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Minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7 June 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 7th day of June
2017 at 5:34 p.m. in the Parks and Recreation Administration Conference Room located at 1341 Nipomo
Street, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Avakian.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Greg Avakian, Vice Chair Rodney Thurman, and Commissioners Susan Olson, Keri
Schwab and Jeff Whitener
Absent: Commissioner Single
Staff: Parks and Recreation Director Shelly Stanwyck, Recreation Manager Melissa Mudgett
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
ACTION: APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 3, 2017, MOTION BY
COMMISSIONER WHITENER, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER THURMAN.
1. Consideration of Minutes
CARRIED 5:0:0:1 to approve the amended minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Body
for the meeting of 5/3/2017.
AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SINGLE
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND BUSINESS ITEMS
2. Review and Adopt Proposed Recreation Partnership Agreement Between the City of San
Luis Obispo and Central Coast Soccer.
Staff Melissa Mudgett presented an overview of the proposed recreational partnership
agreement between the Parks and Recreation Sports program and Central Coast Soccer (CC
Soccer) to offer adult soccer league programming at Damon Garcia Sports Fields. CC Soccer
has been providing adult soccer opportunities, with the support of the City, since 2008. The
proposed agreement memorializes the long-standing relationship and provides for improved
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 7, 2017 Page 2
liability management through standardized trainings and collection of liability waivers. Staff
Mudgett also added the proposed agreement is in alignment with adopted cost recovery policies
for adult recreational activities. She elaborated that the proposed agreement has the support of
CC Soccer, Parks and Recreation and Public Works Parks Maintenance staff, whom maintain
the sports fields.
Public Comment
Tim Townley, Vice President of CC Soccer, explained the adult soccer league program for the
Commissioners. Mr. Townley said that the soccer league is non-competitive and changes
teams every two months. CC Soccer provides additional assistance to the City, such as turning
on-off fields lights, which reduces the impact to City staff. Mr. Townley expressed CC
Soccer’s desire to continue to partner with the City. He said he was h opeful that the new
kikuyu grass will improve field conditions and allow for more play. He concluded that he
appreciated the Commission and Parks and Recreation Department staff and their support in
this program.
Gary Havas, SLO Resident, said he was supportive of the new kikuyu grass and is was nice to
see strong partnerships like this between the City and recreational groups.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioner Whitener said he was supportive of the proposed agreement and that CC Soccer
has been a good partner for the City.
Commissioner Olson was in support of the one-year terms to reassess field conditions annually.
Vice Chair Thurman asked about the timeframe of the kikuyu grass renovation. Director
Stanwyck responded that is it expected to take the summer growing season. She added that
kikuyu grass is at the golf course and its growth responds well to recycled water. Director
Stanwyck concluded that the City will know how the grass responds after the first playing
season and if play can be expanded.
Chair Avakian asked if the 30% ratio of registration fees collected by CC Soccer is adequate.
Staff Mudgett responded that the revenue share equates to full (100%) cost recovery for the
City, although less teams this first year will mean less revenues received by the City.
ACTION: BY RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT IS ADOPT A RECREATION
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND
CENTRAL COST SOCCER, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WHITENER, SECOND
BY COMMISSIONER SCHWAB.
CARRIED 5:0:0:1 to Recommend the City Council adopt a Recreation Partnership Agreement
between the City and Central Coast Soccer to provide an Adult Recreational Soccer League
program.
AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, SCHWAB, THURMAN, WHITENER
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SINGLE
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 7, 2017 Page 3
3. Receive Preliminary Dog Off-Leash Survey Results and Consider a Recommendation to
Council that it Authorize staff to Pursue PetSAfe Bark for Your Park Grant.
Staff Mudgett provided a brief background of the Laguna Lake Dog Off-Leash Area. She said
that currently the City has an “off-leash” area at the Laguna Lake park but does not have an
enclosed “fenced” dog park. The closest fenced dog park is located at El Chorro Regional Park
(Highway 1 across from Cuesta College). Staff Mudgett provided an update of current
maintenance activities at the “off-leash” area. Staff Mudgett added that a recent community
survey was conducted to identify future needs of the “off-leash” area. The survey was intended
to solicit feedback from users to help shape current maintenance needs, as well as future
improvements to the area should funding become available (such as with grants or community
donations). Preliminary survey results identified top priorities to be all-surface material and
other amenities, such as a shade structure. Staff Mudgett responded that overall, the users are
happy with the “off-leash” area’s maintenance and do not wish to completely enclose it;
however, users were in support of adding a fenced-in dog park at another location within the
park.
Staff Mudgett presented on the benefits of an enclosed dog park and added that a nationwide
grant to fund construction of a dog park is being offered through PetSafe, Bark for your Park
program. Through the user survey and collaboration with Parks Maintenance staff, potential
locations were identified at the Laguna Lake Park for a “fenced” dog park. Parks and
Recreation staff requested the Commission’s approval to seek grant funding and pursue a more
shovel ready project at Laguna Lake Park and to provide feedback on these potential locations.
Staff Mudgett said that, should the City be awarded the dog park grant, there would be
significant public outreach efforts and staff would return to the Commission for direction
regarding public engagement, preliminary design, estimated project costs and construction
progress.
Public Comment
Bill Hallum, SLO resident and daily “off-leash” area user, as the Commission to consider a
broader policy and develop a City plan for dog parks. Mr. Hallum asked the Commission to
consider a more robust more discussion about dog park needs before seeking a grant. He
commended staff for their responsiveness to users. He expressed apprehension that he would
hate to be locked into a dog park “location” as a result of this grant opportunity.
Gary Havas, SLO Resident and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, commented that it
had been a long time since an enclosed “fenced” dog park has been sought and he appreciated
staff efforts. He would like to see more dog parks within the City and expressed his support for
pursing the dog park grant.
Commission Comments followed.
Commissioners Olson, Thurman and Avakian were concerned if the PetSafe grant “locked” the
City into deciding a “fenced” dog park location in advance of more study and design efforts.
Director Stanwyck confirmed the dog park grant was restrictive to city-owned land only and
did not “lock” the city into a location should that change in the future. Staff Mudgett added
that, should the city be awarded the grant, funds would need to be expended within three (3)
years of award.
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 7, 2017 Page 4
Commissioner Olson expressed dissatisfaction with woodchips as an all-surface material for
dog parks and it is damaging to dog paws, preferring grass. She asked about the standard
“fenced” dog park size. Staff Mudgett responded that a typical dog park is .5 to 1 acre.
Commissioner Olson asked if receiving grant funds would preclude the City from applying for
future grants. Director Stanwyck did not believe this would have an impact on the City’s
competition for other grants.
Commissioner Schwab asked if other City Parks were considered. Staff Mudgett responded
that five potential city park locations were identified, however preliminary survey results
showed Laguna Lake Park as the top selection by survey takers. Director Stanwyck added that
having an enclosed “fenced” dog park at this location would be consistent with other uses.
Director Stanwyck provided additional information about Council’s support for an update of
Parks and Recreation Element and Master Plan as part of the 2017-19 Financial Plan and future
dog park planning and long-term visioning would be a part of that future policy document and
plan.
Vice Chair Thurman asked if it made sense to have both a “fenced” and unfenced dog area
together. He was in support of more community analysis and incorporating dog park planning
into the Parks and Recreation Element update.
Commissioner Whitener as about the total cost of constructing a dog park. Staff Mudgett said
that, in collaboration with Parks Maintenance staff, it believed a dog park could be constructed
at this location for approximately $40,000 which assumes community donations of some
materials, in-kind services, volunteer efforts, and partnerships. Commissioner Whitener was in
support of the Laguna Park as a location for a “fenced” dog park. He was not in support of a
“fenced” dog park at another City park location if it took away from, or negatively impacted,
current uses.
Chair Avakian said he is a dog lover and past dog owner who often frequented the Laguna Lake
dog “off-leash” area. He supported the concept of a new dog park that had a large/small dog
separation. He appreciated knowing that the grant had flexibility in determining the exact
location of a “fenced” dog park. Chair Avakian asked if the area adjacent to the restrooms was
considered as a potential location. Director Stanwyck responded that area could encroach into
sensitive open space area and trails, and therefore was not recommended by staff.
ACTION: RECEIVE PRELIMINARY DOG OFF-LEASH SURVEY RESULTS AND
RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT IT AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PURSUE
PETSAFE® BARK FOR YOUR PARK™ GRANT, MOTION BY COMMISSIONER
OLSON, SECOND BY WHITENER.
CARRIED 3:2:0:1 to recommend to Council that it authorize staff to pursue a Bark for Your
ParkTM grant application submitted to PetSafe®for a total amount not to exceed $25,000 for
the design and construction of a new dog park at Laguna Lake Park.
AYES: AVAKIAN, OLSON, WHITENER
NOES: SCHWAB, THURMAN
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: SINGLE
COMMITTEE COMMUNICATIONS
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 7, 2017 Page 5
4. Director’s Report
Director Stanwyck provided a brief update of current Parks and Recreation programming and
City updates.
• Council preliminarily included an update to the Parks and Recreation Element as part of
the Preliminary 2017-19 Financial Plan. Next steps will be adoption of budget on June
20th. Following that staff will return to the PRC with to focus on identifying new and
creative ways to engage the public (who recreate and who do not) in this process as well
as to develop a project plan. Community Development planner, Rebecca Gershow, will
be assisting with this effort.
• Council provided clarifying direction to staff regarding the continued pursuit of a park in
the north of Broad Street neighborhood.
• Public Art Olas Portola installation on Friday, June 9th. Dedication planned for early
August.
• Strategic Plan Summit, sharing five months of subcommittee results on the six
Department Goals. There will be a presentation and annual report for the Commission.
• Summer Planning frenzy! Summer Camps start on June 19th with 150 kids daily.
Recreation Swim starts June 12th. Jr Ranger Camp starts June 12th. Swim lessons
provided to over 1,000 patrons. Golf program, “Free for Kids” w/ paying adult - all
summer. Blues Games are under way. Friday Night Skate at the SLO Skate Park with
music.
• Cancellation of August meeting and community whiffle-ball concept on agenda forecast.
• Sinshiemer Park Playground construction updates. Construction severely delayed by
rain, but hopeful it will be completed before the SLO triathlon in July.
• PixOnPeaks 2.0 Campaign launched June 1st and includes seven new “loop” hikes
LIAISON REPORTS
5. Subcommittee Liaison Reports
• Adult and Senior Programming: Commissioner Single was absent. No Report.
• Bicycle Advisory Committee: Commissioner Olson said the BAC had its annual traffic
safety report; lowest collisions on record for auto, bike related accidents up 12% (56
collisions). Half of severe injuries are due to speeding and DUIs. The BAC has not yet
concluded if it will lead the pedestrian plan. BAC will revisit at next meeting in July.
• City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Golf, Pool & Joint Use Facilities): Chair Avakian reported
on the new pool ambassador program. Facility staff hosts have new polo shirt uniforms.
The Golf Course has had 26,000 rounds played to-date. Golf Course added a Super
Twilight rate.
• Tree Committee: Vice Chair Thurman said there was no Tree Committee report.
• Jack House Committee: Commissioner Whitener said the Jack House meeting was a
synopsis on past, present and future of the Jack House. Most of the art is off the walls
and awaiting analysis and cataloging and preservation (as most are in various states of
deterioration). City staff is working with the groups for future Recreational Partnership
agreements, implementation of operational best practices for historic homes managing
and training for volunteers. The Jack House is now a Blue Star Museum, which allows
military and their families a free tour of the home from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Youth Sports: Commissioner Schwab said there was no YSA meeting.
Commission Communications
Minutes – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 7, 2017 Page 6
Vice Chair Thurman corrected the pronunciation of “Sinsheimer” as “Sins-Heimer”.
Commissioner Olson shared there is a group called “See Spot Run” that is dedicating efforts towards the
City allowing a dedicate spot or trail in open space to hike with dogs off-leash.
Director Stanwyck added that the City is starting a new program called “Hikes with Hounds”, which is a
monthly Ranger led hike in the open space in June, July and August.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. to the regular Parks and Recreation Commission scheduled for 05,
July 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: 09/13/17