HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-17 PRC Minutes
Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
3 May 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 3rd day of May
2017 at 5:31 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation Administration Conference Room located at 1341 Nipomo
Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Whitener.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Greg Avakian, Suzan Ehdaie, Susan Olson, Keri Schwab, Douglas Single,
Rodney Thurman and Chair Jeff Whitener
Absent: Commissioner Schwab joined the meeting at 5:40pm, Commissioner Single joined the meeting
at 6:15pm, Susan Olson absent
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Don Green, SLO Resident, spoke about the Vista del Collados neighborhood (Priolo Martin park) and
desired vegetation maintenance of the willow trees and pyracantha in the open space and in the park to
increase public safety and ensure views of the neighborhood. He requested another meeting with City
staff and the Commissioners in June. Director Stanwyck suggested that another City meeting should be
scheduled.
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 5, 2017 AS AMENDED,
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER THURMAN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
AVAKIAN.
1. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 5:0:0:2 to approve the amended minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body
for the meeting of 4/5/2017.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, SCHWAB, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: OLSON, SINGLE
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 3, 2017 Page 2
2. Appointment of Chair and Vice Chair
Jeff Whitener nominated Commission Avakian to serve as Chair and Commissioner Thurman
to serve as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee
ACTION: BY CONSENSUS, THE COMMITTEE APPOINTED COMMISSIONER AVAKIAN
CHAIR OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND COMMISSIONER
THURMAN VICE-CHAIR OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION.
CARRIED 5:0:0:2 to appoint Commissioner Avakian as Chair and Commissioner Thurman as
Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, SCHWAB, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: OLSON, SINGLE
ABSENT: NONE
3. Review and Agreement of Subcommittee Appointments
By consensus, the Committee selected subcommittee appointments. Commissioner Ehdaie
announced she would no longer be serving as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner as she is
relocating out of the area.
Committee Liaison
Adult and Senior Programming Doug Single
Bicycle Advisory Susan Olson
City Facilities (Damon-Garcia, golf, pool, joint use) Greg Avakian
Jack House Committee Whitener
Tree Committee Rodney Thurman
Youth Sports Association Keri Schwab
4. Updates to Laguna lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area Maintenance and Survey
Staff Mudgett provided a brief update of the maintenance activities at the Dog Off-Leash Area.
She added that currently the City has an “off-leash” area at the Laguna Lake park but does not
have a “fenced dog park”. The closest fenced dog park is located at El Chorro Regional Park
(Highway 1 across from Cuesta College), which is approximately 4 miles outside of city limits
and about 9 miles from the Laguna Lake park. To identify future needs, the Parks and
Recreation Department will be conducting a user survey. Staff Mudgett added that Parks and
Recreation Department staff continue to actively seek grant opportunities for dog park
improvements. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department will be researching the national
PetSafe dog park grant awarding $25,000 for the construction of new dog parks. Staff Mudgett
said she anticipates that Parks and Recreation staff could return to the Commission in June with
the survey results and to seek approval of the grant application.
Public Comment
John McKenzie, SLO Resident and dog owner, supports the current maintenance activities but
would like to advocate and promote for a design plan of a fenced -in dog park at Laguna Lake.
He added that having a fully designed plan would support future construction of a new dog park
as construction efforts and amenities could be phased-in as funding permits. Mr. McKenzie
encouraged the Parks and Recreation Commission to seek private donations and volunteer work
to make this project a reality.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 3, 2017 Page 3
Commission Comment.
Commissioner Whitener, asked about public outreach. Staff Mudgett responded that public
outreach will be consistent with the City’s adopted Public Engagement Manual. Posters
directing users to the survey will be posted at county dog parks, veterinary hospital, pet stores
and non-profit groups. Information about the survey is also provided on the City’s website,
Parks and Recreation social media and via emails to user groups.
Chair Avakian asked for clarification of future development and if those plans included
neighborhood dog parks. Director Stanwyck responded affirmatively.
Vice Chair Thurman was in support of improving the surface materials at this dog off-leash
area and is interested in learning more about the survey results.
5. Presentation Outdoor Ping Pong as Public Art
Staff Mudgett provided an update of the City’s Public Art Master Plan and the short-term goals.
In alignment with the Master Plan goals, staff is proposing a creative functional art opportunity
for the City in support of community placemaking with the integration of a recreational activity
and public art. Staff is proposing an activation of several city park spaces through outdoor
recreational ping pong tables serving as a canvas for public art. Using the adopted Public Art
Guidelines, these outdoor ping-pong tables would then be commissioned for art murals by local
artists. The Commission was asked to evaluate and prioritize locations best suited for this
functional art type. Staff presented the proposed park locations for consideration;
i. Sinsheimer Park, flat grassy area adjacent to pool and parking lot drop-off
ii. Meadow Park, near shuffleboard cement area adjacent to community building
iii. Emerson Park, on blacktop near bocce ball courts
Public Comment
None
Commission Comment.
Chair Avakian expressed concern about the ping-pong table design as allowing places for
people to “hide” and encourage bad activity. He recommended a solid table.
Vice Chair Thurman was in support of park locations proposed. He asked for confirmation on
how the project would be funded. Director Stanwyck confirmed that funding would be
allocated by Council from the Public Art Fund. She continued that outdoor ping-pong as public
art is a unique opportunity to leverage public art funding while supporting a recreational
activity. Vice Chair Thurman recommended soliciting a local business make the ping pong
tables.
By consensus, the Commission was in support of outdoor ping pong tables as public art.
ACTION: BY CONSENSUS, THE COMMITTEE SUPPORTS THE IDEA OF OUTDOOR PING
PONG TABLES AS PUBLIC ART; SINSHIEMER, MEADOW AND EMERSON
PARKS AS THREE LOCATIONS FOR ARTISTIC PING PONG TABLES, THE USE OF
PUBLIC ART FUNDS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS FUNCTIONAL PUBLIC ART
PROJECT, AND RECOMMENDS STAFF EXPLORE SOLID TABLE PRODUCTION
THROUGH LOCAL BUSINESS.
MOTION BY VICE CHAIR THURMAN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER SINGLE.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 3, 2017 Page 4
CARRIED 6:0:0:1 to recommend locations for artistic ping pong tables, allocation of public art
funds to accomplish this functional public art project, and exploration of ping pong tables by
local business.
AYES: AVAKIAN, EHDAIE, SCHWAB, SINGLE, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: OLSON
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
6. Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming and
City updates.
Council in support of pursuing an update to the Parks and Recreation Element as part of
the Preliminary 2017-19 Financial Plan. Director Stanwyck summarized the process
moving forward. Commissioner Whitener provided feedback that a separate task
committee should be developed for this process, similar to the L.U.C.E. Director
Stanwyck said staff will return to the Commission with a draft project plan.
Summer Registration opened May 1st.
Open Space updated kiosks will have new maps, blade trail signs and color coating for
ability level. Grand reveal of new kiosk is planned for June.
LIAISON REPORTS
7. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single reported that he met with
Pickleball and they would like more days to play. Director Stanwyck shared that
Pickleball is scheduled to play Wednesdays at the Ludwick Community Center,
Mondays*Wednesdays*Fridays at Meadow Park, Tuesdays*Thursdays at French Park
Basketball court and Monday*Thursdays at French Park tennis courts. She added that
preliminary budget request has been submitted for Council’s consideration for dedicated
courts at French Park.
Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson was absent. Director Stanwyck gave
report on her behalf. She said the BAC is working on a Bike Master Plan. They are
considering requiring large events to have bike permits (bike valet).
City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Chair Avakian
reported that Lifeguard training, league diving championships have just concluded.
Damon Garcia fields are now closed for maintenance. The Jack House is opening in May
with Art After Dark. First Tee is at the golf course on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Kid Free
Saturdays are planned for the summer.
Tree Committee: Chair Thurman said there was nothing new to report. Tree Committee
only reviews City-Street tree removals. He recommended regular communications and
updates about city park tree removals would be helpful.
Jack House Committee: This assignment is currently vacant. No report.
Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab reported on YSA Meeting. They are working on
collecting the annual field payments. They are looking for youth football coaches.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 3, 2017 Page 5
Commission Communications
Chair Avakian thanked the former Chair Whitener for his continued efforts in advocating for the update
of the Parks and Recreation element.
Commissioner Ehdaie expressed her enjoyment of participating in the Parks and Recreation Commission
Advisory Body as she regretfully will be moving out the area.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. to the regular Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for 07,
June 2017 at 5:30 p.m., in the Parks and Recreation Department Conference Room located at 1341
Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: 06/07/2017