HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-08 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jill Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Rick May, Kylie Hatch and
Ron Regier, Craig Kincaid
ABSENT:
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Todd Bunte, Neil Havlik, Marti Reynolds
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
MOTION: (Hatch/Havas) Approve the October 1, 2008 minutes as submitted.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
1. Public Comment
Scott Cleere, San Luis Obispo, in favor of tennis court lighting. Presented a short video conveying
how the tennis court lighting would appear at night by showing court lighting at Avila Bay Athletic
Club where he is employed. The video portrayed the lighting angle being straight down, with little
spillover. Feels if leave tennis court lighting at status quo then not serving the community, that
lighting Sinsheimer courts would provide a greater opportunity for City residents. Asked
Commissioners to think about what is best for the majority who will be best served, neighbors or
tennis players.
Peter Meertens, San Luis Obispo, opposed to tennis court lighting. Feels most of his neighbors,
would be opposed to the lighting and referenced over 30 negative responses he feels were sent to
Recreation Manager Fitzgerald. Feels the video to be a good example of what he does not want to
hear at night. The courts were not there when initially moved in. Feels any step should be a positive
for the community and that this is not. Thinks community deserves the courts but need a positive
alternative to the lighting and night traffic while preserving quality of neighborhood. Feels
neighborhood has fought issue 15 years. Asked Commissioners to consider recommending in goals
to put lighting resources farther away at Laguna (or high school).
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 2 of 7
1-2
2. Volunteer of the Month
The November Volunteer of the Month honoree is Bhag Karir. Mr. Karir has been a volunteer at the
Laguna Lake Golf Course for the past five years where his duties include golf club making, repair
and regripping. Mr. Karir is a graduate from two club making schools and is considered a master
club builder. A native of India, Mr. Karir has been a U.S. Citizen for 30 years and, along with his
wife and four daughters, has been a resident and small business owner in San Luis Obispo for the
past 25 years. It is Bhag’s commitment to detail and excellence that makes him such a valuable
asset to the City and Laguna Lake Golf Course. Parks and Recreation is grateful for his
contributions to the community of the City of San Luis Obispo.
Mr. Karir spoke of his belief of giving back to God and the community.
3. Report on the Status of the Open Space Program - Havlik
Commissioners were given a PowerPoint presentation by Natural Resources Manager Neil
Havlik on the history and status of the Open Space Program which was established in 1995. He
highlighted easements, open space and waterways acquired to date including the Brughelli
easement, Bowden Ranch, Calle Joaquin acreage, South Hills, the Bob Jones trail, 315 acres
from the Land Conservancy, 71 acres from the King family, and the Johnson Ranch. He
explained the program and how it was modeled after East Bay Regional Park District; feels San
Luis Obispo has a marvelous system that is a result of both citizen and Council support. Has
been working vigorously to connect Irish Hills to Johnson Ranch, and provided details on the
Bowden Ranch property and his hopes for the Tank Farm area.
Dr. Havlik described certain projects in detail such as negotiations with the Brughelli’s and with
the aid of Jim Braebeck to keep that land area conserved as an agricultural easement in
perpetuity as well as the King easement in the South Hills area and the Filliponi resource area.
Explained work on the Stagecoach Road dam which was a barrier to fish movement, and the
Department of Fish and Wildlife grant to remove up to 2/3 of the dam and install weirs, freeing
up a mile of stream above the dam that is now accessible for spawning. Other projects included
the Froom Creek Jeep Road (home of the rare Brewers Spine flower), the Kuden/Olson property,
and the Coon Creek Steelhead Passage Project, which included installing a bridge and step pools
for fish movement while coordinating with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission due of
proximity to the Diablo Canyon power plant. In all, 12 large open space areas, several small
areas, nine conservation easements and numerous ongoing restoration programs have been
incorporated into the City’s open space program. Expectations and projects for the future
include the Eastside transfer of development credits and annexation, Orcutt Area annexation,
Westside conservation and development, stormwater management, continued Bob Jones
Bikepath construction, Stenner Springs, and Tank Farm remediation. Will seek the Parks and
Recreation Commission’s (PRC) continued support in pursuing additional open space funding.
Director Kiser asked Dr. Havlik if there was a need to be more specific with the PRC’s goal of
continuing to acquire open space by including wording about funding to complete the Froom
Ranch purchase. He felt that would be beneficial.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 3 of 7
1-3
Commissioners entered into further discussion on other annexations with Dr. Havlik. Havlik
thanked the Commissioners for their continued support of the program and commended the
Ranger Services division for their efforts.
Chair Lemieux commended Havlik on his persistence in finding alternative funding sources.
4. Goals for 2009-11 Financial Plan – Kiser
Director Kiser reviewed the goal setting instructions in preparation for the 2009-2011 Financial
Plan.
Chair Lemieux opened to public comment.
Helene Finger, San Luis Obispo, thanked the Commissioners for their hard work. Encourages
support of the Bob Jones Trail. Feels there is a large part of the community that would like to
see linkage with the trail. Ms. Finger is on the County liaison committee and is the Bob Jones
Trail spokesperson. Updated that the Octagon Barn to Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) link, less
than ¼ mile, is what the PRC should request be finished. Stated she was informed by Principal
Transportation Planner Peggy Mandeville that the project is not currently a City goal. Is also
looking at the proposed “at grade” crossing for the trail at LOVR. She believes there will
eventually be problems as crossing will be well used and encourages an under-crossing instead.
At the end of the County portion, the trail will parallel the golf course and have a pedestrian
light. Believes the County hopes to finish the project by summer.
Thomas Fowler, San Luis Obispo, is strongly against the tennis court lights, saying that the
courts are not in the right place for the lights, concerned about the lights being on until 10 p.m.
particularly in the winter months. He can hear people talking from the courts three blocks away.
Also feels lighting the walkways to get to courts at night will create unwanted activity in a
currently safe area. Expressed hope that the subject doesn’t come up again.
End of public comment.
The draft list of goals was reviewed for finalization. Goals will be forwarded to the Director of
Finance and IT on November 10 to combine with other Advisory Body goals and reissued to the
PRC December 1 for one final look.
Director Kiser discussed the goals that were ranked at the last meeting and recommended items
3, 4 and 7 be combined as they are all needs assessments. Also noted that, as there is a Capital
Improvement plan for a tennis court at Islay Park that will move forward in two years, the
Commission could bifurcate the tennis court project and the lighting or hold off on the CIP and
do a needs study to determine best location for courts and lighting. Also suggested eliminating
what was item 5, implementing recommendations of the Athletic Fields Needs Assessment, as
Council has already directed staff to move forward with implementation of at least the low
hanging fruit.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 4 of 7
1-4
Director Kiser reminded the Commissioners that Council may not identify any of the PRC’s
goals as major City goals, but they could approve them as CIP’s nevertheless because they have
been identified by the PRC. Also noted that last year the Bob Jones Bike Trail was a Major City
Goal and would most likely be continued with CIP’s until completion.
Commissioner Kincaid noted that by not listing as a goal diminishes the perception of a project’s
importance.
Commissioners Kincaid and May clarified that what had been goal item 8, the continuance of
allocating $20K to the Youth Sports Association through the Joint Use Committee’s (JUC)
Facility Improvement Grant Program, will continue to be a goal of the JUC. Remove as it
doesn’t fit into the PRC context but note that it is still an item that the PRC supports. There was
agreement from the other Commissioners and the Chair asked that it be deleted.
Therefore goals would read as follows:
1. Allocate funding to complete the skate park, which includes the development of plans
and specifications and construction of the park.
2. Continue to support the acquisition of open space to include funding to complete the
purchase of the Froom Ranch transaction.
3. In order to update the Parks and Recreation Element/Master Plan, complete a
Community Needs Assessment as a basis for development with special emphasis on the
need for a Senior/Community center and tennis courts and associated lighting.
4. Continue work to complete the Bob Jones Trail, in particular with emphasis on the
City/County link between Los Osos Valley Road and the Octagon Barn.
Director Kiser engaged in more discussion with the Commissioners regarding the Master Plan
and clarifying steps involved, using a needs assessment as a road map to update the element,
adding weight to future focus.
Commissioners Regier, Havas and Kincaid discussed hope that the Needs Assessment goal
would help Council in some way to recognize there has already been so much accomplished with
regard to the current Parks and Recreation Element, and at this point there is nothing to measure
against with regard to what comes next. As such, we end up responding in a piecemeal fashion
to the changing needs and personalities of the community rather than with a well-thought out
plan for meeting the park and recreation needs of the whole community.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 5 of 7
1-5
Director Kiser explained the Parkland Development Fund. $960K that was designated for
synthetic turf has been freed up now for other uses. $680K came from the Four Creeks project,
infill projects and unspent funds totaling approximately $850K which she clarified to
Commissioners are funds in an actual account that must be spent specifically for parkland
development that meets the needs of the new community as they are in lieu fees. Suggested
using for skate park as it is a regional serving facility. Would like to ask Council for a 3:1 match
from the community. May only use $600K and donations and grants, but would like to let
Council know that Parkland development money is available. Feels that with a new Council it is
important to hear from the PRC.
MOTION: (Havas/Kincaid) Move to accept the goals as rewritten.
Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 0
5. Staff Report – Bunte
Golf Course Supervisor Todd Bunte gave a slideshow with photos highlighting events of the last
year at the Laguna Lake Golf Course. Included were photos of the opening ceremony for Hole #
3 in which construction had started exactly one year ago November 5; the new bridge is in place
on Hole #6 after the previous one was condemned seven years ago and the course reconfigured;
replacement of the barrier netting originally installed in 1977 and damaged in recent storms has
been completed. Also discussed AT&T’s interest in the cell tower and that there is only room
for three vendors. AT&T will donate $10K toward roof replacement and improvements to the
barbeque lean-to. A business owner has expressed interest in having a concession operation at
the golf course but no bids were received in response to the RFP. Speculation is that it was due
to compliance conditions for health code standards and the poor economy. Revenues are up
11.3%, cart revenues have tripled and rounds are up 4.8% from the beginning of the fiscal year.
Golf Course Supervisor Bunte stated he looks forward to covering direct costs and continues to
feel the Laguna Lake Golf Course is the best bargain for local golf.
6. Director’s Report– Kiser
Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:
• Skate Park – Second design meeting is scheduled for this Saturday, November 8;
presentation to PRC on December 3.
• Mitchell Park Senior Center – We’ve had issues with the contractor and don’t expect the
renovations to be completed until the end of November.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 6 of 7
1-6
• Golf – Hole #3 dedication went well on October 10; the bridge is in place and will be
fully installed as soon as the concrete has hardened completely; we received no proposals
in response to the RFP for a concessionaire at the Golf Course; Golf Course Barrier
Netting is complete; working with Clearwire, AT&T and Metro PCS on additional cell
sites at the course.
• Jack House Fence Dedication was held on Monday, October 6. Foundation work has
begun; sprinkler system to follow the foundation work.
• Howl-o-ween Hoopla was a great success.
• The Director attended the CPRS Administrators Workshop in Monterey from Oct 26-29.
Excellent sessions on the implications of social networking for parks and recreation,
sustainable park development, developing business plans for P&R; Strategic
communication solutions; cost recovery and pricing; succession planning
• Completed agreement with SLO Throwers for their donation of disc golf facilities.
• Roller Hockey rink renovation back on track; review of Ice Court this Thursday, 3:30 at
Santa Rosa Park.
• Public Art – Buena Vista artist selected by jury; to ARC on December 15 and to Council
the first meeting in February; developed a RFQ for the fountain art.
• Eight staff attended the CPRS District VIII workshop in Santa Maria on October 24.
Good turnout.
7. 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 gave a brief report for the Tree Committee sharing that they are planning
the 2009 Arbor Day for April 25.
Commissioner Regier had no report (the next meeting of the MYTF will be November 13).
Commissioner Havas had no more to report on Open Space than what was shared earlier by Neil
Havlik in his presentation.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
November 5, 2008
Page 7 of 7
1-7
Commissioner May reported on the Joint Use Committee, stating goals were addressed at the last
meeting, as well as discussion on the tennis court lighting issue; choosing to look into further as
an ongoing project.
Commissioner Hatch reported on the last meeting of the Jack House Committee during which
they discussed goals, removing the elevator shaft, and restoring the buggy shed while
incorporating fire sprinklers. Next week’s meeting will be just prior to the Docent Appreciation
Dinner (on November 12).
Commissioner Hensinger had nothing further to report on the Golf Course after Todd Bunte’s
presentation.
8. Communications
Commissioner Regier shared that the Cal Poly Artificial Turf Project is in process and has a contact
available to give a tour of the installation for those interested. Suggested a mid-day meeting on
November 14 and, as almost all Commissioners can attend, this will be announced and posted as a
Special Meeting of the PRC.
Commissioner May announced his resignation from the Commission in December due to time
challenges. He emphasized his admiration for all of the Commissioners and their devotion,
particularly commending Chair Lemieux for her skill in running the meetings. Chair Lemieux stated
she felt the Commission was better for having had him and shared her admiration for Commissioner
May and the wisdom shared from his life experiences.
9. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m. to the December 3, 2008, meeting of the Parks & Recreation
Commission at the Council Chambers.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 3, 2008.
/S/
_________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds
Supervising Administrative Assistant