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Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
6 July, 2016
Regular Meeting of the Advisory Body Committee Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order on the 6th day of July,
2016 at 5:33 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California,
by Chair Whitener.
ROLL CALL
Present: Committee Members Susan Olson, Douglas Single and newly sworn-in Commissioners Greg
Avakian and Keri Schwab, Vice Chair Susan Updegrove, and Chair Jeff Whitener
Absent: None
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett, Fire Chief
Garret Olson, Natural Resources Manager Bob Hill, GIS Technician Nicola Leyshon, Senior Civil
Engineer Dan VanBeveren.
PRESENTATIONS INTRODUCTIONS APPOINTMENTS
1. Oath of Office
The City Clerk provided the Oath of Office for two new Parks and Recreation Commissioners;
Greg Avakian and Keri Schwab
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 2016 AS AMENDED BY VICE
CHAIR UPDEGROVE, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER OLSON.
2. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 6:0:0:0 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the
meeting of 06/07/2016.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of July 6, 2016 Page 2
PUBLIC HEARINGS BUSINESS ITEM
3. Presentation of Bishop Peak Preparedness Plan
Fire Chief Garret Olson presented to the Commission an update of the preliminary assessment
of emergency response access and citizen egress in the area around Bishop Peak trail. The Fire
Chief Olson said that in response to concerns expressed by residents in the area of the Bishop
Peak trail, the Fire Department and Information Technology (IT) Graphic Information Systems
(GIS) staff conducted a study to assess the risk in the region and in other wildland interface
areas, the City Fire Department’s ability to access areas at risk, and the ability of residents and
visitors to evacuate if so advised by emergency response personnel. He added that to fully
assess the risk, city staff developed scientific modeling for several scenarios related to a fire
started in this region and in other wildland interface areas of the City. Based on a preliminary
assessment of the GIS modeling and the access and egress needs, the Fire Department
determined the Bishop Peak area to be unique and developed a concept plan to discontinue all
on street parking on both sides of Highland Drive starting at Oakridge Drive as well as on the
west side of Oakridge Drive starting at Highland Drive. He added that there are currently no air
craft available in San Luis County that could be used for an immediate mutual aid fire response.
Staff is recommending a fuel reduction focus area at the top of Highland Drive (at trailhead
access).
Fire Chief Olson said that this initial concept to restrict parking along Highland and Oakridge
drive is open to complete revision if more creative or different solutions come to light during
the process which provides for the minimum necessary access and egress in the event of a fire
in this region.
Questions for the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider for this region include:
a) What possible solutions to reduce fire risk would the Commissioners
encourage City staff to consider, including such topics as street and parking
design and vegetation management on City controlled property?
b) In support of no parking recommendation, vegetation management and
education awareness, landscape awareness
c) What possible solutions to enhance Fire emergency response access and
operations would the Commissioners encourage City staff to consider?
Previous Commission public meetings to discuss alternate dirt road to allow fire
access through open space there was neighbor opposition of this proposal.
Director Stanwyck noted MTC studies where transportation could be improved to
meet community needs. There is a bus stop on Highland and Patricia, bike racks at
trailheads and weekend shuttles to trailheads.
Commissioner Avakian consider closing the Highland Trailhead.
Fire Chief Olson added that the City could explore policy amendments to allow
private property assistance with fire mitigation efforts such as weed abatement
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and/or modernization of building codes (new roof materials, spark arrestors, fire
resistant exterior, fire sprinklers, etc.)
c) What possible solutions to ensure sufficient resident and visitor evacuation needs
would the Commissioners encourage City staff to consider?
Discontinue parking and designated a walking path, with vehicle access to
one side.
Additional No smoking signs at trailheads.
Flyers or pamphlets given to residents that live in high fire danger areas.
City Staff anticipates presenting to the City Council with recommendations and funding options as part of
the next Financial Planning process.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Olson asked if the scenarios included a response from the Fire Department. Nicola
responded yes, the modeling is based upon worst case scenario.
Vice Chair Updegrove asked if fires have occurred here before. Chief Olson responded yes, typically
cause by birds on electrical wires.
Commissioner Schwab asked how many people would be displaced with the limiting parking. Director
Stanwyck responded that this area is private property which the City not control. She added that the
nearby school has significant parking which is available to the public for use. Director Stanwyck said that
Patricia Lane can hold 30-40 parking spots – mostly adjacent to undeveloped property.
Commissioner Single asked how to prevent fires in this region. Chief Olson responded that there are a
multitude of factors that contribute to fire prevention and mitigation such as vegetation management,
restriction of parking, defensible space among residential homes and community awareness and education
about the risks of this area.
Chair Whitener, modeling for mitigation activities. Chief Olson said they can remodel based on site -by-
site assessments but unfortunately much of the fire risk is located on private property.
Public Comments:
Landy Fike, SLO Resident, asked if there are laws for private property vegetation clearance that confronts
the streets. Chief Olson said that Public Works has provided the minimum standards for clearance for this
area in public right-of-way.
4. Update for Laguna Lake Park Accessible Trail Project
Senior Civil Engineer, Dan VanBeveren, presented a project update to the Commission with proposed
recommendations for construction of the Laguna Lake Park ADA Accessible Trail. The Laguna Lake
area has been identified as an ideal location for an accessible trial due to its flat topography. Staff
VanBeveren added that the intent of the project was to upgrade an existing trail, which runs along the
northeastern edge of Laguna Lake, and to add a new section of trail along a small peninsula near the
southern end of the existing trail. He added that by utilizing decomposed granite as the surface type for
this project, it would require considerable ongoing maintenance to maintain ADA compliance. In
recognition of these challenges, staff is recommending utilizing a commercial product which uses
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decomposed granite mixed with cement as a binding agent (resin-based binder) – a method which has
worked well in maintaining the integrity of the pathway surface. Staff VanBeveren added that it is ver y
unlikely that the entire length of the new trail can be installed with the total project budget of $250,000.
Director Stanwyck added that the Sinsheimer Playground Project has recently received a grant which
would now free up a portion of general funds which could be used for this project. Staff VanBeveren said
the amount of the overall general fund savings of the Sinshiemer Playground Equipment Replacement
project would be dependent upon the amount of level of project bids received. Staff will have more
certainty of available funds once that project is awarded.
Questions for the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider are:
a) What surface type would be preferred by the Commissioners in the construction of the new ADA
accessible trail at Laguna Lake Park?
Resin aggregate flexible p and recommends a sight visit to a location that has used this material
to observe how well it holds up.
b) What surface color would be preferred by the Commissioners in the construction of the new ADA
accessible trail at Laguna Lake Park?
Natural Colors, tan aggregate resin surface with natural gray concrete.
c) As a result of limited project budget it is unlikely that the accessible trail system can be
constructed in its entirety (approximately 3100 feet of trail network). Staff is recommending
construction of the shorter “peninsula trail” loop be completed first, with the construction of the
northern trail connections occurring in later phases as additional funding is made available.
i. Is the Commission in support of staff’s recommendation to construct the
peninsula trail loop first as part of the project’s “base bid”? Yes
ii. What other possible solutions to maximize trail construction would the
Commission encourage City staff to consider? Exploring of other grant funds
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Avakian asked if the resin materials had a more rubberized feel. Staff VanBeveren
marketed as a natural looking pavement surface. He added that there is a trail leading up to Golden Gate
Park that uses this material.
Vice Chair Updegrove asked how long this material has been in place. Staff VanBeveren utilized a local
consultant to provide the materials research and provide recommendations for use in this application.
Commissioner Avakian asked if there was enough current ADA parking spot at this trailhead location.
Staff VanBeveren said there is currently one disability parking spot available. Director Stanwyck said
additional parking spaces could be considered once the need for additional ADA parking has been exceed.
Public Comments:
None.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER OLSON, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR
UPDEGROVE, to recommend City Council approval of the resin aggregate material with a
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of July 6, 2016 Page 5
natural color gray concrete, with the construction of the peninsula trail a priority for
construction. Recommend Council’s approval of additional funds from the Sinsheimer
Playground Project be applied to this project for complete trail construction. Motion passed
6:0:0:0 on the following roll call vote:
AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SINGLE, SCHWAB, UPDEGROVE, WHITENER
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
5. Subcommittee Assignments
Committee Liaison
Adult and Senior Programming Doug Single
Bicycle Advisory Susan Olson
City Facilities (Damon, golf, pool, joint use) Greg Avakian
Jack House Committee Susan Updegrove
Tree Committee Rodney Thurman
Youth Sports Association Keri Schwab
6. Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.
Box Art Policy additions to Council 7/19
SLO Triathlon 7/24 (825 registered so far)
Summer Youth Camps in Full Swing (3rd Week)
Jr. Giants (100 kids)
Jack House (1,001 Visitors)
Movies in the Mission, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20
Rangers: trail building continues, week-long Jr Ranger Camp in August, three kiosks
constructed, Waddell Property Acquisition of 150 acres at Froom Ranch in process
Family Overnight Camp Out in Laguna Lake Park will be held on August 13-14
Skate Park Ramp n’ Roll 8/20 (Fun & Educational Event)
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner 9/22 (at Jack House)
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Commissioner Olson asked if the School District had been approached about adding a dog park to the
Sinsheimer Park Location.
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: Vice Chair Updegrove reported that the Jack House had its
1,001 visitor. Art-After-Dark program continues with 67 visitors this past weekend.
There are ice cream sundaes and Victorian Games on the odd numbered Sundays in the
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of July 6, 2016 Page 6
Garden from 1-4:00p.m. The Committee discovered mold in some of the furniture and
books and are monitoring on how to address the mold issue. Photographs and paper
collections are currently being assessed for integrity. A strategic planning event was held
with the Jack House committee, Friends of the Jack House and Jack Family Estate.
Tree Committee: Commissioner Olson said there was discussion of tree removals at 91
Palomar. The request to remove a fichus tree on Santa Rosa was denied.
Youth Sports: No Report.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation
Commission is scheduled for 03, August, 2016 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm
Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 08/03/2016