HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 05-06-2015 Minutes_FINALParks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, May 6, 2015, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Jeff Whitener, Vice Chair Ron Regier and Commissioners Ryan Baker,
Susan Olson, Michael Parolini, Douglas Single and Susan Updegrove
ABSENT: Ryan Baker, Ron Regier, Doug Single
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Doug Carscaden
Public Comment
Gary Havas, Resident of San Luis Obispo, reminded the Commission that the Month of May is Bike
Month and encouraged the Commissions' participation in various biking events.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES (Committee)
Motion: (Updegrove /Parolini) Approve Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2015 and April 1, 2015 as
amended.
Approved: 4 yes: Ono: 3 absent
2. COMMUNITY INPUT FOCUS: RANGER SERVICE (Carscaden)
Doug Carscaden, Ranger Service Supervisor, presented to the Commission an overview of the City's
Ranger Service program. He provided an overview of the Ranger Service program budget and
staffing allocation. Currently the Ranger program provides support, patrol and trail maintenance for
twelve (12) designated open space areas; which encompasses over 4,000 acres of land with
approximately 47 miles of trail. The focus of the Ranger program is to provide for land restoration,
open space improvements, trail construction and maintenance, creek corridor clean -up and
educational programs.
Staff Carscaden reported on concerns with invasive animal species (wild pig) in the City's Open
Space. He added that the success of trails are due in large part to the extensive volunteer groups
(such as Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers (CCCMB), ECOSLO and individual volunteers
and interns) that provide approximately 4,000 hours annually of free labor for trail development and
maintenance through regular "Wednesday Work Days" and bi- annual "Trail - Werks" days. Staff
Carscaden shared with the Commission information about the monthly newsletter, SLO Stewards,
which delivers information about new trails and events.
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Staff Carscaden presented both Ranger and Stormwater program highlights and accomplishments in
the 2014 -15 fiscal year; such as Froom Ranch trail, Reservoir Canyon bridge replacement, Hill Street
sediment capture, creek corridor clean -up and environmental education programs.
The City Council adopted a Major City Goal as part of the 2015 -17 Financial Plan to address Open
Space Preservation: Protection and Maintenance. Staff Carscaden shared that some key components
of this goal include potential land acquisitions (1,000 acres of the Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch
and Ahern Ranch properties), additional Ranger staff and various capital improvement projects for
open space enhancements and trail maintenance. A prescriptive Open Space Maintenance Plan will
be developed and implemented as part of this City Goal.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Olson asked about Ranger maintenance in the City parks. Staff Carscaden responded
that the Public Works Department provides for park maintenance and that the Ranger program
provides for routine patrol of parks. The Ranger program also partners with the Police Department's
Community Action Team (CAT) to provide for transient services which includes park and creak
clean -ups as a result of illegal encampments.
The Commission thanked the Ranger Service staff for their continued commitment to the program.
Public Comment
Gary Havas, SLO resident, added that the new trail head at upper Prefumo Canyon is outstanding.
3. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (Stanwyck)
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update on current Parks and Recreation programs.
Pool
• Swim lessons begin next week
• Family Safety Day will be held on May 16`h to promote water safety
• Currently hiring for summer lifeguards
Golf
• Todd Bunte, Golf Supervisor, officially retired on May 4`h
• Organization changes at the golf course. Matt Nowlen hired as Golf Coordinator for
maintenance. Currently recruiting for the Maintenance Worker II position. The Golf
Program Coordinator recruitment will begin after Council's approval in June as part of the
Budget Hearings.
• Aeration and flushing of the greens were completed this week.
Youth Services
• Currently recruiting for Summer Camps staffing positions
• Family Carnival a huge success with over 300 people in attendance
• All Star Fun Zone will be held at the Ludwick Community Center on May 15`h
Sports
• Triathlon registration has over 700+ people already. Triathlon on July 26th
• Pickleball program updates at Ludwick Community Center and Meadow Park
• Jr. Giants youth baseball program starts June 16th
Community Services
• The Laguna Lake golf Course Community Garden donation will be presented to city Council
for its acceptance or rejection on June 2nd
• Broad Street Community Garden Clean -Up days on May 15 `h
4. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
• Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Baker was absent. No report.
• Bicycle Advisory: Vice Chair Regier was absent. No report.
• City Facilities (Damon Garcia. Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities) Commissioner Parolini
shared communications with the Deputy Director of Utilities, Aaron Floyd, regarding use of
potable water at Damon Garcia. Use of potable water on the fields is unlikely during State
drought conditions and conservation mandates. Commissioner Parolini said the fields will
be closed for maintenance and renovations beginning in May. Play will be allowed on a
field rotational basis to minimize the impacts.
Information was shared about a pending pool replastering capital improvement
project that will be before Council's review and approval on June 2, 2015. Director
Stanwyck shared with the Commission health and safety liability concerns, water
conservation and community outreach program for the project.
The Sinsheimer Park stair replacement capital improvement project will be delayed
slightly by two weeks.
The Santa Rosa Ballfield netting project is progressing and is anticipated for
completion by mid -July.
• Jack House Committee: Commissioner Updegrove reported that a new Chair and Vice Chair
were elected to the Committee. The Parks and Recreation staff reported to the Committee
on the noise ordinance and staff response for Jack House Events. The Jack House
Committee is looking into digital cataloging software with the History Center. She added
that the Jack House will be hosting a Mother's Day Concert in the gardens on May 9`"
• Tree Committee: Commissioner Olson reported that eleven (11) trees were on the agenda
for removals and one (1) tree for Heritage Tree consideration.
• Youth Sports: Commissioner Single was absent. No report.
COMMUNICATIONS
Director Stanwyck reported that next month's meeting will include a presentation by Bob Hill,
Natural Resources Manager, for the Bishop Peak Conservation Plan and an update on the Laguna
Lake Conservation Plan.
Next month's Community Input Focus will be Youth Services and General Park Facilities
Commissioner Parolini will not be in attendance for the June 3, 2015 meeting.
Adjourned at 7:13 pm to the June 3, 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 June 3, 2015.
Melissa C.Niiudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager
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