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Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
Monday, June 6, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Wolf called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Bob Wolf, Commissioners: Rick May, Craig Kincaid and David
Hensinger
ABSENT: Jill Lemieux, Don Dollar
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Rani Shah, Marti Reynolds, Jeff Hook and Kim Murray
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes from May 7, 2007 will be resubmitted at the next meeting for approval by a quorum of
those Commissioners in attendance on that date.
1. Oaths of Office for New Members
Director Betsy Kiser, as deputized by the City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office for new
commissioner David Hensinger.
2. Public Comment
None.
3. Volunteer of the Month - May
Commissioner Wolf introduced Volunteer of the Month Jerry Moore. Jerry was instrumental in the
construction of the new composting bins at the Emerson Community Garden. He worked with
ECOSLO and Garden Escapes to develop a workable design, then obtained the construction materials
through generous donations from local businesses, including Cuesta Equipment, Hayward Lumber and
Farm Supply. Garden Escapes assisted with the building and installation of the bin and it is now in
full use at the garden.
Jerry and his wife Diane have lived in San Luis Obispo since October of 2000. They have been
gardening at Emerson Garden for three years. Jerry also volunteers for ECOSLO and in the past for the
County animal shelter. In addition to volunteering, Jerry, who is retired, works part time at a local
mini-storage facility.
Parks and Recreation Commission – Minutes
June 6, 2007
Page 2 of 6
4. South Broad Street Corridor Plan - Hook
Long Range Planning Manager Kim Murray introduced Senior Planner Jeff Hook. Senior Planner
Hook presented the South Broad Street Corridor Plan to Commissioners. To date, Hook has
approached seven to eight advisory bodies with the plan which has been defined by Council as a major
city goal. Hook has also held some well-attended community workshops and has spoken to
community groups, the Chamber of Commerce, New Time Kiwanis and the Airport Land Use
Commission. Hook reiterated that this is a draft although already lengthy and detailed. Community
interest was focused on reducing traffic speed and traffic noise, pedestrian and bicycle safety, creating
a sense of place through beautification and historic preservation and maintaining free-flowing streets.
The South Broad Street Corridor Plan would implement the general plan as well as promote mixed-use
and expansion of housing. In fact it would provide a wide range of different types of housing
(apartments, studios, work/live combinations) while trying to remedy safety issues encountered by
pedestrians and bicyclists who currently walk or bike along Broad Street. The plan would reunite
neighborhoods, improve amenities and beautify the area.
The Commissioners were informed that the plan contains a master plan, street corridor plan, economic
development report, pedestrian/bicycle linkage plan, land use, circulation and traffic engineering, and
public realm improvements (parks, streets, bikeways, utilities). The plan incorporates form based
codes which are a new approach to guiding standards of appearance using the function follows form
philosophy. Form based codes are being used for the first time within this community via this plan.
Senior Planner Hook discussed the plan relative to the Parks and Recreation Element: 1,000-1,300
residents would be accommodated by this plan and therefore seven acres of park land would be
needed. Boundaries will become more precise in the future, but the plan does allow for sufficient park
space. Parks will connect bikeways and trails; view corridors and landscaped parkways will be created.
The plan will provide parks within walking distance of residences and be located in underserved areas
(residential area separated by railroad and highway 227) as well as providing links to Meadow and
Sinsheimer Parks.
The Commissioners were asked to provide their comments and suggestions on the proposed parks,
trails and bridge connection and their appropriateness in terms of City park policies and
existing/proposed needs. Specifically, Commissioners were asked to consider if the underpass at
McMillan would be worthwhile to pursue as a crossing until the proposed pedestrian passageway can
be developed. Currently, there is no lighting in the underpass, which is already in use, but if properly
lit and designed, would be safe.
Commissioners positively discussed the plan. Commissioner May stated he was very familiar with life
along the railroad tracks and believes the improvements, trees, lighting, will be a positive improvement
and gives it his full support. Some discussion ensued on linking Sinsheimer and Meadow Parks and
the drainage problems during peak run off in which the park would function as drainage retention. The
Commissioners also discussed additional signal areas with crosswalks on Lawrence.
Commissioner Kincaid feels the area is an important gateway from the airport and therefore whatever
can be done to improve the impression of the city from that vantage point would be positive and
wholeheartedly endorsed the plan. He posed the idea of using roundabouts to control traffic.
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June 6, 2007
Page 3 of 6
Commissioner Hensinger discussed the challenge of turning the Orcutt intersection area into a park-
like setting. Planner Hook discussed the possible need for soil remediation and the problems with
contamination being somewhat less for open space use than if the area was proposed for residential
development.
Commissioner Wolf relayed his familiarity of the area from a bicyclist’s perspective and gave his first
hand account of using the underpass. Wolf asked for information on the Garibaldi easement and
commented on the roundabout subject and community workshop. Further discussion involved the
changing character of the area which Hook explained is already occurring on its own and would still
occur over a long period of time. The City will not purchase land to implement the plan, rather by
changing the general plan and zoning regulations, the plan will provide the direction for developers
whose projects will be expected to conform in the future. Commissioner Wolf thinks it is a positive
plan, increasing value and business while retaining the unique character of the area.
MOTION: (May/Kincaid)
To accept the draft South Broad Street Corridor Plan finding the proposed parks, trails and bridge
connection appropriate and consistent with the City’s General Plan policies regarding Parks and
Recreation.
Approved 4 Yes: 0 No: 2 Absent (Lemieux/Dollar)
5. SLO Swim Club Agreement – Kiser
Director Kiser presented the SLO Swim Club Agreement to the Commissioners along with
background information. A copy of Addendum 1 was also distributed which was not part of the
agenda packet. Kiser noted that in the past the SLO Swim Club board did not want to commit future
boards to more than a one year agreement, but agreed to a multi-year contract with this agreement.
Changes to the agreement include: term of the agreement increased to 5 years with an option to renew
for an additional five years; minor changes to the schedule of use; increased fees according to the
consumer price index; and the reorganization of sections so agreement flows more smoothly and is
more easily referenced.
Commissioners briefly discussed the agreement, and Director Kiser informed that there were no other
competitive groups involved.
MOTION: (Kincaid/Hensinger)
Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve a five-year contract between the City of
San Luis Obispo and the Sea Hawk Swim Club for use of the SLO Swim Center, effective July 1, 2007
to June 30, 2012.
Approved 4 Yes: 0 No: 2 Absent (Lemieux/Dollar)
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June 6, 2007
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6. Joint Use Facilities Agreement – Kiser
The Joint Use Facility Agreement was provided as information to the new members of the
Commission. Director Kiser informed Commissioners that this 5-year agreement is approved through
September 2008 and extended or amended annually by both parties. Commissioners discussed and
questioned how financial exchanges transpired. Director Kiser further explained our use of facilities on
school district properties. Commissioner May also gave examples of field maintenance as part of the
agreement between the organizations.
7. Final Plans for Park Tour – Kiser
Director Kiser presented the list for the annual Park Tour and gave the Commissioners the opportunity
to make changes, encouraging additions. The general consensus was that it is a nice mix of current
and future projects. Islay Tennis Court was removed as it is not now a project for this budget cycle.
Invitations will be forthcoming within the next two weeks. Transportation has been arranged and
various staff will be available for questions in their related fields during the tour.
MOTION: (Wolf/May)
Finalize and approve list of parks, open spaces, facilities and amenities for inclusion in the 2007 Park
Tour
Approved 4 Yes: 0 No: 2 Absent (Lemieux/Dollar)
8. Staff Reports
After passing out a copy of the Summer Brochure, Interim Children’s Services Supervisor Rani Shah
presented Commissioners with a PowerPoint on the Summer Camp Programs. This year’s theme is
“Groove to the Sounds of Summer”. Supervisory Shah further detailed the Adventure Day Camp
program, the Summer Fun Day Camp program that runs Monday through Thursday, and the Fabulous
Friday program. Supervisor Shah spoke enthusiastically of staff, parents and children who return year
after year.
Commissioners discussed briefly with Director Kiser the cost recovery goal for day care services,
which is approximately 60%. Also discussed were capacity limits which Supervisor Shah informed is
30 per camp per the three age groups and 30 total for Fabulous Fridays.
9. Director’s Report
Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:
The Therapy Pool notice of completion has been signed. The artwork should be installed by
the end of June. Pool dedication should be mid-July.
Parks and Recreation Commission – Minutes
June 6, 2007
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The Beeson Art Project jury selected a whimsical piece by Carol Paulson and Steve
Plowman. Director Kiser will email a photograph to commissioners. The art piece will go
before the ARC the end of June.
The new public art piece by Jeff Theis is in at Trader Joe’s; a fountain entitled “Axiom of
Weathering”.
There was a typical rough start with the SLO Blues regarding getting permits in place,
parking on the grass, etc., however; the agreements are signed. The SLO Rattlers begin use
of the stadium June 10.
The backstop at Stockton field will be in next week. The scoreboard permit was pulled
today. There will be a state tournament in July.
Budget review: Final budget recommendations will be approved June 19. Parks and
Recreation did well with some directives from Council, including accelerating the
completion of the Senior Center Parking lot by the rainy season, implementing the Homeless
Encampment Cleanup contract by early fall, scheduling a study session on synthetic turf
within 3-6 months, with PRC review first, and returning to Council with a list of eligible
projects for the 1% public art allocation.
Director Kiser and Artist Allen Root will attend the Obispo Beautiful dinner tomorrow
during which the Cheng Park and Perpetual Hope projects will be given recognition.
10. Committee Reports
Commissioners provided the following reports:
Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – May
Mayors Youth Task Force – no report Jack House Committee – Wolf
Open Space – Dollar Golf – Lemieux
Commissioner Kincaid reported the Tree Committee is considering changing Arbor Day to the fall
to remove conflict with Cal Poly events and encourage a better turnout with better weather. This
year will be the 25th anniversary of San Luis Obispo’s Tree City USA status. Consideration is being
given to rewriting the tree ordinance; other cities are being studied as examples.
Commissioner May had no report for the Joint Use Committee. Lisa Monreal was sworn in as a
new JUC Commissioner.
Commissioner Wolf reported on the Jack House Committee meeting of May 9th which was
somewhat abbreviated to include a field trip to the Jack House led by Catherine Trujillo, a
preservationist at the SLO Library. Commissioner Kincaid added that previous concerns over the
maximum occupancy limits submitted by the Fire Marshall have been abated due to the fact visitors
are passing through and not actually occupying the area. Director Kiser informed Commissioners
that Monday Rotary will replace the fence and as it is a donation greater than $5,000, it will need to
go to Council for acceptance.
Commissioner Lemieux was not present to report on the Golf Course. Director Kiser informed
Commissioners that the order is in for the bridge and the architect has been asked to move forward
with the final design plans for Hole No. 3.
Parks and Recreation Commission – Minutes
June 6, 2007
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11. Communications
Commissioner Hensinger relayed an observance of a consistent pile of soil taking up nearly two
parking spaces at the Santa Rosa Park parking lot since the rainy season. Parks and Recreation staff
will look into it.
Commissioner Kincaid added that the Tree Committee is looking for trees that could be considered
Heritage trees.
Commissioner Hensinger provided a brief background on himself to the rest of the Commissioners.
Hensinger has lived in San Luis Obispo for six years and works from his home office as a mechanical
engineer for a New Mexico based firm, while his wife is a professor at Cal Poly for the engineering
department. Together they are raising two children ages 14 and 6 and have experienced numerous
Parks and Recreation programs firsthand. This is Hensinger’s first opportunity in public service and
he looks forward to the experience.
12. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. to the Park Tour on July 11, 2007, commencing at the Laguna
Lake Golf Course.
Approved by Parks and Recreation Commission on 08/01/2007.
_________/S/________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds
Supervisory Administrative Assistant