HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-16 PRC MinutesParks and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:29 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Jeff Whitener, Commissioners Susan Olson, Douglas Single, Susan
Updegrove
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Rich Ogden, Dave Watson (Contract Staff
Planner)
Public Comment
John Stocksdale, Pickleball player, asked the Commission to direct staff to monitor French Park court use
during the survey period. Director Stanwyck responded that staff will return to the Commission with data on
tennis court use and availability.
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 3, 2016.
MOTION. • (Updegrove/Olson) Approve the Minutes of March 3, 2016 as amended.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
2. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Advisory Body applications are currently being accepted and it is anticipated that Commissioners
could be appointment as soon as the end of April. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission that
per the bylaws, the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair can serve up to a 3 -year term. She also
reminded the Commission that the selection of subcommittee representatives have been delayed to
allow for all Commissioners to be seated.
MOTION. • (Updegrove/Single) Elect Jeff Whitener to serve as Parks and Recreation Commission
Chair.
Approved: 4 yes: Ono: 0 absent
MOTION: (Whitener/Olson) Elect Susan Updegrove to serve as Parks and Recreation Commission
Vice -Chair.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
3. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF RIGHETTI RANCH PROPOSED PARK DEVELOPMENTS
(Dave Watson)
Dave Watson, Contract City Planner, presented a conceptual review of the Righetti Ranch development
proposal. The applicant seeks feedback from the Commissioners for proposed park improvement features
and asks the Commission to provide direction to the applicant for the preparation of the final design. The
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final design materials shall be presented to the Commission and the City Council at a future date. This
project includes 702 residential units with 15.0 acres of public parklands.
Chris Dufour, RRM Design Group, added that the project has been designed specifically for target
populations and demographics with park amenity concepts for all target groups. Such amenities would
include picnic areas, playground, soccer field, basketball and pickleball courts, accessible pathways,
public restroom, trail connections, community garden, parking and bicycle trails. Proposed trail amenities
would include wayfinding signage, picnic area, dirt trails, fitness station, pump track, bike parking,
hydration station, kiosk, viewing deck with public telescope.
Travis Fuentez, Ambient Communities, said that the integration of slope within the proposed
neighborhood design was challenging but hopes that the fencing and grade changes will serve as a good
buffer between the houses and the neighborhood park.
Public Comment
John Stocksdale, SLO resident, added that younger people also play pickleball. He asked the applicant to
consider multi -striping of the basketball courts to allow for pickleball tournament play when basketball
courts are not in use. He asked about the timing of phase 2. Contract staff Watson responded that phase 2
represents the beginning of construction with approximately 150 homes and the timing would be subject to
how quickly the homes can be sold and constructed.
Tim Townley, Central Coast Soccer, asked if artificial turf is being considered at this location. Applicant
is proposing natural grass at this time. Contract Planner Watson responded that the applicant is proposing
natural grass but the applicant can provide research on artificial turf options and return to the Commission
with recommendations. Mr. Townley said he is in support of artificial turf because once it rains; you are
unable to use any SLO fields.
Leah Walhert, SLO Resident, asked the Commission to consider incorporating a dog run area as part of
this development.
Steve Davis, SLO Resident, views this park as serving the entire city, not just neighborhood residents.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Single asked about the distance from Tank Farm residences to this neighborhood park.
Contract staff Watson responded that with the network on trails it is estimated at '/2 mile, or an
approximate 5-10 minute walk. The park is relatively equidistant from residential areas.
Commission Olson praised the applicant for their beautiful use of craftsman style design. She also
supported a dog area as this is a significant community need. She suggested that the passive DG area
could be used as a dog area. She added that it would be great for the applicant to consider a hydration
station for animals as well. Commissioner Olson asked about the formula for parking spaces as she
thought that 94 spaces might be overparked for this area.
Commissioner Updegrove asked if other dog areas were considered as part of the Orcutt Area Specific
Plan (OASP) design. Director Stanwyck said that the Wingate proposal included a small dog area as part
of the design. She asked if the applicant is planning on using recycled water for parks. Director Stanwyck
responded that the recycled water amenities are available. She would like to see more research provided
on the pros and cons of artificial turf. With bicycle trails, Commissioner Updegrove recommended an air
pump station. Commissioner Updegrove asked if the tennis courts could be lit. Director Stanwyck
responded that night lighting would be in conflict with the airport area use and is unfortunately not
permissible at this location. Commissioner Updegrove asked if the applicant could return with an
overview of the other development amenities as well.
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Chair Whitener said he would support converting one of the U8 Soccer turf fields for use by Pickleball
Courts. He would be in support of the Trail Junction Park only if used as a pump track.
The Commissioners provided the applicant with feedback on the three proposed parks as follows:
Neighborhood !'ark
• Consider up to 6 Pickleball courts which could be accommodated by court striping for multi-
use
• Consider incorporating a dog area
• Reevaluate total allocation of parking spaces
• Analysis of artificial turf
Trail Junction Park
• The Commissioners would consider this area as meeting the park criteria if designed as a
bicycle pump track or an outdoor fitness area.
Pocket Park
• The Commissioners were in support of the pocket park design as presented.
Linear Park
�■ The Commissioners asked the applicant to consider a neighborhood orchard in this park.
4. COMMUNITY FOCUS INPUT (Ogden)
Rich Ogden, Sports Supervisor, provided the Commission with an overview of the City's sports
programming which includes youth and adult sports programs, the Laguna Lake Golf Course operations,
the City's annual triathlon and other recreational activities and events. The City partners with the YMCA
on several youth sports programs such as futsal, basketball and flag football. He provided a review of
program revenues which appear "lumpy" as most of the program's revenues are recognized in April, May
and June. Staff Ogden shared with the Commissioners some of the new activities and programming at the
Golf Course, such as gobble -wobble, night golf and physical education classes with the Laguna Lake
Middle School.
Public Comment
Steve Davis, SLO resident, said the condition of the Damon Garcia Sports Field is in the worst shape it has
ever been in and could use some attention. He added that it is difficult for an adult to use a turf field as
youth get priority use. He asked the Commission to consider giving priority of city park fields to adults
and priority to youth sports on school fields. He added that it is disheartening that the City is underserved
with parks and facilities for the community as a whole. He recommended the City create an online forum
or other opportunity for recreational users to connect with each other.
Tim Townley, Central Coast Soccer, said he supported the continued field rotation for maintenance. He
asked if the City could reach out to Cal Poly for additional field use. Chair Whitener responded that staff
had reached out to Cal Poly in the past and a partnership was not supported at that time. Mr. Townley
added that Cal Poly has new staff and it may be timely to reach out again.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Single asked about the relationship with the City and the Youth Sports Association (YSA).
Staff Ogden responded that the regular meetings with YSA and the City have been helpful in identifying
community needs and field use.
Chair Whitener was concerned about viewing the OASP as piecemeal instead of holistically. Director
Stanwyck responded that a budget request has been submitted which, if approved, would support the
update of parks master plan element. She added that unfortunately each development is brought forward
by a different group with varied timing of construction.
5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.
• Night golf has grown in popularity with over 65 participants playing Night Golf.
• The Golf Course hosted the annual egg hunt with several hundred participants.
• The Golf course also had a work -day as part of Love SLO.
• Ranger Workdays on Reservoir Canyon Trail continue.
• Completed a successful Spring Break with Youth Camps, Skate Camp and Recreational Swim.
• Staff is in the thick of preparing for summer programming. We are currently hiring for lifeguards
and youth services camp teachers.
• The Parks and Recreation Department won the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS)
Award of Excellence for the #PixonPeaks Marketing Campaign. This state award will be
presented at the April 19`h City Council Meeting at 6:00pm.
• The Public Art Master Plan Community Workshop will be held on May 4th at the Ludwick
Community Center at 5:30pm. An online survey will be made available for those who are unable
to attend.
• Stakeholders continue to work on Box Art Policy updates which we hope to be presented to
Council for consideration on in June/July following presentation to PRC on May 41h
• Monster Skate will kick-off this weekend. Skate competitions are held every Saturday
throughout the County through to May. The Monster Skate series will conclude at the SLO Skate
Park in May 14th.
6. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
• Adult and Senior Programming: The Senior Center Tech Class was very popular and highly
attended.
• Bicycle AdviW: No report.
• City Facilities (,Damon Garcia, Golf. Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Golf Course rounds were
steady in February. There were 5 rain days. Cal Poly and Laguna Middle School are
teaching classes at the course.
• Jack House Committee: Commissioner Updegrove reported that the Jack House elevator
restoration project is now complete.
• Tree Committee: Commissioner Olson said there was nothing significant to report.
Adjourned at 7:28 pm to the Special Meeting on May 4, 2016 at the Ludwick Community Center, 864
Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 4, 2016.
lVielis C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation artment Manager