HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 04-01-2015 Minutes_FINALCity of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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City Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, April 1, 2015, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Jeff Whitener and Commissioners Ryan Baker, Susan Olson,
Michael Parolini, Ron Regier, Douglas Single and Susan Updegrove
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Bob Hill, Bridget Fraser, Anthony Mejia,
Leif McKay (RRM)
Public Comment
None
1. OATH OF OFFICE (City Clerk)
City Clerk issued Oath of Office to Susan Olson and Douglas Single.
2. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES of Regular Meeting of March 4, 2015 deferred to May
5, 2015.
3. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (Committee)
MOTION: (Parolini/Updegrove) Election of Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, Jeff
Whitener, and Vice Chair, Ron Regier.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
4. SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND APPOINTMENTS FOR 2015-16 (Committee)
Director Stanwyck presented new subcommittees focused on areas of interest for the Commission;
Jack House, Tree Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Youth Services Association, City
Facilities. The five committees will allow for a commissioner to be available for adhoc committees
throughout the year. She added that the increased community input effort and regular attendance by
Natural Resources staff will hopefully provide a forum for discussion at Commission Meetings.
Commissioners recommended adding a subcommittee for Adult & Senior representation.
City Facilities - Parolini
Jack House - Updegrove
Adult & Senior Programming - Baker
Youth Services Association - Single
Bicycle Advisory Committee – Regier
Tree Committee - Olson
Meeting Minutes
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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5. BYLAWS REVIEW AND REVISIONS (Chair)
Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the last Bylaws revision was to move the meeting
time to an earlier time in the day. The Commission discussed the option of removing the Parks and
Recreation Commissioner as a voting member of the Tree Committee. The Commission
recommends no changes to the Bylaws.
6. TERRACE HILL CONSERVATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN REVIEW (Bob Hill)
Director Stanwyck introduced Natural Resources Manager, Bob Hill, and City Biologist, Freddy
Otte, for the presentation. Director Stanwyck recused herself from the discussion for potential
conflict of interest.
Staff Hill presented the Terrace Hill Conservation and Open Space Plan. There has been no
conservation plan to guide open space management of Terrace Hills which include 23 acres of land
surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The historical nature of Terrace Hill is due to the advent
of the railroad. He noted the most prominent features of Terrace Hill being the outstanding views.
Staff Hill shared that conservation guidelines for the management of open space properties includes
policies and wildfire preparedness. Staff Hill reminded the Commission that the Rachel Court trail
easement at the base of Terrace Hill was recently accepted by Council.
Staff Otte said that a biological inventory was taken of Terrace Hill which identified various plants
and animal specifies. A Needs Assessment of Terrace Hill identified improved trailhead
enhancements, signage and trail circulation, identified invasive species control, a fire protection
program, increased patrols, maintenance of drainage facilities, storm water and soil erosion control,
drainage basin maintenance, wildfire preparedness (goats), allowed active uses of this open space
(such as bikes), removal of old antiquated irrigation and dead trees/shrubs.
The management goals for Terrace Hill are to conserve and enhance habitat, encourage recreational
activities, address sedimentation issues, minimize impacts, protect aesthetic views, designate as
historical and cultural resources and provide for regular monitoring. Staff reminded the Commission
about the emphasis on maintenance as part of the Open Space Major City Goal.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Updegrove asked about trail maintenance at Bishop Street entrance to the left of the
Jennifer Street trail. Staff Hill said this trail area is currently overgrown with chaparral and would be
a good location area for goats to provide weed abatement. Staff Hill continued that contract services
would be used at Jennifer Street trail to overturn soil, add water bars and reduce future erosion in this
area. He added that there will be improved access and trailhead control at Bishop Street to allow for
strollers.
Vice Chair Regier said he would support bicycle use of Terrace Hill. He also supports exploration of
Rachel Court trailhead relocation with developers to minimize impacts to adjacent neighbors.
Chair Whitener concurred with Vice Chair Regier. He was complementary of Staff Hill and Otte’s
presentations.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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Public Comment
Don Wiggan, resident of Paul Lane, said he borders Rachel Court where new trailhead is proposed.
His property is not fenced and visually exposed to the new trail placement between their residence
and a 12 ft. retaining wall. He asked the Commission consider the trail relocation on the other side
near a fenced residence. Staff Hill acknowledged the privacy issues and an impact to the residence.
Staff Hill said he would be willing to approach other properties owners to explore a realignment to
give some protection to the property owners. Staff Hill continued that he would discuss this
potential realignment of Rachel Court trailhead with the developers and to Council on May 16, 2015.
MOTION: (Regier/Updegrove) Recommend to City Council adoption of the Terrace Hill
Conservation and Open Space.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
7. REVIEW PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT LAYOUTS FOR SINSHEIMER PARK
(Bridget Fraser, Lief McKay)
Director Stanwyck introduced Senior Civil Engineer, Bridget Fraser, and Consultant, Leif McKay
(RRM), for the presentation of the revised conceptual design of the Sinsheimer Park Playground
Replacement project. Consultant McKay provided the Commission with a brief recap of the process
and project goals. In summary, the playground design utilizes existing slopes, provides signature
features, improves accessibility and offers a variety of new play experiences. Individual elements
were recommended through both student and community feedback. The project schedule is
estimated to have a final design in the Spring and construction to begin in the Fall. Completion of
the playground is estimated for late 2015/early 2016.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Single asked about opportunities for disabled access to enjoying the playground park.
Consultant McKay responded that the design address the physical disabled access with fully
accessible paths, bridge feature, slides and ground level activities. This design provides a variety of
elements to accommodate a range of experiences.
Commissioners thanked the Consultant RRM for incorporating stakeholder feedback and additional
inventive ADA compliance, above and beyond the minimal requirements, into the playground
design.
Commissioner Parolini asked about additional project funding should contingencies be needed. Staff
Fraser felt confident with current budget estimates.
MOTION: (Single/Baker) Recommend to City Council to approve the Sinsheimer Park Playground
conceptual design.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
8. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Stanwyck presented a summary of budget items to present to City Council on April 21,
2015 Strategic Budget Direction. Budget requests for Open Space and Maintenance are in support of
the Major City Goal. A Golf Course reorganization is within existing resources and focusses on two
programming elements of golf course maintenance and operations/programming. Capital
Improvement Projects for Public Art Funding, Laguna Lake ADA Accessible Trail and Tennis Court
lighting at Sinsheimer Park have also been submitted for Council consideration.
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission about upcoming Parks and Recreation events; such as
Spring Break Camps, the Pool is currently open for recreational swim, Saturday 4/4/2015 is the
annual Egg Hunt at Mitchell park, Pickelball is being played at Meadow Park and Ludwick
Community Center. Lastly, the SLO Triathlon registration opens on April 25th.
Public Comment
Scott Cleare, tennis advocate, urged Commission to continue to support the lighting of public tennis
courts for increased play. He added that the Commission consider seeking corporate sponsorship
opportunities to assist with funding.
9. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
Bicycle Committee: Vice Chair Ron Regier reported on the Major City Goal for Bicycle and
Pedestrian facilities. He added that the Committee is considering a project for bike lane
extension on California Street towards Monterey Street to the Railroad.
Tree Committee: Commissioner Baker had no report.
Jack House: Commissioner Updegrove said there was no meeting. No report.
School District: Commissioner Parolini said he had no report.
Damon-Garcia: Commissioner Parolini reported he was waiting to hear back from the
Utilities Department regarding potable water use. He added that Field A and C are closed for
turf maintenance. He noted that the bridge is dark in the evening and that there are transient
issues in park.
Golf: Chair Whitener said that golf rounds and revenues were both up 7%. He added that
more patrons were using the ADA golf cart. Chair Whitener shared that staff was
researching various staffing models for upcoming retirement of the Golf Supervisor, Todd
Bunte.
Director Stanwyck said she would email Commissioners for their preference on electronic or printed
Commission Meeting agendas.
10. COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Baker said that he will be absent for the May 6, 2015 meeting.
Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that the next meeting community input will focus on
Ranger Program and Open Space.
Adjourned at 7:50pm to the May 6, 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 __________________.
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Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager