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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-16 PRC Minutes Minutes PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 7 September, 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 7th day of September, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Whitener. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Greg Avakian, Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Douglas Single, Rodney Thurman, Vice Chair Susan Updegrove and Chair Jeff Whitener Absent: None Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett, Recreation Supervisors Doug Carscaden (Ranger), Devin Hyfield (Facilities) and Rich Ogden (Sports), Associate Planner Rebecca Gershow, Consultant Dale Magee PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Steve Davis, SLO resident, supports the sharing of the resources of public tennis court facilities at French Park Tennis courts. Bob Goldman, SLO resident, stated he is in support of multi-striping of tennis courts and that the Commission should continue to support the sharing of resources. Anita Smith, SLO resident, shared that she was unaware of the pending multi-striping of French Park tennis courts for pickleball and provided to the Commission a petition from tennis players in opposition. She is asking the Commission to reconsider its previous decision to restripe the tennis courts and keep the Joanna Santiarse Memorial tennis court for tennis use only. Bobbi Binder, SLO resident and president of SLO Pickleball Club, thanked the Commissioners for their previous decision for sharing of current facilities. She asked the Commission when a dedicated, tournament size, pickleball court might be considered. She added that the SLO Pickleball Ball could work with the Parks and Recreation Department for fund-raising opportunities. Bill Brown, Arroyo Grande resident and a professional tennis player said that public parks are the heart and soul of tennis. He asked the Commission to not consider Sinsheimer Tennis Court for shared used and expressed concerns about taking public tennis courts out of commission. John Stocksdale, Shell Beach resident and SLO Pickleball Club Board Member, thanked the Commission for its previous decision on sharing courts. Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 7, 2016 Page 2 Peggy Koteen, SLO resident and tennis player, asked the Commission to reconsider its decision restripe the French Park tennis court. She expressed that survey data used was incomplete and not expressive of the actual court use by tennis players at this location. Jean Hyduchak, SLO resident and ambassador for USPA, reiterated that pickleball has been working with the City for the past 2 years for shared court resources. She shared information about other pickleball clubs and programming county-wide and added that the sport is gaining popularity. Craig Levin, SLO resident and both a tennis and pickleball player, asked the Commission to support dedicated pickleball court facilities. He asked the Commission to consider converting one tennis court for pickleball at Sinshiemer. Vicente Del Rio, SLO resident, asked the Commission to consider all sports and provide dedicated facilities. He does not prefer sharing facilities with pickleball because pickleball is a loud sport. Sallie Brooks-Schulke, SLO resident, shared use means six hours a week but not use at the same time. Gary Zanini, SLO resident, said an unofficial survey noted an average of 11-15 tennis players weekly and there are approximately 125 pickleball that could play weekly if allowed shared use. Frank Collie, SLO resident, voiced opposition for multi-court striping at French Park. He added that the court location is special because it is a solitary, fenced court which is great for individual instruction without disruption to others. He asked the Commission to consider pickleball multi-use on the various volleyball courts or the School District’s old Jr. High tennis courts. John Hyduchack, SLO resident, acknowledged that shared use on tennis courts is not ideal but it is great compromise for both sports with limited resources. Scott Cleere, SLO resident and tennis player, supports the future lighting capital project at Sinsheimer tennis courts in 2018-19. He also recommended considering pickleball courts at Emerson Park. Chair Whitener reiterated that the Commission cannot take action or discuss items not on the agenda. He added that the Commission’s intent was to support shared use of public facilities not to convert existing tennis courts. He urged the public to share their concerns for more pickleball and tennis facilities to the City Council. Director Stanwyck reminded the Commission and the public present in the audience about the City’s 2- year Financial Process, the numerous opportunities for public input, and encouraged all the participate. PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, APPOINTMENTS Presentation of Leadership SLO (Class 24) Water Wise Demonstration Garden by Rebecca Gershow and Andy Greensfelder. Each leadership class has a legacy project intended to enhance a service or provide a community benefit. The demonstration garden is proposed on city property on the lawn area outside of the SLO Little Theater. The proposed plan will use drought tolerant plantings, educational signage, and have a meandering path around the public art piece “BeeBee Works His Magic” which is a memorial to Bill Beeson and his community support of the arts. Commission Comments followed: Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 7, 2016 Page 3 Commissioner’s Single and Commissioner Avakian asked about additional garden seating or use of proposed boulders for seating. Commissioner Thurman asked about funding. Mr. Greensfelder responded that all funding is the responsibility of the Leadership SLO class. A significant amount of demolition was provided by the California Conversation Corp volunteers. Commissioner Olson asked about garden lighting. Mrs. Gershow responded that the public art piece has lighting. By consensus, the Parks and Recreation Commission was in support of the Leadership SLO demonstration garden design and location as presented. CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES ACTION: APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 2016 AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SINGLE, SECOND BY VICE CHAIR UPDEGROVE. 1. Consideration of Minutes CARRIED 7:0:0:0 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the meeting of 08/03/2016. AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, UPDEGROVE, WHITENER NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS 2. Selection of Wes Conner Awardee for 2016 Director Stanwyck explained the selection criteria for the Commission and read the list of previous award recipients and nominees for consideration. ACTION: THE COMMITTEE BY CONSENSUS voted to approve Herb Fillaponi as the recipient of the 2016 Wes Conner Award. Motion passed 7:0:0:0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, UPDEGROVE, WHITENER NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 3. Selection of Date and Approval of Route for Annual Park Tour Director Stanwyck recommended the Commission consider a park tour date and locations to visit. The Commission considered a Friday in October and potential park tour routes to include Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 7, 2016 Page 4 Santa Rosa Park, Laguna Lake Golf Course, Meadow Park, French Park, Sinsheimer Park and the Jack House. ACTION: THE COMMITTEE BY CONSENSUS voted to approve Friday, October 14th for the 2016 Annual Parks Tour to include the above route. Motion passed 7:0:0:0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, UPDEGROVE, WHITENER NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 4. Review and Recommend to City Council Adoption of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Department Strategic Plan ACTION: RECEIVE INFORMATION, PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND RECOMMEND COUNCIL ADOPTION Staff shared an update about the Department’s Strategic Planning process which began October 2015 when the Parks and Recreation Department, in consultation with strategic planning professional, Dale Magee of Catalyst Consulting, embarked on the creation of its first strategic plan. Director Stanwyck noted that it is a City of San Luis Obispo best practice for its Departments to have strategic plans. The priority and focus for Parks and Recreation is summarized in its mission statement. The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department inspires happiness by creating community through People, Parks, Programs, and Open Space. How this can best be accomplished over the next four years is now articulated in the vision and strategic elements of the proposed 2020 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. The extensive public engagement process in seeking input for the strategic plan was summarized. The goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan to meet the future needs and expectations of the community using the plan as a roadmap were presented. The Commission’s recommendation is scheduled to be considered by Council in November. Upon appr oval by Council, staff will begin the crucial and immediate steps needed to accomplish the plan . Staff will return to the Commission and Council with progress reports on the Plan. Commission Comments followed. Commissioners Olson and Single asked about a financial component to the plan. Director Stanwyck responded that the plan is a vision document and intended to guide staff in setting goals consistent with the vision and the financial commitment to meet these objectives. Commissioner Olson asked about the “Maximize This!” committee as referenced in the plan. Consultant Dale Magee responded that it is an internal group that looks at ongoing process improvements to ensure the most efficient processes are employed. Commissioner Schwab asked for clarification on what ‘Manage risk associated with recreation facilities” meant. Director Stanwyck responded that this objective is a result of the City being a self-insured city and this objective gives license to staff to take a proactive approach identifying and limiting the city’s exposure to risk. Commissioner Schwab asked about the City’s volunteer program. Director Stanwyck shared that the City has significant training for volunteers in various City programs. She added that an AmeriCorp volunteer will be working with the City for the next year to help in developing the city-wide volunteer program. Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 7, 2016 Page 5 Commissioner Thurman was in support of the Parks and Recreation Department modeling healthy work habits and work-life balance for the City. He continued that he was also in support for greater interactivity with the City’s website and optimization of social media. Chair Whitener asked about implementation of the plan. Director Stanwyck said the plan will be driven by priorities as defined by City Council and the City’s Financial planning process. Chair Whitener asked the Commission to strongly consider advocating for new recreational public facilities. Public Comments: None ACTION: RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S STRATEGIC PLAN AS MOTIONED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDEGROVE, SECOND BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SINGLE. Motion passed 7:0:0:0 on the following roll call vote: AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, UPDEGROVE, WHITENER NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS Director’s Report Director Stanwyck provided a brief overview of current Parks and Recreation programming.  Box Art Jury recommendation of new designs – Advisory Body Reviews in Sept/October  We are at capacity for all after school youth programs. There are wait lists for every school!  We are currently hiring teachers and lifeguards.  The Family Overnight Camp Out in Laguna Lake Park was a success with over 75 people!  The Skate Park Ramp n’ Roll on 8/20 was a fun & educational event promoting safety.  A reminder for Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on 9/22 at Jack House.  The first ever September Scramble Kid Adventure obstacle course at the Golf Course on 9/24  The Bike Rodeo will be at Hawthorne Elementary School on 10/1  Rangers are working on completing the M Loop trail Commission Communications LIAISON REPORTS  Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single said adult softball fall started last week and are playing 71teams this fall, Mondays to Thursday. Pickleball plays at Meadow Park on Mon/Wed/Fri from 9am-11:30, French Park on Tues/Thursday 9am- 11:30 and Ludwick Community Center on Wednesdays 12-2pm. Boomer Softball is provided on a drop-in basis on Tuesdays at Santa Rosa at 11am. Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 7, 2016 Page 6  Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson said the BAC does not meet until September. No Report.  City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Commissioner Avakian said that Damon Garcia field is already in poor condition with only one month in use. The Rugby tournament was held this last weekend and AYSO soccer has begun its season. The City/County library will be undergoing construction. Fields will begin to close for annual maintenance September to March starting with Sinsheimer fields. Golf Course rounds were up in August. Children’s attendance at golf course increased with kids play free Saturdays. Cuesta classes are held on Fridays, and the teen golf group on Wednesdays. “First Tee” program begins in September. Night Golf is back starting September 16th.  Jack House Committee: Vice Chair Updegrove reported that the Jack House Committee is working on a strategic plan. Art-after-Dark is the 1st Friday of the month and will be continuing throughout this year.  Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman shared that the tree committee meeting was inundated with tree removal requests.  Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab said there was no YSA meeting. No Report. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for 05, October, 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: 10/05/2016