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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