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Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
3 August, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Committee Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 3rd day of August,
2016 at 5:32 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California,
by Chair Whitener.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members Douglas Single, Greg Avakian and newly sworn-in Commissioner Rodney
Thurman, and Chair Jeff Whitener
Absent: Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Susan Updegrove,
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Supervisor Devin Hyfield, Natural
Resources Manager Bob Hill
PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, APPOINTMENTS
1. Oath of Office
The City Clerk provided the Oath of Office for new Parks and Recreation Commissioner;
Rodney Thurman
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 6, 2016 AS AMENDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SINGLE.
2. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 4:0:0:3 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the
meeting of 07/06/2016.
AYES: AVAKIAN, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: OLSON, SCHWAB, UPDEGROVE
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 3, 2016 Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
3. Presentation of Conceptual Designs and Proposed Park Site Plan for Froom/Il Villagio
Project
ACTION: RECEIVE INFORMATION AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK
Contract Planner, Shawna Scott, presented to the Commission the Conceptual Park Site
Plan component of the Froom / Il Villagio Specific Plan (Madonna on Los Osos Valley
Road Specific Plan). The proposed project would require several entitlements, which
would ultimately lead to the development of the project site. The applicant is proposing
a mix of land uses including a Continuing Care Retirement Community, housing,
commercial, open space, and park land. The applicant has identified an additional,
adjacent, 7.4-acre parcel located within the City limits as the potential site for a park.
Ms. Scott added that this is the first review of the project by the Parks and Recreation
Commission. She noted that the applicant is seeking early feedback from the
Commission on the proposed, conceptual, park facilities identified for the Specific
Plan, and for the Commission to provide preliminary input with respect to their
potential consistency with policies and programs contained in the Parks and Recreation
Element before preparing the Draft Specific Plan for the project.
Ms. Scott noted that the applicant team met with Parks and Recreation while
developing conceptual plans to determine the character and range of improvements
desired in a park for this project. The applicant has made an effort to make the character
of the proposed park more “naturalistic”, celebrating the “uniqueness of the site”. In
addition, parking and access to the open space have been identified as priorities at this
location. Ms. Scott said that the applicant is proposing a 4.7-acre park with the
following amenities:
Parking lot area to provide approximately 26 spaces
Historic plaza including relocated historic residence and bunkhouse (to be used as a
ranger’s office and storage building) and a public restroom
Playground area with naturalistic equipment
Dog park area
Wetland overlook
Trail rest area
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Developer Representative, Pam Ricci, RRM spoke about the park design
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Single asked for clarification on screening between current development (Home
Depot) and Primary Park in reference to area in between park and Home Depot. Director
Stanwyck responded that loading area could not be adjusted but that fencing could be required
to alleviate safety concerns behind the trees. Commissioner Single expressed concern about
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 3, 2016 Page 3
safety and suggested small fencing. Ms. Ricci responded that the plans at this time are
conceptual.
Commissioner Thurman asked about workout equipment and the continued usage of the
equipment.
Commissioner Avakian asked about access to the park with the adjacent Home Depot and
Costco traffic. Ms. Ricci commented added that there has been discussion with current stores
for alternate routes.
Commissioner Avakian commented on senior living and access to the trail through the new
proposed neighborhood. Ms. Ricci added that there would be additional pedestrian access
between residential trails with a five-minute walk. Commissioner Thurman commented about
trailhead plaza being private. Commissioner Avakian asked about lighting and ADA access.
Chair Whitener asked about connectivity of the park to City. Ms. Scott responded that the park
would connect to Irish hills and current development with potential additional connection.
Commissioner Single said he viewed the conceptual park design more as a pocket park and
noted the need for a dog park in this area.
Chair Whitener added he was not in support of the location as there was not enough usable park
space.
Public Comments:
Michael Parolini, San Luis resident, commented that the conceptual design does not feel like a
typical park given its isolation and potential maintenance issues and suggested this located be
considered as open space.
Neil Havlik, San Luis resident, agreed that this is not an ideal location for a park.
John Madonna, San Luis resident, spoke about the ease of access to the trailhead as opposed to
the access from Madonna Road.
4. Update for Laguna Lake Dredging Project Relative to Laguna Lake Park
ACTION: RECEIVE INFORMATION AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK
Natural Resources Manager, Bob Hill, presented the Commission with an update on the Laguna
Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project relative to the Laguna Lake Park Area. He
added that he is seeking the Commission’s input about the recreational uses at Laguna Lake
Park and Natural Reserve.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Thurman commented about capturing sediment attachment into the lake. Hill
explained the procedure in excavation of sediment and dewatering plans for removal.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 3, 2016 Page 4
Commissioner Single asked about the dry lake conditions and cost associated with dredging.
Staff Hill explained difference between hydraulic (wet) and mechanical (dry) dredging and
condition of lake during dry conditions.
Commissioner Avakian asked about the project duration and impact on other park usage. Staff
Hill responded that dredging would potentially occur over several seasons to minimize
construction impacts and employ a sediment management strategy that would limit amount of
sediment flowing into lake, thereby minimizing future impacts to the lake. Staff Hill added that
there would be minimal impacts to the public and estimated approximately 400 cubic yards per
day could be removed (approximately 10 truckloads).
Public Comments:
Mike Parolini asked about the cost of the project and the tax incurred by the residences of
Laguna Lake.
John Smeglski, San Luis resident, asked if the improvements to Vista Lago Park would be
associated with the project. Staff Hill responded to provide feedback about how the
improvements could be incorporated.
5. Selection of Wes Conner Awardee for 2016
Director Stanwyck recommended the Commission postpone this agenda item to the September
meeting to allow the full Commission the opportunity to consider and select the Wes Conner
awardee.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMITTEE
MEMBER SINGLE, to recommend postponing the selection of the 2016 Wes Conner Awardee
to the September 7, 2016 meeting. Motion passed 4:0:3:0 on the following roll call vote:
AYES: AVAKIAN, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: OLSON, SCHWAB, UPDEGROVE
6. Discussion of Annual Park Tour Dates and Topics
Director Stanwyck explained the itinerary of annual park tour and potential locations to visit.
The Commission agreed to finalize this at its September meeting.
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.
Hydro Flask Rewards for staff
Box Art Policy – Vote for next locations to be painted by August 28th
SLO Triathlon - a Success!
Movies in the Mission, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of August 3, 2016 Page 5
Family Overnight Camp Out in Laguna Lake Park will be held on August 13-14
Skate Park Ramp n’ Roll 8/20 (Fun & Educational Event)
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner 9/22 (at Jack House)
Commission Communications
LIAISON REPORTS
Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single said adult softball ended last week
and it was a great season. Fall softball sign-ups are starting. French Park pickleball is
being played twice weekly after restriping of the basketball courts . The Ludwick
Community Center hosts volleyball and table tennis – and attendance is in good numbers.
Adult soccer is starting at Damon Garcia Sports Fields. Seniors are staying active with
fun, well-attended, activities at senior center including bunko and bridge. Commissioner
Single requested a list of Senior Center Board Meeting dates.
Bicycle Advisory: No report. Commissioner Olson absent.
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Avakian said that summer is busy. Damon-Garcia is open as of August 1 but still closed
on Mondays for field recovery. Jack House weddings are booked through October. New
tables were ordered for the Ludwick Community Center. The City/County Library
conference room will be reserved for library use from October 2016 through January
2017. The Swim Center had a rise in attendance and will be closed for two weeks in
August for maintenance. Golf Course had good summer with rounds up 100 from
previous month and 550 rounds in one weekend. Increased youth participation at the Golf
Course and increase in merchandise sale. Tournaments were held over summer months.
Middle school classes held at Golf Course during school year.
Jack House Committee: No Report. Vice Chair Updegrove was absent.
Tree Committee: No Report. New subcommittee assignment for Commissioner
Thurman.
Youth Sports: Chair Whitener said YSA had some issues with field use due to
construction at SLO High School. YSA is planning a meeting with the School District to
discuss topics related to youth sports.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission is scheduled for 07, September, 2016 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 09/07/2016