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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-07 PRC MinutesG:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2007\Minutes\06.06.07 minutes.doc 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. Parks and Recreation Commission – Minutes 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) Parks and Recreation Commission – Minutes June 6, 2007 Page 4 of 6 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 Page 5 of 6 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 Page 6 of 6 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