Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, February 21, 2013 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Canepa, Marotta, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske Commissioners Absent: Baldwin Staff Members Present: Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, Traffic Engineer Rich Deal, Principal Planner Elizabeth Caraker, Associate Transportation Planner Arianna Green, Guest Services Coordinator Andrew Diaz, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, January 17, 2013 Action: Approved as submitted (6-0-1, Baldwin absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Dwight, New Monterey Neighborhood NIP Representative, stated there is a proposal into the NIP Committee requesting the purchase of a vacant lot on Belden and Drake to create a dog park. She said this project has a lot of neighborhood support. She stated that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan does not call for a second dog park in Monterey and that she would like to know if the Commission is supportive of this project before she moves forward on the request with the NIP Committee. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Recommend that the City Council Adopt the Multi-Modal Mobility Plan ("Monterey on the Move") Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the Multi-Modal Mobility Plan (“Monterey on the Move”) (6-0-1, Baldwin absent). Chair McCarthy noted the additional items submitted by Jason Wachs that was provided by the Transportation Engineering Division and sent to the Commission on February 15, 2013. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton also noted two additional items submitted by Jason Wachs at tonight’s meeting. Principal Planner Caraker presented the agenda report and stated the purpose of the plan is to implement a General Plan vision that calls for a multi-modal community and alternative transportation other than automobiles, and to also update the 2009 Bicycle Plan as part of the funding mechanism to get State grants. She reviewed the 2009 Bike Plan successes with new  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 bike lanes on major streets, new bike racks installed in the downtown area, and the final design for the connection of lower Hawthorne Street to the Presidio. She stated the planning process began about a year ago with data collection, a needs analysis, and public comments. She said the outreach process and field survey work provided very valuable information and that a major portion of the project is to provide links to neighborhoods and make safe routes and safe paths to schools. She stated there are concerns about safety on the Recreation Trail due to the congestion and different uses and that some solutions are to create safer crossings, increase lighting, and increase the width of Recreation Trail. She said that Wave Street is a great alternative for faster bicyclists. She reported that the City’s Community Action Team Police Staff enforces the Recreation Trail. Commissioner Canepa inquired if the City has considered a policy to make a certain percentage of parking lots available for bicycle parking. He inquired if the proposed bike boxes are closed or open. Transportation Planner Green stated they are enclosed and that there are a couple of bike boxes at City Hall. She also stated that they are very popular near transit stations for longer term parking. She said currently the City does not have a policy about allocating a certain amount of space in parking lots for bicycles. She noted that ideal locations are those near store entrances, for example, but not in parking lots, and that staff felt it was an added incentive if people can see their bicycle while they’re shopping or having coffee. Commissioner McEwen stated she is interested in the proposed bike route that would bypass the tunnel area so bicyclists don’t have to go on the Recreation Trail and also inquired if bicyclists can use the easement through the Presidio. Principal Planner Caraker stated that staff is working with the Army on this issue. Commissioner McEwen inquired if people can ride through the Presidio now. Transportation Planner Green stated there is a retaining wall there now and that access to the Presidio trail would be part of the improvements. Commissioner Perske said he is really impressed with the quality of this report and all the analysis. He inquired how much work would this add to the Parks Division staff. City Engineer Deal stated most of the maintenance is in the Streets Division for ongoing maintenance for striping, etc. Commissioner McCarthy inquired what is the reality of trying to make this plan work through funding. Traffic Engineer Deal said the funding comes from several places, some Federal grants and some NIP funding. Jason Wachs stated he started a petition to encourage the City to look at the Recreation Trail between Custom House Plaza and the Aquarium for the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other Recreation Trail users. He would like the City to consider separating pedestrians from cyclists on the Trail. Sharon Dwight, New Monterey Neighborhood Association President, suggested that a pedestrian bridge be built over Del Monte Avenue for safer access to the Recreation Trail; create safe routes to school bus stops, add dog facilities on the Recreation Trail; create a back access to Monterey Peninsula College for bicyclists; and encourage faster-moving bicyclists to move up to Wave Street. She stated that the Cannery Row District already has NIP funding for the installation of bicycle boxes and that there needs to be bike storage for commuters. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 Mari Lynch, creator of Bicycling Monterey, stated their website is a public service project and encourages bicycling in Monterey County. She said the project is to educate cyclists of California bicycle laws, courtesy around pedestrians, parking security, and the Helmet Thursday’s program. She encouraged the Commission and public to visit the website for more information. Matthew Sundt, President of the Velo Club, said this mobility plan is very well written and is the right thing to do in Monterey. He said Monterey is a destination point and quoted from the Introduction section of the plan, “Monterey will be a City where alternative forms of transportation are so attractive that the use of an automobile is a choice, not a necessity.” Bob Evans, New Monterey resident, said he is disturbed regarding the comments about Lighthouse Avenue, that there have been past studies of this area and he encouraged staff to include this area in the plan. He also stated there is a need for bike detection at the signals on Forest Avenue and David Avenue turn lanes. Commissioner Marotta said the Recreation Trail needs to be wider and maybe create separate lanes for pedestrians and bicyclists in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. He stated that on the recreational trails in Seattle, they have signs saying “Bicyclists Yield to Pedestrians.” Commissioner McEwen said she shares the same concerns and that when there are events on the Recreation Trail, bicycling is very challenging. She said the Recreation Trail is one of the “most wonderful things we have in Monterey” and that safety is a priority. She said so much of this plan is a beautiful vision for the future and makes our city even better; the safety concern is close to the hearts of everyone in this room. Commissioner Perske said he is on the Recreation Trail walking and bicycling and there are a few bicyclists who go 30 mph and that create the safety problems. Commissioner McCarthy agreed that some of the bicyclists need to slow down. He suggested additional signage that could get cyclists to slow down and to let pedestrians know that it’s a mixed use trail. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said she is on the Recreation Trail every day and noted that morning four little girls almost got hit by a bicycle. She said there seems to be a lot more dogs too. She said some tourists don’t speak English and suggested signage in different languages or symbols to make people more aware before someone gets seriously hurt. The Recreation Trail is the most beautiful place in the world – everyone should be able to enjoy it. Commissioner Canepa agreed that the Recreation Trail is a wonderful place and that we want everyone to experience it safely. He said the area from Figueroa Street to David Avenue is very congested. He stated people need help to understand trail etiquette and suggested that bicycle rental businesses include Recreation Trail information for their users. He said he loves the design of the plan – it’s great. On a motion by Commissioner Canepa, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council adopt Monterey on the Move (MOM), the City of Monterey’s Multi-Modal Mobility Plan: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Marotta, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 3. Monterey High School Baseball Request for Fundraising Activities at Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ball Park Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Monterey High School Baseball, for this year only, to charge an Admission Fee not to exceed $5.00 per person (for those over 18 years of age) for five (5) ball games to be held at Sollecito Ball Park, with a follow-up report to be provided to staff by December 2013; and the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Monterey High School Baseball to have a concession stand inside Sollecito Ball Park during the five (5) games that the gate fee will collected (6-0-1, Baldwin absent). Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reviewed the request of Michael Groves, Monterey High School Baseball Coach. She stated staff recommends allowing a gate fee at the five (5) games requested and that staff does not recommend allowing sale of food this year due to the negative impact on the Snack Bar concessionaire sales. She also stated that staff is reluctant to allow charging gate fees on City property. Commissioner Perske inquired if staff has details on the negative impact on concession sales. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated staff does not have the actual dollar amounts. Commissioner Marotta said that many visitors would still use the concession stand during these ball games. He inquired how it impacts the Snack Bar if they are only selling inside the ball park. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said if the high school wasn’t doing their own food sales, the people coming to their games would go to the Snack Bar. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said she feels allowing food sales during the ball games benefits everybody and that the people who come to the games will also support the Snack Bar. Mike Groves, Monterey High School Baseball Coach, stated that his group has been working with the City to constantly make improvements to the ball park – they started with a scoreboard, then the new field surface. He said they are currently working on fundraising to install artificial turf in the outfield because the “goose poop” is unsafe and unhealthy for the ball players. He stated they are trying to contribute to the community and that their request is more about the event than the fundraising. He said the gate fees goes to the school’s ASB fund and that the school does not support us for uniforms, etc. He said people are either in the ball park or they’re not, so food sales would be the same for the Snack Bar. He said the BBQ is the most important part of this request because it brings everyone together and creates an atmosphere that’s fun and they raise a little money. Mr. Groves reviewed the dates they requested: Friday, March 22, Friday, April 12, Tuesday, April 16, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, May 4. He added a game on Thursday, March 7 because they are having an event acknowledging Ben Omoto and unveiling the new score board. He stated he would like to change his request to four (4) games to have a BBQ and added they will not cook or sell anything that is sold in the Snack Bar. Commissioner Canepa inquired if this would be during the Varsity and Junior Varsity games. Mike Groves stated yes, it will be for the whole afternoon. Commissioner Canepa confirmed that they will not sell anything that is sold in the Snack Bar. Mr. Groves stated yes, they will not sell anything that is sold in the Snack Bar. Commissioner Perske inquired how many dates would the group really like to do this. Michael Groves said he would like to do all six (6) dates requested. Commissioner Perske said he plays Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 ball on that field and asked Mr. Groves what he thinks of the new infield. Mr. Groves said it’s beautiful, although a little slow right now because it’s new. He said they ordered the top of the line turf and that he’s really pleased with it. Commissioner McCarthy inquired what is the useful life on the artificial turf. Michael Groves stated 10 years, but if taken care of it, it could last 15 years. Commissioner Perske said baseball players spit sunflower seeds and inquired how that affects the field. Mr. Groves stated that no chew, seeds, or soda are allowed on the field. The Parks Division will put up some signs with these new rules. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton asked Mr. Groves if he has the information available on the amount of concession sales they made last year. Michael Groves said it depends on who we’re playing and what the weather is like, maybe $750 or so per game. Commissioner Canepa stated that Michael Groves is trying hard to be a good neighbor and that it was gracious of him to reduce the request to four (4) games for having their BBQ inside the ball park. Commissioner Canepa made a motion to approve the request of Monterey High School Baseball, for this year only, to charge an Admission Fee not to exceed $5.00 per person (for those over 18 years of age) for four (4) ball games to be held at Sollecito Ball Park, with a follow-up report to be provided to staff by December 2013; and also approve the request of Monterey High School Baseball to have a concession stand inside Sollecito Ball Park during four (4) of their games on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 22, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, May 4. Commissioner Marotta inquired if we are approving four games or six games to allow them to have their BBQ. Commissioner Canepa stated his motion was for four (4) games. The motion failed due to a lack of a second. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst suggested we compromise and allow them to have a concession stand and BBQ inside the ball park for five (5) ball games. On a motion by Commissioner Menendez-Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Marotta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Monterey High School Baseball, for this year only, to charge an Admission Fee not to exceed $5.00 per person (for those over 18 years of age) for five (5) ball games on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 22, Friday, April 12, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, May 4 to be held at Sollecito Ball Park, with a follow-up report to be provided to staff by December 2013; and also approved the request of Monterey High School Baseball to have a concession stand and BBQ inside Sollecito Ball Park during five (5) of their games on Thursday, March 7, Friday, March 22, Friday, April 12, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, May 4: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa, Marotta, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 4. Monthly Report - Parks Division - January 2013 Action: Report received. Guest Services Coordinator Diaz reported that the Sports Center will be participating in the Good Old Days Parade in Pacific Grove in April and that the Sports Center is in the process of recruiting for summer jobs. He said the new saunas are great and they have not had one complaint, only compliments. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported that the Sollecito Ball Park infield looks really good and the new scoreboard is unbelievable; the El Estero picnic area renovation is about 50% complete and is an NIP project; the Scholze Park sidewalk project will start on Monday and will be a major improvement with pavers in front and new tree wells; and the new seat wall at the Monterey Bay Park volleyball court area is underway. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reported the Sports Center will be looking for another activity to take the place of Prima Heart at the Sports Center; recruitment is underway for summer Recreation jobs and a lot of return employees are expected; Recreation staff will be attending the CPRS Conference in March in San Jose; the Recreation staff was part of a City meeting reviewing senior services. She stated that with the Federal budget, there will be military cuts, that civilian employees are expecting furloughs and that there will be cuts in military base maintenance budget. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Canepa said that Sollecito ball field looks wonderful and the Monterey Bay Park seat wall looks good. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said it was nice to have so many people in attendance tonight and that she’s “glad we’re drawing attention to the safety of the Recreation Trail and that we helped the Monterey High School Baseball team.” Commissioner Perske stated that one interesting survey in Monterey on the Move plan is that the only population growing is the Baby Boom group. He inquired how many staff members are attending the CPRS conference. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said 7 staff members are going this year, as its close by in San Jose and a great opportunity. Commissioner McEwen inquired if the Commission will hear about this conference. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said they will bring back a lot of information and it will be shared with the Commission. Commissioner Marotta stated that the Monterey on the Move is a terrific plan, it’s a win-win deal for everyone and it’s another reason that Monterey is a great place to visit. He thanked everyone involved in putting this plan together. Commissioner McCarthy also stated that the Monterey on the Move plan was professionally done and is clear and powerful. He said it was well done and a tribute to staff of how they put things together for all to understand. Visit a park! Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 NEXT MEETING Thursday, March 21, 2013 ADJOURNMENT Chair McCarthy adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Dennis McCarthy, Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 21, 2013 7