HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-16 PRC MinutesCity of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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City Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Wednesday, June 1, 2016, 5:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Whitener called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Jeff Whitener, Commissioners Susan Olson, Douglas Single, Susan
Updegrove
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Shelly Stanwyck, Melissa Mudgett, Bob Hill, Dave Watson (Contract Planner),
Mark Williams
Public Comment
None
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 04, 2016.
MOTION: (Updegrove/Olson) Approved the Minutes of May 04, 2016 as amended.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
2. CONSIDERATION OF RIGHETTI RANCH PARKS PROPOSAL
Dave Watson, City of San Luis Obispo Contract Planner, presented the Righetti Ranch parks project and the
Applicant’s response to the Commissions’ direction provided on April 6, 2016. Staff Watson provided a brief
review of the proposed parks and summarized the proposed design elements for the four parks (Neighborhood,
Trail Junction, Linear and Pocket parks) included as part of the Righetti Ranch residential development. Staff
Watson provided the revised park improvements as recommended by the Commission at its April Meeting and
the associated costs; noting that the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) calculated park fees are now
insufficient by an estimated $1.2 million dollars to fully support the revised design and construction
contingencies. Staff Watson shared that the fees as originally calculated have been adjusted for inflation but did
not include soft costs nor specific elements added during the parks designs.
Chris Dufour, RRM Design Group, provided a n overview of the revised park improvements as directed
previously by the Commission.
Travis Fuentez, representative of the Developer (Ambient Communities) provided other suggested direction on
closing the cost differential gap such as revising the scope to provide only some of these amenities, or a partial
relief of fees in the form of fee credits.
Staff Watson added that 90% of the OASP planning area park improvements are located on Righetti Ranch
project, with other OASP developers paying their share of the parkland acquisition and fee per acre or residence.
The parkland fee structure is intended to support new park amenities and when other developments in the OASP
receive credits, that funding source is reduced.
Meeting Minutes
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
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Public Comment
John Stocksdale, SLO Pickleball Club, thanked the Applicant for responding to the Commissions’ direction to
add additional pickleball courts to the project’s neighborhood park design.
Aaryn Abbot, Robbins Reed, a developer for West Creek, said they were asking for fee credits on their projects
as a result of generating new additional residential housing in the project. He testified that as a result of paying
higher fees, developers may not have the ability to provide all of the recommended park amenities within their
developments.
Commission Comment
Vice Chair Updegrove asked if some of the increase park amenity costs could be paid for by other fees. Director
Stanwyck responded that Transportation Funds would be evaluated for some of the elements for bicycle and
pedestrians that have been included as park amenities. She added that the City-wide Park Improvement Funds
are low it has been most recently used for the building of the SLO Skate Park. She reminded the Commission
that the City Council identified “parks” as “neighborhood benefit”, should the project be successful in showing
larger community benefits (such as bike routes and increased pedestrian accessibility) this may open up ability
to seek other funding resources.
Commissioner Olson asked how the public would use the pocket park fireplace amenity. Mr. Dufour said it
would be similar to other Parks and Recreation managed reservations where a key would be used to secure the
amenity. Commissioner Olson asked why there was bark mulch proposed for the dog park versus grass. Mr.
Dufour responded that this is a cost effective approach.
MOTION: (Olson/Single) The PRC recommends that the Council approve the public park
improvements for the Righetti Ranch project as reflected in Table 3 of the June 1, 2016 PRC meeting
staff report.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
MOTION: (Olson/Single) The PRC recommends that the City Council consider modifying the OASP
PFFP fee structure for public parks as suggested in Table 2 of the June 1, 2016 PRC meeting staff report
and that alternative funding sources be considered for bikeway improvements rather than parkland
funds.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
The Commission provided consensus that the Neighborhood Park as presented, followed by the Linear Park,
were of a higher priority for the Commission.
3. UPDATE FOR NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM AND ROUNDTABLE
Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager, provided an update on the Natural Resources Program, the Major City
Goal and the Laguna Lake Natural Reserve and Conservation Plan which was established by the City Council in
1995 to provide the resources needed to protect the City’s natural resources. Staff Hill said that the total Greenbelt
is now 54,404 acres, of which City of San Luis Obispo manages 7,000 acres of open space and trails. He added
that the Natural Resources and Ranger Service program staff collaborate on the management of the City’s open
space. Staff Hill presented a status update for the adopted Major City Goal for Open Space Preservation which
includes both the protection and maintenance of the open space. He added that protection and maintenance
involves both planning, with the Natural Resources Roundtable and Open Space Maintenance Plan, and the
“doing”, which includes new land acquisitions.
The Natural Resources Roundtable is a short term adhoc committee that is advisory to the Natural Resources
Manager. There are 15 members that meet and work towards the development of a 20-year vision plan for
strategic land conservation efforts and sustainable program initiatives. Staff Hill anticipates bringing the
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strategic plan back to the Commission in the winter 2016 and in time for inclusion as part of the City’s Financial
Planning Processes for the 2017-19 Financial Plan.
Staff Hill provided a brief update on three open space conservation projects for Meosi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch,
Ahern Ranch and Waddell Ranch. He said the Maintenance program is now fully staffed with Ranger, patrol
and trailhead maintenance has been provided; including interpretive signage, ADA accessible gate entries and
trash receptacles.
The Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan is underway in consideration of design, dredging options
and permitting. A Public Workshop will be held at the Laguna Middle School in June. Staff Hill anticipates
recommendations to return to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in late summer. The
Laguna Lake ADA accessible pathway will be designed in-house with Public Works staff and he anticipates
beginning construction next spring/summer 2017.
Commission Comment
Commissioner Single asked how many Rangers were staffed. Director Stanwyck responded that there is one
full-time supervisor, two full-time Rangers, four part-time temporary staff and one City-worker which works
approximately 1-day/week.
Chair Whitener asked if the invasive species he saw on the trails was Pampas grass. Staff Hill responded there
is a bumper crop this year for yucca (also called our lords candle) which looks like little white dots on the
hillside.
4. REVIEW SPORTS COURT SURVEY RESULTS AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED PICKLE
BALL CHANGES
Melissa Mudgett, Recreation Manager, updated the Commissioners about the 2016 Sports Court User Survey.
Current recreation customers were invited to participate in the survey to provide feedback about the potential
impacts on existing users with increased programming at various court facilities. Staff Mudgett provided a brief
overview of the summary results. She added that City staff reviewed the 2016 Sport Court User Survey results
in conjunction with the upcoming summer/fall facility reservations for the School District at Sinsheimer Tennis
Courts and contract class instruction at French and Islay Tennis Courts. Overall, the survey results indicated a
majority of respondents had a favorable response for allowing the temporary and limited use of pickleball at the
French Park Tennis Court location noting that the sharing of the courts fo r multi-use with pickleball did not
significantly impact their sport.
Staff recommends the addition of Pickleball court striping to the French Park Basketball Court resurfacing
project scheduled to occur at the end of June 2016. Once the Basketball Cou rt resurfacing is completed, it is
recommended to increase Pickleball programming twice weekly at this location (Tuesday/Thursdays 9:00am –
12:00pm). Staff further recommends the addition of Pickleball court striping to the Fr ench Park Tennis Court
for Pickleball use only after San Luis High School Construction is completed. Staff anticipates these changes to
the Joanna Santarsiere Memorial Tennis Court at French Park could be completed in January 2017. Once
completed, staff recommends that shared use (tennis and pickleball) be allowed with drop-in rules and etiquette
applying for both tennis and pickleball users. Those rules would be developed this fall and presented to the
Commission for consideration.
Public Comment
John Stocksdale; SLO Pickleball Club, thanked the staff for bringing the survey results back to the Commission
so quickly. He asked how many Pickleball courts will be placed on the French Park basketball court. Staff Mark
Williams confirmed there will be three pickleball courts painted.
Brian O’Kelly, SLO Resident, also thanked the Commission for adding more Pickleball opportunities.
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Commission Comment
Commissioner Single said he supports the expanded use of Pickleball at Meadow Park and would like staff to
consider adding fences at this location.
MOTION: (Olson/Updegrove) Approval of the proposed Pickleball program changes following
completion of the resurfacing projects which shall include the striping of new pickleball courts as part
of the adopted Parks Major Maintenance and Repairs capital project for court resurfacing at the French
Park basketball and tennis courts.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
5. APPROVAL TO ADD MULTI-COURT STRIPING OF ROLLER DERBY AT THE HAMPIAN
HOCKEY RINK
Melissa Mudgett, Recreation Manager, informed the Commission about the upcoming court resurfacing project
as approved in the City’s adopted 2015-17 Financial Plan. The Santa Rosa Hockey Court has been identified as
the highest priority, due to the higher speeds of play and the deterioration of the rink edges contributing to player
injuries. Staff Mudgett shared that for the past decade, the Central Coast Roller Derby (CCRD) has utilized this
public recreational facility for both practice and competitive events. The CCRD has been using temporary taped
lines which are not a preferred method as the tape can negatively impact Roller Hockey players when the tape
adheres to the skate wheels and causes accidents. City staff in both Parks and Recreation and Public Works, have
met with the Hockey Rink user groups to coordinate the resurfacing project. Staff Mudgett said that in a
concerted effort to remain responsive to the needs of all of our recreational users, City staff is recommending the
Santa Rosa Hockey Rink court resurfacing project include additional court markings for a Roller Derby track.
Staff Mudgett added that the additional track markings would not pose a conflict with current uses and would be
applied in a different color distinguishing the markings from the Basketball and Roller Hockey courts. She
stated that there would be minimal fiscal impact as a result of the additional Roller Derby track striping as costs
could be absorbed within the existing capital project budget for Parks Major Maintena nce and Repairs.
Public Comment
Dawn Marie Little, president of the Central Coast Roller Derby association, thanked City staff for working with
users groups on this resurfacing project. She added that the striping of permanent derby lines would save th eir
association time and money used to purchase and install the tape. She asked the Commission to consider adding
the additional derby lines.
Darrell Goo, designer at Wallace Group and President of the Youth Roller Hockey Association, said he fully
supports the multi-striping of the court with permanent derby lines. He added that the tape adhesive gets in the
wheel bearings of the skates and the raised surface causes the rolling of pucks; both of which do not contribute
to player safety.
Commission Comment
Vice Chair Updegrove asked why the rink was offset. Ms. Little responded that this was intended to be used as
a buffer zone for player/audience safety, as well as locations for vendor booths and audience seating.
Commissioner Single asked about the resurfacing materials. Staff Mark Williams said it was a two-part acrylic
paint.
Commissioner Olson asked when the resurfacing would occur. Staff Mudgett responded that the resurfacing is
currently scheduled for the last two weeks in June. She thanked staff and user groups for working so well
together and collaborating on this project.
MOTION: (Single/Olson) Approval to add the multi-court striping of Roller Derby at the Santa Rosa
Park Hampian Hockey Rink as part of the adopted Parks Major Maintenance and Repairs capital project
for court resurfacing.
Approved: 4 yes: 0 no: 0 absent
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6. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.
Dive in Movie will be Jaws – June 10th
Friday Night Skate at SLO Skate Park the first Fridays of the month in Summer
School Ends June 9th, Summer Youth Camps start June 22nd
37th Annual SLO Triathlon on July 24th
Skate Camps start June 18th
Movies in the Mission starts this summer
Two week-long Jr Ranger Camps in June and August
There is a new family event this summer: Family Overnight Camp Out in Laguna Lake Park
will be held on August 13-14
7. SUBCOMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
Adult and Senior Programming: No Report.
Bicycle Advisory: No Report.
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): No Report.
Jack House Committee: Commissioner Updegrove reported that the Jack House strategic
planning meeting is this Friday, June 3rd from 10:00am-3:00pm. The Friends of the Jack
House, Jack House Committee and the docents will be reviewing their mutual goals and vision
for the Jack House. She will have more to report next month. She added that the odd Sunday
afternoons at Jack House Gardens will host Victorian Garden Games. She added that Art after
Dark is the first Friday of the month.
Tree Committee: Commissioner Olson said she was not at the last meeting. There was no
report.
Youth Sports: No Report.
8. COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Whitener said he interviewed ten applicants for the Parks and Recreation Commission and made
recommendations for three Committee members with one alternate. Director Stanwyck said she was unsure as
to when the City Clerk will make the appointments.
Director Stanwyck asked the Commissioners to begin thinking about nominations for the W es Conner Award.
She read the Commissioners the nomination criteria. She said she will bring back this item at a later meeting for
Commissions nomination review and selection.
Director Stanwyck asked the Commission about future scheduling as the Commission may wish to ke ep the
August date as a regular meeting, even though it is typically cancelled, and consider cancellation of the December
2016 date.
Commissioner Single asked with the new sub committee assignments will occur. Chair Whitener responded that
assignments will be made after a full Commission is seated.
Adjourned at 7:38 pm to the Regular Meeting on July 6, 2016 at the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo at 5:30pm.
Approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on
July 6, 2016.
Melissa C. Mudgett, Parks and Recreation Department Manager