Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Special Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Kim Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, Principal Engineer/NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs, Recreation Supervisor Shannon Leon, Sports Coordinator Kyle Susic, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, October 1, 2015 Action: Approved as submitted (5-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 5. Highlights of Summer Programs Action: Presentation given. Recreation Supervisor Leon gave a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the summer programs. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reported that staff worked together well this summer and there was a lot of training provided to staff, including diabetic training which was new this summer. Commissioner McEwen inquired if our summer programs are at maximum capacity, can the programs be expanded. Manager Vierra stated we have limited funds because of past budget cuts. Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated we would need additional funding to expand existing programs or to create new ones. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if scholarships are available. Manager Vierra said we have a Campership Program for children to attend Camp Quien Sabe and Whispering Pines Day Camp through funds received from non-profit organizations. Commissioner Baldwin thanked Shannon and staff for a great job again this summer.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 2. Approval of Sollecito Ballpark Artificial Turf Outfield Installation, ADA and Code Improvements Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council approve the Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark (Sollecito Ballpark) artificial turf outfield installation, ADA and Code Improvements to include tick marks for the layout of a soccer field and a flag football field (5-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted the cost for this project is estimated at $1.2M including design and contingencies. She stated that Sollecito Ballpark is a multi-use field and is heavily used for many things; we have to turn other paying groups away because of scheduling. She noted that the artificial turf is not problem-free; it needs to be cleaned regularly, and only has an 8-10 year life span so we should begin budgeting for replacement right away. Installing artificial turf in the outfield will narrow our options for use, the Playground Program and Easter Egg Hunt events cannot be held there, they will have to move to Jacks Ballpark. Director Bui- Burton also noted that staff is concerned about the Fair Play Act for parks and recreation departments and that we need to make sure that girls sports teams receive the same benefits as boys sports teams, improvements need to be put in place for Jacks Ballpark. She said with enhanced security at the Presidio we may be losing participants because of the process to get on the Presidio; after this season we may need to move the Flag Football and Soccer programs to Sollecito. She said we’re concerned about the amount of staff time that may be needed to paint the fields every two weeks and that regular painting and removal will cause more wear and tear; however, we have received good assurances from the Public Works Division that will be done regularly. NIP Coordinator Krebs said this project is being funded from three different sources, NIP, CIP and a private donor. The ADA transition plan is for the entire park and the installation of lights is for safety if the power goes out. He said we have to keep the pathways clear and the preliminary restroom upgrade design, gate and rails will comply with ADA codes. He stated this project is on an aggressive construction schedule. Commissioner Carnazzo inquired if the right field fence is moved, will it encroach on the field. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated it will tie in with batting cage fence. Commissioner Carnazzo asked if the tick marks will be permanent. Director Bui-Burton stated the tick marks will be permanent to mark the corners and the lines will be painted. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that staff has done a lot of research and there are 3 or 4 different types of paint that can be used. Brushes, solvent and machines are needed to clean the turf and to replace the rubber filler. Paint cannot be used on a wet field. She said we are trying to figure out the balance and which paint will work the best without putting a lot of wear and tear on the field. Commissioner McEwen asked what is the value of having artificial turf if it wears out, has to be painted, etc. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated it’s easier to maintain, extremely clean, drains well, ball bounces are even; and with grass there are about 100 sprinklers that require maintenance. Commissioner Spangler said she has read articles on the health issues with artificial turf. Manager Vierra stated that each year they make the artificial turf materials better and safer; it’s the older turf they have had health problems with. We looked at that with the Laguna Grande Park artificial turf soccer field. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Commissioner McCarthy said given what we saw from Shannon in the summer highlights, will we be able to accommodate our recreation programs. Director Bui-Burton stated from a Recreation point of view, we will make it work. Manager Vierra stated that other cities have permanent lines for multiple sports on their fields. We don’t have the space for individual sports; there are only two fields and we are trying to keep an even balance. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated if soccer were played at Sollecito Ballpark on the grass, it would tear it up and would have to be replaced causing more maintenance and cost. Commissioner Spangler inquired what is the current female usage of fields. Field Sports Coordinator Susic stated we have a lot of coed softball teams each season; the AB2404 Bill strictly focuses on youth programs; over 18 do not fall under this law. He said AB2404 is the equivalent to Title 9 but for cities. Commissioner Spangler asked if a full-size soccer field would fit. Coordinator Susic stated it would accommodate the Under 12 age groups. Commissioner Spangler asked if there is a full-size soccer field at La Mesa we can use. Coordinator Susic stated it is in really bad shape and unsafe and this will be there last year they will use that field. He also noted that the Presidio basically gave us one year to find another location for our soccer and flag football programs. Commissioner Spangler inquired why the City Manager wants tick marks instead of permanent lines. Director Bui-Burton said she believes he is interested in the look of a baseball field and its playability. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if there are any plans to fix the La Mesa soccer field. Manager Vierra stated there is a political process and chain of command to go through; we hope to meet with DLI and start the process in November. Coordinator Susic stated the Parks Division is going to see what it would take to revive that field. He also noted one big concern DLI had with using La Mesa is the amount of traffic it would bring; there is not much parking available. Mike Groves, EMC Planning Group and Monterey High School (MHS) Baseball Coach, thanked staff and said he didn’t find out about the grant funding they received until September and it is already before the commission for review. He stated we need to do the turf installation now or we may lose the grant money. He said there’s been a lot of discussion about space availability for fields; this City needs more fields. He encouraged the commission to be rigorous and bold to push the issue; he suggested having a community-wide fundraiser. He noted that 20 years ago we looked at the Ryan Ranch property to create more fields and nothing has been done. Mike Groves stated that artificial turf would be safer for the players. He noted the turf lifetime depends on the type of usage; the grading, drainage, and base rock are the most expensive part of the project. The proposed soccer field lines cut right across the infield, you can lose site of the baseball in the white lines. He said he was totally supportive of multi-use for all fields, but doesn’t think we need permanent soccer lines. Shaumbe Wright, Athletic Director, Monterey High School, said he sees a great opportunity for the City and MHS to develop a great partnership; there are three fields at MHS but only one is usable; both needs could be met; we need more fields for more people. I would hope that in the future, we could work together on fixing the fields. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Katia Stornetta, said she has 3 boys that played in the Recreation leagues and they played on all the fields. She said Monterey needs more fields and commended the commission and staff stating they have quite a task ahead of them. She said Ferrante field needs improvements and is a good field for younger kids. She supports MHS baseball; they take pride in the field as does the City, taking the care to make it the best park it can be; it’s important to be a multi-use field and not take away from other uses. Cole Morrison, MHS senior, said the artificial turf is much safer; I want the outfield to be in good, safe shape for my teammates and to get rid of the pot holes and the geese. He said he would like the baseball field to look like a baseball field and not have the soccer field lines installed permanently, it would be too distracting. He said tick marks would be useful; you can also do tick marks for lacrosse and flag football fields. Michael Wilson, MHS senior, said the grass stays wet and is slippery, there are pot holes all over the outfield that cause bad hops, it’s dangerous. He felt the soccer field lines would be very distracting and that they could lose site of the baseball on the white lines; tick marks would be much less of a distraction. Joe DeRousi, Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball President, commended Coach Groves for the years he’s put into Sollecito field, and said that Louie Marcuzzo and the Parks Division staff keep it in tip-top shape. He said they were able to play older groups on Sollecito, which is important to our organization. We supported the infield turf and said he is concerned that MPUSD support has not been there for school sports. He said he knows it’s a difficult decision; but feels it’s going to be a benefit to the community. Commissioner Carnazzo said the infield is great, and as a baseball guy I’m all for a clean baseball field; but also realize how important it is to be a multi-use field. It’s great that we can meet in the middle; it’s nice to see everyone working together. Field Sports Coordinator Susic said in regards to the soccer lines, the proposal for permanent lines do not have to be white, they could be yellow or any color we want. He talked to field paint suppliers and they highly recommend you don’t paint over existing lines because it’s hard to get rid of them. He said they have different types of paint depending on your use and timing of how long the paint remains on the field. Commissioner Spangler inquired how MPUSD is involved with the Sollecito improvements. Shaumbe Wright said the current superintendent will work with the City. Right now we split the football field for three teams to practice on at the same time. We need more opportunity for the young people; the atmosphere is ripe for communication with the school and the City. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said that she and Director Bui-Burton have met with the MPUSD superintendent and said he is very open to talking to us about it; but the school district has other higher priorities like fixing the existing facilities. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if we make this recommendation to install tick marks, can we revisit the issue of installing permanent soccer lines in six months to a year. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated the lines are sewn in after the turf is installed, so lines could be added at a later date. Commissioner Baldwin said the tick marks are just to show corners, then lines are painted on the artificial surface, and then washed off. He said it sounds simple but takes a long time to do it. Manager Vierra said we will have to test each type of paint to see what will work best for us. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Commissioner Baldwin stated we will have an outstanding baseball field once we get the rest of the artificial turf in; it will be a show piece for the City. He feels this is coming at a great time with a renewed relationship with MPUSD and with the timing of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan being updated. We have a lot invested in that site, and he would hate to see it compromised. Commissioner McCarthy said if you dedicated that ballpark only to baseball you’re going to have members of the community upset; he thinks the use of that ballpark needs to be maximized. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Carnazzo, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council approve the Frank E. Sollecito, Jr. Ballpark artificial turf outfield installation, ADA and Code improvements: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst 3. Referral from City Council Regarding Potential Purchase of Property at 733 Ramona Avenue and Recommendation from Parks and Recreation Commission Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to City Council not to purchase the property at this time (5-1, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported that a house and property next to Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center is currently for sale; she noted the City does not have money set aside for property acquisition at this time. She said the Neighborhood Association has a Neighborhood Plan from 1985 and it says to acquire property along Ramona Avenue for an expanded park. She said parking in the neighborhood is impacted now with activities at center. She noted it was reported yesterday that the proposed property is in escrow. She said we’re going to hear great ideas in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update and those will need funding, and that the City may need to look at setting money aside for opportunity buying in the future. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if NIP or the neighborhood said what they want done if this property were acquired by City. Director Bui-Burton stated the neighborhood representative said they are in favor of funding and use of this property as parkland. She said a plan could be to take down the house and put in additional parking or expand the picnic area at Casanova Oak Knoll Park. Community Services Manager Vierra also stated a dog park has been suggested or to expand the picnic area; the area needs to be open for security issues. Commissioner McEwen said she is always in favor of expanding our parks but we need to have the vision first. It’s hard to encourage spending without having all the details; that area definitely needs more park space. She inquired if the City purchased this property, could the house be rented out until the vision was completed; real estate is always a good investment. Commissioner McCarthy noted that staff and the commission really haven’t had a chance to look at this proposal; but if we pass on it, it may not be available again for 30 years. He said there are too many unknowns at this time to spend over $500,000. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that the City Council not purchase the property at 733 Ramona Avenue due to the many unknowns to make a positive purchase at this time: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Menendez-Herbst 4. Receive Report on Parks and Recreation Master Plan Process Action: Report received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported that community outreach has been scheduled for this month and reminded the Commission that next Thursday is the community workshop at the Monterey Youth Center; focus group meetings have been held; the Business Association focus group was great, they had a lot of big ideas. Commissioner McEwen said she was taken aback by the tone of the NIP Committee, it felt like an attack and was very unexpected. She said there was obviously a lot of passion about their concerns; it was helpful to hear their vision of what we are doing and what they felt we should be doing; there could have been a gentler way to get their point across. She said it would be nice to have a more informal meeting to discuss what is under the Commission’s purview. Commissioner Spangler said it would be helpful to build bridges with the NIP Committee and suggested that one commissioner could go to each NIP meeting to get a better understanding of their process and each individual neighborhood. If we build a better relationship, we can get more done. Commissioner McCarthy said it was a positive meeting as far as hearing the NIP Committee’s view; the way they communicated with us was harsh. Commissioner Spangler stated the NIP Committee admonished us. Commissioner McEwen said the words they used are that the PRC doesn’t do anything, the NIP doesn’t fund maintenance, and the PRC doesn’t submit visionary projects. She felt it came from a place of a little bit of anger on their part. Director Bui-Burton noted the meeting was taped by AMP and is available on the City’s website. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said there were some NIP representatives who were harsh. She also noted that some NIP members came to us after the meeting and did not feel the same way as a few NIP members did. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo suggested that NIP Coordinator Krebs give us direction on how to go forward. NIP Coordinator Krebs said if a project comes forward, the NIP Committee wants to see backing of the project; some big projects are done in phases. Director Bui-Burton said we can agendize this topic for the November meeting to discuss the NIP process. Commissioner Spangler said it made her realize we need to have a vision of what we can accomplish as a commission. If you have a vision, it’s a great time to implement and work with the NIP Committee. Commissioner McCarthy stated he would still appreciate hearing from staff about projects that need to be done. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Commissioner Baldwin stated staff knows what projects need to be done and I trust them. He likes the idea of the commission getting together to discuss opportunities and to get to know each other better. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 6. Monthly Report - Parks Division - September 2015 Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said everything is going great as you saw in the PowerPoint presentation. She reported staff is working on the activities guide and getting ready for holidays. Community Services Director Bui-Burton thanked staff and the commission stating she gets to work with the best. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Carnazzo said he wasn’t expecting the meeting to go as well as it did and feels the white permanent lines would be a distraction for baseball; the field will be pretty neat when it’s done. Commissioner Spangler said she loves to see the progression of working with MPUSD and is glad there was some discussion tonight. Commissioner McCarthy stated he is glad the new MPUSD Superintendent is willing to work with us. Visit a park! NIP Coordinator Krebs thanked the commission for having a special meeting to meet his deadlines for this project and appreciates them taking the time. NEXT MEETING Thursday, November 19, 2015 ADJOURNMENT Chair Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Vance Baldwin, Chair Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7