Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Woodward Commissioners Absent: Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Doug Stafford, Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Fitness Manager Bill Rothschild, Recreation Coordinator Nate Cota, Recreation Coordinator Ksenia Kurtow, Recreation Coordinator Rachel Deis, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation to Commissioner Jeani Cooney for Fifteen (15) Years of Service to the City of Monterey On behalf of the City Council, Commissioners and City staff, Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated that this is a “momentous occasion” and thanked Commissioner Cooney for her fifteen years of dedicated service as a Park and Recreation Commissioner. Vice Chair Marotta presented Commissioner Cooney with a plaque, an Orchid, and a box of See’s Candy. Commissioner Cooney said it’s been a great fifteen years and she loves Monterey. She thanked the Commissioners and staff and stated they all do a fabulous job day after day, year after year and that she will miss everyone. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. Thursday, September 15, 2011 Action: Approved as submitted (6-1-1, Menendez-Herbst absent; Woodward abstained – not in attendance at the September 15, 2011 meeting). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Donation of the Ben Omoto Memorial Scoreboard for Sollecito Ball Park from the Monterey High School Baseball Boosters  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council accept the donation of the Ben Omoto Memorial Scoreboard for Sollecito Ball Park from the Monterey High School Baseball Boosters (6-0-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated that the Monterey High School Baseball Boosters are proposing to donate a scoreboard for Sollecito Ball Park and dedicate it in memory of Ben Omoto who was a long-time City employee and high school baseball coach. He said the scoreboard will be placed in right/center field and is approximately 10 feet high and 20 feet wide and will be operated remotely from the score booth. He said the scoreboard will have ornamental ironwork on top with the words “Ben Omoto Memorial Scoreboard.” He also said there will be four (4) advertising panels on the bottom of the scoreboard that will be consistent with the other signage at both Sollecito and Jacks Ball Parks. He said that Santa Barbara Bank & Trust will be acknowledged on the scoreboard for their $15,000 donation towards its purchase. Daryl Neto, Monterey High School Baseball Boosters, said that Ben Omoto had such a huge impact on baseball on the peninsula and that is why we are compelled to do something for Ben. He stated that the Boosters will pay for the maintenance of the new scoreboard which will be offset with the advertising panels on the bottom of the scoreboard. Commissioner Woodward asked what is on the back side of the scoreboard. Daryl Neto stated that it is solid green so it will blend in better. Commissioner Federico said she loves it and loved Ben. She would like to see Ben’s name larger than the banks name on the scoreboard. Commissioner McCarthy said that it is absolutely necessary to honor Ben, plus it’s a much needed improvement to the ball park. On a motion by Commissioner Marotta, seconded by Commissioner Cooney, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approval to accept the donation of the Ben Omoto Memorial Scoreboard at Sollecito Ball Park from the Monterey High School Baseball Boosters: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst 4. Approval of Installation of a Donation Box at Dennis the Menace Playground Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the installation of a donation box at Dennis the Menace Playground (6-0-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reported the Parks Division will be installing two new interpretive signs at the entrance to Dennis the Menace Playground similar to the signs at San Carlos Beach Park and on the Recreation Trail. One sign shows some history of the playground and the other sign shows how the train was moved to its present location. He said that built into one of the signs is a donation box. Staff would like approval from the Commission to place graphics highlighting the donation box and that any money collected will be used to Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 offset the maintenance costs of park. He stated that the City has never charged for the use of Dennis the Menace Playground or for parking in the adjacent lot. Commissioner Canepa asked if the donation box would be emptied every night. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated it would not be done on a daily basis due to cutbacks in staff. He said the donation box is very secure. Commissioner Federico asked if the entrance to Dennis the Menace Playground is locked every night. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated the gate is locked nightly by the City’s Building Maintenance Division. Commissioner McCarthy asked if staff had any vandalism concerns. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated that the signs and posts are constructed of steel with a small slit and flap for donations and it will be concreted into the sidewalk. Commissioner Woodward asked if the donation box is childproof. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated the box is very secure and the slit for donations is not big enough for a child to get their fingers stuck. On a motion by Commissioner Canepa, seconded by Commissioner Woodward, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the installation of a donation box at Dennis the Menace Playground: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst 5. Recommendation to City Council - Proposed Fee Increase Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval to the City Council the proposed fee increases of $54,540 for the Recreation and Community Services Department (6-0-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed with the Commission the proposed fee increases of $54,540 for the Recreation and Community Services Department. She stated that these proposed fees are consistent with the guidelines of keeping recreation program fees nominal and as affordable as possible in our current economic environment. She stated the fee at the new level does not exceed the cost of providing the services, although for the most part, it does include a 10% overhead charge. The proposed fee adjustment of $54,540 establishes new fees for programs and services that need to be adjusted. Each proposed fee has been reviewed independently. Fees are reviewed and adjusted each year. She noted that staff is proposing a new Wedding Event Permit Fee to allow weddings to take place in designated areas on the lawn in front of City Hall and in Friendly Plaza. This would allow small weddings with the use of minimal equipment and decorations (i.e. chairs, arch and flowers) for groups of 100-150 people. It is estimated this new fee would generate an additional $1,500 in revenue. The following amounts of revenue will be generated based on the proposed fee increases: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 Recreation Administration $3,207 Community Centers $5,856 Special Programs & Events $20,110 Field Sports $9,850 Monterey Sports Center $15,517 $54,540 Commissioner Woodward asked about Item #15: Ballpark Use Fee. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said this fee is charged to teams who want to reserve the ball fields for practices. Due to a high demand for practice fields, teams are limited to one two-hour practice per week. Commissioner McCarthy asked if this fee includes the Pony League. Manager Vierra said this fee does not apply to the Pony League or teams registered in our leagues. Commissioner Woodward said the fee increase for Item #30, Summer Playground, seems high and asked if this program costs the City a lot of money to run. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that this program fee is for the entire 7-week Summer Playground Program and that the increase will help cover some of the costs. She also reminded them that Campership/Playship funds are available for economically disadvantaged families. On a motion by Commissioner Cooney, seconded by Commissioner Federico, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approval of the proposed fee increases of $54,540 for the Recreation and Community Services Department: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst 6. Potential Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Action: Reviewed potential NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. Commissioners submitted their NIP Project Nomination Forms. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reviewed with the Commission a list of staff suggested potential NIP projects from which the Commission could select projects to nominate for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 or they could submit a project not on the suggestion list. Each Commissioner was asked to complete a NIP Nomination Form identifying three (3) projects that he/she would like to be considered for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 NIP funding. The staff suggested list of Potential NIP Projects for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 are as follows: Recreation and Community Services Department: 1. Monterey Sports Center – Install New Coating on Pool Deck $35,000 Parks Division: 1. Sollecito Ball Park – Install Artificial Turf in the Infield $125,000 2. Dennis the Menace Park – Replace the Moon Bridge $50,000 3. El Estero Park – Replace the Exercise Course Equipment $30,000 4. Via Paraiso Park – Replace Small Play Equipment $18,000 5. Monterey Youth Center – Replace the Tot Lot Rubber Surface $15,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 6. Jacks Park – Replace the Tot Lot Rubber Surface $15,000 7. Casanova Oak Knoll Park – Replace Sand w/Wood Fiber-Playground$10,000 8. El Estero Lake Edge Improvements – Phase V $100,000 9 Oak Newton Park – Replace Eight (8) Security Light Fixtures $16,000 10. Archer Park – Replace Existing Uplifted Walkway Around the Building$21,000 with Pavers 11. Don Dahvee Park – Fuel/Fire Reduction $25,000 Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said that staff will compile the Commissions’ suggested NIP projects into categories as well as develop a strategy for priority submission. She stated that the Commission will then rank and approve the suggested projects into priority order at their January 19, 2012 Commission meeting and then submit them to the NIP Committee for consideration. 7. Approval to Use Park Dedication Funds for Sidewalk Improvements at Scholze Park and Park Improvements in New Monterey Action: Approved use of Park Dedication Funds for sidewalk improvements at Scholze Park and park improvements in New Monterey (6-0-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated that the Park Dedication Fund has a balance of $42,389 and staff is requesting approval to use $25,000 to pay for sidewalk improvements at Scholze Park and $17,389 for park improvements in other New Monterey parks, including walkway improvements at Hoffman Park. He said the Park Dedication Fees are based on new bedrooms for multi-family and mixed-use construction. The current balance was received from new construction on Lighthouse Avenue and he feels that money should be put back into that area. He showed a Streetscape Improvement plan for Scholze Park which includes an area on the corner of Dickman and Lighthouse that would be done in pavers. Commissioner Cooney asked if only the one corner area would have pavers. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford said that due to the expense, only the corner area would be done in pavers at this time. Commissioner Marotta said the sidewalk looks very wide in the drawing and asked if they would still be handicap accessible. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated they will remain handicap accessible and will comply with ADA Laws. Commissioner Woodward asked if there were still benches along the wall in front of Scholze Park. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated they were built into the wall and were destroyed when the Acacia trees fell onto the wall. Replacement benches will be installed in that area as part of the sidewalk improvements. On a motion by Commissioner Cooney, seconded by Commissioner Canepa, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved use of Park Dedication Funds for sidewalk improvements at Scholze Park and park improvements in New Monterey: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Cooney, Federico, Marotta, McCarthy, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 8. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2012 Action: Commissioner Mike Marotta will serve as Chair and Commissioner Dennis McCarthy will serve as Vice Chair for 2012. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed with the Commission the selection process of the Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2012. The Chair will be Mike Marotta and the Vice Chair will be Dennis McCarthy, effective January 1, 2012. She stated that the positions of Chair and Vice Chair rotates annually to the member who has the longest current period of continuous service without having served as Chair or Vice Chair. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said that Mike and Dennis have both agreed to serve as Chair and Vice Chair for 2012. 9. Parks and Recreation Commission Schedule for 2012 Action: Schedule received. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed the Parks and Recreation Commission’s Schedule for 2012. The regularly scheduled Commission meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Also included are the dates for the Mayor’s meetings that the Chair will attend. 10. Hosting of Annual Christmas Party 2011 Action: Information received. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reminded the Commission of their Annual Christmas Party to be held at the Monterey Youth Center on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Commission, staff of the Recreation and Community Services Department, Parks Division, and City Attorney’s Office host this annual party. Director Bui-Burton will remind the Commissioner’s of what they are to contribute to the party. 11. Highlights of Community Center Programs Action: Received PowerPoint presentation. Recreation Coordinator Nate Cota showed a PowerPoint presentation highlighting all the various programs and events at each of our community centers: Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, Hilltop Park Center, Monterey Youth Center, and Scholze Park Center. He stated that during Fiscal Year 2010-2011, we had over 27,000 participants in over 335 programs with many programs having multiple sessions. He noted that these numbers do not include all the park visitors, BBQ rentals or private parties that utilize our great facilities. The Commission thanked Nate for the great show and said it looks like everyone was having a great time! They were very impressed on how many programs we offered and how well attended they are. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 12. Monthly Report - Recreation and Community Services Department - September 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 13. Parks Division Monthly Report for September 2011 14. Monthly Report - Recreation and Community Services Department - October 2011 15. Parks Division Monthly Report for October 2011 Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reported that Dennis the Menace Playground just celebrated its 55th Anniversary; an NIP project to replace the boardwalk at Del Monte Beach has been completed; the Navy does not want the City to maintain their beach anymore; and the Occupy Monterey group at Veteran’s Memorial Park is working well so far and the group has been responsive to any issues the City may have. Commissioner Canepa asked if the Occupy Monterey group is paying a fee for the use of Veteran’s Park. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated as part of their agreement with the City they were not required to pay a fee. Commissioner Canepa asked if the group was keeping the park area clean. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford said they are cleaning up after themselves and keeping the camping area clean. Commissioner Federico asked if they are also waiving the three-day stay policy. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated that the Occupy Monterey group approached the City asking that we work with them on their request. She stated that the City waived the fee and approved their stay at Veteran’s Memorial Park for 30-days. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reported the centers will be having holiday programs; the Flag Football program has over 300 enrolled; staff is working on the Summer/Fall 2012 Activities Guide; and recruitment for summer jobs has begun. She also reported that staff has been visiting different venues to market our programs in our community; the Farmers Market, and attending welcoming events at the Navy School for new families moving to our area. She commended staff for their creativity in marketing their programs and events. Fitness Manager Rothschild reported that the new PRIMA Heart program is going very well and that they held two events in October inviting local medical professionals to check out their facility and see what they have to offer. He explained some of the different programs PRIMA Heart will be offering and said this will also help to increase Sports Center memberships. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reported that Bay View Academy (BVA) now has an interim principal. She stated that she and Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra will set up a meeting after BVA has hired a new principal and get an update on how things are going with the use of Del Monte School. She also reported that a letter from the Mayor went out to business associations and local non-profit groups asking for their support for a community-sponsored 4th of July Parade. She also said that staff is working with an outside group requesting to bring back the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. She said this may also become a community-sponsored event. Commissioner Woodward asked when the lights on the City’s Christmas Tree would be lit. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford said the lights will be turned on Friday, December 2. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Cooney thanked everyone again and said she will miss everyone and her involvement with the Commission. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 7  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 NEXT MEETING Thursday, January 19, 2012  The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chamber. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Marotta adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Mike Marotta, Vice Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2011 8