Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, May 19, 2011 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Canepa, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Commissioners Absent: Cooney, Woodward Staff Members Present: Recreation and Community Services Director Kay Russo, Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Doug Stafford, City Engineer Tom Reeves, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, April 21, 2011 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-2, Cooney, Woodward absent). 2. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Action: Approved with Commissioner McCarthy’s corrections in Paragraph 1, Sentence 1 on Page 4 underlined below, stating “Commissioner McCarthy stated that he lives on Jessie Street and his kids went to preschool at HPC then to Bay View Elementary School, then to Colton School, then to charter school and then to private schools because of the same reasons parents are stating tonight.” (5-0-2, Cooney, Woodward absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Park Master Plan Conformity and Approval of Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Park and Recreation Related Projects for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended conformity approval of the proposed park and recreation related NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 (5-0-2, Cooney, Woodward absent). City Engineer Tom Reeves reviewed the proposed park and recreation related NIP projects with the Commission and stated there have been no changes in the scope of the work since the Commissions last review of these proposed projects and asked for Commission approval as to conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He said that on April 28, 2011, the NIP Committee voted on approving fifty (50) projects, plus contingencies for the FY 2011/2012 NIP program. Ten (10) of these projects are unfunded and listed as “cut-off” projects and will be addressed as funds accrue in ending balance. He stated that of the following forty (40) funded projects, ten (10) are park and recreation related and that there are also four (4) additional park and recreation related projects on the “cut-off” list. He reviewed the below list of projects and  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 answered Commissioners questions: (*The parks and recreation related projects are bolded below): Projects Fully Funded with Base Allocation: 1. Casa Verde Sidewalk Repair (VDM-11) $2,500 2. Del Monte Grove Neighborhood Entry Sign (DMG-01) $13,200 3. Mar Vista/Via Castanada Erosion Control (MV-27) $1,600 *4. Scholze Park Center Security Lighting (NM-23) $8,500 5. New Monterey Sidewalk Repair (NM-27) $13,200 *6. Cypress Park - ADA Access to Tot Lot (NM-33) $5,000 *7. Hilltop Park - Replace Sand in Tot Lots with Wood Fiber (NM-34) $12,000 8. Aquajito Oaks - Refurbish Streetlights (AO-03) $1,600 9. Monterey Woods Traffic Mirror (FF-04) $1,500 10. Via Buena Vista Sewer Replacement (MV-02) $13,800 Other Funded Projects, Including partial base allocations: 11. Don Dahvee Greenbelt Fuel Reduction - Phase IV (AM-05) $25,000 12. City Emergency Power Hookup (CW-28) $45,000 13. Fisherman’s Flats Fuel Reduction (FF-02) $25,000 *14. Casa Verde/Recreation Trail Crossing Study (DMB-04) $60,000 15. Fire Station #3 - Replace Emergency Water Tank (CW-45) $7,500 16. Dickman/Jessie/Lottie Drainage (NM-02) $147,000 17. Wyndemere Log Drop Repair (SF-10) $92,000 18. Hwy. 68/Presidio Gate Study (OT-20) $200,000 19. Encina/Casa Verde (VDM-05) $125,000 20. Via Chiquita/Via Ventura/Sierra Vista Drainage (MV-16, MV-20, MV-26) $90,700 21. Ocean 703 Drainage Improvements (OG-03A) $38,200 22. English Two Radar Speed Signs (DMG-03) $40,000 23. Library Fire Alarm System (CW-63) $70,100 24. CMP/F Rated Storm Drain Pipe Rehabilitation (CW-46) $147,320 25. Lighthouse EIR/Preliminary Engineering (NM-20) $100,000 26. Soledad/Mar Vista Connect Storm Drain Pipe (MV-37) $250,000 27. Glenwood Circle Radar Speed Sign (GW-04) $20,000 28. Library - Drinking Fountain Upgrades (CS-59) $24,700 29. Skyline Forest Greenbelt Fuel Reduction Phase VI (SF-11) $50,000 *30. Ferrante Park - Irrigation Replacement (VDM-07) $30,000 *31. Del Monte Beach - Replace/Upgrade Boardwalks (DMB-02) $20,000 32. Van Buren/Franklin Curb Ramp/Curb Cut Phase V (OT-18) $45,000 33. Bike Rack Installation (CW-18) $25,000 *34. Sloat Monument Repair/Restoration (NM-29) $93,300 *35. El Estero Picnic Area (CW-23) $22,000 36. Library - Exterior Lighting (CW-66) $23,500 37. Del Monte/Pacific Intersection Safety Improvements (CW-33) $50,000 *38. Monterey Sports Center Recoat Locker Room Floors (CW-73) $10,000 *39. Laguna Grande Park Replace Walkway Adjacent to Parking Lot (DMG-05)$12,000 40. Griffin Plaza Security Lighting (DT-04) $17,000 Cut-off Projects: * A budget appropriation adjustment will be brought before Council when funding is both identified and available. 41. Mark Thomas Sidewalk/Bike Lane (CW-04) $180,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 42. Ramona/Neighborhood Sidewalk Repair (VDM-10) $60,000 43. Oak Grove 4 1100 Block Drainage Improvements (OG-03B) th $53,400 44. Dredging Lagunita Mirada (CW-44A) $150,000 *45. El Estero Lake Edge Improvements Phase V (CW-24) $100,000 46. Munras/Soledad Freeway Entrance Signage (CW-41) $15,000 *47. Dennis the Menace Park - Walkway/Access Improvements Phase II (CW-20)$65,000 48. Del Robles - Install Sidewalk (VDM-03) $27,300 *49. Monte Vista School - Replace Play Equipment Rubber Surface (MV-43)$29,000 *50. Monterey Bay Park - Seat Wall/Irrigation (CW-21) $15,000 Commissioner Canepa questioned Item #14: Casa Verde Recreation Trail Crossing Study (DMB-04), he stated that we just did some work there and wanted clarification on this new request. City Engineer Reeves concurred that we did some previous work on this project and have tried some ideas for solutions to this dilemma that have not worked well. He said this is a very difficult intersection with bicycles, cars, and pedestrians and that this study would look at the more serious issues regarding this dangerous crossing area. Commissioner Federico asked about Item #18: Hwy 68/Presidio Gate Study (OT-20), and asked where this proposed gate would be located. City Engineer Reeves said it would come off of Highway 68 into the upper Presidio and help eliminate Presidio traffic from the residential neighborhoods. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said that the City Council had questions regarding Item #7: Hilltop Park - Replace Sand in Tot Lots with Wood Fiber (NM-34) and Item #35: El Estero Picnic Area (CW-23). Park and Maintenance Supervisor Stafford stated that sand does not meet playground equipment standards and they plan to switch over to wood fiber under all play equipment. Sharon Dwight talked about Item #14: Casa Verde/Recreation Trail Crossing Study (DMB-04); and stated that in 2009, State Law changed stating bicycles have the right-of- way within regional corridors. She stated that Item #18: Hwy. 68/Presidio Gate Study (OT-20); would reduce neighborhood traffic and that the Presidio plans to add three more buildings which would increase traffic impacts. She reiterated that the NIP Committee is going towards approving maintenance projects for this fiscal year. On a motion by Commissioner Canepa, seconded by Commissioner Federico and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended conformity approval of the proposed park and recreation related NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2011/2012: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Menendez- Herbst NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Cooney, Woodward 4. Status Report - Recreation and Community Services Department Budget Reductions Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo updated the Commission regarding the status of the Department’s budget reductions stating that the proposed reductions are part of the City’s strategy for closing the $5 Million General Fund operating shortfall for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 that includes staff and operating budget reductions, fee increases and employee Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 concessions. She reviewed the proposed following reductions of $611,825 for the Recreation and Community Services Department:  Fee Increases approved by City Council on March 15, 2011 $166,541  Salary savings on the Director’s position $39,515  Reduce one 30-hour RPT Administrative Assistant I position to a 20-hour RPT Administrative Assistant I position in Recreation Admin. $21,772  Eliminate two RPT Senior Recreation Leaders and the operating budget For the Afterschool Program at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center $58,465  Downgrade four RPT Recreation Specialist positions to part-time at the Community Centers $94,711  Lease space at Monterey Sports Center for Cardio Rehab $57,000  Reduce the Sports Center operating subsidy $161,366  Downgrade one RPT Aquatics Specialist position to part-time at the Sports Center $12,455 Recreation and Community Services Director Russo stated that all employee groups recently agreed to the City’s proposed concessions and that these agreements were approved by the City Council at their May 17, 2011 meeting. She happily reported that the four Recreation Specialist positions at the Community Centers were saved during this round, but reminded the Commission that nothing is final until the City Council adopts the final budget in June. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, congratulated Recreation and Community Services Director Russo for such a great effort by her and staff during the most recent budget cuts. She said there are gang members in Monterey and that we have dodged the bullet because of our strong recreation and library programs; members of the community recognize this and we need to hold on to these outstanding programs and services. Thank you for doing such a great job! 5. Status Report - Parks Division Budget Reductions Action: Report received. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford updated the Commission regarding the status of the Parks Division’s budget reductions stating that the proposed reductions are part of the City’s strategy for closing the $5 Million General Fund operating shortfall for Fiscal Year 2011- 2012, which includes staff and operating budget reductions, fee increases and employee concessions. He reviewed the proposed following reductions of $664,888 for the Parks Division:  One Park Maintenance Worker Position $91,978  One Park Craftsworker Position $93,192  One Arborist Position $108,301  Two Tree Trimmer Positions $174,783  One Tree Maintenance Worker Position $87,042  One Cemetery Maintenance Coordinator Position $109,592 Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford gave details on how they will handle the impacts of losing one Park Maintenance Worker with the implementation of mowing by contract; the loss of the Park Craftsworker will require us to reorganize and expand some of our maintenance areas; the loss of the Arborist will require us to reduce the number of private tree inspections; the loss of two Tree Trimmers and one Tree Maintenance Worker will be partially compensated for by contract tree maintenance, but will result in reduced services and response times. He stated that at the May 17 City Council meeting, the elimination of the Cemetery Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 Coordinator position was saved during this round, but will not be final until the Council adopts the budget sometime in June. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, said she feels that the Executive Management staff is not really giving up enough and if they gave up more of their salaries, that money could save other employees. She said years ago, the City had a custodial contract and that didn’t work well because the people hired did not live up to City standards. She said the Tree Crew is very knowledgeable and skilled and they artfully trim and care for trees and because of this there is less property damage during storms. A contractor will not take care of the City’s trees as well. She said we are acknowledged as a “Tree City USA” and now we are cutting the folks who care for the trees. In the last City survey, 81% of the responses want to retain street trees. 6. 4th of July Celebration 2011 Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo gave details on the upcoming 4th of July Celebration that will take place on Monday, July 4, 2011. She said the Lawn Party will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the grounds of historic Colton Hall and features non-stop live music, free carnival games and jump houses for the kids, as well as face painters and balloon artists. A variety of great bands including the Monterey Community Band, Shane Dwight, Pop Fiction, and Papa Doo Run Run will provide and satisfy an array of music playing classic rock, blues, and dance music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s! She also said that local non-profit organizations will provide food for sale and that people may also bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while attending this fun-filled alcohol free family event. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, informed the Commission that the American Legion is planning to have a BBQ on the 4th of July at the Lower Presidio Park to raise funds to restore the Sloat Monument. 7. Tour of Park Facilities for June 2011 Action: Report received. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reported that the Commission will go on their annual tour of park facilities on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. He said he is focusing on areas that have NIP projects and the following facilities will be included in the tour:  Lighthouse/Foam Triangle – CalAm Grant Project  Scholze Park – Lighting & Bocce Ball Court  Archer Park – Potential Bay View Academy Site  Cypress Park – ADA Access, Tennis Court  Hilltop Park – Tot Lot  Window on the Bay/Catellus – CalAm Grant Project  El Estero Park – Lake Edge, Streetscape  Dennis the Menace Park – Lighting, Walkway  El Estero Picnic Area Renovation  Ferrante Park Irrigation  Del Monte Beach Dune Restoration/Boardwalk  Laguna Grande Park – Walkway  Ryan Ranch Community Park – Disc Golf  Lagunita Mirada – Dredging Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011  Griffin Plaza Lighting INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 8. Monthly Report - Recreation and Community Services Department - April 2011 9. Monthly Report - Parks Division - April 2011 Commissioner Canepa stated that the newspaper racks around town look terrible and invite graffiti, except for the ones at Griffin Plaza that are housed in a uniformed stone wall unit. He asked if the City plans to clean up other areas that have newspaper racks with the uniformed stone wall units. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford said that the Monterey Herald monitors their newspaper racks and replaces old, broken ones. He would have to check with the Planning Department on the City’s plans to unify how the newspaper racks are placed and how they look. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reported the Parks Crew just finished a big landscaping job on Del Monte Avenue that was paid for by the Parking Division; traffic striping has been redone around town; cleaned up the tunnel; and cleaning up the downtown area before Memorial Day. He also reported that the Cemetery Coupon Program has been very successful. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo commended Sports Coordinator Mark Piña and Recreation Specialist Jonathan Ordonio for doing such a great job with the Pee Wee Baseball program this season. She informed the Commission that the Helen Reed Memorial will be held on Saturday, June 25 at Camp Quien Sabe. She also reported that staff is busily preparing for summer programs and camps. Community Services/Library Director Bui-Burton said that Kay has been taking her on a wonderful tour of recreation and said we are going to miss the treasure of having Kay here. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Federico asked about the installation of a new restroom on the beach and said the existing one by the Wharf is an eyesore and very embarrassing. Commissioner Canepa said that he is on the Waterfront Master Plan Subcommittee and that they have been meeting with the public for over a year. He said at their meeting last week they had eight items on the agenda but only discussed the first item for the entire meeting. He said the majority of the discussion was about bicycles and that the Mayor informed him that this item would be coming to the Commission in the near future. Commissioner Marotta stated it is dangerous on the Recreation Trail with all the different uses and with the speeding bicyclist. He would like signs on the Recreation Trail stating “Bicycles Yield to Pedestrians.” Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, commented that the Bicycle Master Plan would take bicycle commuters off the Recreation Trail. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said “Go Visit a Park!” NEXT MEETING Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Thursday, June 16, 2011  The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is Thursday, June 16, 2011 at a special time of 4:30 p.m. to go on a Park Tour of Facilities. ADJOURNMENT Chair Menendez-Herbst adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kay Russo Suzanne Menendez-Herbst, Chair Recreation and Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2011 7