Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-08 PRC Minutes 1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 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 Craig Kincaid, Commissioners: David Hensinger, Rick May, Kylie Hatch and Ron Regier ABSENT: Gary Havas STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Sheridan Bohlken, Wendy George, Marti Reynolds CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Kincaid/May) Approve the August 6, 2008 minutes as submitted. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Havas) 1. Public Comment None. Commissioner Kincaid inquired about last month’s public comment by Rose Shapeley and whether staff would follow up on her suggestion to include park development on tops of parking structures and in small spaces where development is intense. He didn’t want the subject to be forgotten. Director Kiser asked if they would like the topic to be agendized and explained the Land Use and Circulation Elements will be updated and perhaps could be included then. Chair Lemieux will email the Planning Commission as a starting point before the October meeting and will get back with Director Kiser. 2. Volunteer of the Month The September Volunteer of the Month is Ellen Peck. Ellen Peck has been a volunteer in the San Luis Obispo community for over 20 years. Most currently, Ellen has been dedicated to the SLO Senior Center, spending her time organizing and conducting the Food Give-Away program while also volunteering as an office docent. For the Food Give-Away program, Ellen gives countless hours and energy towards making sure that people in need, both seniors and families, receive food that is donated by local stores. Ellen works directly with the Food Bank and with other SLO Senior Center volunteers to have deliveries made on time with just the right amounts of Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 2 of 7 1-2 produce and dry goods, and takes the responsibility to organize others in how to package the food for easy distribution. Ellen’s commitment to this program is what has kept it alive and going over the years. Her heart-felt passion for other’s well-being is first and foremost; she takes no credit for herself, but always directs it to others. Although Ellen does not always feel well enough to do the things that she enjoys, she is always present for her self-directed ‘responsibility’ to the Food Give-Away program. Ellen volunteers for other programs at the SLO Senior Center including working as a docent once a week and fulfilling the role of Member-At-Large for the Senior Board. She truly shines when she is able to help others and which is felt by countless members of this community. Parks and Recreation is grateful to Ellen Peck for the many years of service to the community of the City of San Luis Obispo. 3. Results of the Athletic Field Needs Assessment – Kiser/George Director Kiser introduced consultant Wendy George to the Commission, who then gave a presentation on the results of the Athletic Fields Needs Assessment. The assessment looked at the needs of turf users (13 organizations) and diamond sport users (12 organizations). Team representatives were interviewed by the consultant to identify highest priority needs. The consultant also identified existing playing fields, which are owned by six agencies, including City, School District, County, Cuesta, Tally Farms and Laureate Schools. The busiest fields are Damon Garcia, SLO Stadium, and Laguna Middle School. The greatest need expressed by the turf users was for additional use of Damon-Garcia fields. Other than scheduling conflicts with turf sports, the diamond users have most of their needs met. The consultant then looked at strategies for addressing identified needs, including potential partnerships with other public agencies and private entities and the development of new fields. The consultant evaluated Damon Garcia Sports Fields and best practices for maintenance of the fields. She also explored the pros and cons of installing synthetic turf and recommended against the installation of synthetic turf in the City at this time. If the current rehabilitation program for the Damon-Garcia fields is unsuccessful, the best choice for synthetic turf would be Daryl Damon field rather than Stockton or SLO Stadium. Based on the information gathered from the Needs Assessment, 29 recommendations were provided including: Highest priority to be implemented as soon as possible. (16 recommendations) Lower priority for future consideration. (10 recommendations) Actions not recommended at this time. (4 recommendations) Commissioners then discussed: Commissioner Hatch asked if considered synthetic turf for future fields (Margarita, Orcutt). Wendy George explained Margarita can only be for pickup games due to flight path location, and that Orcutt is not regulation size. Stockton field teams are ambivalent; better to put in synthetic turf in a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 3 of 7 1-3 regulation field. Commissioner Hensinger confirmed that Pacheco and Bishop’s Peak can’t be used unless we pay the School District. Wendy George added those fields are more for tournaments and games than practice fields. Further discussion on what fields would be available for practice. Director Kiser explained the Joint Use Committee provides $20,000 per year to the School District to upgrade facilities and therefore overtime will contribute to the usability of school owned fields. Commissioner May commented on the thoroughness of the report and thanked Wendy George stating the output of the report was worth ten times what it cost to produce. Commissioner Regier discussed briefly the existence of club baseball teams. He thought that they primarily interact with the School District. More information may be available from Dan Sutton. In response to the report, Commissioner Regier stated his recollection was that there was not a promise to baseball regarding the installation of synthetic turf on Stockton field, that he didn’t recall a link between Damon Garcia. Director Kiser relayed that, at the time, ex-Director LeSage thought Stockton was the first likely choice as it was smaller and therefore the least expensive as a test project, and could be used for youth soccer and rugby off season, with second choice being SLO Stadium and third being Damon Garcia. Wendy George added that, at the time, synthetic turf was still a new and novel product. Commissioner Regier went on to state he is a proponent for synthetic turf and supports the rationale of Damon Garcia as a first choice. He also hoped that if discussions ever came forward again with the school district that Taylor Field would be considered for synthetic turf. Chair Lemieux felt the situation benefited from taking time out to study it. Commissioner May gave background on dealing with the Damon Garcia flood zone, stating a good deal went into the initial study to see that water was allowed to flow at some speed so that no mud would accumulate on the grass, that there were some liability issues to the City that the flood plain remain the same. Commissioner Hatch relayed information gleaned from a CPRS Conference he attended regarding built in drains. Wendy George added this would involve more expense and research. Commissioner Regier brought up the issue of French drains at Santa Rosa, suggesting maybe other casual recreation can go on there. Added there was discussion of youth sports on Taylor field but never formally advocated with School District. Would be able to keep open if school ever gets more funding. Director Kiser asked Wendy George to add Taylor and Holt to the lower priority area of report. Commissioner Regier inquired more about the possibility of using Meadow Park, potential tree removal and proximity to condos and discussed with Director Kiser tennis user’s request for more space and possible changes in Homeowner’s Agreements. Commissioner Regier discussed looking long term and at trends of sports activities in our City and asked if there was a trend/study planned for the future. Director Kiser explained the Land Use Element recently brought before Council and that it was felt the Parks and Recreation element would slow down the process if it was included. As the Parks and Recreation Element is seven years old, may consider bringing it forward as a goal Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 4 of 7 1-4 during next months goal setting as funding needs to be approved for a study. Commissioner Kincaid felt the report was done very well and had some questions about field users’ inquiries. Chair Lemieux asked if there could be a better way of communicating what is played where and why, perhaps an online page or hotline which would also explain why an empty field does not necessarily mean an available field. Wendy George added that it would help to post rotating pick up fields. Chair Lemieux also added that she felt LaCrosse would be at Cal Poly or Cuesta first, agrees would be nice to see where SLO is shifting. 4. Selection of Recipient for the Wes Conner Award – Kiser Last month Director Kiser explained the Wes Conner Award which was created last year subsequent to Wes Conner’s passing and intended to honor individuals who, like Wes, have provided sustained valuable service that resulted in improved access to high quality parks and recreation services in the City of San Luis Obispo. At that time the criteria established for the award was reviewed. The Commissioners had the option to keep or eliminate the biographies accumulated already. Chair Lemieux then opened up discussion and review of the nominations for the award, asking if anyone had strong feelings one way or the other. It was generally felt that any of the choices would be good choices and illustrated arguments for both sides. Although some of the Commissioners felt they were too new to be entirely familiar with the nominees, it was felt that all were good candidates and after some discussion made their decision with the caveat that Richard Kriet be recognized as being at the top of the list as well and highly recommended for next year. MOTION: (Regier/Kincaid) Nominate John Rossetti as this year’s recipient of the annual Wes Conner Award to be honored at the Annual Volunteer Recognition BBQ on September 25, 2008. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Havas) 5. Goal Setting Instructions – Kiser Director Kiser reviewed the goal setting instructions in preparation for the 2009-2011 Financial Plan and gave out handouts in correlation with a PowerPoint presentation created by the Director of Finance and Internet Technology, Bill Statler. Director Kiser explained the budget process links goals and resources and what we want to accomplish with our community over the next two years. The process identifies highest priorities and reasonable timeframes. Council goal Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 5 of 7 1-5 setting workshop is January 31, 2009. The Senior Center and Roller Hockey Rink and Open Space were part of last year’s major city goals plus some of the bikeway improvements. It was asked of the advisory body, from their perspective, what they perceive as community- wide goals. Feels Council honors what Advisory Body’s recommendations are. On November 10, 2008, the goals will be presented to the Director of Finance and consolidated then returned to the Advisory Bodies for a final review. When considering goals, may want to recommend the Council move forward with designs (playground, skate park, etc.). Reminded that this 2009-11 season does not begin with an empty plate. Still focused on Measure Y requests that must be honored and still have Measure Y funds for eight years. There are of course unknown impacts from State budget threats, the economy’s effect on revenue such as TOT, and the binding arbitration settlement. A short term fiscal health contingency plan has been put in place with hiring and travel chills, CIP deferrals etc.) Council September 30 should have better idea on all and will recommend short term balancing actions. These resources will be looked at during the next two PRC meetings. Recommended Commissioners review and determine the “what and why and how to achieve” recommended goals. Asked the Commissioners keep in mind that, out of the thousands of goals that are the culmination of all the Advisory Bodies and the community, Council adopted only 12 in the 07/09 budget. Director Kiser went over background material such as previous goals, unmet needs from the Parks and Recreation Element, Major City goals, Measure Y, four-year CIP, Athletic Field Needs, Park needs, Park Master Plans such as Sinsheimer, Laguna, Mitchell, Emerson. When agenda packets are sent out next month there will be a public outreach and focus on notifying youth sports, seniors, etc. to attend. Unmet needs were reviewed. The Parks and Recreation Element is dated so becomes hard to make good decisions on long term plans. Director Kiser entertained questions from the Commissioners including prioritizing thoughts before next month’s meeting, hearing public testimony, tracking goals during process, process of consensus, entertaining new ideas, consideration of top five goals, and consolidation for November. Commissioner Kincaid stated that, although he will be unable to attend next month, he will submit his ideas to the Chair beforehand. Commissioner May stated the Joint Use Committee will discuss during the next meeting September 23 and noted that in the past the ideas are often similar and therefore joined together. 6. Staff Report – Cancelled 7. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 6 of 7 1-6 • Skate Park – The Skate Park Master Plan has been given authorization to move forward. Contract and scope of work has been approved and timeline established. First meeting scheduled for October 4 from 10a.m. to 12p.m.; second scheduled for November 8; presentation to PRC on December 3. Skate park interim modular equipment RFP being prepared. Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee continues to raise funds via pizza sales, contests, etc. • Mitchell Park Senior Center – Design plans and specifications for the parking lot were presented to the ARC on August 18 and will go to Council September 16. Construction remains slated for December. The Senior Center renovations are ahead of schedule. Completion still slated for end of September. • Based on rate review, currently asking Council to authorize an RFP for a concessionaire at the Golf Course. Hole #3 still having problems with the establishment of the bent grass on the green. Bids and specs released on bridge, walkthrough on Sept 9, with opening on 18th. • Slacklining approved by Council at Tuesday Council meeting. Finalizing anchor standards and rules. The Parks and Recreation Commission was praised for their work on this matter. • CIP Committee met to prioritize projects. P&R projects ranked high because they were associated with Major City Goals. • Dedication of Jack House fence to be held on Monday, October 6. Foundation work to begin October 7. • Volunteer Recognition BBQ is scheduled for Thursday, September 25. Since Council will be at the League of CA Cities, the PRC will present the awards. 8. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports: Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – May Mayors Youth Task Force – Regier Jack House Committee – Hatch Open Space – Havas Golf – Hensinger Commissioner Kincaid had no report for the Tree Committee. Commissioner Regier informed the next Mayor’s Youth Task Force meeting will be in the following week and he will inform Director Kiser of its results. Commissioner Havas was not present to report on Open Space but had written information that was passed out the Commissioners. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes September 3, 2008 Page 7 of 7 1-7 Commissioner May reported on the Joint Use Committee which gave the Youth Sports Association $20,000 for facilities upgrades in the school district of which most will go to Laguna Middle School to raise and drain the flooding field. They also received approximately $35,000 of last year’s funds a few months ago. The Joint Use Committee restructured the way grants are handled. Commissioner Hatch reported on the last meeting of the Jack House Committee, discussed historical clothing that was on loan which may be kept through construction then determine later if it will end up being kept. Committee member Bob Gordon is doing a floral design workshop. Discussed doing a fundraiser which may help the closed status but time constraints are involved. The bathroom remodel for ADA compliance was reviewed. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Golf Course, a RFP has gone out for a concessionaire. Revenue is up and, although Hole No. 3 is not quite done yet, the bridge is coming along. New interest in a cell tower. Director Kiser explained further. 9. Communications None. . 10. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. to the October 1, 2008, meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission at the Council Chambers. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 1, 2008. /S/ _________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant