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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-09 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Craig Kincaid called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Kylie Hatch, Ron Regier, and Steve Davis ABSENT: Chair Jill Lemieux STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, James Bremer, Linda Fitzgerald and Todd Bunte CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Havas/Regier) Approve the April 1, 2009 minutes as amended. Approved: 5yes: 0 no: 2 absent (Lemieux, Davis) 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer of the Month The May Volunteer of the Month is The Poly Goats. Established in 1966, the Poly Goats Four Wheel Drive Club is one of the oldest clubs still active at Cal Poly University. In addition to finding spots throughout the county of off road, the Poly Goats also participate in community service projects. In the past, they have participated in clean ups at the Oceano Dunes, Pozo and other off-roading spots throughout the county. As part of Adopt-A-Crag on April 4, 2009, the Poly Goats assisted with the removal of a rusty old car from a creek drainage ditch near the pond on Bishop Peak. Using trucks and wenches, they dragged the car out of dense poison oak, allowing for the dismantling and disposal of it. Removal of that kind of debris helps restore the Open Space and eliminates the potential of it being dislodged during a storm which could destroy habitat or damage existing trails. It is with great appreciation that the Parks and Recreation Commission recognizes the Poly Goats as the Volunteer of the Month. 3. Golf Rate Review – Kiser/Bunte Director Kiser provided an amended golf report to commissioners updating working capital figures. She explained that the general fund subsidy will continue to change as we approach the end of the year and revenue projections change. The review recommends increasing green fees by $2/round for 2009-2010 and an additional Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 2 of 6 1-2 $1/round for 2010-2011. Director Kiser gave the history of Laguna Lake Golf Course (LLGC), its Enterprise Fund/General Fund designation and that it has been unable to create sufficient revenues to cover operations and maintenance in its 45-year history. Director Kiser listed recent enhancements and efforts to get the course and greens in shape and provided a rate overview. She explained the budget and fiscal policies governing the golf course: revenues to cover direct operating costs, with flexibility for General Fund subsidies if necessary for public benefit. Director Kiser discussed assumptions used to support rate increases, including rounds played, CIP carryover, replacement of mower, and potential revenue from telecommunication cell site, and operating efficiencies. Director Kiser emphasized that the LLGC is affordable recreation in tough economic times. An RFP will be released this year for a 3rd cell site to increase revenues. Limitations of the course to generate significant revenues were pointed out: lack of a full-size driving range, no restaurant/bar on premises and enhancements needed to the pro shop. Showed best practices comparisons/possibilities (offering non-resident discounts, off peak rates, etc.) which need further development. Recommendations to City Council include: a) Approve the Revenue Enhancement request to increase green fees by $2.00/round in Y 2009-10 and by $1.00/round in FY 2010-11 and direct the golf course supervisor to increase the cost of food and merchandise items by 10% and rental charges by $1.00/use for FY 2009-10. b) Approve the Fleet Replacement request of $25,600 for a tees/apron/fairway mower in FY 2009-10. c) Authorize a reduction of the General Fund transfers for 2008-09 by $16,000 and in 2009-10 by $23,100. (in theory, recognizing this amount will change over the next month). d) Adopt a resolution approving green fee increases of $2.00/round effective July 1, 2009. Alternatives in anticipation of Council’s concerns include: 1) contract out operations (pro shop); 2) contract out whole facility, however; if uncared for and take back, will bear the burden of bringing back ‘up to par’ or 3) to close facility altogether. Commissioner Kincaid inquired and discussed the topic of selling LLGC but the Commissioners did not care to make a proposal for that option. Commissioners requested clarification from Golf Course Supervisor Todd Bunte on the 10% increase on sales items, as well as fleet replacement. Commissioner Hensinger offered ideas on adding features such as a “Pitch and Putt”, miniature golf, game room and batting cages (Kiser explained existing batting cages and their closure this year due to budget reductions and prepaid contributors being the main users). Discussed lighting and sound issues may be of concern but it could draw more passersby from Los Osos Valley Road. Commissioner Havas asked about adding a virtual simulator, much like those in golf shops, that Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 3 of 6 1-3 tracks golf ball travel (as if in a full-size driving range) as a potential revenue generator. Director Kiser said she would try to investigate further. Commissioner Kincaid commended Golf Course Supervisor Bunte for his work and discussed the course in terms of capacity. Bunte explained the new software installed allows online tee- time reservations and will help track numbers, but estimated assigned tee times number 160 of the 292 slots available/day. Director Kiser explained that an enterprise fund should recover all costs associated with the operation and maintenance of a program, including indirect operating costs as well. This makes the golf course different than the General Fund supported programs such as aquatics or facilities, which only need to recover a portion of their costs. The Commissioners discussed their concern that the golf course is considered an enterprise fund, when course limitations prevent it from truly functioning as an enterprise fund. They felt the LLGC is a valuable community resource that serves a large group of people and that it should be given consideration as a General Fund program. Marketing and promotional tactics were briefly inquired about by Commissioners and Commissioner Davis inquired about trading free golf with work from designers. Public Comment: Anne Spence, San Luis Obispo resident and a member of the Women’s Golf group stated that her group, as well as Men’s Golf, plan on attending the Council meeting on this matter. Explained golf to be a family-oriented activity for seniors/grandparents and youth allowing participation in a different type of outdoor sport that takes a certain amount of time to complete and thus allows for time to talk. Ms. Spence listed potential revenue sources such as putting together a volunteer group that meets regularly, restoring the barbeque pit which, since it has no kitchen or public health requirements, could be more easily utilized. Also suggested the driving range be turned around to increase or better utilize designated area rather than exploring a new range location. Commissioners recommended promoting LLGC to be a ‘green’ resource. MOTION 1: (Hensinger/Havas) The Commission unanimously supports the LLGC and believes that the course provides viable recreational opportunities of significant benefit to youth and seniors and the general community and deserves the continued financial support of the City. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) MOTION 2: (Regier/Havas) Move recommendations be forwarded to Council as listed in the report. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 4 of 6 1-4 MOTION 3: (Kincaid/Regier) Encourage Council to reconsider designation of LLGC as an Enterprise fund based on discussion that it doesn’t function in the marketplace with competitive golf courses. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Lemieux) 4. 2009 Park Tour – Kiser Director Kiser discussed the June 24 Park Tour options once more with the Commissioners to finalize route. Reservoir Canyon was eliminated from the list. It was noted that the bike path enhancements were viewed last year. Since the Johnson Ranch dedication is May 22, discussed eliminating, although it is convenient for pointing out the Calle Joaquin area. The Joint Use Committee recommended the Laguna Middle School. It was also felt the Jack House could be a drive-by to view improvements as it was visited in detail last year. As the Senior Center dedication will be on May 28 or 29, it was felt that could be skipped as well. There was still interest in the Skate Park, Damon Garcia and the Swim Center as well as the community gardens. Public Art will be included all throughout the tour. Vice Chair Kincaid suggested viewing the LLGC improvements at the end of the tour. 5. Staff Report – Bremer Recreation Supervisor James Bremer gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Commissioners detailing the Facilities operation which he has managed since the department reorganized in 2005. Bremer explained the amount of staff needed to man each facility or field during operation and the behind the scenes coordination involved in running this support section efficiently. Managing the various amenities includes insuring cleanliness of the facility, scheduling use with over 2,000 permits issued annually, and coordinating maintenance with building maintenance, parks maintenance and contract cleaning. 6. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Budget Reduction Options: City Manager has recommended most of the budget reductions submitted by Parks and Recreation staff and new revenues. We did manage to recover the Enrichment Class program, Environmental Education program and keep the Adult Sports Coordinator. $267,200 in program reductions, with a loss of 7.06 FTE and proposed revenue increases of $123,200 for FY 2009-10. Budget hearings will be June 4. • Staff received word from the Ludwick Foundation that we were not selected to receive a grant from the foundation this year. Mr. Ludwick had his heart set on funding an HVAC system for the gymnasium portion of the building, but completion of the project was dependent on a City match and on-going maintenance and operation costs. Given the existing budget situation, staff did not feel the HVAC system was a priority at this time and requested other items instead. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 5 of 6 1-5 • The Senior Center kitchen renovation and parking lot are complete. Currently the floors are being reconditioned and once finished, the facility will be dedicated. • Last Saturday, the community held a Skate Day in the Plaza to raise awareness and funds for the new Skate Park. They had a good turnout and raised $2,100. The new modular equipment is in and the skate park is back in action. Enforcing the helmet rule is a challenge; park rules will be posted. • Council approved the bid for the Laguna Lake restroom project on April 21. Project will begin June 1. • Held the annual Registration Fair for summer programs and Triathlon registration on April 25. Very successful. • Commissioner Havas responded to act as a jury member from the PRC for the ‘Oh Great Spirit’ public art, however Director Kiser wanted to ensure all had a chance to respond. The necessity of being available May 22 at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. would preclude attending the Johnson Ranch trail dedication at the same time. Commissioner Kincaid will be attending in lieu of Commissioner Havas. • Johnson Ranch Trail Dedication will be held May 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Johnson Ranch. Ribbon cutting will be at 1:00 p.m. • Still looking into “suit mates” swim suit spin-dryers which were also requested in 2008. 120 V dedicated circuit required, would add to maintenance division’s duties. Commissioner Hensinger suggested the lobby, deck or back wall of public restroom. 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 did not attend the last meeting of the Tree Committee – nothing to report. Mayor’s Youth Task Force meetings are still suspended. Commissioner Havas reported on Open Space and relayed information recently received from Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik. Johnson Ranch dedication May 22, new trail to South Hills at the end of Meadow opening May 30. Stenner Springs conservation plan coming forward. Gave updated information on Froom Ranch, Tank Farm trail around marsh area and 40 oaks Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes May 6, 2009 Page 6 of 6 1-6 being removed from vineyard to go to Bob Jones Bike Trail. Commissioner Hensinger attended the Joint Use Committee. New Committee member Jesse Bilsten was sworn in. Chair Parolini and Vice Chair Jones were voted to remain in respective appointments for another year. Committee members agreed on adding Laguna Middle School to the Park Tour and inquired about possibly visiting the SLO Baseball Stadium. Commissioner Hatch was unable to attend the last Jack House Committee meeting. Commissioner Regier had nothing further to report on the Laguna Lake Golf Course. 8. Communications Commissioner Havas reminded that May is Bike Month and to visit rideshare.org for information. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. to the June 3, 2009 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission at the Council Chambers. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 3, 2009. (With notation by Vice Chair Kincaid regarding intent on 1-2; see June 3, 2009 minutes.) /Sgd/ ________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant