCA football Co-ed that have 150 players - There are approximately 68,000 field users annually with 3,255 play hours in 2014 - Damon Garcia is staffed by 2.5 FTE Parks Maintenance workers that provide 2-3 hours of daily maintenance - Renovation occurs between May-July when fields are closed - Survey results indicate that turf users enjoy Darrel-Damon Fields, Prefer Drop-in Play, and would not like to see reductions in field time. Public Comment Kevin Sylvia, formed non-profit 805 Youth Lacrosse Association in partnerships with the YMCA. He asked the Commission to consider allowing Youth Lacrosse at Damon-Garcia. US Lacrosse membership provides for insurance which is a benefit to City. He continued to express that damages to the fields from Youth Lacrosse are minimal compared to the negative impacts of adult Lacrosse. In addition, the sport provides youth with fundamentals and social responsibility. June McIvor, representative of AYSO#599, shared that 1,247 kids were registered to play soccer this last year with 1,100 playing at Damon Garcia. She added that the end of season and all-star tournaments bring in tourism dollars through local and out of area teams. She expressed that she appreciated the safe environment and field conditions of Damon Garcia especially when compared to other turf fields. She expressed the benefits of the new SESLOC bank overflow parking. Tim Townley, of CC Soccer, thanked City for its ongoing partnership. Mr. Townley noticed that Damon Garcia is in rougher shape this year compared to last year with areas of divots. He mentioned some transient issues at the park. He would like to see children in a safe environment. Mr. Townley reminded the Commission of negative field impacts that last time Lacrosse was allowed. He recommended working with Cal Poly on field use for Lacrosse. Stacy Talbert, of SLO Women’s Rugby Club, said that competition play helps with tourism. Her main concern is having practice fields and would like to see increase practice time at Damon Garcia as there are not options to play at Cal Poly as it is exclusive to students. Jerome Jones, YMCA Sports Director, thanked City for partnership with Damon Garcia fields for Youth Flag Football league. He said the YMCA runs a Youth Lacrosse program and invited the Commission to view the field conditions after a game. He added that he would like to ensure the use of the fields for adult flag football. He asked the Commission to consider artificial turf fields at Damon Garcia. Stacy White, parent of AYSO players, inquired about artificial turf at Damon Garcia to allow for year-round play. Director Stanwyck responded that previously extensive analysis has been conducted about artificial turf and was not recommended due to the increase in costs, maintenance costs (life cycle of 10 years before replacement) and significant health concerns. Staff Jeff Hendricks added that artificial turf could not be placed on the lower fields as it is a flood plain. Special maintenance would still be required to maintain artificial turf which would require the purchase of specialized machinery (to remove sunflower seeds, gum, tape), requires irrigation and injection of anti-bacterial. Director Stanwyck responded that staff could share a Fact Sheet about the misconceptions about artificial turf. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 3 Jerome Jones, YMCA, asked about future planning to develop land for the purpose of expanding youth sports within the community. Commissioner Parolini encouraged the public to participate in the City’s Specific Area Plans, such as Margarita and Airport Area Use. Director Stanwyck reminded Commission of its Advisory Body Goals which included an update of Parks and Recreation Element for identification of a master plan for future recreation facilities. Chair Davis acknowledged that there is a lack of community sports fields’ currently not meeting demand. Commission Comments Commissioner Baker asked for clarification about Lacrosse use at Damon Garcia. Staff Hendricks responded that Darrel Damon field was used for Adult Lacrosse and resulted in significant negative impacts to the field. He shared that the industry standard for turf is 20 hrs play/per field/month. Damon Garcia currently has 40-50 hrs play/per field/month which is not sustainable. Staff Hyfield added that Fall most impacted times for use and through field rotation, the City is trying to accommodate user requests. Director Stanwyck added that with new development there could be a potential for new parks and identification of opportunities for additional fields in the community. 3. LAGUNA LAKE GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY GARDEN DONATION (Setterlund) Staff presented a proposed Community Garden Donation at the Laguna Lake Golf Course. Staff Dave Setterlund, One Cool Earth and the Monday Noon-time Kiwanis Club presented a joint proposal for donation of a new community garden. The presentation summarized the benefits of this location, population density and water accessibility. The donors hosted several community workshops and received feedback. A summary of the workshop feedback was provided to the Commission. The Community Garden would include 42 plots, several ADA accessible garden beds and native drought-tolerant plantings. Construction of the garden would not begin until the full funding is realized. Commission Comments Chair Davis asked who would assume the ongoing costs of the garden. Staff Setterlund responded that the costs would be absorbed into the existing operating budget. Replacement of timber, DG gravel and irrigation would become City minor capital projects within existing community services budget. Commissioner Regier asked about the overall demand for community gardens. Staff Setterlund shared that there are four community gardens with waiting list of over a year for new gardeners. The next closest community garden is located at Meadow Park. Commissioner Updegrove asked if the adjacent condominium concerns were resolved. Staff Setterlund responded that adjustments were made to the project scope to address community concerns. Commissioner Updegrove asked about the impacts of recycled water on c ommunity gardens. Staff responded that it is a standard use and less of impact on regularly tilled soil. Commissioner Parolini asked about access to recycled water and perimeter fencing. Deer fencing will be installed around perimeter of project with one point of entry at parking lot. One Cool Earth, Victoria Carranza, said the central area was designed as a display area for educational and horticulture purposes. Commissioner Parolini expressed his concern with the location of the ADA City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 4 plots and an accessible 3 ft. pathway. He would like to see a larger buffer zone and/or safety equipment (such as bollards) installed. Director Stanwyck responded that the City’s Building and Planning department would review and provide comments for all potential new construction. MOTION: (Kincaid/Updegrove) Recommendation Council consideration of the proposed Laguna Lake Community Garden Donation as presented by One Cool Earth and Monday Noon-time Kiwanis Club. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent 4. REVIEW OF CONCEPTUAL PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT LAYOUTS FOR SINSHEIMER PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT (Lief McKay, Principal Landscape Architect, RRM) Director Stanwyck introduced consultant Leif McKay, RRM. Leif has been working closely with City Engineer Bridget Fraser, and presented the Commission with conceptual ideas about playground equipment as a result of public outreach efforts. R. McKay presented to the Commission an overview of the proposed playground replacement project and noted that the current playground is not ADA compliant with the steep pathways and terrain. Community outreach was conducted this past summer at the Blues Baseball game and over 50+ participated, which is significant for a small neighborhood park. Participants placed “dots” to identify themes. Emerging Playground Themes: - Split terrain - Iconic element (tower) - Accessibility - Shade - Age ability/age appropriate - Climbing/Sliding - Less directed play Mr. McKay presented two recommended design options that incorporated the major themes within the design proposals. Director Stanwyck reiterated that the design manufacturers were responsive to community engagement. Parks Maintenance staff was involved in providing feedback on potential play equipment. The play equipment is intended to get and keep children moving. Staff will return to the Commission with more refined design following subsequent community workshops. Directed Stanwyck concluded that the approval process is anticipated in the Spring with intent for construction to begin in the Fall. Public Comment Stacey Talbert, SLO resident, said she would like to see ADA accessibility at the bottom of the slide. Mr. McKay responded that the bottom surfacing is ADA compliant. Commission Comment Commissioner Baker recommended the Miracle primary design concept with additional slide (double slide) and climbing option back to top of slide. Chair Davis concurred with this recommendation. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 5 Commissioner Kincaid added that this is an opportunity for Sinsheimer to be a signature park for the City and recommends design with wood materials as with the Hag design. Staff Hendricks responded that the maintenance differences between wood or metal posts is insignificant. Commissioner Updegrove preferred Miracle design and asked if an off-road bicycle element was being considered. Mr. McKay responded that this project is focused on the playground are and is not a part of greater circulation. Commissioner Parolini preferred look of Hags design with color variation, designs greater imaginary play and use of natural materials. Commissioner Regier expressed preference for the overall aesthetic of the Miracle design with concept of accessibility at dynamic levels. 5. PRESENTATION OF PICKLEBALL (Jean Hyduchak, Pickle Ball Association) Jean Hyduchak, USAPA, presented a brief overview about Pickleball and expressed a lack of Senior recreational sport programming for the City. Ms. Hyduchak asked about the 8 tennis courts at Cuesta College. Director Stanwyck responded that those courts are not under City jurisdiction. There are only 8 city tennis courts and under city jurisdiction; 6 Sinshiemer, 1 French, 1 Islay. Director Stanwyck shared that the City is offering a pilot program for Pickleball at the Ludwick Community Center on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00pm. Ms. Hyduchak asked the Commission to dedicate time at Sinshiemer park for when tennis courts are not in use and designate one court with permanent Pickleball netting/striping. Director Stanwyck said that French Park basketball courts could be used for drop-in play, as general public as first-come first serve and yielding etiquette. Public Comment Tom Freeman, SLO resident and Pickleball player, said he plays at his condominium complex at a basketball court. He added that is great exercise for older people as it is lower impact in a smaller space. He said that there are currently no public courts in the City. John Polar, SLO resident for 38 years and former tennis player, said the sport is easy to learn and play for all ages. He reiterated that SLO only city without dedicated Pickleball courts. Director Stanwyck added that there is active senior programming at the Laguna Lake Golf Course which has been identified as a future location for Pickleball, as well as several basketball courts located within the city. She answered Ms. Hyduchak regarding Sinshiemer tennis courts as these courts are built on School District property and are used regularly. She reminded the Commission that a budget request was submitted for consideration in the 2015-17 Financial Plan for Pickleball and new initiatives. She acknowledged that Pickleball is a growing sport and recognizes pent up demand for use and maintenance needs. 6. DIRECTOR’S REPORT In the interest of time, Director Stanwyck presented a quick summary of Parks and Recreation Department upcoming items.  Aquatics division is having a Free Family Safety Day event at Sinsheimer Pool on May 18th. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle 6  Ranger Service division is working on a Major City Goal for Open space maintenance. Current projects include a new re-route trail project at Cerro San Luis.  Golf Course is promoting the use of the new ADA golf cart through marketing materials  Youth Services just completed an All Star Fun Zone which served 120 for 4-6th graders.  Adult softball registration opened on February 2nd. The sports program is providing lunchtime Pickleball at the Ludwick Community Center on Wednesdays.  Community Services is busy prepping for the SLO Skate Park grand opening on Saturday, February 28th, 1:00 – 4:00pm.  The City went live with the new website 7. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker reported that he missed Tree Committee due to illness but reported the tree removal was approved for the 9/11 Memorial project at Fire Station No. 1. He further reported about the Tree Committee responded to illegal palm tree trimmings near the Graduate. Natural Resources: Commissioner Kincaid reported City adopted open space acquisition and maintenance as a Major City Goal and the Laguna Lake Conservation Plan as an Other Important Objective. Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove reported about Jack House Committee field trip to Jack Ranch on January 14th. She reported that the House will remain closed until Mother’s Day. School District: Commissioner Parolini said there was no meeting to report. Damon-Garcia: Commissioner Parolini shared information about Damon Garcia onsite water supply infrastructure. Commissioner Parolini said the City would be exempt from recycled water use when the City is in maintenance/renovation period. He shared that he will be meeting with new Deputy Director of Utilities, Aaron Floyd, to discuss the processes and next steps. Golf: Vice Chair Whitener was absent. No Report. Bicycle Committee: Commissioner Regier said there was nothing to report. Youth Sports: Chair Davis said he attended the YSA quarterly meeting. They have signed an agreement with the School District but still have limited access to fields. He added that sports participation is increasing and that AYSO is attracting youth from out of area to the sports program. 8. COMMUNICATIONS The Commission asked Director Stanwyck to provide an update on slacklining. Director Stanwyck responded that the City’s General Plan and Conservation element define what uses are allowed in open spaces. She continued that last year the ordinance was amended to allow slacklining in city parks. Slacklining is currently prohibited on Bishops’ Peak and in the open space. Further changes would require the Commission to recommend to Council the amendment of the adopted Conservation and Open Space plan to allow “active” recreation in the open space. Rock climbing is allowed on Bishop’s peak only as is has been grandfathered in as historical use. The City Attorney and Risk Manager have provided feedback for liability issues of “active” uses within the open space. Staff’s role is to implement existing policies as approved by the City Council. She reminded the