Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-09 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jill Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Vice Chair Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Kylie Hatch, Ron Regier, and Steve Davis ABSENT: STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Linda Fitzgerald CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: MOTION: (Havas/Hatch) Approve the June 3, 2009 minutes as submitted. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 1. Public Comment Terry Conner, San Luis Obispo, volunteer executive director for SLO Rugby. SLO Rugby has difficulty maintaining a permanent practice field location, particularly within the city limits. Choices are city-owned property, joint use areas (city, county, school district) or private fields generally not in town. The group has previously used El Chorro and Laureate School fields; Damon Garcia Field use not allowed for practices. Requests practice field options within San Luis Obispo at such parks as Meadow, Santa Rosa, French or Islay and encouragement from the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) to SLO Coastal Unified School District (SLOCUSD) for their support as well. SLO Rugby has their own lighting and the ability to pay permits and refurbish fields. Time of use is mid-October through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2. Volunteer of the Month Harvey and Kathy Cohon and Carolyn and Bob Paige are the August Volunteers of the Month. The Cohon’s and Paige’s live near the Rodriquez Adobe off Purple Sage. They have generously donated their time over the past three years in helping with the gardening projects at the Adobe. With the help of Rick Murphy from Parks Maintenance, the Cohon’s and Paige’s spread wood chips to reduce weed growth, planted drought-tolerant plants along the irrigation system and pulled weeds. Neighbors have also placed chairs on the veranda and painted them to match the color of the building trim and placed a park bench in the west end of the park. As the city-planted trees grow taller, the plan is to move the bench under the trees and layout a circle of rock that can easily be mowed around. The neighborhood has had two gatherings for cookies and coffee on the veranda of the Adobe and Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 2 of 7 1-2 12 of 15 households attended the most recent gathering on July 19. The Adobe has become a fabulous gathering place for the neighbors to get together to socialize. It is with great appreciation that the Parks and Recreation Commission recognizes the Cohon’s and the Paige’s as the Volunteers of the Month. Kathy Cohon stated her appreciation for what had been done with the Adobe since the City began overseeing it. 3. Throop Park Playground Equipment Replacement – Phase 2 – Fitzgerald/Fraser Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald provided a report to the Commissioners explaining the background and proposed changes to the play areas at the Throop Park Playground. In 1994 the City renovated the playground area and equipment. Then in 2002, park maintenances staff found signs of decay in wood supports and a swing bay during a routine safety inspection. Equipment was removed. Remaining equipment has reached its 15-year useful life and is scheduled for replacement. Fitzgerald and Project Engineer Bridget Fraser met with residents in November of 2004 as part of the 2005 playground replacement project. Residents requested a tot structure replace some of the equipment. A second equipment replacement project was then included as part of the 2007-09 and 2009-11 Capital Improvement Plan Program. Lief McKay of RRM Design then described the site plans and 3D renderings given to Commissioners. Information on using engineered wood fiber chips in place of sand and salvaging boulders was shared. Commissioners inquired on swing seat classifications and supports and differences between full and toddler size adaptations, life expectancy of new equipment. MOTION: (Hatch/Regier) Approve the recommended equipment additions and replacements to the play areas at the Throop Park Playground and forward the PRC’s recommendation to the City Manager for authorization to proceed with the bidding phase. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent 4. Donation from the Rotary Clubs of SLO to Fund and Construct a Community Garden in Meadow Park – Kiser Director Kiser explained the existence of the SLO Community Garden program since 1975 and gave background information on the three gardens currently under operation at Emerson Park, Laurel Lane and Broad Street. There is approximately 19,000 square feet of public garden space, however; all available plots have been rented and a waiting list exists of approximately 100 people. Explained the process and criteria used by staff to evaluate potential expansion sites. From this evaluation four sites were identified as the best and most appropriate properties, one of which is Meadow Park. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 3 of 7 1-3 Director Kiser explained the Rotary Clubs of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and San Luis Obispo Daybreak have come forward with an offer to provide a total of $15,000 and labor to plan and build a community food garden specifically in Meadow Park as a legacy project. Kiser highlighted concerns such as a viable water source, although the homeowner’s association approved a connection to their water line. 800 residents were notified of this meeting as an opportunity to express concerns. The Chair opened the floor to Public Comment. Donna Lewis, SLO Rotary de Tolosa, expressed her excitement to work on this project and the group’s openness to work with neighbors and residents. Jeff Priolo will work to coordinate volunteers. John Alongi, San Luis Obispo, resides in nearby condominiums. He expressed concerns about parking and particularly gardeners using resident private parking inside the condos. Requested possible signage and enforcement to prevent cars parking in area without a permit. Suggests some method of documenting license plates of gardeners rather than fencing. Concerned the integrity of the park be kept intact due to great appreciation and community pride for the architect’s original design and legacy. Also encouraged considering adding more Bocce Ball Courts at Emerson Park as it would encourage team participation and is a great outlet for senior citizens. Conny Langer, San Luis Obispo, resides behind Meadow Park. Requests consideration be given to problems such as no parking feasible on South Street, the parking lot itself is usually consistently half full, streets will be impacted, how gardeners will access close enough to haul materials. Also concerned with affect of nearby baseball and soccer players, general trampling/pathways, homeless traffic potentially drawn to the gardens, and amendments needed for soil. Troy Finger, San Luis Obispo, agrees (Meadow) should be made part of recommended specific location and that if there are changes to the specific location within the park, they should come back before the community. Sherri Ovington, San Luis Obispo, resides in adjacent condominiums. Excited for possibility of having community garden at Meadow Park and that it is an ideal location. Is on the waiting list for Emerson Park. Suggests consider a number of people who reside near Meadow to be given priority for use there. Feels ball fields would be far enough away. Noted that Emerson’s prior issue with the transient population resolved itself. Joel Orth, San Luis Obispo, homeowner at Meadow Park and previously condominium resident. Strongly supports project. Concerned with parking. Feels soil will be fine and that increased use by gardeners will discourage transients and benefit the park overall. Julia Aguilar, San Luis Obispo, president of the Monday Club. Feels there is a need for a food garden and is partial to Meadow Park (carried Olympic torch there in 1996). Excited to have funding, architects and landscapers and hopes for support and to work through parking concerns resulting in a garden area the community can be proud of. Director Kiser answered questions of Commissioners regarding programming and parking concerns, that the Rangers, although primarily serving an educational component, do have the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 4 of 7 1-4 ability to cite for parking. Reiterated that Meadow is the most attainable site at this time. Assured would work with signage, accessibility, foul-ball fencing possibilities and garden fees. Explained linear park easement alignment, priorities of plots for homeowners, plots in other gardens being broken down to smaller parcels as vacated, and questions on lawn mower access. Will work with landscape architect and return to the PRC for direction if another location is needed. Recreation Supervisor Christine Wallace was invited to comment. Explained in-depth study on population density, demographics of gardeners nearer to Meadow that are on the expanding waiting list. Agreed that Emerson Park gardeners’ presence reduces that of unsavory characters during off- staff times. Added the majority of gardeners in other three gardens seem to bike or walk to the garden (once initially install plantings) and that basic maintenance would not necessarily require a vehicle. Believes finished product will look nice and add greatly to neighborhood. MOTION: (Havas/Hatch) Recommend to City Council to enter into an agreement with the three Rotary Clubs of San Luis Obispo to accept their donation to provide funding and labor to plan and build a community garden in a City park. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent Chair Lemieux thanked the Rotary Clubs for their generous donation. MOTION: (Kincaid/Havas) Approve Meadow Park as the site for the new community garden and recommend its acceptance by the City Council. Approved: 7 yes: 0 no: 0 absent Commissioner Kincaid expressed his confidence that most of the public’s concerns had been considered by staff and will be taken care of appropriately. 5. Nominations for the Wes Conner Award – Kiser Director Kiser reviewed the Wes Conner Award criteria and listed names from last year’s list. Previous recipients of the award were Jim Neville and John Rosetti. Requirements include ten years of service provided to the community that moves the parks and recreation mission forward. The following individuals were nominated who meet the award criteria: Lee Hollister Barry Karleskint Richard Kriet John Spatafor Rick May Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 5 of 7 1-5 Recipient will be honored at the annual Volunteer Barbecue September 23, 2009. Chair Lemieux reminded Commissioners the award does not necessarily need to be given annually. Commissioners directed staff to develop biographies for each nominee for review and action at the September 2, 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Director Kiser informed Commissioners that other suggestions may also be called in to her in the next few weeks. 6. Staff Report – Fitzgerald Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald provided a presentation to the Commissioners on the Playground Replacement Program. Fitzgerald was trained as a certified playground safety inspector in 1998. All equipment was required to be audited by 2000. Many issues were found including insufficient surfacing and fill, too many swings per bay and/or attached to composite structures, head entrapment hazards, rotting wood supports, improperly installed equipment, broken or cracked equipment, and usually not within accessibility standards. As a result, the playground equipment replacement program was created in 1999. Playground equipment generally has a 15- year useful life. There are 15 playgrounds within the City. Have addressed drainage and surfacing concerns and looked for grants available to offset replacement costs. Laguna, Throop, Meadow, Santa Rosa, Johnson and Emerson Parks will all need to be addressed next year. Fitzgerald then handed out the “Dirty Dozen” packet, an aid for parents to evaluate playground safety. Commissioner Havas expressed his appreciation for the program. Inquired about insurance in place for the skate park which was explained by Kiser to be different as playgrounds are not consider to be the same type of hazardous recreational activity as skate parks. 7. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: Explained implementation plans for budget since the recent approval. Fee increases for swimming, golf and childcare were approved, as was nearly $300,000 in expenditure reductions. Park Tour was successful. Eighteen Commissioners, Committee members, and staff attended. Good opportunity to share information. Council proclaimed July is Parks and Recreation Month. Staff attended the Council meeting. Santa Rosa Hockey Rink design specifications still need a bit more work; hopefully the contract will be awarded by mid-to-late September. Capital Improvement Projects: Laguna Lake restroom project began June 1; vandalism occurred, however the vandals were caught. Anticipated completion is end of October. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 6 of 7 1-6 Laguna Lake Golf Course use was down by 9% for month of June; income is up overall. Projection was to see a decrease of 12% for year; greens having a problem with rapid blight disease (information on disease provided); working with Utilities staff to resolve issue during dry months. Santa Rosa Skate Park Design and Specs – Contract will go to Council on September 1 for approval. Triathlon was a huge success with 1300 participants; currently wrapping up summer programs and taking registration for fall programs; childcare sign-ups have been slow. City employee associations -Police, Fire and SLOCEA have agreed to donate funds up to $1800 to provide for bus transportation so that Junior Giants can attend free end of season Giants game in San Francisco. The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue will be September 23, 2009 at the Ludwick Community Center. 8. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports: Tree Committee – Kincaid Joint Use Committee – Hensinger Youth Sports Association - Davis Jack House Committee – Hatch Open Space – Havas Golf – Regier Bicycle Committee – Havas Commissioner Kincaid reported on the last meeting of the Tree Committee where they were visited by the “Save Our Downtown” group who voiced concerns. Matt Ritter, who contributed to the heritage tree list, is now the Chair of the Committee. Commissioner Davis reported on the last meeting of the Youth Sports Association which was a quarterly meeting in July. Funding for next two years has already been utilized. Updated bylaws. Discussed recruiting more involvement from the high school and becoming more involved in Cal Poly groups and working with their attendance at meetings. Public Works Director Jay Walter was present at the meeting. Commissioner Havas reported on Open Space and his last meeting with Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik. The Stenner Springs Natural Reserve Draft Conservation Plan is now out for review; the PRC will review September 2. Froom Ranch is close to securing funding from a local level. Calle Joaquin public meeting for conservation plan will be in October. The second set of trails for Johnson Ranch, which Havas has assisted building along with the 3CMB group, are close to being done. PG& E is considering rewiring towers over Bowden Ridge. The South Hills trail has Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Page 7 of 7 1-7 been postponed; investigating realignment. Commissioner Havas also attended the Bicycle Committee which is currently reviewing the Circulation Element. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the Joint Use Committee. A special meeting to review the priority for use policy for Sinsheimer Park tennis user group reservations was held with many members of the groups in attendance. Clarified rules for reservations (between 8 to 10 a.m. on any day) and approval by JUC for groups seeking permit. Also approved $20,000 funding to YSA. Commissioner Hatch was out of town for the last meeting of the Jack House Committee. Chair Lemieux reminded of a Victorian Tea being held at the Jack House this Sunday and that historical society clothing was discussed to be on permanent loan to the Jack House. Commissioner Regier reported on the Laguna Lake Golf Course. Reviewed recycled water circumstance in July which led to pH imbalance and contributed to greens drying and acquiring rapid blight disease. Aggressively overseeding with sodium. Director Kiser informed of meeting with Utilities staff to consider connection to potable water. Rounds are up 5% and revenue 10% for the fiscal year. Patrons continue to be positive. Of note, Cal Poly opened their turf July 1. Director Kiser explained background for Mr. Conner’s public comment. Gave information regarding Damon Garcia not being available for practice and adult sports priorities for field use in other areas. 9. Communications None. 10. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. to the September 2, 2009 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 2, 2009. /Sgd/ _________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds Supervising Administrative Assistant