Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-08 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Substitute Chair Rick May called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Rick May, Kylie Hatch and Ron Regier ABSENT: Chair Jill Lemieux, Vice Chair Craig Kincaid STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Linda Fitzgerald, Todd Beights, Robin Perrin, Marti Reynolds In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, Commissioner Rick May was appointed to the duty of acting Chair for the meeting. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Regier/Hatch) Approve the September 3, 2008 minutes as submitted. Approved: 5 yes: 0 no: 2 absent (Lemieux/Kincaid) 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month – no volunteer due to annual recognition dinner last month Director Kiser requested the Chair move Parks Maintenance Supervisor Todd Beights forward in the agenda to follow the Staff Report given by Recreation Supervisor Fitzgerald. The request was granted. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 2 of 10 1-2 3. Tennis Report – Fitzgerald Commissioners were given a follow-up report including comments from the September 24, 2008, community meeting held in response to the petition from the tennis player’s request for lights at Sinsheimer Park. It was hoped that these comments would assist with goal setting in relation to tennis. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald went into the history of the petition and summarized the pros and cons of the 25 in attendance at the meeting. The concerns of those opposed included glare and intrusion of bright lighting, obstruction of night sky, increased noise from players, increased need for parking, increased use by skateboarders. Fitzgerald noted that at this time there is no approved tennis court lighting project by Council. The positive points of those in favor included expanded playing time or time with family, not having to go to expensive private clubs to play at night, that skateboarding would actually be discouraged by the lighting. Offers to respect the immediate neighborhoods by trying to control player noise and restrict playing time were given. Director Kiser explained that if the lighting project came forward as a goal, Council could move forward faster. Six alternatives were presented as follows: 1) 2nd tennis court at Islay Park (design in 2009, contract in 2010) 2) Defer Islay Hill project and place lights at Sinsheimer 3) Do both but add Sinsheimer lights to CIP for 2010-11 (general fund) 4) Partner with SLCUSD for replacement lights at high school and/or new lights at middle school (2011 design) 5) Study the need for added courts and lighting before future tennis projects (similar to synthetic turf study). NRPA standards suggest one court per 2,000 residents which would equate to 22 courts for the City of San Luis Obispo. Currently there are 17, including those owned by the SLCUSD. 6) Maintain the status quo. The Chair then opened to Commissioners comments: Commissioners discussed and clarified various items such as Islay not having lights currently and that Cal Poly and Cuesta were not counted. The Chair then opened to Public Comment: Curtis Illingworth of San Luis Obispo, opposed (noise, traffic). A 25-year resident living within 70 feet of the courts. Concerned increased traffic would come through the now quiet neighborhood as well as about bright lights. Pointed out noise is louder after sun goes down. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 3 of 10 1-3 Satisfied if goes through public hearing: would like to be assured if proposed to be put on ARC agenda and subject to appeal process so guaranteed of being heard. Paul Neel of San Luis Obispo, opposed (lights and parking). A resident since 1962, certain that if subject is part of appeal process, would be opposed. Not adequate parking as additional parking in evening when residents are home would be necessary, also no outlet. Opposed, feels would be a detriment to neighborhood. Tom Fowler of San Luis Obispo, a five-year resident, opposed (lights). Claims the area’s safety and quietness were what attracted his move to neighborhood. Did not receive notice of Wednesday meeting and feels many others did not also. Feels wrong place for activity. Lives 1- 1/2 blocks from courts but can hear conversations clearly, particularly in summer. Feels 10 p.m. is too late to allow play. Parking won’t happen on Southwood but near courts instead. Ariana Spaulding of San Luis Obispo, supports project. Husband is not home until dark and as a mother feels providing lights will allow greater opportunity to get out of the house enjoying a healthy bonding activity. With a light card system, well-managed, privileges of light card are a way to work out time concerns. John Belsher of San Luis Obispo, tennis player, supports project. Has often wished could play at night. Feels would be lights without spillage and low noise. Feels softball field with lights on 100’ poles would have more light and noise impact than the tennis court. Has never parked more than 100 yards from the courts. Feels light technology has changed dramatically in 20 years including downward shielded types which wouldn’t be visible from homes. Suggests noise be managed with cards. Points out this is a city (Community) park rather than a neighborhood park. Colin Jones of San Luis Obispo, member of Joint Use Commission, submitted petition, supports the lights, is himself a tennis player. Feels key point in Islay vs. Sinsheimer is that there would be double the amount of time at Sinsheimer to play if lit. Feels a reasonable group, hours desired to remain open would be until 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. winter and 10:00 p.m. summer. Lights would benefit dozens of tennis players’ and families’ unmet needs. Other cities manage lighted courts. Is confident lighting plan could be developed. Brent May of San Luis Obispo, supports lighted courts, in winter uses SLO High School but lights don’t work and courts are too close to one another which is dangerous. Sinsheimer would allow year-round play. Brian Spaulding of San Luis Obispo, supports, agrees with City’s technical analysis of impact of lights. Facility is well maintained, nice setting, low wind. Plays once or twice a month now but if there was a facility like Sinsheimer, would have more opportunity to play. Feels lights and presence of players would reduce vandalism and skateboard activity, tennis would redirect youth energy. Terry Mohan of San Luis Obispo, opposed. A resident of Sinsheimer neighborhood, was angered, not hearing of September 24 meeting until that day. Feels bias in keeping stakeholders out of the loop. Feels nighttime tennis is destructive and lowers property values. Checked SLO High School at 9:00 p.m. and all six courts were open. Feels an accurate study is needed and Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 4 of 10 1-4 that lights should be installed at Islay where they are less disruptive. Recommends shelving project until proven greater need justifies the expense. Peter Meertens of San Luis Obispo, opposed (lights, noise, parking) showed slides of aerial photos of his house located approximately 70 ft. from the Sinsheimer courts. Views included from park facing East to Helena Street, from the back lawn illustrating drop in elevation and the clean view of courts and potential light pollution, also view from neighbors deck. Feels trees in distance would shield Del Campo, 3-4 courts would still be in view. Supports evening tennis just not at Sinsheimer stating it “won’t be a field of dreams, it will be a field of screams.” Hears activity clearly in the evening, as well as the 7 a.m tennis league which is loud. Sees neighborhood parking impacted as it is. Feels neighbors who work late shifts will be impacted, view of mountains will be blocked, view of more parking. Feels would need tertiary lights as well. Scott Cleere of San Luis Obispo, a league teacher and resident since 1976, supports lights. Feels high school courts are poorly designed, too narrow, and not cleaned. Sinsheimer represents quality facility. Feels provide soccer, basketball and baseball outlets, and so too tennis. Stated was also at SLO High School last night and although not packed there were users there. Feels it is healthy to have another athletic element (quality) outlet (for teens). Asked how different 9:00 p.m. in January is from the same time in July. Sympathizes with neighbors but feels there are “circumstances that must be accepted as part of a community.” Feels light projected into home is different than what see projected on the court. Loves the Sinsheimer Courts, feels they are well cared for and wants to improve them. Does not feel cul de sac parking would be detrimental. Asked for show of hands from audience for support. Rachel Rosenthall of San Luis Obispo, owns home furthest west, is a tennis player, is opposed (lights and noise). Feels discussion in 1999 as well as 1994 were both voted down for these same reasons. Sent an email to committee stating if money for lights why not spend it on creeks and stormwater plans. Spent years caring for open space. Missed the September 24 meeting. Knows neighbors have written to Director Kiser. Need new fence with 4’ block at the bottom. Feels issue keeps coming back after five years. Quoted from Council that we shall take care of what we have before building new. Tom Weinschenk of San Luis Obispo, 20-year resident and player, opposed (noise). Feels hard to believe that school district courts are dangerous as they are used by children and recently resurfaced. They are already used at night regularly. Feels upgrading lights at those courts should be first priority. Rarely has to wait for use. As a neighbor feels rest disturbed being only 70 feet from courts; can tell by noises/voices who is playing and prefers not to have that kind of “intimacy.” Can’t control who plays or how loud they are, tertiary lighting. Park is closed at dusk, feels extended lights would increase loitering, skateboards and vandalism. Feels should keep a good daytime facility at Sinsheimer and upgrade the nighttime facility at the high school. Acting Chair May closed public comment, commending attendance by the audience and thanking them for their input. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 5 of 10 1-5 Commissioners discussed. Commissioner Havas inquired on courts design in reference to others. Commissioner Regier said feels embarrassed the community can’t play tennis after dark and would like as a top priority for 2009-11. More concerned with noise and environmental issues than lighting. Uncertain of advisability at Sinsheimer and would like to explore SLO high school. Commissioner Hensinger agreed with the ‘take care of what we have’ comment. While continue to grow and meet needs of community, if make available after dark for tennis, seems like special use. Look at refinishing courts at Laguna Middle School. Director Kiser clarified those are not the City’s courts and would need to be through the Joint Use Agreement. Director Hatch appreciated public input and a need for lighting that will appease all. Would support an in depth study to analyze need and technologies or other avenues available as well as working with the high school or middle school. Commissioner May would like to see some nighttime lighting but also would like to see alternative such as Islay or joint agreement with the school district. Reiterated that this is the beginning stage. Commissioner Havas commented on a possible study like the synthetic turf study. Chair May recommended that discussion move to goal setting and closed subject. 4. Staff Report – Beights Parks and Urban Forest Supervisor Beights updated the Commissioners on the timeline of CIP projects such as the water reuse system, Laguna Lake restrooms which will be out to bid in December, Mission Plaza stair replacement, and proposed projects such as Sinsheimer stadium chairs (originals have needed onsite maintenance), and access road behind stadium. Also informed on French Park security lighting failure, Jack House elevator shaft, Laguna Lake shoreline erosion, deteriorated horseshoe courts at Santa Rosa Park, Islay Park surfacing material needs improvement before next cycle of playground equipment, Emerson Park concrete is cracked, PAR course is old as is Laguna Lake’s, Santa Rosa and Johnson Park restrooms, Jack House Restroom to ADA compliance with remodel, guideline for Facility users developing with James Bremer on which parks have what activities at what levels or can best accommodate drop- in play. Requested Commissioners channel any comments or questions they may have of him through the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 6 of 10 1-6 5. Goals for 2009-11 Financial Plan – Kiser Director Kiser reviewed the goal setting instructions in preparation for the 2009-2011 Financial Plan At the request of Chair May, Brian Stark, Director of Land Conservancy, discussed opportunity for restoration of the San Luis Obispo Octagon Barn and passed a flyer out to the Commissioners. Explained the reconstruction of the barn is nearly complete and will open as a public facility designed for events, dances, weddings and community meetings, markets and to learn agricultural history. Has been working with CalTrans on 5-acre site and partnered with the County to build bathrooms. Hope to open May 2009 in some form. Has had hundreds of donors and volunteers and invites the City to become a partner. The Land Conservancy has prepared a proposal and is asking for $50,000 to handle site landscaping which is the user experience to benefit the community. Would hope the City will consider it an honor as the City of San Luis Obispo would be a primary beneficiary of the barn’s existence. The value received would be new community services coming in upwards of $400 K. Director Kiser reminded Commissioners that previous Financial Plan goals were handed out at the last session. CIP or major city goals have been addressed and will be submitted so no need to include as new goals. Few items left on list of unmet needs – next step is new master plan. Reviewed goals from last year, suggested as an example identifying skatepark plans and specs and construction and providing a statement of support. Current proposed needs will be reviewed by Council and while they may not become a major city goal, they will be given consideration as a possible CIP. Explained process further and that next month will develop remaining answers as to why implementing. Chair May opened to Public Comment: Agatha Reardon, resident of San Luis Obispo, suggested study needed for future needs of seniors of the community stating a needs study would be in the 2009 budget so that 10 years from now needs will be met but should start now with the vision. Public Comment closed at 8:45 p.m. Director Kiser advised that all discussion takes place at public meeting. The draft list of goals will be brought back to the PRC next month for finalization. Goals will then be forwarded to the Director of Finance and IT on November 10 to combine with other Advisory Body goals, reissuing to the PRC December 1 for one final look. Commissioner Havas suggested starting with modification of unmet needs and current CIP. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 7 of 10 1-7 Director Kiser explained which projects were deferred and which were not and made clarifications to Commissioners on questions of the skatepark, artificial turf, the master plan and the land use element. Discussion followed amongst the Commissioners and goals were listed and ranked as follows: 1. Allocate funding to complete the skate park, which includes the development of plans and specification and construction of the park. 2. Continue to support the acquisition of open space (could be more specific by adding “by allocating funding for purchase of the Froom property”.) 3. Update the Parks and Recreation Element/Master Plan, including the completion of a Community Needs Assessment as a basis for development. 4. Proceed with Senior/Community Center Needs Study. 5. Continue to meet the athletic field needs of the community by implementing the highest priority recommendations contained in the Athletic Fields Needs Assessment and monitoring lower priority recommendations for opportunities. 6. Continue work to complete the Bob Jones Trail. 7. As a part of the Islay Hills Tennis Court Capital Improvement Project, conduct a Tennis Court and Lighting Needs and Impact Assessment for the community. 8. Continue to allocate $20,000 to the Youth Sports Association through the Joint Use Committee’s Facility Improvement Grant program for renovating school district athletic fields. Other goals identified, but not selected in first round: Upgrade playground equipment – Current, on-going C.I.P. Roadway, sidewalk, bikeway education Assist with renovation of Land Conservancy octagon barn Golf Course Master Plan Continue to implement the Laguna Lake Master Plan Continue to implement the Sinsheimer Park Master Plan More marketing for the Jack House Public Art Chair May suggested going forward with these eight goals for discussion at the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 8 of 10 1-8 6. Staff Report - Perrin Recreation Supervisor Perrin gave a PowerPoint with photos highlighting events of the last year at the Swim Center. Topics included the use of the Therapy Pool since its installation last year and the more than doubled attendance since the beginning of the warm water therapy classes, pointing out that revenues had increased $52K. Also highlighted the dedicated lifeguard and instructor staff at the pool, and their training and team building skills, including a special instance of surf training. 7. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Skate Park – First community meeting to develop the Skate Park Master Plan is scheduled for this Saturday October 4 at the Library; second scheduled for November 8; presentation to PRC on December 3. • Mitchell Park Senior Center – Design plans and specifications for parking lot went to Council September 16 and approved with minor revisions. Construction remains slated for December. The Senior Center renovation experiencing a slowdown. Completion still slated for end of October. • Council authorized the release of an RFP for a concessionaire at the Golf Course; scheduled to be opened on Friday, October 10 at 3pm; Hole #3 Ribbon Cutting – scheduled for Friday, October 10 at 10:30am, Ashley is working on invitations; Golf Course Bridge – bid awarded to Nick Pokrjac, Inc. from Atascadero - Work to begin on Monday, October 13 and is expected to take 8 weeks; Golf Course Barrier Netting – sole sourced to Judge Netting, work to begin on Monday, October 20. • Council approved the 2008-09 Budget last night, which includes a reduction of $72,800 from P&R operating budget (travel & training ($2,600), temp staff hour reductions ($23,000, JUC field improvement grant funding reduction ($9500); MYTF grant funding reduction ($10,000), cancellation of TOC ($20,000), contract labor ($5,200) and other minor reductions. • CIP projects – only one was deferred – Senior Center Needs Study – will resubmit next year for consideration. • Dedication of Jack House fence to be held on Monday, October 6. Foundation work to begin October 7. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 9 of 10 1-9 • Volunteer Recognition BBQ was a very successful and fun event. Thanked the Commissioners for their assistance. Suggested next year the Chair may give out the Wes Conner Award. 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 was not present to give a report for the Tree Committee. Commissioner Regier informed of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force meeting on September 11. On a sad note, member Matt Aydalot passed away and part of the meeting was dedicated to his remembrance. There will be an upcoming suicide prevention session on October 9 at the Laguna Middle School, presentation on Jay Asher’s book “13 Reasons Why”, a parent forum will be held at the High School on substance abuse. The next meeting of the MYTF will be November 13. Commissioner Regier mentioned it will be interesting to see how the group sees it’s mission with not having grant program funds. Commissioner Havas reported on Open Space stating he was unable to meet with Neil Havlik this month, but inspected the Stenner Springs angled bridge and Johnson Ranch bridge at the Water Treatment Facility. Credited the mountain bikers for their support. Commissioner May reported on the Joint Use Committee stating they received the Athletic Fields Needs Assessment Report and discussed goals at the last meeting. Commissioner Hatch reported on the last meeting of the Jack House Committee during which they discussed the use of inventory cards, expenditures, presence on the visitors and conference bureau website, and their goals. Foundation repair went to Carroll Building Company and should be complete by January 1, 2009. In December bids should be received for fire sprinklers, to be completed in time for reopening in spring and restrooms by summer. The Rotary fence dedication went well on October 6. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Golf Course relaying that revenues are up at $130K gross this year as compared to $88K last year. Also mentioned extra cell tower tenant interest, information on entrance sign(s), and Hole #3 status. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 1, 2008 Page 10 of 10 1-10 9. Communications None. 10. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m. to the November 5, 2008, meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission at the Council Chambers. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on November 5, 2008. /S/ _________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant