Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, January 16, 2014 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske, Spangler Commissioners Absent: None 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, Recreation Supervisor Shannon Leon, Recreation Coordinator Rachel Deis, Recreation Coordinator Sara Ziel, German Intern Katja Braun, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lacy Spangler Action: Introduction made. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton introduced Lacy and said she was appointed by the City Council on January 6, 2014 to serve a two-year term with the departure of former commissioner David Canepa. She said Lacy has worked for several non-profits doing project coordination, she was a coordinator of the Mothers of Preschoolers Association, and a founder and coordinator of the Beta Park Neighborhood Association in Seaside. Lacy and her family have recently moved to Monterey and her children range from 18 months to 9 years old. She welcomed Lacy on behalf of the commission and staff. 2. Introduction of New Parks and Recreation Commissioner Daniel Carnazzo Action: Introduction made. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton introduced Dan and said he was appointed by the City Council on January 7, 2014 to fulfill an unexpired term with the departure of former commissioner Mike Marotta. She said Dan is a lifelong resident of Monterey and previously worked in the Recreation Division and at the Monterey Sports Center. Dan coaches youth baseball, is a coach, manager and founder for the Cypress Gators Travel Baseball/Softball Academy, and has seen a lot of multiplex fields in his travels. She welcomed Dan on behalf of the commission and staff. 3. Presentation to Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner David Canepa for Twenty-Two (22) Years of Service to the City of Monterey Action: Presentation made. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said that after 22 years of service to the Parks and Recreation Commission, David Canepa is retiring. She stated that David exemplifies someone who cares deeply for Monterey and has always been the eyes and ears for staff and has always been very supportive. He will be greatly missed. She presented David with a plaque and gifts from the commission and staff. David stated his time on the Commission has been wonderful and that he loved serving. He told the commissioners they have a big task ahead and will have to fight hard during budget cuts. He stated that tourists come here for our parks and recreation activities; it’s never good for a community to cut parks and recreation. He said that on weekends he would walk on the Recreation Trail and ask tourists where they  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 are from; he said one frequent comment was they really appreciate the cleanliness and all the park amenities. He started on the commission when the Recreation Trail and the Monterey Sports Center were in concept and they are now the jewels of Monterey. He said most of the complaints about bikes on the trail is that it’s just too congested. Thank you! Life in Monterey is wonderful, beautiful, visit a park! Commissioner Perske welcomed new commissioners Lacy and Dan. He said “Dave you are the heart and soul of this commission, you’ve been so involved and dedicated for so many years. We will really miss you and know we can still count on you. Thank you for all your service.” 4. Presentation to Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mike Marotta for Sixteen (16) Years of Service to the City of Monterey Action: Presentation made. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton said that former commissioner Mike Marotta could not be in attendance this evening. She said that Mike has served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the past 16 years and recently moved out of Monterey. Mike is a life-long community and business member who recognized the importance of our programs. 5. Presentation to Former Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dennis McCarthy Action: Presentation made. On behalf of the Commission and staff, Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton presented Commissioner Dennis McCarthy with an Award of Appreciation, acknowledging his excellent year of service as the Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2013. Dennis did an outstanding job as Chair by representing the Commission at various City meetings and functions. Commissioner McCarthy thanked the Commission and staff and said here’s to a smooth 2014! CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 6. Thursday, November 21, 2013 Action: Approved as submitted (7-0). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS David Canepa, Monterey resident, asked for an update on the repair of the split rail fence at Del Monte Beach and said it’s a public safety issue. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported that the Planning Division is reviewing this project for CEQA requirements. Sharon Dwight, NIP member, one thing this commission and staff has always been good at is ribbon cuttings. When we finish projects, it would be great to bring that event back. We know economically everyone is struggling. There are times that we need to celebrate in our community and city parks are the place to do it. NIP will be asking for support to bring this back. Katia Stornetta, said that Monterey High School Baseball Coach Michael Groves asked her to speak on his behalf tonight. She said the Commission approved Monterey High School Baseball Team having BBQ’s at Sollecito Park during their games and were told they could only do three this season. She is the varsity team mom and in charge of the BBQs for team fundraising and said that each year it gets harder to raise funds for the baseball teams. There are three teams and this helps to fund equipment and jerseys, and offset other costs. She stated that Monterey High School Baseball is asking you to revisit your vote and allow us to have BBQ’s at five games this season. She also stated that when we go to those games, the El Estero Snack Bar is not always open; they close at 5:00 p.m. and our games start at 5:30 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 Commissioner Perske inquired if all the games are played at night. Katia Stornetta stated that games are on Thursday and Friday nights. She noted when they have home games, the snack bar gets a lot of business from us; we tell the other teams there is a snack bar right at the field. Commissioner Perske stated the commission cannot vote tonight but a Commissioner could ask to have it re-agendized for the next meeting. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 7. Recommendation to City Council to Approve a Request to Use Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Sportsfest Event on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2014 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend City Council approval for use of Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Sportsfest event to be held on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2014 (7-0). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated this event has the same organizers as last year’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, Ric Airada and Jason Companion, along with Terri Bilbro and Pete Albers. She said this event will include a beach volleyball tournament, a beach water polo tournament, paddleboard races, open water swimming, Ikaika Beach Challenge and a Dip-N-Dash. She stated there are Use Conditions that must be met and that staff feels this event would be very good for the community. She noted the volleyball tournament they held last October went very well and was very organized. Ric Airada, thanked the Commission for approving last year’s Beach Volleyball Tournament and said it was a great event and very well attended. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if there are any other events going on in town that weekend that would conflict with this event. Terri Bilbro reported they researched this and found no conflicts. Commissioner McEwen asked what vicinity this event would cover. Terri Bilbro stated it will be on the beach and in the water by Wharf II and that the event will also promote awareness of the ocean and shoreline. Commissioner McEwen asked if the event is geared towards locals. Terri Bilbro said there will be a lot of people from all over competing in the different events. She said Monterey doesn’t have an event that celebrates the ocean and part of their goal is to bring people here to see Monterey and bring an awareness about our ocean. Commissioner McCarthy asked what the age range for participants would be and if music or noise impacts should be expected.. Terri Bilbro stated it will be for youth to Masters and there will be background music, nothing loud, we want to promote a community event. Pete Albers also stated they will have some announcers right off Wharf II close to beach and the music will not start until 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said this sounds wonderful and it will bring people to our hotels and restaurants. She asked if they have an estimate for the number of participants. Pete Albers said they anticipate around 1,200 participants and that volleyball and water polo will be the big draw events. Commissioner McCarthy asked if the Luau is connected with the Beach House. Pete Albers stated no and said they are talking to Traffic Engineer Rich Deal, Harbor Master Steve Scheiblauer and Rick Antle of the Wharf Marketplace to see where we could set up for this event. Commissioner McCarthy asked if these types of events are common in southern California. Ric Airada stated this is the only event like this. Commissioner Perske inquired about water traffic. Pete Albers stated the Coast Guard Auxiliary has agreed to participate in this event and we will have boats and kayaks in the water to be with the swimmers. He said Harbor Master Scheiblauer’s concern is at the mouth of the harbor, we will have more boats in that area. Terri Bilbro stated swimmers won’t be in the water that long. Pete Albers added that all events are near the beach and run parallel to the beach. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 Commissioner Baldwin asked if they have done events like this before. Pete Albers stated no, but that fellow event coordinators Ric Airada and Jason Companion put together the Beach Volleyball Tournament held in October. Commissioner Baldwin asked if the paddle boarders are really going to Lovers Point and back. Pete Albers stated yes, and said 6 miles is the standard for this type of event. Mr. Albers thanked staff for their recommendation. Ric Airada said that two of the events, water polo and the challenge, have never been done and said they plan to do a test run during the August volleyball tournament. Commissioner Perske inquired if they have a plan for inclement weather. Terri Bilbro stated no, and stated that most events could still continue. Pete Albers added that we can change our course if needed. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, said this is really exciting, we want people to enjoy the beach and bay. She asked how much of the waterfront area will be closed to the public and how many parking lots will be closed off. She said as a kid we went to a family cabin at Del Monte Beach and some days we could not go in the water because of the rip tides. She asked if they are providing lifeguards. Pete Albers stated the beach will not closed, there will be public access to the beach at all times. He said they will be contacting the State Parks and the Coast Guard to provide lifeguards. He said he talked to Traffic Engineer Deal about parking and he said there really wasn’t any problems with parking for this event, we will work with the City. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said this request will go to the City Council next for their review and approval. She said that once she has all the details, she will work with the Parking Division and the Harbor Master. She noted that the use conditions say they have to have spotters and boats for all water events; no parking will be blocked off; and that all other City departments will review this request and they may add some additional conditions. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Menendez-Herbst, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council for approval the request to use Monterey Beach for a Monterey Beach Sportsfest on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2014, subject to meeting the Use Conditions: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 8. Approve Replacement of Scoreboards at Jacks Park and Via Paraiso Park Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the replacement of scoreboards at Jacks Park and Via Paraiso Park, subject to approval of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) (7-0). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated the scoreboards are really old and need to be replaced. She said the Youth League is donating the scoreboards and they will put the new ones in the exact location as the existing scoreboards. She said they will use less power and have LED lighting; and if the Commission approves this item it will then go to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for their review and approval. Scott Leavenworth, Monterey Pony Baseball/SoftbalI Inc. President, said the new scoreboards will be approximately the same size as the existing ones and will have an automatic shutoff, weigh less, and the bulbs will never burn out. He said at Jacks Park we will have two wireless controls, and that one will be given to the City for our use. He said the cost for the two scoreboards is about $17,000 and that they are looking for a sponsor to help with the cost. Manager Vierra noted they would like to also get approval for advertising if they get someone to donate money for the scoreboards. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 Commissioner McCarthy inquired if the ARC will address the advertising issue. Manager Vierra stated yes, and noted the Via Paraiso scoreboard cannot be seen by the neighbors and the Jacks Park scoreboard is not in residential area. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, stated she has said this before and does not think we should be having advertising in our City parks. She said the ARC does not have a say of what’s on the signage, they are looking at aesthetics. Commissioner McEwen said if the advertising were for some wholesome business that would be appropriate, not advertise cigarettes. She asked if the Commission can put parameters on the advertising. Scott Leavenworth stated as a youth league, we can’t advertise booze or cigarettes. He said when we replaced the scoreboard at Ferrante Ball Park, we asked to put the sponsor sign on the top and then based on comments we moved it to the bottom. He said the Jacks Park and Via Paraiso Park scoreboards already have advertising on them, so we’re not asking for something new. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Carnazzo, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball Inc. to replace the existing scoreboards at Jacks Park and Via Paraiso Park with donated scoreboards, subject to approval of the Architectural Review Committee: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 9. Rank and Approve Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Submittal to NIP for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved and recommended to the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Committee nine (9) City-wide projects in priority order for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 (7-0). Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reported this is the second step for the Commission for NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. She said that staff reviewed the proposed projects and answered questions; once the projects are ranked they will be submitted to the NIP Committee. She noted that the Recreation Trail signage project was removed from this list as it has already been included in a previously approved project. Below are the results of their combined ranking in priority order: 1. Dennis the Menace Park – Purchase Climbing Structure 2. Monterey Youth Center – Install Drainage at Entrance 3. San Carlos Beach Park – Repair Declining Walkways 4. Monterey Youth Center – Replace Picnic Tables/Upgrade BBQ Area 5. Via Paraiso Park – Replace Hardscape Under Bleachers 6. Monterey Sports Center – Install Retractable Awning on Sun Deck 7. Monterey Sports Center – Replace Signage 8. Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark – Replace Grass with Artificial Turf in Outfield 9. Colton Hall Lawn – Purchase Replacement Holiday Tree Sharon Dwight, NIP liaison to the PRC, stated the City Council has been urged by staff by saying they wanted health, safety and maintenance projects only submitted to the NIP. She said the Council meets and tells the NIP Committee if there is something they really want to get funded and done. She encouraged everyone to come watch the NIP voting process in April. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission ranked and approved nine (9) proposed projects for submittal to the NIP Committee for Fiscal Year 2014-2015; and also certified that these proposed projects meet and conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Perske, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 10. Highlights of Community Center Programs Action: Presentation received. Recreation Coordinator Rachel Deis gave a Power Point presentation highlighting community center programs and provided the Commission with enrollment statistics and other pertinent program information. Commissioner Perske asked for clarification on how staff comes up with the number of participants that attended programs at each center. Recreation Coordinator Deis explained they count every class/program participant and also anyone who comes into the centers for other purposes to show the number of people they are serving. Commissioner Perske stated this was a good presentation and thanked staff. Sharon Dwight inquired about the City’s lease with the Presidio Child Care facility and said that NIP invested money there. Manager Vierra stated that all leases go through the Housing and Property Management Division of the City. 11. Consider Chair Request to Change Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Time and Provide Direction to Staff Action: After discussion, the Parks and Recreation Commission decided to leave their meeting time at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Perske raised the question of changing the Commission’s meeting time from 7:00 p.m. to an earlier time and asked for a consensus from the Commission. He said he knows the original idea was for the evening time was for public to be able to attend, but we don’t have that many people in attendance unless they’re here for a specific item. He asked the Commission to consider an earlier meeting time. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton noted the Parks and Recreation Commission used to meet twice a month, the first Tuesday of the month at 12:00 noon was typically for staff and administrative items and the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. was for public items. She said if the Commission changes the time, there may be some items like the Parks and Recreation Master Plan that we may need to hold a 7:00 p.m. meeting. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst feels we need to make sure the public can attend especially since we only meet once a month. She asked how this change would affect staff. Director Bui-Burton said that other City commissions meet at earlier times; we need to meet the needs of both the commissioners and community. Commissioner McCarthy stated it would be a significant problem for him to get here before 7:00 p.m. as his work takes him out of town a lot. He said he would prefer to meet earlier, but it’s unrealistic for him and he would miss more meetings. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 Commissioner McEwen said we want to make it work for everyone, but we do have to consider everyone’s work schedules and the public, we should probably leave it at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Perske stated that the Commission would not vote at this time, but could agendize this item for another meeting. He said hearing nothing, the issue is dropped. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 12. Monthly Report - Parks Division - November 2013 Action: Report received. 13. Monthly Report - Parks Division - December 2013 Action: Report received. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the two ship anchors that were donated to the City by the Nelson William "Bill" Hyler Family, have been placed at San Carlos Beach Park and at the Sister City Park. He said you may notice some of the parks are turning brown, some due to frost and some because we are monitoring the water usage due to the high cost and drought concerns. Commissioner Baldwin asked if the existing Sister City plaques at El Estero Park are going to be moved to the Sister City Park. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated no, there will be new Sister City plaques there and the plaques at El Estero Park will remain there as they mention specific trees in the park. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra thanked Rachel Deis for the community center presentation. She reported that Rachel will be going on maternity leave in a couple months, and that our German Intern Katja Braun leaves at the end of January. She thanked Recreation Coordinator Ziel and Recreation Supervisor Leon for attending tonight and said they are all really dedicated to providing great programs for our community. She said the Summer/Fall 2014 brochure is being put together and that staff is gearing up for summer registration in April. Sports Center Manager Vierra reported January is really busy at the Sports Center and that youth programs are in full swing. He said they were open for the first time on New Year’s Day and it was like a normal day and was very popular with our customers, they were so appreciative that we were open. He reported the hiring process for the Facility Coordinators is underway and hopes to have those positions filled soon. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton reported the commission and staff will begin work on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in next couple of months. She said the City is working in transition with Fred Meurer’s retirement; Mike McCarthy will be the Acting City Manager and Hans Uslar will be the Acting Assistant City Manager until the City Council has selected a new City Manager. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Carnazzo thanked the Commission and staff for being so welcoming to Lacy and I, it’s pretty much what I expected from the City. Thank you for having us here. Commissioner McCarthy expressed his concerns regarding the Monterey High School Baseball Team’s request to re-agendize the issue of allowing them to have five BBQ fundraisers at Sollecito Ball Park. He asked if there is interest from the Commission to re-agendize their request and put on next agenda. Commissioner McCarthy said he feels that Mike Groves is making the request and he needs to come and talk to us and give us their pitch. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst motioned that we re-agendize Monterey High School Baseball’s request and have them come back to the Commission and request they be allowed to have BBQ fundraisers at five (5) games this season. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 7  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated we don’t need a recommendation, we just need someone to request to re-agendize this item and then the majority of the commission to agree. Commissioner Carnazzo questioned if the snack bar really close at 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Baldwin stated he has no interest in revisiting their request this year. It seems to me that this is an issue that everyone involved needs to sit down and discuss to sort out all the issues and then bring it back to the Commission. Commissioner McEwen said the issue is what’s the truth of the matter and maybe we should revisit it; if the snack bar was closed it wouldn’t matter to the concessionaire and she wouldn’t have written her letter. I feel the parties involved need to give us more information. Commissioner McCarthy stated he is willing to hear their request again, because we don’t know what the real issues are. Commissioner Perske stated we have four (4) Commissioners who would like to revisit the Monterey High School Baseball Team’s request to allow them to have five (5) BBQ fundraisers at Sollecito Ball Park. Commissioner McEwen said she loves everything that’s going on in Monterey. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said it’s a new year, with new blood on the Commission and that she’s happy to be here. Commissioner Spangler said she is honored to be on the Commission and really enjoyed the pictures of all the programs and classes at the community centers. Commissioner Perske reported there are various subcommittees that have vacancies and asked Commissioners if they have interest in being appointed to any subcommittees. NEXT MEETING Thursday, February 20, 2014 ADJOURNMENT Chair Perske adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m. Dennis – Monterey is beautiful, visit a park! Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Louis Perske, Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 16, 2014 8