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Home My WebLink About02-06-13 PRC Minutes1-1 Parks and Recreation Commission MINUTES Council Chambers 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Wednesday, February 6, 2013, 5:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Craig Kincaid, Ron Regier, Jeff Whitener, Michael Parolini, Susan Updegrove and Steve Davis ABSENT: David Hensinger STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Marti Reynolds, Ashley Villarreal, Rich Ogden and Bob Hill Public Comment Tim Ross, San Luis Obispo. Regarding slack lining: Relayed story of interaction with both Rangers and Police while slack lining at Santa Rosa Park. Researched slack lining rules in places such as Yosemite. Mr. Ross attended a Tree Committee meeting at suggestion by Police to communicate with the City Arborist. He asks that Commissioners seek Council approval to amend the current ordinance. Noted the ordinance does not address that slack lining can be done without the use of trees. Mr. Ross is willing to purchase and donate 10 tree protection kits to Ranger Services to give to slack liners found in violation. He is committed to nurturing a community of environmentally aware and self-policing slack liners. Chair Davis asked staff to place on future agenda. Director Stanwyck will check on protocol of initial slack lining decision for information on how to address Council on the issue. 1. Consideration of Minutes MOTION: (Kincaid/Regier) Approve the January 9, 2013 minutes as submitted. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Hensinger) 2. Request for Policy Change for Use of Open Space: All Out Events – Horowitz All Out Events founders Yishai and Kristin Horowitz addressed the Commissioners regarding the use of City Open space for adventure racing. The Horowitz’ listed benefits including providing local athletes a way to enjoy their hometown as well as bringing in visitors. Also noted all proceeds benefit the San Luis Obispo County Special Olympics. Commissioners discussed concerns with safety and impacts including potential for off-trail trekking. Director Stanwyck explained the Conservation and Open Space Element specifically prohibits this type of use whereas the Parks and Recreation Element allows staff to permit certain uses. Council would need to amend open space policies in order to allow this use. Noted film permits as being prohibited in open space as well. Natural Resources Manager Bob Hill explained his responsibility in Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – February 6, 2013 Page 2 of 6 1-2 ensuring the application of open space policies. Referenced the Habitat Section of the Conservation Element and special events and that there would need to be amendments to allow use. There may be places and times where use such as this can work, but the now nearly 10-year-old document does not allow. Commissioners expressed appreciation for All Out Events reputation from previous races and suggested testimonials from landowners may be helpful. Commissioners requested staff return with an outline of how to move forward with updating the Open Space Conservation Element document. 3. Proposed Youth Sports Agreement with the YMCA – Ogden Recreation Supervisor Rich Ogden presented Commissioners with information on the history of the YMCA agreement with Youth Sports program. Director Stanwyck added that, with the retirement of the YMCA director, it seemed a logical time to make the agreement clearer with respect to cost allocations. As with all agreements, the City Attorney will review prior to Council. Commissioners inquired about cost sharing and the possibility of capturing data or connecting with current computer technologies in the future. Ogden explained cost of new equipment is split, fingerprinting costs are covered by coaches, YMCA pays for staff and handles registration and Parks and Recreation pays for the facility. MOTION: (Regier/Updegrove) Recommend Council approve the Youth Sports Agreement with YMCA. Approved: 6 yes: 0 no: 1 absent (Hensinger) 4. Presentation: Parks and Recreation Budget 101 and Discussion of Major City Goals - Villarreal Department Analyst Ashley Villarreal gave a presentation to the Commissioners explaining the Parks and Recreation budget and major city goals for 2013-15. A breakdown of the $4 million dollar department budget for 2012/13 was given by each division and its related programs as well as projected revenues of $1.5 million. The Major City Goals of skate park completion and funding to expand and maintain open space were also highlighted. Current deadline for every department is to complete budget submittals by next Friday. Commissioners entered into discussion about the goals and funding for both the skate park and open space maintenance and ranger staffing needs. Director Stanwyck indicated cost analysis was underway. Staff is working on a menu of options for Council to consider for expanded staffing of the rangers and, if staff resources are provided, expanded volunteer programs. Commissioner Whitener emphasized the need for a change of direction to occur in that other more appropriate departments should be taking a more active role in the handling of homeless encampment clean-up or enforcement rather than Ranger Services. Director Stanwyck noted some Ranger involvement is necessary due to natural resource protection measures however a reallocation of Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – February 6, 2013 Page 3 of 6 1-3 resources could be indicated. Council is focusing on this City-wide issue. 5. Director’s Report – Stanwyck Director Stanwyck reported to the Commissioners on the following: Rangers: Johnson Ranch/Froom/Irish Hills connector trail is open Winter activities; creek clean-up of illegal camp sites, pulling out fallen trees, trail erosion issues, ongoing open space and park patrols. Developing educational materials for summer. Youth Services: All new hires on board: Alexandra Abarca, Recreation Coordinator; Traice Muguira, Teen Program Specialist and Shelby Hunter, Program Specialist replacing Jen Barker. Approximately 140 children attended All Star Fun Zone last Friday night. Facilities & Pool: Lifeguard safety drills during pool hours. Mission College Prep has a swim team this year and is practicin g from 7 to 8:30 at night. Club Water Polo is doing the same. Requesting more staffing hours because of amount of hours the pool is in use, offset by the users expanded uses. Facilities rentals in full swing with the exception of Jack House gardens; Damon Garcia has seen a lot of play with the dry weather Youth Sports Basketball season for youth, teens, high school, adults. Also baseball for FUNdamentals. Softball is coming soon. Community Services Working on Easter Egg Hunt at the Jack House, spring/summer class planning. Will be recruiting and hiring for the Supervisor position in the near future. School District Joint Use Agreement Staff meeting with Russell Miller 6. Committee Reports Commissioners provided the following reports:  Tree Committee – Hensinger  Golf - Regier  Open Space –Kincaid  Bicycle Committee –Regier  Jack House Committee – Updegrove  Damon-Garcia Sports Field - Whitener  School District– Parolini  Youth Sports - Davis Commissioner Hensinger was not present to report on the Tree Committee. Commissioner Kincaid did not have an Open Space report. Commissioner Updegrove reported on the Jack House Committee meeting although she was unable to attend as it was during PRC. A cost of service study is underway for fees and Carriage House Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – February 6, 2013 Page 4 of 6 1-4 needs are being reviewed; Capital Improvement Project for the gazebo was submitted; 2013 dates reported for the Mother’s Day Tea, Haunted House and Victorian Christmas events. Commissioner Parolini reported on the School District, and returned to the public comment subject of slack lining and the impacts School District properties experience as well. Commissioner Regier reported on the status of the Golf Course stating rounds for the month of January were down 5 percent and revenue down 14 percent. Rounds for the year to date are down 2 percent and revenue down 6 percent. Commissioner Regier did not attend the Bicycle Advisory Committee. However reported on Octagon Barn program in March, Bike Month, the Bob Jones Trail connection, and Major City Goal of expanding bike paths. Commissioner Whitener reported there was no meeting on Damon Garcia sports field but he did tour the facility and found the rye grass conditions continue to be disappointing. Inquired about any recent surveys with the user groups. 7. Communications Director Stanwyck added that the concepts for the Skate Park goal will be on the March agenda and will invite skate groups and neighbors to attend. 8. Adjourned The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. to the March 6, 2013 meeting to be located in the Council Chambers. Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 6, 2013. /Signed/ ________________________________________________ Martha M.S. Reynolds, Supervising Administrative Assistant