HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-07 PRC MinutesParks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, September 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Jill Lemieux, Vice Chair Bob Wolf, Commissioners: Rick May, Craig
Kincaid, David Hensinger, Don Dollar and Kylie Hatch
ABSENT:
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Rich Ogden, Linda Fitzgerald and Marti Reynolds
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes from August 1, 2007 were approved as submitted.
1. Oaths of Office for New Members
Director Betsy Kiser, as deputized by the City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office for new
commissioner Kylie Hatch.
2. Public Comment
None.
3. Volunteer of the Month
Chair Lemieux introduced the September Volunteers of the Month Colleen and Pete Hubbard. The
Hubbard’s were “all-star” volunteers at the 2007 Triathlon, working the full day at the Swim Center,
logging times and counting laps for participants. Their assistance allowed for continuity and smooth
participant transition in an often chaotic area. The Hubbard’s met in 1971 while attending Cal Poly and
later married. Pete joined the San Luis Obispo Police Department in 1977 and retired last year after 29
years of public service. After Cal Poly, Colleen became a Registered Nurse and worked for years both
at Sierra Vista Hospital and a private care company. Colleen is an active volunteer with the Red
Cross. Pete continues to volunteer with the annual Bike Rodeo which is co-sponsored by the SLO
Police Department and Parks and Recreation.
4. Review Biographies and Select Recipient for the Wes Conner Award
Director Kiser reviewed the background and criteria of the Wes Conner Award and shared the
biographies of nominees with the Commissioners. The Commissioners reviewed and discussed the
criteria. Chair Lemieux clarified with Terry Conner the wishes of the Conner family regarding
residency status criteria. It was not the intention of the family to exclude someone who is not a
resident of the City, if indeed their volunteer efforts specifically benefit the City of San Luis Obispo.
Commissioners also clarified that those who have been employed by the City in a parks and
recreation position would not qualify for the award for efforts that were part of the position,
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September 5, 2007
Page 2 of 6
however; a City employee of another branch could qualify who volunteers free time to parks and
recreation.
MOTION: (Wolf / Dollar)
1) Amend the Wes Conner Award criteria to read as follows:
a) The honoree must have worked as a volunteer to advance the goals of the Parks and
Recreation Department for at least 10 years.
b) The honoree’s efforts must have been directed towards the benefit of multiple interest
groups within the City.
c) The honoree may not be a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission at the time
of selection for the award.
Approved: 7 Yes: 0 No: 0 Absent
Commissioners discussed the nominees and their contributions in detail and the particular meaning of
this being the first award recipient.
MOTION: (Wolf / Kincaid)
2) Nominate Jim Neville as the recipient for the award to be presented at the Volunteer
Appreciation BBQ on Wednesday, September 19, 2007.
Approved: 7 Yes: 0 No: 0 Absent
5. Use of San Luis Obispo Baseball Stadium for 2008
Director Kiser briefed the Commissioners on the history of the SLO Baseball Stadium and it’s
priorities for use. Commissioner May explained the background of the development of the
subcommittee of the Joint Use Committee.
Commissioners entered into discussion.
Chair Lemieux opened up the floor to public comment.
Tim Golden, SLO Blues, spoke of the realization that it is a privilege to play at Sinsheimer.
Understands the field is too big for Babe Ruth and was built to entice a high level of baseball. Feels
entitlement must be granted and the situation worked well until the introduction of the new team.
Believes in taking care of the fans and children with affordable family entertainment – has spent
$20k to clean up two trailers. The community has supported the SLO Blues and they in turn like to
give back to the community.
Rich Reynolds, SLO Blues, told Commissioners he spoke to Council December 5 regarding the
situation. Does not disagree with the analysis. Feels it is unfortunate for the Men’s Senior Baseball
to be considered as “Other” and regrets they could not be represented tonight – fears they will have
to disband. Pointed out that the Blues and Rattlers will only play 20 games even if play every night
when 40 is needed. Trying to bring money into the community. Believes there is room for all users.
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September 5, 2007
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Stated Men’s Senior Baseball attended mediation and were accommodating but they need the
stadium and its lighting. Stated only one concession was needed in the past and does not understand
the rationale in needing more.
Dave Hite, SLO Rattlers, said they had a great season although realizes they don’t have the fan base
of the SLO Blues. They did not have logistical problems.
Carlton Brown, SLO Blues, feels that past performance and history of use of the stadium should set
the precedent for stadium use and a new team does not have a “past performance”. Ask that
consideration be given to the 40,000 fans and that it is clear the Blues have the community at heart.
The merits of a team are produced over years.
Michael Lara, SLO Blues, stated he had been with the SLO Blues for seven years. Understands the
predicament with the JUC. Shared his fear that if proposals were being judged by number of pages
that the use would be granted to the team with the most money to hire a good writer. Halfway
through the season there was a change representing an effort toward making this a viable program.
In the past stadium use was grandfathered in; when someone new came in they went to the bottom
of the list. Stated there have been two teams since 1994 – does not understand the process that
would allow a new team to be equal right away.
Public comment was closed at 8:20 pm by Chair Lemieux.
Action: As recommended by the Joint Use Sub-Committee:
1) Concur that the use of San Luis Obispo Baseball Stadium (SLO Baseball Stadium) for semi-
pro baseball teams is now “impacted” and that consideration of use by additional semi -pro
teams, beyond the San Luis Obispo Blues and the San Luis Obispo Rattlers, be suspended
indefinitely;
2) Support amendments to the SLO Baseball Stadium Priorities for Use, as outlined in the staff
report;
3) Endorse the concept of a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting the Blues and the Rattlers to
bid for shared exclusive use of SLO Baseball Stadium for the 2008 semi-professional
collegiate baseball season;
4) Assuming both teams meet minimum RFP requirements, return to the Joint Use Committee
(JUC) for
a. approval of recommendations for shared use of the stadium with the number of
games allocated to each team dependent upon responsiveness to the criteria set forth
in the RFP; the quality of team performance during the proposal review and
interview process; past performance with the City;
b. approval of use agreements;
c. forwarding of both the recommendations and use agreements to City Council for
final approval;
5) Endorse the updated fees for use of SLO Baseball Stadium, to become effective January 1,
2008; and
6) Support a RFP for an exclusive food and beverage concessionaire for the SLO Baseball
Stadium from January through September.
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September 5, 2007
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The Commissioners discussed each recommendation, and sought additional input from the stadium
users in attendance on the idea of issuing a RFP for an exclusive food and beverage concessionaire for
the stadium. The consensus was that each user wished to maintain and manage their “signature”
offerings. The Commission suggested that the teams might want to collaborate on the concession
stand to make the operations more efficient and effective.
The Commission discussed the idea of not going out for an exclusive food and beverage
concessionaire at this time but adding the criteria “business plan for concession use” to the RFP
released to the two semi-professional teams to see what the teams propose. If the proposal review
committee does not feel that the concessionaire concerns are adequately addressed by the users, then
an exclusive concessionaire could be sought at that time.
MOTION: (Hatch/May)
Approve recommendations #1-5. Do not approve recommendation #6, rather add the criteria
“business plan for concession use” to the list of criteria requested in the RFP inviting the Blues and
the Rattlers to bid for shared exclusive use of SLO Baseball Stadium for the 2008 semi-professional
collegiate baseball season.
Approved 7 Yes: 0 No: 0 Absent
6. Staff Report
Recreation Supervisor Rich Ogden introduced himself to the Commissioners and briefed them on the
Recreation Sports programs he supervises, including a breakdown of Youth, Teen, Adult and Boomer
sports available by season. Ogden also informed Commissioners of the recent success of the 28th
annual SLO Triathlon which occurs on the 4th Sunday in July. Ogden also greatly commended his
staff and their invaluable assistance, particularly Amy Cockerham and Jacob Broyles.
7. Director’s Report
Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:
Fall School Programs underway with three programs already full. Pilot Preschool program
at Hawthorne School, resurrecting the “Little Rec’rs” program
Fall Softball began Tuesday September 4
Synthetic Turf field visit for August 30th was cancelled because Council could not attend.
The Council would like to see a cost benefit analysis
Art in the Garden at the Jack House was August 19
Recreation Manager Shannon Bates returned from maternity leave Tuesday, September 6.
Currently in process of hiring a recreation supervisor for Children’s Services
The Bike transit plan has been accepted by Council and certified at the State level
The French Park Neighborhood Meeting was August 8th – neighbors agree on Children’s
equipment but were split on the big kid’s equipment (traditional vs. non-traditional). Will be
on next months agenda
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September 5, 2007
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Therapy Pool swim lessons and programs have been developed as well as warm water
exercise classes
Director Kiser shared a color rendition of the Beeson Art piece “Bee Bee Works His Magic”
for the Little Theatre site which was approved by Council August 24
The Volunteer Appreciation Banquet will be September 19th at the Ludwick Center.
Commissioners encouraged to attend.
Advisory Body Training is September 20 from 5pm-8:30pm at Corp Yard
Commissioners encouraged to consider training in March at the annual California Parks &
Recreation Association conference in Long Beach. There is funding for two to three
Commissioners to attend. Will select at a future date.
8. 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 on the Tree Committee meeting. The cost of moving of the silk
tree within the plaza is being funded (Hines Foundation). The Tree Ordinance is being updated.
When High and Broad Streets are widened, nine trees will be relocated to the Pacific Home Do It
Center.
Commissioner Dollar reported on Open Space. The draft Johnson Ranch Open Space Plan is near
completion and will be coming to Parks and Recreation in November. The Stenner Creek Plan will
be worked on the later part of next year. The Bob Jones Bike Trail will see work begin in late
September or October.
Commissioner May reported on the August 28th Joint Use Committee meeting. Both the SLO Blues
and the SLO Rattlers attended the meeting. New Commissioner Michael Parolini was welcomed.
Commissioner Lemieux reported on the Jack House Committee meeting of August 8 in lieu of
Commissioner Wolf stating there was a nice turnout at the Art in the Garden Event. Also, a new
book “The House that Jack Built” about the history of the Jack House will be printed soon and
expected to be sold at local bookstores in addition to the gift shop.
Director Kiser reported on the Golf Course in lieu of Commissioner Lemieux stating Hole #3 is out
to bid and the bridge has been ordered. Three bids have been received on golf carts of which we
will be leasing eight. The roof at the golf shop will be repaired and the irrigation control RFP will be
released in the next few weeks.
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September 5, 2007
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9. Communications
None.
10. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m. to the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting on October 3,
2007, at the Council Chambers.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 3, 2007.
/S/
_________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds
Supervisory Administrative Assistant