Recreation & Parks Advisory Board

Regular Meeting of the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks Held at the Falls Church Community Center, Kenneth R. Burnett Building 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 Minutes January 4, 2017 1. Call to Order Steve Selby called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Charley O’Hara, Leslie Rye, Kathy Chandler and Lawrence Webb. City Council Liaison Marybeth Connelly and Project Manager Kim Callahan were present. Staff members present were Danny Schlitt, Director of Recreation & Parks, and Keke Sidik. 2. Receipt of Public Petitions and Board Member Petitions – No Petitions 3. Minutes Kathy Chandler motioned to approve the November Minutes. Leslie Rye seconded the motion. The motion was approved. 4. Recreation Director’s Report Danny Schlitt presented the Director’s Report: - Charley O’Hara’s received the 2016 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society - Budget – work in progress; looks good - Basketball is underway; steady enrollment - Revenue on track - Preschool undergoing hiring process - Scavenger Hunt went well; successful turnout 5. New Business a) Comp Plan Vision Statement discussion - Board reviewed and discussed the Vision Statement draft - Kathy suggested the removal of indicators from chapter - Kathy and Leslie suggested that principals should be amended - Board discussed the wording of the Statement and what principals should include - Board discussed the wording of the motion to propose for the above suggestions and changes - Leslie motioned and Charley seconded the following 3-part motion; the motion was passed. A. The Board suggests the Vision Statement should say “The City Invests in its schools and community facilities, neighborhoods, parks, and natural environment.”  B. The Board feels the section on Vision and Core Values is redundant. If this section is maintained, it should include a separate paragraph on parks, open space, and recreation, including: 1. a vigorous commitment to park maintenance, protection, and expansion 2. a substantial investment in programming, facilities, and staff 3. other items as outlined in the Parks and Recreation chapter C. The Board recommends the deletion of indicators from this chapter b) Cottage Housing Ordinance - Board discussed the Cottage Housing Ordinance - Leslie further discussed and provided the following questions and comments: A. To whom is it marketed/intended occupants? B. Can you age restrict? C. Is affordable housing concept considered? D. How much are condo fees? E. Parking—handicapped options/visitors and social activities? F. Have seniors been questioned—young people or developers may have different view. Many feel suggested size is too small to be attractive. Seniors now complain about condos that are too small. G. Where do these cottage developments exist? What are the reviews from owners/occupants? H. How have they impacted residential streets? I. Mobility challengers—levels and access from cars? J. Can owner rent or sublet—fair housing issues? K. There is interest in the community from seniors who want to downsize, but many don’t want something too small. The people I’ve talked to were critical about size, unknown condo fees and parking. - Charley motioned that the Board reviewed and discussed the Cottage Housing Ordinance, and does not have any official comments at this time. Leslie seconded, and the motion passed. 6. Old Business a) Park project updates - Kim Callahan discussed park project updates, including Downtown Plaza, Big Chimneys Park, and Howard Herman Park - Kathy discussed project budget - Board discussed signage, timeline, budget, archeological dig, lighting, decorations, leveling, etc - Danny discussed Cherry Hill Park project: received several stages of public engagement and feedback, made few changes concerning tree positions—would like to replace playground equipment without expending integrity of park - Charley and Danny discussed handicap parking spaces b) Smoking ban in parks - Board discussed the issue of banning smoking in parks; considering starting it as social engagement then working way up to making it a part of future legal package. 7. Adjournment Leslie Rye motioned to adjourn the meeting and Kathy Chandler seconded the motion. Under unanimous vote, meeting adjourned at 8:55PM. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703-248-5027 (TTY 711).