HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-17 PRC MinutesMinutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
4 January 2017
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 41 day of January,
2017 at 5:31 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: Commissioner Schwab, Commissioner Single, Vice Chair Updegrove
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett, Senior
Civil Engineer Manny Guzman, Consultant RRM Design Group Leif McKay, Consultant JFR
Consulting John Rickenbach.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, APPOINTMENTS
None
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 7, 2016 AS
AMENDED, MOTION BY AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THURMAN.
1. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 4:0:0:3 to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body for the
meetings of 12/07/16.
AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SCHWAB, SINGLE, UPDEGROVE,
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Presentation of the Preferred Mission Plaza Concept Plan
Senior Civil Engineer, Manny Guzman, and design consultant (Leif McKay of RRM Design
Group) presented to the Commission the preferred conceptual design of the Mission Plaza
Master Plan. Staff Guzman said the Mission Plaza Master Plan was developed based on
community, business, and City feedback which included a year of public review and input
through various community workshops, which was used to develop the preferred design
concept. Mr. McKay shared that RRM Design Group also evaluated the Mission Plaza's uses,
existing infrastructure conditions, and the feasibility of expanding the Mission Plaza into Broad
and Monterey streets. Mr. McKay added that the Mission Plaza Master Plan design as
presented to the Commission balances both the active and passive recreational needs, presents
options for activating the space to improve safety and encourage positive uses, improves
connectivity within, and to, the Mission Plaza, and creates more flexible and functional spaces.
Mr. McKay presented the main features of the preferred design Mission Plaza concept, which
include the following elements:
• Main Plaza with a formal entrance
• Raised platform for special event staging
• Water feature in Main Plaza
• ADA accessible pedestrian bridge crossing the creek
• Central Plaza with outdoor cafe and patio
• Historic Adobe retrofitted as an interpretive building
• Remodel of public restrooms
• Amphitheater renovated to improve functionality and accessibility
• Sculpture Garden adjacent to the SLO Museum of Art with pathway to accessible
bridge crossing
• "Dog -leg" section of Broad Street converted as an extension of the plaza to encourage a
more pedestrian and bicycle friendly street (parking preserved and opportunity for a
new bus stop location)
Mr. McKay added that the Mission Plaza Master Plan preferred concept improves ADA and
Emergency Vehicle accessibility to the Plaza. The project could be phased -in over the next
decade as funding becomes available.
Public Comment
None
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Avakian asked about the size of the stage areas. Mr. McKay responded that it
was similar to a performance platform which would be approximately 18" high; allowing
flexibility for multiple uses. Commissioner Avakian asked if there were historic trees at the
plaza that would need to be removed as a result of this design concept. Mr. McKay responded
that all heritage trees would be preserved and in accordance with City adopted arboriculture
practices. Commissioner Avakian stated he was in support of the multi -functional use of the
Mission Plaza. Commissioner Avakian also asked if plaza elements would be added to deter
skateboarding.
Commissioner Olson was in support of modifying the current amphitheater to a more functional
space. Commissioner Olson asked if the Sculpture Garden would include both temporary and
permanent public artworks. Mr. McKay responded that the Sculpture Garden is still in the
concept stage and would be fully explored at a later date through the City's Public Art Program.
Minutes — Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 4, 2017 Page 2
Commissioner Thurman stated he was in support of the water feature but recommended
consideration of an alternative location other than the main entrance to the plaza.
Commissioner Thurman asked if there were vehicle barriers proposed for the "Dog -Leg" to
limit the interaction between vehicles and pedestrian/bicycles. Mr. McKay responded that the
design is conducive to vehicles slowing down but would not completely limit vehicle access.
He added that the concept would require further review and study by the City's Traffic
Engineering program. Commissioner Thurman asked about use of permeable paving materials
in the construction of the plaza to capture stormwater and he encouraged the use of drought
tolerant turf.
Chair Whitener asked about if bicycle racks would be added to the Mission Plaza and if
complete closure of the "Dog -Leg" was considered. Mr. McKay responded that the City is
required to provide street and parking access to the residents located on this "Dog -Leg". Chair
Whitener read a question aloud from Vice Chair Updegrove regarding the location of the
restrooms in which Mr. McKay responded that the restroom location is conceptual.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to comment on all design features and
amenities of the draft Master Plan, including but not limited to the following:
1) Is the Commission in support of the overall Mission Plaza design style
which includes the Woonerf design concept for the "dogleg" (Broad to
Monterey Street), outdoor cafe, public restroom location and replacement
of the amphitheater with a flat surface plaza?
The Commission was in support of the preferred Mission Plaza design
concept as presented.
2) Does the Commission have any significant concerns regarding the general
site layout, plaza design, proposed recreational facilities or use?
The Commission expressed some concern about the safety of the "Dog -
Leg" with the proposed Woonerf design and intermingling of vehicles and
pedestrian/bicycle traffic but recommend approval with further review and
study by the City's Traffic Engineering program.
3) What other types of active or passive recreation would the Commission
like to see incorporated on-site?
No additional recreation types were recommended by the Commission.
4) Is the Commission in support of the proposed "sculpture garden?
The Commission was in support of the proposed public art sculpture
garden.
3. Review and Determination of Avila Ranch's Parks General Plan Policy Conformity;
Review of Parks in Construction Phases One through Three; and Feedback on Parks
Construction Phases Four through Five.
John Rickenbach, JFR Consulting, provided background on the Avila Ranch Development
plan. The applicant team received the Commission's prior feedback in September and
Minutes — Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 4, 2017 Page 3
November 2015 and have responded with a modified proposal that is consistent with the
General Plan Park and Recreation. The applicant is seeking the Commission's approval of 18
acres of parks, which include detailed park plans for Parks A through E, and conceptual designs
for Parks F through I.
Stephen Peck, Avila Ranch Project Applicant, said that specific effort was made to incorporate the
Commission's feedback into a modified design to include many design features and elements that
the Commission had earlier expressed was absent in the original design. He added that the
proposed Community Facilities District would provide dedicated funding through the assessment
of property tax and for the maintenance of the project's parks, open space trails and facilities
within this development through a restricted fund.
Melanie Mills, Landscape Architect for the project, shared with the Commission park design
features and how the landscape celebrates the existing characteristics of the site. She added that
the park landscape will focus on drought resistant native species, neighborhood turf areas, use of
recycled water, bioretention integration areas that would receive and integrate stormwater, and low
impact development bioretention areas for use of recycled water. Ms. Mills provided a review of
the proposed parks within the Avila Ranch Development phases 1 through 5.
The Commission was asked to provide feedback on the proposed park plans and recommend
the City Council's approval for the following recommendations:
1. Recommend to the City Council that the project parks proposal is consistent with
the Parks & Recreation Element of the General Plan.
2. Approve detailed park plans for proposed Parks A through E.
3. Review and provide recommendations on conceptual designs for Parks F through I
Public Comment
Jean Hyduchak, Ambassador for National Pickleball Association and SLO Pickleball Club,
spoke about the popularity of pickleball and asked the Commission to recommend that the
applicant consider changing the proposal to add pickleball courts to Neighborhood Park G.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Thurman thanked the project applicant for their thoughtful use of landscape and
bioretention in the modified design. He added that the turf could be removed from Park B and
that trees planted in decomposed granite typically fail to thrive. Commissioner Thurman
expressed concern about the level of water and care needed for an orchard to produce. He added
his support for a separate dog park and recommended permanent concrete seating for the
farmer's market area. Commission Thurman was also in support of dedicated pickleball courts.
Commissioners Olson and Avakian were in support of the turf area in Park B. Commissioner
Olson was in support of the proposed dog park and asked for separate consideration for larger
and smaller dogs. Commissioner Olson asked if water would be a cost issue for the community
gardens. Director Stanwyck responded that the proposed gardens would most likely use
recycled water. Commissioner Olson was in support of dedicated pickleball courts in Park G.
Commissioner Avakian asked about the density of the R2 development. Applicant Steven Peck
said R2 is low density and is typically 4 to 6 housing units. He added that Park A could be
considered as a potential location to add a basketball half -court. Commissioner Avakian asked
about BBQ areas and Ms. Mills responded that the neighborhood park does include some BBQ
areas. Commissioner Avakian asked if there was a standard size for the community gardens.
Director Stanwyck responded that the typical size is a 10x10 raised garden bed and that
Minutes — Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 4, 2017 Page 4
construction would be responsive to the surrounding housing. Commissioner Avakian was in
support of dedicated pickleball courts for Park G.
Chair Whitener asked if the bioretention areas are calculated into the open space requirement
for park acreage. Director Stanwyck added that the applicant has provided a comprehensive
proposal for parks. Chair Whitener expressed concern about maintenance and safety of the
proposed orchard. Chair Whitener added his support for additional soccer turf fields in Park G.
ACTION: RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE AVILA RANCH DEVELOPMENT
PROPOSED PARK PLANS FOR PARKS A THROUGH I, AS CONSISTENT WITH
THE PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN, MOTION
BY COMMISSIONER THURMAN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER AVAKIAN.
CARRIED 4:0:0:3 to recommend Council Adoption.
AYES:
AVAKIAN, OLSON, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
SCHWAB, SINGLE, UPDEGROVE,
4. Review and Recommend to Council Adoption of the Proposed Recreation Agreement
between the City and San Luis Obispo County YMCA
Director Stanwyck provided an overview of the proposed recreation agreement between the
City and the YMCA. The Parks and Recreation Department and the YMCA desire to continue
to collaboratively offer programming together and avoid duplication of programs and efforts by
memorializing their partnership via this proposed agreement. Director Stanwyck noted that for
the past year, staff from both parties have met to develop this recreational partnership
agreement that memorializes the longstanding relationship between the City and the YMCA.
Public Comment
Monica Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the SLO County YMCA, thanked the Commission
and Parks and Recreation staff for their support in seeking creative partnership opportunities
with the City to continue to offer affordable recreational opportunities for the community.
Commission Comments followed.
The Commission thanked Parks and Recreation staff and the YCMA for their joint efforts in
providing affordable and accessible recreational opportunities.
Commissioner Thurman asked for background information about the Ken Hampian hockey
rink.
Commissioner Avakian asked about the fiscal impact of the agreement, how the fees were
calculated and how they will be collected. Staff Mudgett explained the methodology and the
tiered -payment recommendation for the 4 -year term of the Agreement.
ACTION: RECOMMEND CITY COUNCIL ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED RECREATION
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Y.M.C.A. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER AVAKIAN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
OLSON.
Minutes — Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 4, 2017 Page 5
CARRIED 4:0:0:3 to recommend Council Adoption.
AYES:
AVAKIAN, OLSON, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
SCHWAB, SINGLE, UPDEGROVE,
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
5. Director's Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming and City
updates:
• Community Forum on January 10' at 6:30pm at the Ludwick Community Center. She
added that Advisory Body goals have been forwarded to the City Council and encouraged
Commissioners to attend the Forum.
• City Council Goal Setting will be held on January 28' at the Library Community Room.
• Sinsheimer Playground project will begin construction after January 23, 2017 and
completion is anticipated by Summer 2017.
LIAISON REPORTS
6. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
• Adult and Senior Programming Commissioner Single was absent. No report.
• Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson said there was no meeting. No report.
• City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities) Commissioner
Avakian reported the planting of nine trees at the Course and field closures due to rain.
• Tree Committee: Commissioner Thurman said there was no meeting. No report.
• Jack House Committee: Vice Chair Updegrove was absent. No report.
• Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab was absent. No report.
Commission Communications
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. to the regular Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for
01, February, 2017 at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 02/01/2017
Minutes — Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of January 4, 2017 Page 6