Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward Commissioners Absent: McCarthy Staff Members Present: Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Doug Stafford, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, June 16, 2011 Action: Approved as submitted (6-0-1, McCarthy absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Approve Proposed Bocce Ball Court Installation by the Sons of Italy at Scholze Park Action: Applicant requested postponement of their request to a later date so they can look at new layout designs and materials for the bocce ball courts. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford informed the Commission that the applicants are requesting postponement of this request. He said that Frank Lucido, a member of the Sons of Italy, recently returned from a trip to Italy. He observed how they are creating their bocce ball courts and that they no longer use crushed shell for the foundation of the court. The Sons of Italy would like to review their layout, design and materials used for the courts and bring this item to the Commission at a later date. 3. Request to Use San Carlos Beach Park for Monterey Dive Festival on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, 2011 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Jim Decker of Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo to use San Carlos Beach Park for a Monterey Dive Festival event on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, subject to meeting the Beach Use Conditions (6-0-1, McCarthy absent). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reviewed the request of Jim Decker of Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo, located on Cannery Row, to use San Carlos Beach  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 Park for an event on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. She said the schedule of events and activities will include demonstrations of diving equipment and information on the latest equipment. Booths will be set up for dry suits (DUI), underwater video cameras (Light & Motion), underwater photo cameras (Sea & Seas), (Aquatica), (Olympus), and underwater scooters (Dive K). Jim Decker of Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo said they hope to hold this event annually and that approximately 200 divers attended last year. He said that San Carlos Beach is one of the most popular dive sites in the United States because it is shallow, has easy entry and exiting for novice divers, and great for training divers. He also said that they are including an underwater photography contest this year. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst inquired if there were any issues with last year’s event. Jim Decker stated there were unknowns last year like how many people would attend the event and how many divers would test new equipment. He said they are doing some research and would like to tie their event in with the Blue Ocean Film Festival in the future. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that the beach and park will be accessible for other beach and park users. She also stated that staff concurs with the event and that Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo must pay an Event Permit Fee of $450 for each day, sign a Release of Liability, Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement, and meet the following Beach Use Conditions: ● Event Permit fees must be pre-paid and an original Certificate of Insurance must be on file at the Recreation and Community Services Department prior to an Event Permit being issued. Certificates of Insurance shall designate the City of Monterey as “Additional Insured” and be in the amount of $1,000,000.00 each occurrence and $2,000,000.00 general aggregate. ● User Group must obtain a Trash & Recycling Permit from Public Works/Solid Waste. Please call (831) 646-5662 for information. Event Permits will be revoked for failure to comply. ● User Group will be required to provide for garbage dumpsters, trash cans, garbage bags, recycling stations, and will remove all garbage bags and recycling bags for proper disposal. ● User Group is responsible for litter pick up and cleaning of the park/beach area – daily - during and after the event. The area must be clean with no trash bags near the trash cans or dumpster. Failure to comply with this Use Condition will result in denial of future event requests. ● User Group will ensure that booths and canopy type tents will conform to City regulations. ● User Group is prohibited from serving or having alcohol on the premises. ● User Group will provide for security for the event. ● User Group will coordinate with other City Departments and organizations in regards to support services. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 Commissioner Federico said this is a great event and brings more visitors to the Monterey area. On a motion by Commissioner Federico, seconded by Commissioner Canepa, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Jim Decker of Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo to use San Carlos Beach Park for a Monterey Dive Festival event on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day subject to meeting the Beach Use Conditions: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez- Herbst, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy 4. Approve Disc Golf Tournament at Ryan Ranch Community Park on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25, 2011 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request from the Monterey Stinging Jellies Disc Golf Club to use Ryan Ranch Community Park for a Disc Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day, subject to meeting the routine Use Conditions (6-0-1, McCarthy absent). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reviewed the request of the Monterey Stinging Jellies Disc Golf Club (MSJDGC) to use Ryan Ranch Community Park for a Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with approximately 150 participants. She stated this request is consistent with past Disc Golf Tournaments and requests from other user groups to use Monterey parks for specific recreational activities. She said the MSJDGC have always worked cooperatively with the City and are good stewards of the park. She said that staff recommends approval of this request subject to meeting the following Use Conditions: ● User Group will coordinate parking so it does not impact the area. ● User Group will provide for three (3) portable toilets to be placed strategically throughout the course area. ● User Group will ensure “No Smoking” on site. ● User Group will be responsible for all trash and litter pick up and that the area remains clean during and at the conclusion of the event. ● User Group will obtain an Event Permit from the Recreation and Community Services Department and pay the fee of $450.00 prior to the event. ● User Group to provide the City with a Certificate of Insurance designating the City of Monterey as “additional insured” in the amount of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and a $2,000,000.00 general aggregate. ● User Group will sign a “Release of Liability, Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement.” Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 On a motion by Commissioner Marotta, seconded by Commissioner Cooney and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of the Monterey Stinging Jellies Disc Golf Club to use Ryan Ranch Community Park on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., subject to meeting the Use Conditions: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez- Herbst, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy 5. Request to Use Monterey Beach - Hobie Regatta - Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request from the Northern California Division of Hobie Class Association – Hobie Division 3 to use Monterey Beach for their Annual Turkey Hobie Regatta to be held on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, subject to meeting the Beach Use Conditions (6-0-1, McCarthy absent). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reviewed the request of the Northern California Division of the Hobie Class Association - Hobie Division 3 to use Monterey Beach on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011 for their Annual Turkey Regatta from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Beach Use Event Permit fee of $450.00 will be assessed. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said the schedule of events and activities being proposed are consistent with past regattas and that staff has been in contact with the event representatives and have been advised that the following Beach Use Conditions can be met: ● The User Group will coordinate with the Parking Division for the rental of the parking lot for the regatta events. This area will be used for parking and off-loading of the Hobies. All Hobies will be off-loaded before 7:00 a.m. to ensure no traffic flow problems. ● The User Group will provide the City of Monterey with a copy of Insurance Certificate for $1,000,000.00 liability coverage and $2,000,000.00 aggregate coverage listing the City of Monterey as “Additional insured” for the event. ● The User Group will be required to rent a garbage dumpster from Monterey Disposal and coordinate with the Harbor Office for dumpster location. User Group will be responsible for litter pick up during and after the event and assurance of beach cleanup of the area. Do not leave trash bags on beach near trash cans or dumpster. ● The User Group fully understands the importance of cleaning the beach daily after the event. Failure to comply with this Use Condition will result in denial of future beach use requests. ● The User Group will be responsible for providing extra portable toilets for the event. ● The User Group will also coordinate with other City departments in regard to support services, i.e., Parking, Harbor Master, Trash & Recycling, and the Coast Guard. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 ● The User Group will designate an interim area to safely launch vessels and provide necessary spotters and cones to mark the launch area. ● The User Group will park Hobies back from the shoreline in order to give other beach users room along the shoreline. ● The User Group will be responsible for obtaining a Beach Use Event Permit from the Recreation and Community Services Department, paying the assessed fees and submitting their Certificate of Insurance prior to the event. On a motion by Commissioner Canepa, seconded by Commissioner Federico and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request from the Northern California Division of Hobie Class Association – Hobie Division 3 to use Monterey Beach for their Annual Turkey Hobie Regatta to be held on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day, subject to meeting the Beach Use Conditions: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez- Herbst, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 6. Monthly Report - Recreation and Community Services Department - June 2011 7. Monthly Report - Parks Division - June 2011 Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reported that preparations are underway for the Bronco World Series, they have redone some of the lighting and the sod is in at Jacks Ball Park. He said he met with Musco Lighting who will be replacing the lights at Jacks Ball Park and Sollecito Ball Park with more efficient lighting that also weighs less and will require less maintenance. He said that they are removing the turf on Del Monte Avenue in front of Monterey Bay Kayaks and replacing it with drought tolerant plants with the help of a grant from California American Water. He also reported that they have begun mowing under contract and the cost is approximately 60% of the previous cost. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that the 60th Anniversary and Helen Reed Tribute at Camp Quien Sabe was very well attended and had staff there from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and forward. She said there have been so many dedicated people to help keep Camp Quien Sabe going over the years. She shared a letter from Annabelle Cole, a camper at Camp Quien Sabe. Manager Vierra said it shows that every staff member truly care about the campers and take a lot of pride in our camp program. She said overall it was a great summer and that she will have a Power Point presentation at the September Commission meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated that she has felt very welcomed by everyone in Recreation and Parks and that she went on a tour of the parks with Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford. She said that she will be attending the campfire program at Whispering Pines Day Camp and Camp Quien Sabe for lunch. She praised staff for their hard work on the 4th of July and said it’s hard to believe that staff used to do three major events on the 4th including the Parade, Lawn Party and Fireworks. She said the City is working with the new budget cuts and that layoff notices are coming soon. She said the City Council approved the early retirement package and that information will be sent to eligible employees. She stated that the State’s decision on the elimination of redevelopment funding is another hurdle the City has and that the League of California Cities has filed a lawsuit. The City is looking at one-time money to offset the loss of redevelopment funding. She said that coming into Recreation during the summer was an incredible eye-opener. She is finding out about all the outstanding programs we offer. She informed the Commission that Kay Russo will be working part-time for the next two months to help with the transition. She acknowledged Kay for the outstanding work she has done for the Recreation and Community Services Department and the City of Monterey over the past 45 years. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Federico said she went for a bike ride on the Recreation Trail and it was fabulous. She asked about Bay View Academy Charter School and what their progress was. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said they had more children sign up than expected and that they wanted to add another kindergarten class. She also said they asked for a proposal from the City to provide an afterschool program for them. Commissioner Canepa asked if the City will still do the mowing at the Lower Presidio. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford confirmed that we will still be doing the Presidio mowing as it was not part of the new mowing contract. Commissioner Canepa told a quick story about his brother taking their mother down to Big Sur and that she commented that all the trails are unkempt or under construction, she was very disgusted with the upkeep of the State parks – Hooray for Monterey parks! He said he was on the Recreation Trail on the 4th of July and spoke to many tourists who were enjoying the Trail. Commissioner Woodward inquired why the Use Conditions for the three requests we approved tonight are different. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that the Use Conditions are specific to each event. Commissioner Woodward said she spent a lot of time in City parks this summer and that the bleachers are very sticky and need to be pressure washed at Sollecito Ballpark. She asked about starting a volunteer “Adopt a Park” program to help with the budget cuts. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated that we’ve had an “Adopt a Trail” program for over 20 years and only have about five groups involved. He said it’s a great idea but that it just hasn’t worked for us. Community Services and Library Director Bui- Burton added that the Volunteer Coordinator’s position was cut and that each Department is now responsible for managing their own volunteer programs. Commissioner Cooney apologized for missing last month’s meeting and said she always enjoys the park tour. She said that staff does an amazing job and thanked everyone for their perseverance through these tough budget cuts. Commissioner Marotta congratulated Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra and all the staff on the 4th of July Lawn Party and said the bands were great. He stated that people really miss the 4th of July Parade because it is a family event and good wholesome fun. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that we are looking for sponsors to Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 bring the 4th of July Parade back. Commissioner Marotta said that the business associations should sponsor the Parade. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated this is a community-wide venture. We need to look at service groups for volunteers, and that Recreation staff have the expertise to provide the details on what it takes to produce the Parade. She also said that the City Council recently talked about bringing the 4th of July Parade back and it will be agendized for a future Council meeting. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said her daughter attended Camp Quien Sabe and went to their campfire program tonight. She’s so glad we’re continuing this great summer program. Go visit a park! NEXT MEETING Thursday, August 18, 2011  The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chamber. ADJOURNMENT Chair Menendez-Herbst adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Suzanne Menendez-Herbst, Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2011 7