Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, February 18, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Sports Center Manager Jeff Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, Principal Planner Elizabeth Caraker, NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs, Senior Engineer Laurie Williamson, Recreation Coordinator Nate Cota, Recreation Coordinator Ksenia Berkoff, Recreation Coordinator Rachel Deis, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation to Former Chair Vance Baldwin (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation of plaque. Commissioner McEwen presented Vance with plaque and thanked him for serving as Commission Chair for 2015 and serving on subcommittees. Commissioner Baldwin thanked everyone. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. Thursday, January 21, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-1, McCarthy abstained). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Katrina Hintze, Villa Del Monte Neighborhood Association, said they have submitted three NIP projects: water bottle refill station at the Monterey Sports Center, Montecito Park Improvements, and a request to see if having a ballpark at Ferrante Park is the best use for that park and neighbors; right now it can only be used for baseball/softball by kids 10 and under for part of the year. Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, noted that the Recreation Trail around Lighthouse Curve is very muddy and suggested replacing the decomposed granite with pavers. He stated that he is the former City Engineer and is now a board member with Big Sur Land Trust and said they have a lot of youth programs that promote land stewardship and would like to collaborate with the City.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Receive Report on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Consider Policy Direction (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra introduced Principal Planner Elizabeth Caraker, who gave an overview of the existing conditions, goals and visions for review prior to the joint study session with the City Council and Planning Commission. She said visions and goals need to be developed in each of the different categories; there are several questions for consideration; and policies need to be formulated. She reviewed major areas including the Recreation Trail congestion, Dennis the Menace Park, the Monterey Sports Center, community centers, operations and maintenance, new sports complex, ocean aquatics, and a competitive pool. Commissioner Spangler stated that Tatum’s Garden in Salinas captures a lot of ideas for accessibility, highlights the City’s agriculture and brings different abilities together. She encouraged everyone to visit Tatum’s Garden to see a park with a real theme. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said another challenge is how to incorporate technology into the parks system where information can be downloaded on phones to find out about the area or facilities. She said with the ongoing NIP process and the community changing, we need to find ways to maintain our parks and recreation facilities at the high level the community is used to. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated some of the play equipment at Dennis the Menace Park (DTMP) is really old; when replacing play equipment in the future we need to look at the park as a whole for all age groups and abilities. Commissioner Baldwin said he does not see where in the Master Plan that DTMP meets the needs of all abilities. Manager Vierra noted one of the Visions and Goals states “provide a safe and yet whimsical and engaging environment for children of all ages and abilities.” Commissioner Baldwin stated he would feel more comfortable if it were more defined. Principal Planner Caraker stated that it will be defined later in the process. Commissioner McCarthy asked for Sports Center Manager Vierra’s thoughts on expanding the Sports Center. Sports Center Manager Vierra stated that when the first expansion was done in 2002 we looked at what needs to be included in a Phase 3 expansion. Some of the items listed today were on the list back then; there is no doubt we need additional open workout space; the locker rooms are small and outdated; and to create space with a waterfront view for the second floor. He said there is no space available for an outdoor pool at the Sports Center. Commissioner Spangler inquired how much space is needed for a therapy pool. Manager Vierra said it is currently 25 yards and there is space to expand the existing indoor therapy pool. Principal Planner Caraker discussed the Community Centers and noted that Hilltop Park Center (HPC) is underutilized and needs a brand of possibly an art center or neighborhood center, regional or city-wide center; the Monterey Youth Center (MYC) is not effectively serving teens, the location needs to be closer to Monterey High School (MHS). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated both of these centers have needed to be upgraded for a long time. She said that HPC still looks like a school and is not inviting to the community; they like Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 the pottery and art held there, that’s why we are looking at a brand for that center and look at the building as a whole. The MYC is very old, there was a redesign done years ago which is now outdated; there is not enough space for the activities that are held there. Manager Vierra noted the focus group from MHS said they want their own dedicated space and dictate how to use it; they want to be part of the planning and want it closer to the high school and library. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said the library is packed every day, the kids hang out after school and the library is very supportive. Principal Planner Caraker stated that Operations and Maintenance is a big issue that this plan needs to address and incorporate into new facility ideas like a competitive sport complex; would it be economically driven and limit community use; typically a community complex would not generate revenue. Commissioner Carnazzo feels you can find a balance that will serve multiple sports; there is definitely a need, it would be great for the community and could generate revenue. Commissioner McCarthy stated one thing we need to also consider is the cost of coming to Monterey; it is not as cheap as going to Fresno for a weekend tournament. Principal Planner Caraker stated Monterey is already a world class location for ocean aquatic events; there is a desire for a competitive size pool and a potential joint use with MHS for their pool. Other opportunity sites include Ryan Ranch Community Park, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Tarpy Flats property; a North Fremont parcel for a dog park, and the City’s Corporation Yard at Ryan Ranch. Katrina Hintze, Villa Del Monte Neighborhood Association, stated the library is being used as a teen center; they accommodate them and do an amazing job with the kids. Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, stated that on the Recreation Trail there are signs saying “No Motorized Vehicle,” but there are electric bicycles and segways on the Trail; we need to have a speed limit on the Recreation Trail and enforce it; there is potential for serious accidents. Bill McCrone, Old Monterey Foundation Secretary, stated they have taken on a 5-year project for the Lower Presidio Historic Park and we were stunned there was no mention of our project in this report. We have raised $150,000 in private money and will raise about $100,000 more from community support. This 25-acre park is one of the most historic sites on the West Coast. He stated they a collaborating with the City to build a $600,000 park and it’s not even mentioned in this plan. He suggested the commission get on board with this project; the City Council and the Colton Hall Museum and Cultural Arts Commission said it was their highest priority project. Commissioner McEwen thanked Mr. McCrone for his comments and for reminding everyone about this historical park. 4. Receive Results from Parks and Recreation Master Plan Community Outreach on the Dennis the Menace Park Train (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Item continued to next regular meeting (6-0). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated we have received new information from the City Manager’s Office and would like to continue this item to the next meeting. Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, said there is a big cry from the community about the train being closed off to the public. He presented his concept he submitted as a NIP project; it would move the locomotive ahead about 20’, construct a caboose behind it, and create a raised Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 covered platform. This would provide the opportunity to play inside and have interpretive games and signs, and provide a way to look into the engine. This could also be rented out for events to raise revenue. On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner McCarthy, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend continuance of this item to the next regular meeting: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 5. Receive Report on Recreation Facilities Assessments (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Item continued to next regular meeting (6-0). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated with Director Bui-Burton’s absence tonight, we would like to continue this item to the next meeting. On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Carnazzo, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend continuance of this item to the next regular meeting: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 6. Rank and Approve Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Submittal to NIP for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Commission ranked, approved and prioritized three (3) NIP projects for submittal to the NIP for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 (6-0). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra noted that subcommittee members McEwen and Spangler submitted three (3) City-wide NIP projects and they will attend NIP meetings to sponsor these projects; she asked the Commission to prioritize these projects for submittal to NIP. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst asked for clarification on the bathroom accessibility on the Recreation Trail project. Commissioner Spangler stated there are currently bathrooms that are available for the public along the Recreation Trail and this project would help to identify them. Manager Vierra stated this is an immediate fix, and when the PRMP is completed then we can consider sites for more public restrooms. She clarified the Commission has not seen any of the other parks and recreation-related projects that were submitted; noting the Commission will review all park and recreation-related proposed projects for compliance with the PRMP in May. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 Bill McCrone, Old Monterey Foundation Secretary, stated this matter should be continued until the Commission gets a complete list of projects from NIP Coordinator Krebs; this list is not all the city-wide projects submitted. NIP Coordinator Krebs, stated there is a misconception, this process was usually done by PRC in November. Commissioner McCarthy reiterated that whatever the number of park and recreation-related projects are they will come to the Commission for approval; these three projects are the ones the PRC is submitting. Manager Vierra stated the NIP Committee doesn’t want the Commission to prioritize all of the submitted projects; they want to hear what projects they feel are important and should be done first. The Commissioners returned their Ranking Sheets and staff tabulated the results: Priority 1, Monterey Youth Center – Phase 1 of a new redesign and engineering study of the Youth Center, to improve usability for residents and people of all ages; Priority 2, Hilltop Park Center – Phase 1 of a new exterior and interior redesign and engineering study for Hilltop Park Center to convert it to Hilltop Center for the Arts (or an arts emphasis center); and Priority 3, Funds for increased signage for bathroom accessibility along the Recreation Trail. On a motion by Commissioner Carnazzo, seconded by Commissioner Spangler, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission ranked and approved three (3) proposed projects for submittal to the NIP Committee for Fiscal Year 2016-2017: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 7. Highlights of Community Center Programs (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation received. Recreation Coordinator Nate Cota, Monterey Youth Center, gave a Power Point presentation highlighting community center programs and provided the Commission with enrollment statistics and other pertinent program information. The Commission thanked Nate for the presentation and all the good information. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 8. Monthly Report - Parks Division - January 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 9. 38th Annual Easter Egg Hunt (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra reported MHS Baseball moved onto Sollecito field today and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be scheduled soon; the Skateboard Park is also complete, and that Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will start with a small opening and then a larger Skate Jam at a later date. We plan to install cameras at the Skate Park; users must wear helmets and pads. Commissioner Baldwin said he went to the Skate Park and there were about 30 kids there and only one had a helmet on; he talked to some of the kids and they Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 don’t want any part of it; he inquired how rules will be enforced. Manager Vierra stated they will have a grace period, then the Police Department will start issuing tickets. Manager Vierra reported summer recruitment is underway; the Summer/Fall 2016 Activities Guide will be available March 28 with registration beginning on March 30; the Ultimate Frisbee League is wrapping up and was very successful; we will meet with DLI to see if there’s a possibility to have soccer there this year, if not, we’ll have to use Sollecito Ballpark and other City sites. Sports Center Manager Vierra said he was notified by the Monterey Herald they were voted the best facility, best swimming, best swimming instructors and noted they have over 28,000 readers; it’s a great honor for us. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo said the artificial turf at Sollecito looks really good; he has heard nothing but good comments about the Skateboard Park renovation; they’re having a ball but not wearing their helmet or pads. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Menendez-Herbst wanted to clarify that the Lower Presidio Historic Park is in the PRMP. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated it is listed under the Historic section; each park has its own listing. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said it was wonderful to hear Nate talk about our community centers, that’s where it all happens for the kids; makes you feel proud. Commissioner Baldwin asked what the ARC outcome was on the basketball court. Manager Marcuzzo said they approved it and added a bike rack. Commissioner Spangler said she loved the presentation on the community centers and now knows the history behind the “Bingville” sign above the door at the Youth Center. Commissioner Spangler inquired if all of the commissioners are to attend the joint study session with the Council and Planning Commission. Manager Vierra stated yes, that our consultant Mindy Craig will be there to do the presentation. NEXT MEETING Thursday, March 17, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Cindy Vierra Ellen McEwen, Chair Recreation and Community Services Manager Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 18, 2016 6