HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-06-06 PRC MinutesParks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
Wednesday, September 6, 2006 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER Chair Pyper called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Pyper, Commissioners: Richard Kriet, Jill Lemieux, Don Dollar, John
Knight, and Ty Griffin
ABSENT: Gary Clay
GUESTS: Kelton Porter and Mr. & Mrs. Porter, Jade Sadeghian & Mrs. Sadeghian, Mark
Rawson, Terry Conner
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Rich Ogden
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes from the August 2 meeting were approved with the following correction:
Don Dollar stated that, in the future, mitigation projects should only be permitted in open space that
has an approved management plan.
1. Public Comment
None.
2. Volunteer of the Month - August
Commissioner Pyper introduced Volunteers of the Month Kelton Porter and Jade Sadeghian. Kelton
and Jade raised $350 for improvements to the Santa Rosa Skate Park by selling raffle tickets for items
donated by local businesses. Their idea for this fundraiser was part of their sixth grade Community
Action Project at Teach Elementary School.
3. Design Review of Bocce Ball Courts for Emerson Park
A presentation was given by Director Kiser on a proposed Bocce Ball Court at Emerson Park. The
Conceptual Landscape Plan for Emerson Park bocce courts and sculptural benches was reviewed by
staff from Parks and Recreation, Parks Maintenance, Public Works and a local bocce player and
included with the agenda packet. However, additional comments were received from the City Engineer
suggesting the courts have a concrete curb for durability and protection of the skateboard deterrents, as
well as a reliable drainage system and drainage outlet.
Mark Rawson explained the current plans which include three 60’x12’courts, a 4’ gate, a 4” diameter
drain, skateboard deterrents and an oyster shell surface. He believes either tying into the existing
drainage or installing a new system is an acceptable request; however, a new drainage system would
need to be engineered first and approved by Public Works. The concrete frames, lined with wood for
softer play, would last longer, be easier to maintain, be less prone to vandalism but more expensive to
build. Mr. Rawson asked the Commission to consider two courts as opposed to three if concrete was
their choice, due to the expense. Also, oyster shell surfacing, as opposed to sand, is very compacted,
reducing the need for raking or sweeping.
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Mr. Conner suggested the use of the equally soft and recycled Trex material for the interior lining.
Commissioner Dollar expressed the desire for staff to work with artist Allen Root on the placement of
the sculptural benches that Copelands will be relocating to Emerson Park upon installation of the Bocce
Ball Court. Commissioner Knight thankfully acknowledged Mark Rawson’s efforts in 1) relocating
these benches, 2) agreeing to replace the benches at Court Street with public art valued at $15,000 and
3) constructing the Bocce Ball Courts.
Recommendation:
That the Conceptual Landscape Plan for the Emerson Park Bocce Courts and Sculptural Benches be
approved with modification of the plans to include two rather than three concrete curbs.
Motion: (Knight/Lemieux) 5 yes: 0 no: absent (Clay)
4. Financial Plan Calendar
Director Kiser provided Commissioners with a supplement to the budget materials contained in the
agenda packet that included additional information on the role of the advisory bodies in the financial
plan process. Kiser advised review of the 2001 Parks & Recreation element prior to next month’s
meeting as a preparation for discussion of goals and objectives. She also suggested they seek input on
goals and objectives from community associations and groups. Commissioner Knight noted the value
of staff assistance in the past with this process.
Commissioners Knight and Pyper proposed starting the next meeting at 6 p.m. and holding it at the
Ludwick Community Center to allow for inclusion of the public in the process.
5. Staff Reports
Sports Programs Supervisor Rich Ogden gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Jack House which has
been designed for use on Channel 20 as a recruitment tool for docents. The subject of goals was
brought up again as the Commission discussed the possibility of a budgeted employee to serve as an
attendant at the Jack House every Sunday, assisting both the docents and the public.
Ogden also reported on the implementation of the teen sports program at Laguna Middle School. This
program provides sports opportunities for all students, including those who may not have made the
traveling teams. The program includes Girl’s Volleyball, Cross-Country, Wrestling and Basketball.
Parks & Recreation staff are meeting in the near future to schedule all sports for the 2007 year.
Ogden also mentioned that adult softball at El Chorro is going well so far, including the fine-tuning of
maintenance duties shared with the County.
Commissioners discussed with Director Kiser the status of the turf at Damon Garcia Sports Fields.
Kiser explained that the rye grass now in place tends to show more wear and tear but the hardier
Bermuda grass, which takes longer to establish itself, will eventually take hold and replace the rye. A
water and soils analysis will be done by a specialist in the coming weeks and should result in some
useful recommendations as well.
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7. Director’s Report
Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:
• There will be a memorial ceremony on September 11th at the Laguna Lake Golf Course
• The Commission has been enrolled in the California Association of Parks & Recreation
Commissioners and Board Members
• The Cooperative Golf Program appears to be going well so far with an increase in use last
month by approximately seven families
• The Youth Sports Association meeting established projects for the year. This year’s
projects include
o Renovation of Pacific Beach High School Field.
o Installation of slit drainage at the softball field and central field area at Laguna Middle
School
o Cal Ripkin asked for support from the Youth Sports Association in attaining long-term
usage of Sylviera field at the Old Pacheco School. He may ask the Parks and Recreation
Commission for support also.
• Staff is working with Dan Sutton to renovate Stockton field. Cal Ripkin will pay for the
design engineering to lengthen the infield to 80 feet, remove grass and irrigation and extend
fence 10 feet higher.
• El Chorro Field is open with no complications.
• Damon Garcia Parking lot agreement has been signed by both agencies. The 2nd reading of
the ordinance took place on September 5. By October 5, construction plans should be
completed and approved, with construction to be complete around December.
• Staff is working with SLO Rugby on a storage area for their goal posts
• Anholm Park is 90% complete
• On September 6, proposals were opened for public art for the therapy pool at Sinsheimer.
One proposal was received and staff recommended that it be reviewed by the jury. Staff
asked for one Commissioner to serve on the jury. Commissioner Dollar will be available
post September 23. Commissioner Lemieux will serve as alternate juror if the meeting is
before that time.
• The Golf Course bridge estimate came in at $99,000 primarily because of abutments and
safety mesh. Project is on hold.
• Cheng Park will be pouring concrete for the pond on September 7. Alice Loh would
appreciate people who could assist with tree planting.
• The public art lighting was knocked down at Railroad Square, probably by a large semi
attempting to negotiate the circle. Boulders have been placed around the perimeter to
protect both the art and the irrigation.
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• Icons of an Era artwork is near completion.
• Director Kiser will be helping to coordinate a workshop with Arts Obispo at the Library
Community Room on September 16 entitled “Demystifying the Public Art Process”
• Director Kiser explained the action taken by City Council to approve the temporary
installation of the flagpole at Mitchell Park.
• The new KEY Detail was distributed to the Commissioners.
• Kathy Mills, Recreation Manager, announced her retirement. September 6 was her last day.
We are currently recruiting in-house.
7. Committee Reports
Commissioners gave reports on Committees they attended.
Tree Committee – Dollar Joint Use Committee – Kriet
Mayors Youth Task Force – Knight Jack House Committee – Pyper
Open Space – Dollar Golf – no report
Commissioner Dollar noted the removal of some hazardous trees was recommended to Council
September 5. Commissioner Pyper noted the success of the Art in the Garden event at the Jack
House.
8. Communications
Commissioner Knight reported that past Commission Chairman Pete Dunan is moving to Arizona.
The use of email as much as possible for agenda delivery was reiterated. If hard copies are distributed,
they should be double-sided for the sake of conservation.
9. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on October 4,
2006 at the Ludwick Community Center.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 6, 2006.
/s/
________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds
Supervising Administrative Assistant