HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 03-04-2015 Minutes_FINALCity of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
1
SLO Senior Center
1445 Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 4:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 4:30 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: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Dave Setterlund, Doug Davidson, Phil
Dunsmore, Brian Leveille, Jamie Hill
Public Comment
None
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES of Regular Meeting of February 4, 2015.
Amendments provided in writing by Commissioner Updegrove.
MOTION: (Kincaid/Parolini) Approve the Minutes of February 4, 2015 as amended.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
2. COMMUNITY INPUT FOCUS: SENIOR PROGRAMS (Chair Davis, Dave
Setterlund, Recreation Supervisor)
Presentation Summary
Director Stanwyck introduced Recreation Supervisor, Dave Setterlund, who presented to the
Commission a summary of the City’s Senior Programs. Staff Setterlund shared with the
Commission about the City’s longstanding (37 year) commitment to provide a safe and healthy
environment for Seniors to recreate, and to support quality of life through cultural, civic and
economic development. The City provides funding, the Senior Center facility, staff (Parks &
Recreation, Public Works and the Finance & Information Technology Departments) and
programming activities and events for the Senior Center. Senior Center provides volunteer
management (approximately 1700 volunteer hours annually) and the daily operations of the center
which includes over 200 members. In addition to Senior Center activities, the Parks and Recreation
Department utilizes other program resources to provide senior programming at the Laguna Lake Golf
Course, Sinshiemer Pool, Boomer Recreational Sports and a new pilot program for Pickleball. Staff
Setterlund spoke about future opportunities for Senior Programming to include multi -modal
opportunities, incorporate technology, expand upon current recreational programming and
community outreach.
Meeting Minutes
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2
Public Comment
Jean Hyduchak, Pickleball advocate, asked about the new pilot Pickleball program at Meadow Park
and when the court lining would become permanent. Staff Mudgett responded the pilot program
will be ongoing for the next year to allow staff to evaluate the program and resources needed.
James Warner, Pickleball Association, expressed that the sport is great for the aging population. San
Luis Obispo is the only City in the County that doesn’t have designated Pickleball courts. He urged
the Commissioners to continue to support Pickleball.
Barbara Pfisher, San Luis Obispo resident, spoke about the need for improved technology at the
Senior Center to help bring in more of the male population to its membership.
Mary Vandenberg, Senior Center Executive Board member, shared that the Senior Center is a
volunteer-based program geared to older and less active seniors. She expressed that the Senior
Center should remain the community asset. She looks forward to working with Parks and Recreation
staff in support of the partnership agreement, future programming and a Needs Assessment for the
Senior Center. She invited anyone 55+ years to join the Senior Center with membership costing $12
/year.
Dixon Moore, San Luis Obispo resident, asked if the horseshoe pits at Santa Rosa Park could be
converted to Pickleball. Director Stanwyck responded that would need to be a capital improvement
project for Council approval. Mr. Dixon asked about the lack of Senior Softball in San Luis.
Director Stanwyck responded that there was a previous Senior Softball league but it was
discontinued because there was not enough interest/participation to form a league.
Commission Comments
Chair Davis complemented staff on development of a Pilot program for Pickleball at the Ludwick.
Community Center and Meadow Park. He stated that he felt provided Pickleball programs three
days per week and two locations was meeting an underserved need of the community and would
allow for City staff the time needed to fully analyze this recreational opportunity.
Vice Chair Whitener asked about the budget support for the Senior Center. Director Stanwyck
responded that the City commits approximately $250,000 annually for staff, facilities and ongoing
programming. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the budget request to update the
Parks and Recreation General Element will be presented to Council in April.
Commisioner Parolini restated some Capital Improvement Projects that have occurred at the Senior
Center over the past few years, such as the kitchen remodel and the parking lot.
3. OVERVIEW OF PARK IN LIEU AND SPECIFIC AREA FEES (Brian Leveille,
Senior Planner)
Community Development staff presented to the Commission the background and status of the
planned Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) and recreational resources. The OASP was adopted in
2010 and provides a comprehensive development plan to guide public and private development in
the planning area. The OASP anticipated a maximum of 979 residential units. Planned recreational
resources in the OASP include both 12 acre neighborhood and 2.5 acre linear parks, open space and
1.5 acres of parkland. There are currently three development applications in process for the OASP;
Righetti Ranch, Jones Ranch and West Creek Development.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
3
Commission Comments
Chair Updegrove asked about the status of other developments. Senior Planner, Phil Dunsmore,
responded that this unknown at this time.
4. CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF WEST CREEK (Jamie Hill, Senior Planning
Consultant)
Director Stanwyck introduced the City’s Contract Planner, Jamie Hill, for the presentation of the
West Creek project. Staff member Hill presented to the Commission an introduction and conceptual
overview of the West Creek project design and park proposal for new residential development in the
northeastern area of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan.
The West Creek project is an 18.5 acre development consisting of 165 residential units, 2.34 acres
of improved parkland and 6.6 acres of open space. This proj ect is requesting a waiver of parkland
impact fees in order to provide parkland not otherwise identified in the OASP. The proposed
parkland not only serves the OASP properties, but the adjacent underserved neighborhoods that no
other location in the OASP does or will serve. The proposed West Creek park areas will be the only
park within a ¼ mile/5 minute walking radius for the surrounding neighborhoods.
The applicant is seeking the Commission’s preliminary feedback on the project. Staff will be
returning to the Commission for a more formal review with specific analysis of the West Creek
parkland proposal, amenities, maintenance responsibilities and parkland fees at a future date.
Commission Comment
Commission Updegrove asked about bridges over creek walk. Staff Hill clarified that there will be
pedestrian access but no bridge to traverse the creek due to permitting/building challenges. She
recommended the applicant include Pickleball courts as part of the parks amenities for active uses.
Commissioner Kincaid asked if there was a mechanism in place to increase City operating budgets
for ongoing parks maintenance. Staff member Hill answered that changes to operating budgets
would ultimately depend upon what is dedicated to the City.
Commissioner Parolini expressed that he was not in favor of waiving in-lieu fees for private front
yards and recommend removing front yards from the acre total. Staff member Dunsmore thanked
the Commission for its feedback and reminded that the applicant will return to the Commission with
revised plan.
Vice Chair Whitener asked the Commission for conceptual support of the West Creek proposal as
presented to have met the need for reduction in parkland in-lieu fees. The majority feel that the
parkways could be considered part of the parkland development with connectivity to the rest of
development.
5. REVIEW OF TWO ORCUTT PLAN TRACT MAP APPLICATIONS FOR BOTH
RIGHETTI AND JONES RANCHES (Doug Davidson, Deputy Director of Community
Development, David Watson, Consulting Planner, Watson Planning Consultants)
City Staff Davidson and Consultant Planner, David Watson, presented to the Commission on the
parks and open space components of the Righetti Ranch and Jones Ranch proposals. These two
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
4
proposed developments are a part of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and are currently under the
Planning Commission and City Council review. The presentation included the status of permitting,
tract map proposals including proposed parks, open space and trails systems to serve the OASP
neighborhood.
Righetti Ranch project calls for 12 acre neighborhood park during phase 1 development of the
OASP. The project proposes a slight reconfiguration of the 11.63 acre neighborhood park as
proposed in 2010, allowing for a combination of high and medium density residential uses transitions
away from the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The reconfiguration does not result in a loss of
parklands for this public facility. While these plans are conceptual, the park as envisioned by the
applicant to include soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, Creekside trails, restrooms and
parking. The applicant intends to provide the parkland and the park in-lieu fees for the development
and future maintenance of the parks by the City.
The Jones Ranch proposal includes 65 residential units, 11.56 acres and 2.03 acres of open space.
The proposal does not contain parklands, but it does include common areas and extension of trails to
connect to the Righetti Ranch and other OASP properties. The proposed Righetti and Jones Ranch
projects will be a significant step forward with development in the Orcutt Planning Area, with the
Righetti project creating most of the public parklands and public trails as described by the OASP.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Parolini asked when the park requirement would be built as part of the development
project. Staff Davidson replied that this requirement would occur as part of Phase 1 of the OASP
project development elements. He reiterated that the development project would return to
Commission for its review and discussion about impacts of parks maintenance. Commissioner
Parolini expressed he would like to see lighting of active recreational areas. Staff Watson responded
that the approved EIR for the project currently prohibits night lighting.
6. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Stanwyck presented a summary of Parks and Recreation Department upcoming items.
The new Skate Park grand opening had an estimated 4,000 people in attendance. City staff continue
to meet regarding operational issues of the park. The City has received positive feedback about
night lighting. Staff is working on a budget request for the installation of ballfield netting at the
park.
New Pilot Program initiated for Pickleball at Ludwick Community Center and Meadow Park. Staff
will return to Commission following the conclusion of a pilot program to present Commission with
several options to consider about ongoing programming.
New upcoming events include the Family Water Safety Day at Sinsheimer Pool, Giants Trophy Tour
and Egg Hunt at Mitchel Park.
The City approved a Major City Goal for Open Space Acquisition and Maintenance. A budget
request has been submitted for trail enhancements and a master plan.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
5
7. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker reported review of illegal removal of trees by PG&E
and mitigation efforts.
Natural Resources: Commissioner Kincaid reported City is reviewing appraisals for Ahern
properties. Awaiting Archeological for Ocean View trail (on BLM property). Working on
Laguna Lake Implementation Plan. He noted that 68 dead Monterey Pines were removed
from Laguna Lake Park.
Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove reported that Jack House Chair, Ron Batterson,
announced retirement. The Jack House wallpaper remodel has been completed. The
Committee is working on developing policies for cleaning of historic structures.
School District: Commissioner Parolini said there was nothing to report.
Damon-Garcia: Commissioner Parolini shared that he met with the Deputy Director of
Utilities and Distribution Manager regarding the use of potable water on the fields.
Golf: Vice Chair Whitener said that rounds were up in February with increase revenue by
11%. There is currently a capital improvement project for ADA restroom design at the golf
course. Staff continues to enhance partnerships with Cal Poly marketing and outreach.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
Dedication of Service Plaques for Chair Davis and Commissioner Kincaid.
Adjourned at 8:35pm to the April 1, 2015 Regular Meeting located in the Council Chambers at
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 6, 2015.
________________________________________________
Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager