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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-09 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Jill Lemieux called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Craig Kincaid, Gary Havas, David Hensinger, Ron Regier, and Steve Davis ABSENT: Kylie Hatch STAFF: Director Betsy Kiser, Marti Reynolds, Linda Fitzgerald, Christine Wallace Sheridan Bohlken, Bridget Fraser CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: Non-Smoking Ordinance 1-5: Commissioner Havas questioned part of motion that states “recommend Council consider expanding area to include downtown core.” Chair Lemieux requested minutes reflect her comment during the Director’s Report that the Laguna Lake dredging item was not on the PRC agenda prior to going before the Council. MOTION: (Kincaid/Regier) Approve the November 4, 2009 minutes as amended. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Hatch) 1. Public Comment None. 2. Volunteer(s) of the Month The December Volunteer of the Month is Matthew Mimmack. Matthew is a pastry chef at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Over the years, Mimmack volunteered his expertise, resources and time to demonstrate to Global Gourmet patrons the techniques required when making Cream Puff Éclairs and hors d’ouvres. An excellent display of artisan delights were created and greatly enjoyed. Matthew has 35 years of baking experience and enjoys teaching the techniques and tricks he has learned over the years. He attended the California Culinary Institute Pastry and Baking Division in the 1970s. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska shortly after completing his apprenticeship in Los Gatos, CA. In Anchorage, Matthew worked for the charter flight division of Japan Airlines as a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 2 of 7 1-2 pastry chef, and later helped develop the bakery in the first Costco in Anchorage. Matthew moved south to San Diego where he managed an artisan bread bakery. He has consulted for many bakeries over the years. Matthew also enjoys snow skiing, fly fishing and riding motorcycles. Additional recognition was given to Olie Hicks, a fourth grader at Pacheco School, as introduced by Christine Wallace. Olie informed Commissioners that for his 10th birthday he requested friends and family donate to the Santa Rosa Skate Park Replacement Project rather than bring him a present. Olie is to be commended for his generous attitude and contribution of $246 for Santa Rosa Skate Park. 3. Laguna Lake Playground Design – Fraser Project Engineer Bridget Fraser gave a presentation on the Laguna Lake playground equipment replacement plan to the Commissioners. Fraser explained that the 18 year old playground does not comply with current safety standards. Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald noted that input from neighbors at the Laguna Park meeting included the desire to provide unique and challenging design themes for older children (“tweens”). Commissioners reviewed three proposed play equipment layouts and color themes. Project Engineer Fraser explained the three options, noting some of the equipment could accommodate all age groups such as Option 3. She also pointed out that Option 1 was over budget. Commissioner Havas had concerns that any of the design(s) would be problematic for maintenance or secure from the vandalism that frequently occurs at the lake. Fraser indicated the boulders could be subject to graffiti but the provider is local and could address graffiti concerns. Feels equipment is durable and has proven itself in other venues. Concerns were also addressed regarding insurance in that equipment providers carry large liability insurance and focus heavily on safety standards. Commissioner Regier felt the video link provided in the report illustrated Option 3 equipment’s ability to stimulate creativity in that children would regroup and create different ways to play seemingly more so than with traditional equipment. Project Engineer Fraser agreed with Commissioner Kincaid’s observance that the new Evos equipment, although taking up the same space, would accommodate more children, primarily because of the design of the climbing equipment. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald also noted there would be less space in between new equipment. She added that an example of Option 3 would be seen in Meadow Park next month as that is what was chosen there. Commissioners asked why staff did not hold a neighborhood meeting to seek input on design. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald responded that Laguna Lake Park is considered a regional park, therefore users come from all areas of the city, not just the neighborhood. Fraser noted that many parents will drive around to different parks to break up the playground experience. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 3 of 7 1-3 Commissioners Davis and Hensinger commented on variety offered for all age groups, including tots. Chair Lemieux commented on the open and unique space of Laguna Lake Park and that it is a destination park for many. Discussed Master Plan with Director Kiser as far as color themes. Determined with Fraser there wasn’t a way to mix parts of each Option. Project Engineer Fraser noted that Sinsheimer Playground will also be presented for replacement in the future. MOTION: (Regier/Davis) Recommend Council approve the Option 3 layout for use on the Laguna Lake Park Playground Equipment Replacement project after architectural review and construction documents prepared. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Hatch) MOTION: (Regier/Kincaid) Recommend Council approve the Earth Tone color theme for use on the Laguna Lake Park Playground Equipment Replacement project after architectural review and construction documents prepared. Approved: 5 yes: 1 no (Havas): 1 absent (Hatch) 4. Laguna Lake Golf Course Best Practices Review – Fitzgerald Recreation Manager Linda Fitzgerald presented the best practices report on golf course revenue initiatives, evaluation of alcohol sales at Laguna Lake Golf Course and feasibility of establishing a fundraising group for the golf course. Recreation Manager Fitzgerald explained to Commissioners that facilities from benchmark and competitor cities were included in study. Revenue Initiatives were discussed: An off-peak rate is proposed to begin at 12 pm Monday through Thursday. Non-Resident Fee: Although demographics show 47% resident use from April through October with 39% being residents of the County, there is a tourism aspect to the course. Therefore staff does not recommend a non-resident fee, feeling revenue would decline as a result. Currently rounds are down 11% although revenue is steady. There is a fear that if fees are raised again there will be more loss in users and rounds and therefore not recommended at this time. Other cities were compared regarding Unlimited Play and Frequent Player rates: Monthly Unlimited Play cards for after 12pm Monday through Thursday were suggested with an evaluation after six months of use (due to concern for potential impact to course). Golf Course Supervisor Bunte shared that this was offered in the mid-1990s with higher rounds as a result but there was subsequently more damage to grounds from heavier use. Willing to try again as conditions may be more conducive now. There is no interest in offering Annual Play cards at this time. A Frequent User reward program was discussed; there is software available to track such a program, but hardware would need to be Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 4 of 7 1-4 purchased. Not feasible at this time although a “Birthday Club” (free round) might be incorporated and Fitzgerald noted anyone over 90 now receives 50% off green fees. The current concessionaire is not interested in alcohol sales at this time. Fitzgerald feels it will be best to wait until concession contract expires and have single vendor that provides food and alcohol on site. Explained to Commissioners when questioned that no vendors have been interested in the past, most likely due to obstacles such as licensing and liability insurance. Council requested staff look at possible fund raising group. The Men’s and Ladies’ Clubs have been active in this donating $400 for yardage markers on sprinkler heads. Will be talking to both groups to determine interest. A special project to focus on is best. Commissioner Regier recommended using others not involved in those groups as well to add other voices to the mix. Director Kiser added that a Master Plan has been requested but not funded. A plan would prioritize and give focus to fund raising efforts. Staff will prepare report for January 5 Council review. Once Council has been presented the best practices report, staff will prepare recommendations for new fees during the May 2010 golf course rate review. An RFP for a concessionaire will be issued in 2010, will pursue alcohol sales at that time. The PRC will receive the RFP prior to the Council to provide staff further direction. Commissioner Davis inquired if there was a way to know breakdown of users during certain time periods by age group in an attempt to capture more non-golfers. Bunte explained the difficulties of finding new customers and competing with larger courses although a reduced rate for a second round is currently offered as well as monthly specials and great customer service. Fitzgerald added that a Men’s Club member is working on a brochure for hotels in town. Commissioners Hensinger and Kincaid inquired about the driving range, review of positioning, feeling it is an under-utilized asset. Also discussed yardage markers and Bunte explained the need for laser measurement and that the focus must be on getting greens back in shape first. Commissioner Regier discussed concerns that two different Twilight times would be confusing and supports notion of naming differently, which feels would be easier to retract if doesn’t work. Concerns regarding extra maintenance involved with Unlimited Play card and if it would attract enough additional golfers to make worthwhile. Feels a Discount card to offer free round when reach certain number of rounds has motivated him elsewhere and that perhaps that would be enough. Chair Lemieux agreed and added a Discount card forces loyalty in a way, based on personal experience. Fitzgerald stated the software in use would be able to track. Lemieux also suggested that when the Frequent Player cards were offered in the 1990s there were no golf carts in use at the time and that carts and more amenities might make a difference. Would like to try a pilot program with a loyalty card, the responsibility for managing the card would be placed back on the person if a punch card is used. Added suggestion for postcard advertising birthday rate on regular user’s birthday (much like a doctor’s appointment reminder) as a low cost marketing tool that elicits a good will feeling and would also be easy to track with software. Chair Lemieux commended staff on the work that went into the report. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 5 of 7 1-5 5. Staff Report – Bohlken Recreation Supervisor Sheridan Bohlken gave a presentation and a brief synopsis of the Boomer programs aimed at those born between 1946 and 1964. Highlighted were characteristics of Boomers and viewpoints, particularly a generation that views senior centers apart from themselves. Senior Centers ‘without walls’ will be even more of a focus and currently many contract classes offered through Parks and Recreation are intended to target this age group. Bohlken highlighted enrichment classes offered such as Global Gourmet, painting, health and wellness seminars, walking group and volunteer opportunities such as Silver Streaks. Recreation Supervisor Bohlken addressed questions on how the programs are promoted through website, publications, advertising and email blasts to prior attendees. Commissioner Havas complemented Bohlken on the wide range of offerings provided by her division. Chair Lemieux noted it will be interesting to see how characteristics of Senior Centers will change once Boomers age. 6. Director’s Report– Kiser Director Kiser briefed the Commission on the following projects: • Programming: 700 children registered for Youth Basketball; Holiday in the Plaza, Dec 5-6; and Christmas Open House at the Jack House, Dec. 11-13 • Fundraising program with Running Warehouse and Plus 3 Network has raised $1,122.67 thus far. • Meadow Park Community Garden design will come before Commissioners in January. • Bids came in for the Roller Hockey Rink; due to a couple of problems with the bids which need to be followed up on, the contract award is now scheduled for January 5. • The Skate Park Fundraising Committee held an Art After Dark art auction and raised $2400. Fundraising efforts for the Skate Park have raised over $8000 to date. No word yet on the Tony Hawk grant. • Currently processing the Babe Ruth Stockton Field renovation donation. • The Friends of Laguna Lake Dog Park have organized and are holding regular meetings to raise funds and complete the park. Temporary fencing from parks and recreation supplies may be a start. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 6 of 7 1-6 • Council approved the EIR for Laguna Lake Dredging project, however directed staff to work with expert to identify less expensive alternative. Civic engagement process to determine way to pay. • Council approved the amendment to the Smoking Ordinance banning tobacco products in outdoor recreation areas and directed staff to return in 4 months with a more comprehensive ordinance that would address other public places. With regard to the Laguna Lake dredging project, Commissioner Kincaid stated the hope that community outreach will extend to Laguna Lake Park users and that questions will be framed in a way that will encourage response. 7. 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 gave information from the last meeting of the Tree Committee; nomination for seven trees at the CalTrans yard to be Heritage Trees. Arbor Day set. Commissioner Davis reported there was no recent meeting of the Youth Sports Association (field allocation meeting in January). Director Kiser noted the unfortunate recent passing of long-time YSA board member and contributor Bill Harvey. Commissioner Havas was not able to meet Natural Resources Manager Neil Havlik regarding Open Space issues but reported the Froom Ranch fundraising brochure will be out this month and that the new Wildflower Books are available. Commissioner Havas attended the bi-monthly Bicycle Advisory Committee and shared with the Bicycle Committee information from the last PRC meeting. Commissioner Hensinger reported on the meeting of the Joint Use Committee on December 1. The facility Use Grant Fund process was reopened to distribute $1537 in remaining funds. The 2010 Work Program will not change from 2009. Endorsed Public Works request to go forward with grant proposal for bike trail into Sinsheimer Park (feeder path), entry at Orcutt Road and change to ramp at Railroad Square. Accepted donation from Babe Ruth to add turf infield to Stockton Field. Commissioner Hatch was absent therefore Chair Lemieux reported on the last meeting of the Jack House Committee which was followed by the annual Docent Appreciation Dinner which Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 2, 2009 Page 7 of 7 1-7 featured a guest speaker who was the original decorator from 25 years ago. Open House this coming weekend. Commissioner Regier reported on the Laguna Lake Golf Course, stating rounds for November were up 2 percent and revenue was up 1 percent yet the year to date figures were down 2.5 percent. On Veteran’s Day a 50% discount was offered. 74 kids participated in 1st tee. Equipment storage and barbecue area upgrades by AT&T are underway as part of cell site installation. 8. Communications None. 9. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. to the January 6, 2010 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on January 6, 2010. /Sgd/ Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant