HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 11-4-15 Minutes_FINALParks and Recreation Commission
.. f. Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, November 4, 2015, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:32 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: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck,
Hyfield, Marcus
(Consultant)
Public Comment
None
Melissa Mudgett, Bob Hill, Lindsey Stephenson, Devin
Carloni, John Rickenbach (Contract Planner), Pam Ricci
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES (Committee)
Motion: ( / ) Approve Meeting Minutes of November 4, 2015 as amended.
Approved: 7 yes: Ono: 0 absent
1. QUARTERLY REPORT LAGUNA LAKE (Hill)
Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager, shared that with the adoption of 2015 -17 Financial Plan
was the authorization to begin implementation of Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation
Plan. The first years of the Conservation Plan focus on Laguna Lake Management dredging and
sediment management projects, design engineering and provision for the extension of ADA trail.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the Dredging and Management Plan and the City
received 4 sealed bids from qualified firms. Staff Hill expressed that one firm stood out in their
"teamed- approach" to the project and knowledge about the project's financial component.
Currently, City staff is in contract negotiations with MNS Engineers. The City Manager will be
reviewing staff's recommendations and determine authorization and award of contract is
expected within a few weeks.
2. REVIEW OF PARK PROPOSAL AND PARK CREDIT REQUEST FOR WEST CREEK
PROJECT (Carloni)
Marcus Carloni, Associate Planner, presented to the Commission an overview of the Orcutt Area
Specific Plan (OASP) West Creek Project. This project was first presented to the Commission
on March 4, 21015 for conceptual review. Staff Carloni added that tonight's presentation is a
second conceptual review. In summary, the project includes 105 multi - family dwelling units, 67
single family units and 2.2 acres of parkland. The developer applicant is seeking 3.66 acres of
parks and open space credits. City staff recommends no further credits for acquisition and credit
fees at this time.
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Pam Ricci, Planner with RRM Design group and representative of the applicant, provided a
detailed review of the West Creek project and how the project is consistent with the OASP
requirements and the proposed park elements meet specified conditions for parkland. The West
Creek project provides for additional facility amenities for adjacent and connecting development
sites; such as Righetti Ranch and the Wingate Project. In addition, there is an increase in mixed -
dwelling units from the first conceptual review resulting in increased parkland fees. As a result,
the applicant seeks the Commissions' consideration of alternative no. 1 and recommendation for
City's acceptance of the proposed public parklands and open space dedications and
improvements presented by the West Creek project, and that the proposed dedications and
improvements receive a partial or full "credit" for the OASP Public Facilities Finance Plan fees.
RRM Design Group staff presented to the Commissioners a more detailed overview of the West
Creek project. Chris Dufour, RRM Landscape Architect, provided an overview of the proposed
project's landscaping, park amenities and linear park elements (maintained by HOAs) which
includes bocce ball, horseshoe pits, a concrete ping -pong table, decorative chess tables and
rubberized safety surfaces. Mr. Aaron Abbott, of Robbins Reed, Inc., provided an overview of
project financial costs as outlined below;
Summary of West Creek Project Parkland fees;
• $1.2m original projected fees
• $1.6m fiscal increase
• $1.87m with new multi -unit dwelling fee structure
The new fee structure represents a nearly $400,000 increase in fees from originally projected.
As a result, the applicant is seeking the Commission's support of partial Parkland credit of 50%
to make West Creek Project financially feasible.
Commissioner Comments:
Chair Whitener, asked of the proposed park amenities would be possible if the applicant does not
receive "credits ". The applicant responded that the project will need to be revised to accommodate
the project costs and that some of the proposed amenities may need to be eliminated. Chair
Whitener asked for clarification on which type of fees can be waived by the Commission. Director
Stanwyck responded that the Park Development Fees (the costs for construction of the park) can be
waived. Staff Carloni cited Section 2.9 of the Specific Plan which indicates a waiver of parkland fee
in lieu of providing park amenities on site. Chair Whitener asked if the OASP is consistent with the
adopted Parks and Recreation Element. Director Stanwyck said that the OASP was adopted after the
Parks and Recreation Element. Chair Whitener said he is concerned that the proposed park and open
space does not meet the needs of Regional Park and therefore he does not support the waiver of
parkland fees as proposed.
Director Stanwyck added that additional and ongoing maintenance costs are not factored into the
projected fees costs. Staff Carloni confirmed that parkland credits would result in less fees being
added to the Parkland Fund; which could be used to support a larger regional park and amenities in
the future.
Commissioner Parolim said he viewed linear parks as smaller parks serving specific neighborhoods
only. He supports the approval of parkland fee credits.
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Commissioner Updegrove acknowledged the challenging topography of the project site. She asked
if the dry creek bed was accessible and said she viewed the creek land (even if not developed) as
valuable park space.
Mr. Abbott cited Section 2.3.4 OASP Policy and added that this development meets parkland criteria
set forth in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan by addressing unmet community -wide parkland needs with
the added park/trail connectivity, serving adjacent neighborhoods, the location and types of
amenities proposed, and that these amenities can be provided without a reduction in developments'
dwelling units.
Vice Chair Regier expressed concerned about additional maintenance responsibility should the City
assume ownership of the developed park. He would not support the park deeded over to the City
Motion: (Baker /Regier) Recommend City Council's acceptance of the West Creek project as
proposed design is consistent with the OASP and General Plan criteria and policy guidance for
the design of parks and open space.
Approved: 5 yes: 2 no: 0 absent
Motion: (Regier /Baker) Support partial project "credit" relief of Parkland Development fees in
return for assurance that the park features are developed and continue discussions with the
applicant to explore creative solutions concerning ongoing park and proposed park amenity
maintenance.
Approved: 7 yes: Ono: 0 absent
3. REVIEW UPDATED AVILA RANCH PLAN CONCEPTS ( Rickebach)
John Rickenbach, Contract Planner, provided a second conceptual project overview for the Avila
Ranch project. This project includes 150 acres, 700 dwelling units and 16 acres of park. The project
includes 9.8 acres of neighborhood park, 6.2 acres of mini pocket parks and 1.5 acres of community
needs facilities. Staff Rickenbach reminded the Commission of original feedback provided to the
applicant which included consideration of residential accessibility, bike connectivity, address lacking
recreation facilities (such as community garden, pickleball, off - leash, tot lots, sports fields and shade
trees), co- mingle parking uses as a part of the project design. Staff Rickenbach added that the
applicant will return the Commission following the draft EIR and public input process. The applicant
is seeking the Commission's guidance regarding the proposed modifications to the conceptual
design.
Commission Comments:
Commissioner Updegrove indicated the new park location is further away from higher density areas
and asked how the applicant will address accessibility. Mr. Steve Peck, applicant, responded that a
new pedestrian bridge has been added to support pedestrianibicycle connectivity and a straightening
of the bike path was made to improve connectivity with a direct route. The applicant is working with
the County of San Luis Obispo for additional bike bridges. In addition, a community garden has
been incorporated into the conceptual design.
Vice Chair Regier asked about the consideration of using this area for organized recreational sports.
The applicant responded that the proposed design is that of a neighborhood park which will be
supported through Community Services District (CSD) fees.
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Commissioner Parolini said he would like to see regulation -sized sports fields considered in future
development designs.
The Parks and Recreation Commission thanked the applicant for incorporating the Commission's
and the Bicycle Advisory Committee's feedback into the overall project design. The Parks and
Recreation Commission concurred with the design changes as proposed by the applicant in the
second conceptual review.
4. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (Stanwyck)
Director Stanwyck presented the draft Open Space Maintenance Plan to the Commission. She added
that the draft plan will be presented at the Commissions' next meeting on December 2, 2015.
Director Stanwyck informed the Commission that there will be three public input sessions designed
to seek public feedback about the plan. The plan will be provided for Council consideration on
December 17`h. Director Stanwyck indicated that through this process the City has learned that we
are forerunners in the development of an Open Space Maintenance Plan as many municipalities in
the Unites States to not have one. Staff will be seeking Commission feedback about the draft plan on
December 2nd
5. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS (all)
• Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Baker reported that adult sports are going
well. Softball will be ending November 18. Adult Softball will begin Spring season in
March 2016. There is no report for the Senior Center. Golf Course revenue is up.
• Bicycle Advisory Vice Chair Regier said that the BAC reviewed the Avila Ranch Plan.
There is a new program for "adopt a bike trail ". The Committee discussed a bike bridge at
Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR), bike parking for events and the recently approved Railroad
Safety Trail (RRST) extension.
• City Facilities (Damon Garcia. Golf Pool & Joint Use Facilities) Commissioner Parolini
said the pool is still under construction.
• Jack House Committee: Commissioner Updegrove said she missed the last meeting but
reported that the "Haunted Stories of Old San Luis" reported 140 people touring the house.
• Tree Committee: Commissioner Olson reported that the Fall Arbor Day Celebration will be
held on November 7`h 10:00am at Fire Station #1 (2160 Santa Barbara Street). There will be
a "lunch and learn" meeting to learn more about the City's tree removal process on Nov 19,
2016 from 12:OOpm- 1:OOpm.
• Youth Sports: Commissioner Single said he was unable to attend the YSA meeting. Chair
Whitener attended the meeting and reported that the YSA field goals have been installed at
Laguna Middle School. The YSA contract with the School District remains on a year -to -year
contract basis and he reported that the YSA pays $25,000 to the School District for annual
field use.
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
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'�i C M*",y
Adjourned at 8:03pm to the Regular Meeting on December 2, 2015 at the Council Chambers,
990 Palm Street, at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 2, 2015.
Melissa C. Idgett, Recreation Manager i