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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-06 PRC MinutesParks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street Wednesday, October 4, 2006 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Chair Pyper called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Bill Pyper, Commissioners: Richard Kriet, Jill Lemieux, John Knight, Gary Clay and Ty Griffin ABSENT: Don Dollar STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Linda Fitzgerald, Christine Wallace CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: The minutes from the September 6th meeting will stand as corrected upon clarification with Don Dollar at the next meeting: Don Dollar stated in the August 2 minutes 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 - September There was no volunteer of the month for September. 3. Commemorative Bench and Memorial Policy Recreation Manager Fitzgerald distributed an updated policy which included comments from Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik and presented a proposed commemorative bench and memorial policy for City parks and open spaces. In addition to benches, monuments such as commemorative trees, boulders, rocks, or logs for example, would be an alternative in certain park or open space areas for which a bench is inappropriate or inaccessible. All locations would be consistent with the master plan for that area. Although a cost to operate this program has not been established, the program needs to be self sufficient, with purchase and installation costs covered by the donor. Maintenance would be handled by Public Works (city parks) and Park Rangers (open spaces). Once a policy is established, Parks & Recreation and Public Works staff will identify potential site locations. The Natural Resources Manager will be consulted for open space locations. Committee members reviewed and discussed the Draft Commemorative Bench and Memorial Policy. The suitability of including open spaces within the policy was discussed and it was felt that the policy should ultimately be flexible and implemented sensibly and used as a guideline rather than a policy. It was agreed donors should cover the cost of purchase and installation with the decision of maintenance based on further research and individual cases. The Commission also felt the City should be notified by donor prior to a possible dedication ceremony. The City currently has a commemorative bicycle rack donation program, donation catalog, and a commemorative tree program at both Laguna Lake Park and Laguna Lake Golf Course. Commissioners felt that benches, but not necessarily monuments, provide an actual purposeful service or benefit to the public and therefore should be all that is considered. G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda October 4, 2006 Page 2 of 6 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc Dick Delong, member of the County Arts Council Art in Public Places Committee, talked about the revolving sculpture program, that at one time was sponsored by the Downtown Association. There may be an opportunity within our policy for donations of vandal-resistant pedestals and that, although not a monument or bench, these sculptures still provided a service to the city from the aspect of art. Recommendation: That the Commemorative Bench Policy for City Parks and Open Space be returned to staff with instructions to include all items on the donation wish list which could include benches, and removing the inclusion of monuments. Motion: (Kriet/ Knight) 5 yes: 0 no: absent Dollar 4. Advisory Body Goal Setting Director Kiser presented Commissioners with the Role of Advisory Bodies in developing the 2007-09 Financial Plan. Using the Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan, previously approved CIP projects and input from the community, the Commission should identify what goals are of the highest priority for the City to accomplish over the next two years. Goals should succinctly state what is being proposed for the community, why it is important, and creative ideas on how it can be achieved. By the end of the November 1, 2006, meeting, the advisory body should develop five to seven of the highest priority goals and recommendations for the City to accomplish over the next two years. Finance Director Bill Statler will consolidate these goals for all the advisory bodies and return them for final review by the Commission in December. At that time additions can be made, other advisory body goals can be incorporated or supported, or redundant goals removed. Final revised goals are due to Bill Statler on December 28, for preparation for Council review. Chair Pyper opened the discussion to public comment. Agatha Reardon, Board Member for the Senior Center, announced that the seniors will submit their suggestions in writing by November 1, 2006. Jim Neville, Youth Sports Association, stated there are a significant number of people whose goal it is to use turf fields more efficiently. Damon Garcia has made a difference in meeting the turf field needs of youth, but there is still a need for more fields. An alternative is the installation of synthetic turf to allow for increased usage, with sustained wear, no down time for growth or recovery, and a larger variety of sports able to use. Stockton field was proposed to be replaced with synthetic turf first with others facilities to follow. Dan Sutton, Youth Sports Association Board Member representing Cal Ripkin baseball, works with other youth sports associations, but has had 10 years with youth baseball. Sutton relayed that the subject of synthetic turf and its benefit to all user groups is a consistent topic in YSA discussions. He feels the baseball facilities are lacking and currently he is unable to host state tournaments. There is also no venue for 5-12 year old baseball players. Also, the effect of rains on the fields made it necessary to cancel two tournaments last year. He has played on synthetic turf himself and finds it to look, feel and play like real grass, newer technology has created a very playable surface. Artificial turf is very flexible as well, with the ability to be reconfigured for different sports or stipulations for different age groups or other adaptations within 30 minutes. Artificial turf drains well and because of its structure, would allow many venues to use at different times, eventually benefiting every user group. There are 600 youth from ages 5 to 16, not including high schools, rugby, and soccer players, who would benefit from the use of Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda October 4, 2006 Page 3 of 6 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc synthetic turf. Sutton indicated the possibility for some funding support in the form of partnering or matching funds from Cal Ripkin through fundraisers and volunteer work by the baseball community. Sutton’s vision for the future is also hosting regional tournaments for the western states which would result in even more benefit to the City. Terry Conner spoke as Vice Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Joint Use Recreation and Facilities. Its top priority goal for the City is the conversion of Stockton Field to synthetic turf as a demonstration site and a request that the City explore and identify other potential fields for future upgrades to synthetic turf. The JUC also proposes that in the development of new fields in the future, synthetic turf be installed rather than turf grass, ultimately producing long-term savings in landscape and maintenance costs as well as reducing future demand for the construction of additional fields. Jim Neville, YSA spoke again to emphasize that over time there is a decrease in maintenance costs with synthetic turf. He also reiterated that the YSA represents thousands of families that would support this recommendation. Marta Peluso, Executive Director of Arts Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, passed out the brochure “Voices” to Commissioners. The Arts Council has a long history of working with the City for art in public places. Marta expressed the need for funding to attract the types of artists and projects that can create landmarks and quality of life changes for the City. This can be more than sculpture, it can provide the history of the community, stimulate thoughts, and break up the sometimes mundane aspects of life. On behalf of Arts Obispo she requested the Commission make it a priority to support funding for the public art program. Dick DeLong, member of the County Arts Council, acknowledged that public art is something the Commission has not previously had direct responsibility for, but feels now must be proponents of. He proposed a joint workshop in the near future to answer questions of the committee regarding the partnership program. Because of state take-aways and budget constraints he watched the percent for public art be reduced first to ¾% and then to the current ½% for every eligible city construction project. He would like to see the Commission support a recommendation to Council that funding be increased to the 1% that it was previously. He stated that for this program to be successful, advocates are needed on the Council and Commission who realize that the arts make our community unique and of a desired character, and help to increase public awareness and art appreciation. The arts committee would like to work with the Commission to assist them in playing this active role. Jeff Whitener, Youth Sports Association stated his background was in soccer and in the past he focused on locations available for playing youth sports. Although we have a good start with Damon Garcia, it is not enough. The Youth Soccer Association, for example, must send several hundred youth every Saturday to Hawthorne Elementary School because Damon Garcia is full. The proposed synthetic turf (at Stockton) would take some pressure off Damon Garcia, and allow year-round play for soccer, rugby and baseball uses. He requested that the Commission make it a high priority as it would be a huge asset for the youth of the community and the approximately1,000 families participating every weekend. The Public Hearing closed at 7:15pm. The Committee members then entered into discussion and listed their individual priorities. Commissioner Kriet 1) strongly encouraged the resumption of funding for Open Space Acquisition due to its vitalness to the City, tremendous amount of use, the fact that once acquired it is low cost, and opportunities for acquisition generally exist only once; 2) supports the Joint Use Committee Goal of synthetic turf as a long term goal for the future stating as the City grows we will need to use what we Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda October 4, 2006 Page 4 of 6 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc have more efficiently: 3) would like Council to charge staff with researching a new location and mechanisms for funding for a community senior center stating, as Medicare and Social Security deplete, there will be a higher demand for social services facilities. Without proper planning, and as the City grows, the options will be more limited. Commissioner Clay would like to 1) add fields and necessary infrastructure to the Damon Garcia Sports Complex; 2) improve existing fields, explore synthetic turf and new technologies; 3) implement the revised Laguna Lake Master Plan; and 4) increase open space acquisition funding as a viable means to ring the City and reduce growth in the community. Commissioner Lemieux 1) lended support for the open space comments mentioned by Kriet; 2) supports the development of a master plan for Laguna Lake Golf Course, noting it as a source of increased revenue over the last four to five years; 3) would like support for Children Services programs to keep up with the growth of the community; 4) supports more research into synthetic turf, stating she would like to see each field evaluated individually for synthetic turf; and 5) would like to see a more permanent place for the skate park, feeling it is important for individuals not comfortable in group sports to have an outlet for activity. She also noted the large but often forgotten population in San Luis Obispo that is attracted to skate park venues. Commissioner Knight agreed with previous comments about artificial turf, adding the wish for support via park-in-lieu fees. Although not ready to make a recommendation about public art, he would like to hear more and participate in the workshop mentioned earlier. However, his priorities include 1) the acquisition of open space as well as the development of a maintenance plan for future acquisitions, stating that benefits include economic, visual, health, and environmental benefit to sensitive areas; 2) support for a BMX park, dog park included in other parks, as well as community gardens; 3) support for the completion of the Bob Jones Bike Trail; and 4) the implementation of the Laguna Lake Master Plan. Commissioner Knight would like to spend time at a future meeting discussing at-risk youth. Commissioner Griffin agreed with Commissioner Kriet in that his number one priority is the acquisition of more open space. He supports the installation of artificial turf at Stockton field, although he would like to explore the subject of finances in greater detail. Commissioner Griffin supports the establishment of a senior/community center, increased support for the arts council and an increase in arts funding. Lastly, he expressed explicit support for any and all bicycling needs including completion of the Bob Jones Bike Trail, which will reduce traffic and parking needs. Commissioner Pyper stated his number one priority is installation of synthetic turf. Secondly, he supports the expansion of Damon Garcia fields by putting in a skate park. Commissioner Pyper would like to see planning begin for a senior center in some form for the future. Lastly, he supports modification to the Laguna Lake Golf Course and implementation of the Laguna Lake Master Plan. The Commission would like to have the proposed goals distributed well in advance of the November meeting to allow additional time for processing. Joint Use Commission Goal Recommendations These goal recommendations were included during the public comment session. 6. Staff Reports Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda October 4, 2006 Page 5 of 6 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc Special Events Supervisor Christine Wallace gave a presentation on city wide and community special events, highlighting the skate park, volunteer program, community gardens, banners and film permits and her division’s role in facilitating and assisting organizations with special events. Commissioners discussed the skate park with Wallace, who explained the culture as solitary, low cost and safe; there not being a lot of blending with main stream sports. Lemieux pointed out the skate park’s use as informal teen center; a facility that is supervised for an age group too old for after-school care programs. Wallace noted the skate park’s location seems to be attracting vandalism by Cal Poly students, not users. Commissioners also inquired about unification and interest among community gardeners in expanding areas. Wallace stated that primary interest has been private areas; however Laurel Lane & Judson Terrace are quite successful. 7. Director’s Report Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • The Laguna Lake Golf Course 9-11 Ceremony was well attended. • El Chorro is running smoothly. We are looking into extending screening along the highway. • Anholm is complete and open, however; there may not be a dedication due to scheduling conflicts by those who normally would be involved. • The Damon Garcia temporary parking lot overflow plans and specifications have gone to Community Development. Cost is estimated to be $90,000. October 17th it will go to Council. If approved, construction will begin October 18th. • The therapy pool plans and specifications were approved by Council on October 3. The public art jury has invited the artist to present his work on October 18th, with future presentation to the Commission. • The Golf Course Bridge replacement came in way above existing funding, even using the existing bridge. These costs could be reduced with the use a new single lane bridge instead of the Bailey bridge. We will go forward with this plan in November. • The original Augsburger fish public art piece will be installed at Cheng Park this week. • Icons of an Era is complete. Commissioner Pyper expressed the desire to remove traffic signs there. • The public art workshop was successful with 13 new artists in attendance. • Recreation Manager interviews were held on October 3. Second interviews will follow soon. • A new Mission Statement was developed by staff to better reflect the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department. 7. Committee Reports Parks and Recreation Commission – Agenda October 4, 2006 Page 6 of 6 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2006\Minutes\10.4.06 minutes appvd.doc Commissioners gave reports on Committees they attended: Tree Committee – no report Joint Use Committee – Kriet Mayors Youth Task Force – no report Jack House Committee – Pyper Open Space – no report Golf – no report Commissioner Kriet reported the Joint Use Committee’s approval of funding for a replacement amplifier system at the baseball stadium. Soccer tournament funding aid was also discussed as well as goal setting. Commissioner Lemieux stated Cal Poly graduate Gary Lynon will be designing Hole No. 3 at Laguna Lake Golf Course. Commissioner Pyper reported that the dedication of the Martha Schwartz fountain will be held Saturday October 7 at the Jack House. There was a volunteer work party last weekend for grounds rehabilitation in preparation for the event. In the future it may be proposed that the gardens be a designated a “no smoking” area. Also, the Jack House is still in need of a large, live English Holly. The subcommittee discussed eliminating Victorian Days in the future, but noted that, an event need not always generate income to be successful. 8. Communications Commissioner Lemieux expressed the desire to continue receiving hard copies only of the agenda rather than having them emailed. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on November 1, 2006, at the Council Chambers. Approved by Parks and Recreation Commission on December 6, 2006. /s/ ________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant