Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, November 15, 2012 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Marotta, McCarthy, Perske Commissioners Absent: Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward Staff Members Present: Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Sports Center Manager Jeff Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, City Engineer Tom Reeves, Administrative Analyst Ann Pagan, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, October 18, 2012 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3, Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Recommendation to City Council to Approve a Request to Use Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Volleyball Open Tournament on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14, 2013 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approval for a request to use Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Volleyball Open Tournament on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14, 2013, subject to meeting the Use Conditions (4-0-3, Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward absent). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra presented the agenda report and introduced event proponents Ric Airada and Jason Companion. She said this would be the first annual beach volleyball open tournament held in Monterey.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 Jason Companion stated he has been involved in beach, grass and indoor volleyball; runs youth teams, and played at a professional level. He said they are working closely with David Pollaci and David Berkowitz at Monterey Beach Party and Cree Crawford at Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He said there will be different levels of play for amateurs and professionals and youth and adult and will bring professional volleyball players that are household names to the Monterey Bay. Commissioner Perske inquired how they plan to promote the event and get participants. Mr. Airada stated they are working with beach volleyball organizations so they do not conflict with any tour dates. Commissioner Marotta inquired if the courts will need to be flattened out. Mr. Airada said they will have to do a lot of work to level out the courts. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated they are working with the Parks Division on this issue. Commissioner McCarthy said he is in favor of this event and asked if there would be any concerns from the neighbors regarding the public address system or background music. Mr. Airada stated any noise generated will be from a Master of Ceremonies in between games. Commissioner McCarthy inquired about sponsor signage stating the City has had some sign issues in the past. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated once they have a final sign plan, it will go to the Planning Department for review and approval. Commissioner Perske inquired if this is a for profit venture. Mr. Companion stated they just hope to recoup their costs the first year. Mr. Airada stated they would like to be able to raise funds for scholarships for young athletes. Commissioner Baldwin asked if they expect a lot of spectators. Mr. Airada said yes and that they will bring their own chairs to sit around the courts and they are also working with Monterey Beach Party to set something up. Commissioner Baldwin asked if spectators will be charged. Mr. Airada stated not at this time. Commissioner Baldwin asked if they have a headliner player for the event. Mr. Airada stated his goal is to bring big name players to the tournament. David Pollaci, Monterey Beach Party, spoke in regards to the noise level noting that they do a lot of corporate events and weddings and never have any complaints. He said they are looking forward to working with these gentlemen on this event. Cree Crawford, Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said they support this event, it promotes tourism and brings people to Monterey. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Marotta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approval for the request to use Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Volleyball Open Tournament on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14, 2013, subject to meeting the Use Conditions: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Marotta, McCarthy, Perske NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 3. Potential Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Action: Reviewed potential NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Commissioners submitted their NIP Project Nomination Forms. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed the NIP process and the list of potential projects that were submitted by staff for the Commission’s consideration and asked Commissioners to list their top five (5) potential projects on their Nomination Forms. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton informed the Commission that Sharon Dwight, New Monterey Neighborhood Association, has an NIP request for a dog park to be created in New Monterey on a privately owned vacant lot at Drake and Belden. She stated potential barriers for this request include the Master Plan listing only one dog park; the vacant lot is private property and may not be for sale; and not knowing how the neighbors feel about having a dog park in the neighborhood. She said from staffs’ perspective, the three barriers are significant. She stated at their April 19, 2012 meeting, the Commission decided to leave the Master Plan as is with existing updates. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said the Monterey Youth Center has a Master Plan and recommended that the Commissioners become familiar with it as the Youth Center Renovation is an upcoming project. Commissioner McCarthy stated that a number of projects are to remove sand and replace with chips around play equipment and asked if sand is illegal to use now? Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated it’s not illegal, but is cleaner and safer. Sports Center Manager Vierra said the Cardio Room internet project is really needed as all of the new equipment comes with internet capabilities and is highly used by guests. Commissioner Perske asked about the infrastructure improvements for the Sports Center. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated the money must be used for capital improvement projects. City Engineer Reeves stated numerous NIP projects at the Sports Center have been done. He noted that NIP has had many discussions about maintenance projects and capital improvement projects. Commissioner McCarthy clarified that tonight the Commissioners are to select five potential projects they would like to submit to the NIP Committee for their consideration. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated yes and that at the Commission’s January 17, 2013 meeting, they will put their nominated potential projects into priority order and submit that list to the NIP Committee. Commissioner Marotta asked if there is a chance that the train at Dennis the Menace Park will be moved. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported that the City Council voted to give the “Save the Train” group 30 days to find a pro-bono inspector. They could not find one, so the City hired a company to give a detailed report for $1,500 and they will tell us what can be done. Commissioner Baldwin stated that health and safety projects should be at the top of the list. The Commissioners turned in their Nomination Forms to staff who will tabulate the results in preparation for the January 17, 2013 meeting, when the Commission will put those projects into their priority order to submit to NIP. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton asked for a consensus of the Commission if they support a dog park in New Monterey. The Commission was not supportive of the request at this time. 4. Recommend to City Council - Proposed Fee Increase Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval to the City Council the proposed fee increases of $133,152 for the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department (4-0-3, Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward absent). Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton presented the proposed fee increases of $133,152 for the Recreation Division of the 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 the current economic environment, and that the fee at the new level does not exceed the cost of providing the services. The proposed fee adjustment of $133,152 establishes new fees for programs and services that need to be adjusted. Each proposed fee has been reviewed independently and all fees are reviewed and adjusted annually. Commissioner Marotta noted that some programs have waiting lists and suggested those should be the ones you raise fees for, supply and demand. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated a lot of those classes are staff taught and we are increasing those fees, but if it’s a staff taught program, we cannot charge more than it costs to run the program, we cannot make a profit. Commissioner Perske inquired about the ball field use fee and asked if the high school pays for their use of City fields. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said they do not pay for their normal season and practices. Commissioner Perske asked for clarification on the business/corporate fee for memberships at the Sports Center. Sports Center Manager Vierra stated the fee is for at least four employees and reported the Sports Center currently has about 75 companies with corporate memberships. On a motion by Commissioner Marotta, seconded by Commissioner Perske, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council for approval the proposed fee increases of $133,152 for the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Marotta, McCarthy, Perske NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward 5. Approve Skate Park Conceptual Renovation Plan Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the conceptual renovation plan for the Skate Park (4-0-3, Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward absent). Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo presented the agenda report and noted that staff and the subcommittee support this conceptual renovation plan for the Skate Park. Zach Wormhoudt, Skate Park Design Consultant from Santa Cruz, stated this is more than just a renovation to the Skate Park. He said they conducted two workshops with public input on what the skaters would like to see added and what’s wrong with existing Skate Park. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 Zach Wormhoudt, Skate Park Design Consultant from Santa Cruz, stated this is more than just a renovation to the Skate Park. He said they conducted two workshops with public input on what the skaters would like to see added and what’s wrong with existing Skate Park. Commissioner Perske asked Zach how many skate parks they have done. Mr. Wormhoudt stated they have designed about 450 skate parks worldwide. Zach Wormhoudt said the skaters are very excited about the expansion and that these improvements will eliminate safety problems. They had about 12-16 skate boarders involved in the workshops and this is the expansion that would make it better and make it a landmark skate park. He noted the renovation plan adds about 4,300 square feet of new skate park. He reported the cost estimate is $93,000 and NIP funding is short. He said at this point we can scale back the improvements or request additional funds. City Engineer Reeves said it’s been a real pleasure working with Zach Wormhoudt and the skate board community on this project. He stated there is another project in Dennis the Menace Park to create ADA accessibility in the park, so it makes sense to marry this project up with that one so it’s all done at one time. He also suggested including the Moon Bridge replacement project too. Commissioner McCarthy inquired how we bridge the funding gap. City Engineer Reeves said staff will approach the NIP Committee to let them know what the plan is and what the funding shortfall is and see if they are willing to give additional funding. Commissioner Marotta asked if we vote for this plan and the NIP Committee does not give additional money, what is the next step. City Engineer Reeves said if that happens, he would recommend a redesign of the Skate Park at that point. Commissioner Perske suggested the skaters could do a fundraiser to help raise the additional funds needed. Mr. Wormhoudt stated their donation would be with in-kind labor instead of materials or money. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that Skate Park Subcommittee members Canepa and Menendez-Herbst, who are not in attendance this evening, both support this plan and were really impressed with the skaters and that they were respectful of younger skaters and their needs too. On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Marotta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the conceptual renovation plan for the Skate Park: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Marotta, McCarthy, Perske NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Menendez-Herbst, Woodward 6. Hosting of Annual Christmas Party 2012 Action: Report 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 17, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Commission, staff of the Recreation Division, Parks Division, and City Attorney’s Office host this annual party. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 7. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2013 Action: Commissioner Dennis McCarthy will serve as Chair and Commissioner Louis Perske will serve as Vice Chair for 2013. 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 2013. The Chair will be Dennis McCarthy and the Vice Chair will be Louis Perske, effective January 1, 2013. 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 Dennis and Louis have both agreed to serve as Chair and Vice Chair for 2013. 8. Parks and Recreation Commission Schedule for 2013 Action: Report received. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed the Parks and Recreation Commission’s Schedule for 2013. 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. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 9. Monthly Report - Parks Division - October 2012 Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reported that staff is putting together the Summer/Fall 2013 Activities Guide; starting the summer recruitment process; held school break programs; preschool programs are having their Thanksgiving feasts next week; and Scholze Park Center held a Thanksgiving Luncheon for about 80 seniors. She stated that the Bayview Academy afterschool program has 46 children enrolled and the parents are very happy with the program. Sports Center Manager Vierra reported staff is busy preparing for the New Year doing a lot of back to fitness marketing. He said the Pacific Grove Holiday Parade of Lights is on December 6 and that the Sports Center Mascots, Skipper and Sparkle, and Cheerleading Camp participants will be in the parade. He said the saunas have been very well received and he’s proud to say we have not had any complaints – they are a fantastic addition to the Sports Center. He also stated that the Public Works Department put a lot of extra work in to make sure the saunas were up to code. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported on Parks Division projects to include the Ferrante Park irrigation upgrade, Archer Park walkway replaced with pavers, and the replanting of Monterey Bay Park with lower landscape to help keep the view open. He said in December they plan to install the new play equipment at Via Paraiso Parks and Deer Flats Park. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reported the Mayor is creating a Dennis the Menace Train Subcommittee and will create a Ryan Ranch Subcommittee soon after. She noted many upcoming holiday events to include an International Holiday downtown; M.I.I.S. is Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 having a graduation at the State Theater; there is a Christmas Tree lighting event on Alvarado Street; and a concert at the Conference Center. She noted that the First Night Monterey request for 2013 was approved by Council on November 6 and also received a Proclamation from the City Council on December 4 for their 20th Anniversary. She said she was asked to meet with new City Councilmember Alan Haffa and will encourage him to visit all of the parks and facilities. She reminded the Commission that the Annual City Council Boards and Commissions reception is scheduled for Thursday, December 13. Administrative Analyst Pagan reported on the budget, fees, and the ICMA performance measurement surveys, which will compare our performance against similar cities. She also reported the Senior Taxi Voucher program is very popular and explained how the program works. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner McCarthy said “visit a park!” NEXT MEETING Thursday, December 20, 2012 ADJOURNMENT Chair Marotta adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Mike Marotta, Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 15, 2012 7