Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, March 20, 2014 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Menendez-Herbst, Perske 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, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, February 20, 2014 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-2, Menendez-Herbst, Perske absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Renee Paquin, Monterey resident, said she lives next to Larkin Park and that it is a very well maintained and patronized park. She said it is really enjoyable to see kids playing and people having BBQs in the park. Her main concern is the young adult males who skateboard in the park; they are totally out of control jumping on rails, off the steps, and the small children have to move out of their way. She said her biggest complaint is their language; she has asked them repeatedly to watch their language. Ms. Paquin inquired if skateboarding could be banned at Larkin Park. She said there are a lot of parents there with small children; the park is for the children, the laughter of kids is enjoyable. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and approved that all proposed projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and updates with the exception of proposed project CW-30, Homeless Campground Study (5-0-2, Menendez-Herbst, Perske absent). Vice Chair Baldwin noted that tonight we will hear reports from staff regarding the proposed park and recreation related projects and determine if they are in conformity with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and updates. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton stated this is the third time the Commission has discussed NIP projects this year and now is the time to review the projects for compliance to the Master Plan. She stated that City Council’s guidance again this year is that NIP projects should be for public health, safety and essential maintenance. Tom Reeves, City Engineer, complimented Director Bui-Burton on her analysis of the proposed projects to Master Plan and said that it makes this task much easier. He noted the fuel reduction projects fit the Council’s guidance for safety. He reported that item DMB-5, Tide Avenue Fence, may be pulled because it is a repeat project request; DMG-2, Laguna Grande Park Exit ADA Access/Parking Lot Improvements,  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 is to create a four-way intersection and improve pedestrian access to the park; DT-3, Hartnell Gulch Park, will restore the creek, tear out invasive species, and improve the walkway path with a potential bridge; FF- 5, Greenbelt Goat Fuel Reduction, goats are not selective of what they eat and will eat native plants; NM- 11, Presidio Historic Park Stables, Phase I, the buildings are ready to fall down and are an important part of the Historic Park Master Plan; and SF-3, Veteran’s Park Drive Bicycle Safety/Pedestrian Path, this is a much larger project to include more than Veteran’s Park and incorporate the “Monterey on the Move” plan. Mr. Reeves stated the only proposed project we find that does not comply with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and updates is CW-30, Homeless Campground Study. Director Bui-Burton noted that camping is addressed on page 106 of the Master Plan, stating “The City of Monterey uniquely provides this opportunity with camping facilities at Veteran’s Memorial Park, and through two active and popular camping programs sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department.” She also noted that the City Council recently voted to leave camping as it is in the Master Plan. Commissioner McCarthy inquired on the status of access improvements to the Dennis the Menace Park Train. Director Bui-Burton noted that NIP funded a study to develop specifications to retain the train and possibly allow limited access. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated the project went out for bids and we are in the process of selecting a company. Commissioner McEwen inquired if the fuel reduction projects are included in the City’s regular budget. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated these projects go deep into the greenbelt areas beyond their normal maintenance areas and that the neighbors support and submit this project each year. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if the bike racks at the Monterey Sports Center is something they requested. Sports Center Manager Vierra stated the project was submitted through the Traffic Division. He noted we have also had some members request these new racks because they fit the bicycle tires better and keep them from falling down. Commissioner Spangler asked where the new climbing structure for Dennis the Menace Park will be located and what age range will it be designated towards. Manager Marcuzzo stated it will go in the back area of the park and is geared towards children ages 5-12 years. Commissioner Carnazzo inquired if the El Estero Park light pole replacement and the fishing pier repairs are considered safety issues. Manager Marcuzzo stated yes and that one way or another, these projects have to be done this year. City Engineer Reeves stated the City does not have discretionary funds to fix things like this. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, stated that the greenbelt maintenance each year does about 25-30% of the area, so after 3-4 years, we start over. She noted one project not on this list is DMB- 8, Casa Verde Crossing, which will let bicyclists know that cars are coming through. She said regarding project DT-3, Hartnell Gulch Park, the Library has a plan to expand parking and have a bridge to provide access to the park. Regarding project FF-2, she asked if the commission wants lighting in the park, it could invite unwanted people into the park at night; NM-6, Drake/Belden Open Space, the Master Plan calls for additional open space in New Monterey; NM-11, Presidio Historic Park Stables, Phase I, in the Historic Park Master Plan, it calls for retention and use of stables, if we wait much longer they will be gone; SF-3, Veteran’s Park Drive Bicycle Safety/Pedestrian Path, the roadway is narrow and very challenging, she inquired where the path would go; CW-8, Recreation Trail B Walkway Repairs, there is a funded study that has not been completed and the City is looking at changes to the trail configurations; CW-22, El Estero Lake Fishing Pier Repairs, she asked how much are the piers used and should they even be retained; CW-30, Homeless Campground Study, the Council will have to set policy to address the homeless population and for people to have a safe place to sleep. It may not be in a park, it could be a parking lot to sleep in their vehicles and have restrooms available, not necessarily a tent city, just basic amenities. She said at this point, we’re not necessarily looking at a park. Maxwell Green, proposer of CW-30, Homeless Campground Study, said he knows this proposal does not conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, but in the spirit of things we should look into this project and do a study. He stated that Veteran’s Memorial Park is the primary camping area in Monterey Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 and that local residents don’t want the homeless living up there. He noted the City has cited people for illegal camping and that we need to find someplace constructive where they could go and feel safe; this will also help decrease vandalism, theft, etc. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if there is a conflict in the Master Plan to do a study on the CW-30 Homeless Campground Study project. Director Bui-Burton stated if you find a project is not in conformance with the Master Plan, it does not mean the project doesn’t go forward. City Engineer Reeves stated the Commission’s findings will go to the NIP Committee and the Council for final approval; for tonight you have to go with the projects as described in the report. There is still time to modify projects all the way through the NIP process. Sharon Dwight, NIP representative, stated she will take all of the commissions comments back to the NIP Committee. Commissioner McCarthy stated that in looking at the Master Plan, this project is inconsistent. He said that NIP could still fund the study to take a look at this proposed project for other locations, not in a park. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission advised that all proposed park and recreation related projects for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and updates with the exception of CW-30, Homeless Campground Study: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst, Perske INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 3. Monthly Report - Parks Division - February 2014 Action: Report received. 4. Art in the Park Action: Report received. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported they had a very successful Cutting Day last Saturday in Friendly Plaza, and he is working on costs for proposed NIP projects. Commissioner Spangler asked about the addition of lights in Fisherman’s Flats Park and if we work with the Police Department on where lighting would go. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated it would be good to have some lights in parks and that he would agree with what the neighbors want. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if the skateboard issue is a problem for others at Larkin Park. Director Bui-Burton said that Ms. Paquin has called the Recreation Administration office and we advised her to call the Police Department when this occurs. She said it’s hard to corral that behavior and we encourage the skateboarders to go to Skate Park. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported there has not been any damage to the park and that skateboarding is not illegal at Larkin Park. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reported this Friday is the deadline for summer job applications; staff is getting ready for summer programs and registration for summer activities begins on Wednesday, April 2. She noted we have a Spring Holiday Program at Hilltop Park Center for two weeks during the school break; and that staff is busy working on the budget. Sports Center Manager Vierra reported they have participated in several health fairs to market the Sports Center; they will also be participating in three to four parades in the next few months; and the Special Olympics basketball program just finished. He said the bottom of the pool is stained and we hope to have Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 it repaired by May. Commissioner McEwen asked if the pool will have to be drained to do the work. Sports Center Manager Vierra stated no, they use underwater gear and tools. Community Services and Library Director Bui-Burton invited everyone to the Art in the Park event on Saturday, May 17 at Hilltop Park Center and said last year over 500 children and parents participated. She reported that we’re not being asked to take any major budget reductions for next fiscal year, but have been tasked with looking for ways to reduce expenses; we have worked with a zero increase budget in Recreation and Parks for years. She said the City is doing a survey of residents to look at interest in a possible revenue measure, which could affect the future of the City. Director Bui-Burton stated that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is in dire need of updating, we received $50,000 from CIP funding but that is not enough, we need about $100,000. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner McEwen stated that an incredible amount of work went into this report to compare all of the proposed projects with the Master Plan and updates; she thanked Kim. Commissioners Carnazzo and McCarthy agreed and thanked Kim for the cross references on the projects and Master Plan. Commissioner McCarthy said “go visit a park!” NEXT MEETING Thursday, April 17, 2014 ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Vance Baldwin, Vice Chair Community Services and Library Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 20, 2014 4