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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-17 PRC Minutes Minutes PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 06 September 2017 Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Commission CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 6th day of September 2017 at 5:31 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation Administration Conference Room located at 1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Avakian. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Greg Avakian, and Commissioners Susan Olson, Keri Schwab and Jeff Whitener Absent: Vice Chair Rodney Thurman Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett, Associate Planner Rebecca Gershow PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Tim Duttle, representative of a commercial business, shared a proposal to have a steam locomotive train (3/4 size) constructed around Laguna Lake Park. Mr. Duttle proposed a concessionaire model with the City to operate the train at this location. He anticipated that construction would leave a minimal footprint in the park (approximately 5-6 feet – width of the track). Director Stanwyck shared information about the City’s the RFP/Bid process. She added that the Laguna Lake Natural Conservation Plan did not include a steam railroad as a future envisioned use. Director Stanwyck continued that the upcoming Parks and Recreation Element Update and Master Plan would be a community-based process; designed to identify future needs and community priorities. CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR JUNE 7, 2017 AND JULY 5, 2017. 1. Consideration of Minutes CARRIED 4:0:0:1 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the regular meeting of 6/7/2017 and 7/5/2017 as motioned by Commissioner Whitener and second by Commissioner Olson. AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, WHITENER NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: THURMAN PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 13, 2017 Page 2 2. Review and Provide Feedback on the Draft Project Plan for the Parks and Recreation Element Update Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of the project plan for the Parks and Recreation Element Update and Master Plan. She introduced Associate Planner, Rebecca Gershow who will be coordinating this 2-year effort. Director Stanwyck said the focus of the Draft Project Plan is the development of a Community Needs Assessment, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Maps, and Element Update. She added that the Parks and Recreation Commission’s guidance tonight will be used to make final recommendations to be reflected in the Final Project Plan which will be presented to the Commission again for its final review, approval and recommendation to the City Council for adoption. Director Stanwyck added that Commissioners will have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of parks and recreation. Staff Rebecca Gershow provided a highlight of her background as a parks planner. Staff Gershow provided an in-depth review of the components of the draft project plan, project schedule and milestones and the community engagement process. Director Stanwyck added that this process will be informed by existing city policies. Staff solicited the Commission’s feedback and recommendations for revisions to the project plan. Staff will return to the Commission with a final project plan at its October 4, 2017 meeting. Public Comment Kit Gould, SLO Resident, thanked the Commission for its efforts in updating the Parks and Recreation element. She asked the Commission to consider the 2001 Parks and Recreation Master plan that identified a neighborhood park in the north Broad Area as an unmet need. She added that Council had previously directed staff to pursue park opportunities in this area. Commission Comments followed. Chair Avakian asked how the consultant will be utilized for this project. Director Stanwyck responded that much of the foundational work will be provided by staff and assistance by an intern; consultants would be sought for specialized data and expertise. Chair Avakian expressed his support for the element update and having the opportunity to be a part of this process. Commissioner Schwab reported that the County of San Luis Obispo just completed its Parks and Recreation Assessment Request for Proposals (RFP). Commissioner Schwab asked about the duration of the Master Plan and capital improvement plan. Staff Gershow responded that it is intended to be a 20-year plan with a prioritized list of capital improvement projects and projections of cost. Commissioner Whitener asked if there was consideration for an integrated plan wi th the County. Director Stanwyck responded that through the community needs assessment, staff can work to identify residency and anticipated some sharing of information and data with the County. Commissioner Whitener asked if a regular maintenance schedule will be developed as part of this effort. Director Stanwyck said the community needs assessment will help identify the community’s desired level of service for maintenance of the parks and recreation system and the resources needed to accomplish. Commissioner Whitener encouraged surveying the community about the potential of financial support of parks; such as with sponsorships or donations. 3. Recommend Surface Maintenance of Laguna Lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area and Receive and File 2017 Dog Off-Leash Area Survey Results Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 13, 2017 Page 3 Staff Melissa Mudgett provided an update of the Laguna Lake Park Dog Off -Leash Area maintenance activities this summer which included replacement of the temporary fence panels adjacent to the parking area, installation of large landscape boulders to serve as boundary lines for users, installation of paver collars and temporary snow fencing around water-logged areas and additional signage. Staff Mudgett added that the turf in the off -leash area has been in decline for years and large cracks have appeared now causing a safety hazard. She added that due to the irrigation infrastructure of this area, renovating with grass is not a feasible option. Staff Mudgett added that Parks Maintenance has recommended the application of woodchips to a portion of the dog off-leash area to address immediate safety concerns. Staff Mudgett provided a summary of community survey results, conducted in May 2017, for the dog off- leash area. Staff Mudgett said the survey had a dual purpose; intended to both solicit feedback from users to help shape the current maintenance needs and to identify and prioritize future improvements to the area should funding become available. Public Comment Gary Havas, SLO resident, asked if the recommendation for woodchip application was a liability issue for the city and would this be a way to avoid claims for trip/falls. Director Stanwyck responded affirmatively that this was a recommendation for improved safety at the sight. Mr. Havas said that organic material, such as woodchips, help the composition of the clay soil. Kit Gould, SLO Resident, said she was concerned about the impact of woodchips on a dog’s paw. She asked if the Commission could consider this area for artificial turf. Commission Comments followed. Chair Avakian asked how much turf was currently grass. Staff Mudgett responded that approximately 95% of this area is bare, exposed soil. Chair Avakian asked about other ways to enhance the off-leash area; such as using old sewer pipes for play amenities. Director Stanwyck responded that Public Works staff are always keeping an eye out for such creative uses. Director Stanwyck said staff can solicit organized groups; such as Leadership SLO or service groups, to help fundraise for park amenities. Commissioner Olson asked about the composition of woodchips as eucalyptus trees are dangerous for dogs. She asked that Parks Maintenance confirm that no eucalyptus trees are used in the woodchips and that they be chipped into smaller pieces to reduce the harmful impact to dogs. Receive and File the 2017 Dog Off-Leash User Community Survey results. CARRIED 4:0:0:1 to allow Parks Maintenance to apply non-eucalyptus woodchips, in a limited capacity, to only the dog off leash areas impacted with large cracks/fissures to address the most immediate safety concerns of the area motion by Commissioner Olson, second by Commissioner Whitener. AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, WHITENER NOES: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE ABSENT: THURMAN Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 13, 2017 Page 4 4. Selection of Wes Conner Awardee for 2017 Director Stanwyck provided an overview of the Wes Conner Award criteria and recipient nominations for 2017. She added that the late Wes Conner was a devoted, civic-minded volunteer for the City of San Luis Obispo and an avid supporter of all things parks and recreation. The Wes Conner Award was developed to honor individuals who, like Wes, have provided sustained valuable service that resulted in improved access to high quality parks and recreation services in the City of San Luis Obispo. Past recipient in 2016 was Herb Filiponi. Public comment Gary Havas, SLO resident, said that John Spatafore has been on the nomination list for the past 10 years and has sustained his support of parks and recreation as well as many other community contributions. Mr. Havas recommends the Commission select John Spatafore. Commission Comments followed. Commissioner Whitener nominated John Spatafore for his key leadership is starting the Youth Services Association, noting that Mr. Spatafore also led the charge for the development of Damon-Garcia Sports Fields, and is also an advocate for the new homeless shelter. By Consensus, the Commission recommended the selection of John Spatafore as the 2017 recipient of the Wes Conner Award. 5. Selection of Date and Approval of Route for Annual Park Tour Director Stanwyck provided for the Commission’s consideration a proposed tour route and several dates in October to select for the annual parks tour. By consensus, the Commission approved the parks tour route and selected Friday, October 27, 2017 as the annual parks tour date. COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS 6. Director’s Report Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming and City updates. • Public Art Dedication of Olas Portola on Thursday, Sept 7th at 4:00pm • Back 2 Pool Night this Friday, Sept 8th at 5:30pm • Progress on Sinsheimer Playground nearing completion end of September 2017 • M Extension trail is now open • Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Sept 20th at 5:30pm • Pool maintenance has been completed and the pool is now open • September Scramble at Laguna Lake Golf Course, Sept 30th - times vary by age LIAISON REPORTS 7. Subcommittee Liaison Reports • Adult and Senior Programming: No report. Liaison position is currently vacant. • Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson said the BAC meets later this month. (Shelly invite Adam F to a future Meeting). She said the BAC had discussion about the Broad Street Bike Boulevard plan and Safe Routes to School at Pacheco. Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 13, 2017 Page 5 • City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Chair Avakian reported Damon Garcia is now open. A SLO Friendly soccer tournament was held this past weekend. The Tri-Tip 7 tournament will be held this next weekend. A new Ranger Specialist, Ryley Washbish, has been hired. Chair Avakian highlighted the successes of the golf course’s kids play free during the summer program and super-twilight rate. He said the golf course is prepping for the upcoming September Scramble. The golf course was closed one-day last week for aeration. Chair Avakian said the Middle School PE golf program has shown to be a new feeder program to high school golf as 20 girls tried out for the freshman SLO High golf team this year. • Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman was absent. No report. Commissioner Olson said the ficus tree on the corner of Garden/Higuera will remain. • Jack House Committee: Commissioner Whitener reported that the Jack House Committee is embarking on a policy development project to help guide the future maintenance and operation of the Jack House. • Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab said the YSA has not met lately and the next meeting is scheduled for later this month. There is no report. Commission Communications None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. to the regular Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for October 4, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., in the Parks and Recreation Department Conference Room located at 1341 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, California. APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 10/04/17