HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-2019 PRC MinutesCity of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Planning Commission
Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
5:30 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING Parks and Recreation
Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
CALL TO ORDER Chair Greg Avakian called meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL : Commissioners Kari Applegate, Keri Schwab, Robert Spector, Vice Chair
Rodney Thurman, and Chair Greg Avakian
ABSENT: Susan Olson
PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, people may address the Committee about items not on the
agenda. Persons wishing to speak should come forward and state their name and address.
Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Items raised at this time are generally referred
to staff and, if action by the Committee is necessary, may be scheduled for a future meeting.
Staff provided an update from the Council Meeting the night prior, February 5, 2019
wherein, staff was directed to develop a policy on monuments. It is estimated to be a 6 month
process. Staff also held a Sinsheimer Tennis Court Lighting Project community input session
regarding the design of the lights and received public feedback. Recommending to Council
integration and evaluation of the project within the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
Element Update.
Public Comment
1. John Ashbaugh, SLO Resident, discussed the City Council process regarding the
adoption of policies.
2. Peter Mertens, SLO Resident, supports staff’s recommendation to analyze the
Sinsheimer Tennis Court Lighting Project within the context Parks and Recreatio n
Master Plan and Element Update to determine if it is a priority.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
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1. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Committee of January 9, 2018.
ACTION: APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION FOR JANUARY 9, 2018.
CARRIED 4:0:1:1 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for
the regular meeting of 01/09/19 as motioned by Thurman and second by Applegate.
AYES: AVAKIAN, SPECTOR, APPLEGATE, THURMAN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: SCHWAB
ABSENT: OLSON
BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Initial Review of Proposed Islay Park Playground Replacement Project (Kloepper – 30
minutes)
Engineer Shelsie Kloepper, presented an update on the public outreach events in reference to
the Islay Park Playground Replacement project. Popular elements as a result of the public
outreach were presented and those elements were used to create four playground layouts
shown to the commission. Additional adult fitness equipment and updates to the park swings
were also included in the presentation.
PRC Questions
Chair Avakian asked if there would be shade provided over the public seating areas.
Commissioner Applegate preferred playground layout #4 and would like to see
additional shade over the 5-12 playground section. Asked about the type of surfacing
that will be installed at the playground.
Commissioner Schwab asked if the Bright Ideas workshop feedback was incorporated
into the design.
Commissioner Spector inquired about the quantity of adult fitness equipment displayed
in the presentation.
Vice Chair Thurman asked staff to explore the frequency of use of the adult fitness
equipment and potential addition of an alternate type of shaded workout area. Inquired
about the increased pricing between the estimated project and the revised project cost.
Public Comment
Mary Lou Johnson, Islay Park Resident, would like to see additional signage in the park and
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promotion of the park pathway. Additional focus on cleaning up the foliage around the park
and playground.
Mike Sciocchetti, SLO Resident, would like to see focus on the functionality of the fitness
equipment to meet the needs of the community. Would like staff to review the potential of a
reservation system for the picnic area.
Commissioners Discussion.
Chair Avakian likes the progressiveness of design #4 with combo of design #1, with the
complement to the shade and younger playground.
Commissioner Schwab would like to see accessibility incorporated.
Commissioner Spector would like in park planning community elements incorporated
into parks including walkways, fitness equipment, and areas for specialized for fitness
including yoga.
Vice Chair Thurman likes the overall design of #1, the roller slide for design #3, and
the connectivity of design #4.
3. Further Public Input on Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan Project
(Stanwyck/Scott - 60 minutes)
Senior Planner, Shawna Scott and Parks and Recreation staff presented an update on the
Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element including summarization of
the stages of the plan so far and existing and future ideas for park connectivity via
walking and biking, natural/botanical spaces, fitness areas and dog uses. Staff gave an
update on the future steps and workshops for 2019.
Recommendation: Receive staff presentation, receive public comments and testimony,
and discuss the Park Connectivity, Natural/Botanical Park Spaces, Fitness Areas and Dog
uses in relation to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and General Plan Element
Update.
Connectivity Commission Staff Questions:
Vice Chair Thurman is looking forward to additional information regarding North
Broad Street connectivity.
Bike Amenities & Connectivity Public Comment
John Robert, SLO Resident, would to prioritize two dirt bike parks in Sinsheimer Park
and Laguna Lake Park in relation to school locations.
Payton Shoresman, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San
Luis Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Park.
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Mary Ann Ryley, SLO Resident, would like to see more outdoor activities including
bike parks located within the city, specifically at Laguna Lake Park.
Bryce & Tyler Ryley, SLO Resident, would like to see a bike park within riding
distance, specifically at Laguna Lake Park
Trent Johnson, SLO Resident, would like to see two bike parks within the City and
accessible by bike.
Tate Issacs, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San Luis
Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Parks and include trail building education, trail
creation and trail management instruction.
Grant Robbins, SLO Resident, would like to see two bike parks within the City of San
Luis Obispo accessible by bike and potentially modeled after bike parks located in
Lompoc.
Myron Amerine, SLO Resident, would like to see bike pathway specification standards
incorporated into the Master Plan and Element Update.
Todd Hagbrin, SLO Resident, would like to see bike parks within the City of San Luis
Obispo at Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Park and accessible by bike.
Kristy O’Hara, SLO Resident, supports bike parks within the City, specifically at
Sinsheimer and Laguna Lake Parks. Clubs able to assist with maintenance of bike
parks. Supports bike connectivity.
John Asbaugh, SLO Resident, implement a concept idea connecting Laguna Lake Park
and Laguna Middle School that would incorporate the Laguna neighborhood. Improve
connectivity bridge in Sinsheimer Park and Railroad Safety Trail.
Leah Brooks, SLO Resident, ATC Chairman, stated that the Active Transportation
Committee is developing an Active Transportation Plan with the potential to add park
connectivity.
Doug Brian, SLO Resident, improve access to Santa Rosa Park with a pedestrian bridge
across Stenner Creek.
PRC Connectivity Discussion:
Chair Avakian in favor of bike parks at Sinsheimer Park and Laguna Lake Park and
would like to see an educational component for bike safety and pump track creation
with self-regulation and connectivity safety for school routes.
Commissioner Applegate inquired about how the idea of the two bike park locations
became an idea.
Commissioner Spector is supportive of bike parks at Sinsheimer Park and Laguna Lake
Park. Supports safe connectivity to City parks and schools.
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Vice Chair Thurman addressed the need to consider the bike lane usage by other forms
of travel including electric modes of transport.
Natural/Botanical & Fitness Areas Commission Staff Questions:
Commissioner Applegate would like to see the labeling plant features within park areas.
Commissioner Spector commented on nurturing neighborhoods and utilizing parks to
improve the quality of life within those neighborhoods.
Vice Chair Thurman would like staff to consider the maintenance required for some
natural spaces and focus on the simplicity of botanical gardens. Focus on upgrading
current park areas to incorporate natural areas including Cheng Park, water efficiency
and sustainability.
Natural/Botanical & Fitness Areas Public Comment
Jeff Whitener, SLO Resident, focus on improving the condition and addition of natural
spaces within Los Praderas Pocket Park with connectivity to Bob Jones Trail. Would like
to see a park development in proximity to Downtown on Higuera St. Connectivity from
new Broad St development to Sinsheimer Park.
Frank Basich, SLO Resident, address shortage of night lighting within the park proximity
of Sinsheimer Park.
Cheryl McLean, SLO Resident, inquired on the status of the N Broad St Park.
Chenda Lar, SLO Botanical Garden Executive Director, offer expertise on the creation
of botanical gardens within the City.
John Ewan, SLO Resident, stressed the importance of quiet areas in parks.
PRC Natural Spaces Discussion:
Chair Avakian would like to see focus on circuit fitness equipment along pathways.
Encourage the use of downtown areas for natural spaces in Emerson or Mitchell or
places with landscape views. Incorporate the best use of new projects for multi-use
facilities.
Commissioner Schwab proposed that a well-spaced bench would-be a short-term
solution. Enclosed spaces could lead to unintended uses. Other elements could be used
to create a natural environment.
Commissioner Spector walking path with more fitness equipment. Create a place with
reflects the natural space of parks and incorporate them with existing park areas. Long
term goals would be to incorporate natural spaces into future park designs.
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Vice Chair Thurman support for fitness areas incrementally around park pathways if
the equipment is maintained and well utilized. Bring more natural hardscape features in
parks or pocket park location for short term goals. Find quality designers for long-term
projects for natural spaces.
Dog Areas Commission Staff Questions:
Vice Chair Thurman would like to see safe access to park locations by other modes of
transportation. Research minimum size of dog parks to incorporate into existing parks.
Dog Areas Public Comment:
Kelly Heffernan, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park within the City at
existing parks.
Doug Rion, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park within the City at
existing parks and separate small and large dog enclosures.
Becky Sciocchetti, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park featuring a
separate large and small park area. Potential of having an enclosed area in local parks.
Andy Pease, SLO Resident, sees the need for both fenced dog park areas as well as open
areas similar to Laguna Lake Park with clear markings and boundaries. Shared use areas
within existing parks with schedule hours of use. “Friends of” groups can assist with sense
of ownership and financial support.
John McKenzie, Friends of SLO City Dog Parks, provided templates to PRC for dog parks
as well as potential enclosed dog park areas within the city. Noted the high population of
dogs within the city, with no safe and legal enclosed parks for dogs.
Fran Prentis, SLO Resident, would like to see Laguna Lake Off Leash dog area remain an
open area, with no enclosure. Additional maintenance is needed to be address in the off-
leash dog area.
June Monikel, SLO Resident, would like to see an enclosed dog park in Exposition park.
John Ewan, SLO Resident, would like to see off-leash enclosed dog areas in existing park
locations.
Adam Stowe, SLO Resident, does not consider the boulders at Laguna Lake Park to be an
effective enclosure and would recommend enclosed dog areas.
Dog Areas PRC Discussions:
Chair Avakian would like staff to look review proximity to housing when looking at
dog areas and potential for use hours within park locations for dogs.
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Commissioner Applegate would like to see action for a new dog park within the next
couple of years. Asked about a survey conducted of the Laguna Lake Off-Leash Dog
Area. Explore the multi-use space as potential locations.
Commissioner Spector sees a need for enclosed dog parks within park locations and
would like to see action as a short term goal.
Vice Chair Thurman does not see that a fenced in area at Laguna Lake Park would take
away from the park experience.
SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS
1. Subcommittee Liaison Reports (Chair Avakian – 15 minutes)
a. Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Spector spoke about the Senior
Center staff having upcoming meetings with City staff for an update to the
agreement with the Senior Center. Staff provided an update to the security
improvements around the center.
b. Active Transportation Committee: Commissioner Olson Absent.
c. City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner
Applegate spoke about the addition of six lifeguard instructors, staff held a public
input session for the Sinsheimer Park Tennis Court Lights. Golf Maintenance staff
cleared debris along the creek in the golf course. Softball registration began
February 1 with a new women’s softball league for 2019.
d. Jack House Committee. Commissioner Schwab No report (JHC did not meet).
e. Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman provided an updated Urban forest awareness
dates in May 25 in Mission Plaza.
f. Youth Sports Association: Not represented.
2. Director’s Report. Upcoming event highlights were provided.
3. Communication: Interviews are being held for prospective new Commission
members in late February.
ADJOURNMENT at 8:24 p.m.
To the rescheduled Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee as approved by the PRC
to Wednesday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis
Obispo, California
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 03/06/2019
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The City of San Luis Obispo wishes to make all of its public meetings accessible to the public. Upon request,
this agenda will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities. Any person with a
disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting should direct such request
to the Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 781-7300 at least 48 hours before the meeting, if possible.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7107.
Meeting audio recordings can be found at the following web address:
http://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/1/fol/61014/Row1.aspx