HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-08 PRC Minutes
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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• 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.
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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