HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-09 PRC Minutes1-1
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jill Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Kylie Hatch, Ron Regier and
Craig Kincaid
ABSENT:
STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Bridget Fraser, Rich Ogden, Christine Wallace, and
Marti Reynolds
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
MOTION: (Kincaid/Regier) Approve the February 4, 2009 minutes as amended.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
1. Public Comment
None.
2. Review of Design and Specifications for the Santa Rosa Roller Hockey Rink Renovation
- Fraser
City Engineer Bridget Fraser gave the background of the Santa Rosa Roller Hockey Rink, its
original construction and plans for refurbishing and expanding the rink as part of a Major City
Goal adopted by Council for the 2007-09 Financial Plan. Engineer Fraser illustrated the design
work which was started in December of 2007 by the engineering firm Wallace Group. Two
design options were presented to Council; one based on a budget of 225K, the other based on
complete removal and replacement at 325K. On November 18, 2008, Council directed staff to
proceed with the second option to remove and replace the rink. Upon approval by the Parks and
Recreation Commission, and after subsequent architectural review by the Community
Development Department, construction documents will be prepared and the project will be
advertised for bids. The project will return to Council for award of a contract. Proposed
groundbreaking would be August 1, 2009.
Engineer Fraser and Daryl Goo of the Wallace Group answered questions from the
Commissioners regarding design in correlation with the skate park, viewing areas, steps to
reduce cracking, budget options – features that could be removed, budget backing (primarily
Parkland Development funds and Janssen Foundation), and impact of time closed for
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construction.
The Chair opened the floor for Public Comment.
Bill Masey, San Luis Obispo, supports the hockey rink renovation. Coached hockey at SLO
High School; he and his son both play the sport. Feels cracks open enough to be dangerous
although middle section seems alright to pass for now. Feels will get a lot of use if fixed.
Would like to see the sport grow. Appreciated the backing received in support of the project.
Commissioners asked Mr. Masey opinion on tournament and revenue potential and proximity of
other cities with state of the art rink facilities, both indoor and outdoor.
Commissioners also discussed base material further with Mr. Goo.
MOTION: (Hensinger/Kincaid) Following architectural review by the Community Development
Department, approve the preparation of construction documents for presentation to the City
Manager for approval to advertise for bids. The project will then return to Council for award of
a contract and approval to proceed with construction.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
3. Heritage Oaks Major Sponsor Donation – Kiser
Recreation Supervisor Rich Ogden provided the Commissioners with background information on
the past five years of support from Heritage Oaks Bank as a sponsor of the SLO Triathlon, which
included donating race bags in exchange for their logo printed on participant shirts. For the 2009
SLO Triathlon, Heritage Oaks Bank has proposed a contribution of $5,000, as well as
advertising, volunteer support, and race bags with the request that their name appear along with
the existing name of San Luis Obispo Triathlon. This would not be a title sponsorship but rather
a presenting or co-sponsor (“presented by the City of SLO and Heritage Oaks”).
Director Kiser explained that in accordance with the City’s Donation Acceptance Policy, any
donation of $5,000 or more needs to be approved by the City Council, requires a written donor
agreement, and appropriate recognition. The proposed sponsorship would be over $7,000
including in-kind services in addition to the cash contribution.
Commissioners clarified there have been no previous sponsors and that this cost assistance
would supplant that which is used from the general fund for the event. Discussed first right of
refusal consistency and not tying together an amount or timeline or assuming same level of
coverage in future. City Attorney reviews tomorrow.
MOTION: (Havas/Regier) Enter into an agreement with Heritage Oaks Bank for sponsorship of
the San Luis Obispo Triathlon in exchange for $5,000 in cash and other in-kind services.
Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
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4. Volunteer of the Month
The March Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Month is Mike McGourty of the Cracked Crab in
Pismo Beach. In December, Mike was the featured chef for the Global Gourmet class where he
demonstrated how to cook Christmas Gumbo, local Dungeness crab, seafood stuffed whole crab,
oysters and apple cobbler. Mike’s enthusiastic demonstration and his vast knowledge of seafood
combined with numerous delicious dishes made for one exciting night. Mike has put on two
cooking demonstrations for the City of San Luis Obispo and we appreciate his time and continued
effort to give back to the community. Mike grew up on the east coast and graduated from the
University of Denver in Colorado. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States, enjoys
golfing, cheering on the Boston Red Soxs and listening to the Grateful Dead. The San Luis Obispo
Parks and Recreation Department expresses appreciation to Mr. McGourty and his volunteer efforts.
5. Staff Report - Wallace
Recreation Supervisor Christine Wallace gave a presentation to the Commissioners on the
Community Garden Program, both current garden locations and proposals for the future, as
presented to Council last month at its request. The Community Gardens began in 1975 as a Cal
Poly Senior Project and now number 67 plots ranging from 4’x6’ to 26’x30’. Current garden
locations include Emerson Park, Laurel Lane and Broad Street. Potential future areas under
discussion are Isla Vista, Matthews Open Space, Meadow Park, and Rodriguez Adobe as well as
expansion of the area utilized at Emerson Park. Recreation Supervisor Wallace discussed the
inappropriateness of Calle Joaquin Open Space as a community garden due to visibility and
accessibility issues as well as soil conditions. A Master Plan will be developed for this site
within two years. Director Kiser shared discussion with Rotary Clubs, who are considering
donating time, materials and labor for the construction of a community garden at Meadow Park
to use as their legacy project for 2009.
6. Director’s Report– Kiser
Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects:
• Two Commissioners will be sworn in next month: returning Commissioner Kylie Hatch
and Steve Davis.
• The new contractor resumed work on the Senior Center. Work is to be completed mid-
April. Work has also started on the parking lot.
• New Bob Jones Trail Enhancement Project – Concept Plan developed; moving forward
with minor engineering requirements and preparing contract documents; construction to
occur in September or early October to create a wetland basin, planting therein,
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installation of about 500’ of new side trail and building rest stop area. Grant requires
work to be completed by end of year.
• The operating budget reduction target for P&R is $444,000 which will result in the loss
of programs, services and staffing and include several areas for increasing fees.
• Working with 2009-10 Presidents from 3 Rotary Clubs for donation of a Community
Garden at Meadow. Donation will come to them for approval, as will design.
• Commissioner’s training went well at Hearst Castle which included a tour of Piedras
Blancas Lighthouse and elephant seal sanctuary.
• The Advisory Body Dinner is scheduled for March 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Ludwick
Community Center. Most Commissioners still need to RSVP to the City Clerk.
• District VIII Awards Banquet scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2009 in Atascadero.
RSVPs needed by this Friday. If desired, Commissioners may attend with the 7 staff that
are going. We will be receiving several awards, to be announced that evening.
7. Committee Reports
Commissioners provided the following reports:
Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – Lemieux
Mayors Youth Task Force – Regier Jack House Committee – Hatch
Open Space – Havas Golf – Hensinger
Commissioner Kincaid reported on his attendance at the recent Tree Committee meeting; illegal
tree removals reported by local citizens at Buena Vista.
Mayor’s Youth Task Force meetings have been suspended.
Commissioner Havas reported on Open Space and relayed information recently received from
Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik regarding 1) open space budget allocation, easement
projects between Bishop Peak, Port San Luis, Froom Ranch, 2) Johnson Ranch trail work; set for
early May opening 3) Stenner Springs’ new trail opening in a week; water pipeline through trail
caused severe erosion, 4) South Hills hiking trail from end of Mitchell, 5) Froom Ranch Land
and Water Conservation Grant application in, 6) Tank Farm remediation and redevelopment EIR
going slow.
Chair Lemieux was unable to attend the February 24 Joint Use Committee. At the meeting, new
JUC Committee Members Stephen Cairns and Stew Jenkins were sworn in. The 2009 Annual
Work Program was endorsed and accepted. The current JUC bylaws were approved as written.
A subcommittee was formed to review requests for the Facility Grant Program and will meet at
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noon on Thursday, March 12 and report to JUC March 24 to recommend allocations for the
March 2009 Facility Use Grant Cycle. As a budget reduction option, the Facility Use Grant
program was proposed to be suspended for two years, the allocation to the Facility Enhancement
Program in 2009-2011 reduced to $20,000/year and suspending the remainder of the Facility
Enhancement Program for two years, both grant programs will be re-evaluated in November
2010 for continuance and recommendations for future funding should the City’s fiscal situation
improve. A list of user groups in the last 5 to 10 years who have benefited from the grant has
been developed as an aid for that November 2010 meeting so as not to lose sight of its benefits.
Commissioner Hatch reported on the February 11 Jack House Committee meeting where
discussion included annual budget, marketing, plant identification stakes, brochures for
programs offered and next year’s programs, using donation money toward docent costumes, and
combining the grand reopening in May with the Mother’s Day event.
Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Laguna Lake Golf Course, stating they are happy with
all the recent rain, however it has kept attendance and therefore revenues down for the month.
Opening of new Hole #6 in April. Rate review to come before the PRC in May.
8. Communications
None.
9. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. to the April 1, 2009 meeting of the Parks & Recreation
Commission at the Council Chambers.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 1, 2009.
/Sgd/
_________________________
Martha M.S. Reynolds
Supervising Administrative Assistant