Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, March 17, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Carnazzo, Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Kim Bui-Burton, Sports Center Manager Jeff Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, Senior Engineer Laurie Williamson, Associate Civil Engineer Richard Llantero, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, February 18, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-2, Carnazzo, Menendez-Herbst absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Receive Report 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) (Continued from February 18, 2016) Action: Report received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported the results of a 2014 NIP project for a study completed by MIG Associates to define the specifications for the train to remain in Dennis the Menace Park. The MIG Report results say the existing steam engine contains many opportunities for injury, including head entrapment, protruding features and vertical angles that may cause strangulation, heights that may result in serious injury from falls, and railings that do not provide adequate safety or protection. Therefore, climbing on or over the train is not a viable option due to safety and accessibility concerns. The report also noted that providing limited access is problematic due to the train’s location in an active and often unsupervised play area. The report’s recommended design approach and elements focus on an interpreted restoration of the existing engine, where the train may be maintained as an integral part of the playground by restoring components of the existing train, providing limited access to areas on the side of the train modified to eliminate safety hazards, and providing additional train-related elements that support play and learning.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 Director Bui-Burton stated that during the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) community outreach workshop, we provided the draft plan to the public and received six comments; three for and three against. She said the study had ideas for renewing the area around the train; with an estimated cost of $240,000, which did not include permit fees and other costs. Commissioner McCarthy inquired what type of access would be available. Director Bui-Burton said the study says climbing on or over the train is not suggested; the idea is to have areas of the train available for touch with signs describing different elements of the train; access to the interior is not possible. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident; hopes the City can find some way to gain access to the engine; she suggested using plexi-glass to at least access the cab; don’t say no, keep exploring ways for access. 3. Receive Report on Recreation Facilities Assessments (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) (Continued from February 18, 2016) Action: Report received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated that in 2014 the City conducted a citywide facility conditions assessment done by EMG Corporation. The consultants visited all City facilities and interviewed staff; they researched all plans and records; evaluated the condition of each facility including life, safety, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing; they identified deferred maintenance and immediate, short-term and replacement costs; and ADA compliance. She reviewed findings for the Monterey Youth Center built in 1955; Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center built in 1992; Hilltop Park Center built in 1962; and Scholze Park Center built in 1958. She noted that Archer Park Center was included in the study, but is currently leased out; and the Monterey Sports Center was reviewed by a different consultant and will be brought to the commission at a later date. Commissioner McEwen inquired if the City has money set aside for the deficiency repairs for these facilities. Director Bui-Burton stated no funds have been set aside at this time; this is new information for the City regarding these facilities. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, suggested having a conversation with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager asking for some type of commitment for facility repairs; we keep hearing about setting money aside for infrastructure, but they are talking about streets and storm drains. 4. Receive Report and Update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton said we had a great joint study session with the City Council and Planning Commission. She noted there is a new online survey available and encouraged everyone to please take the survey. She said we will promote the survey at Cutting Day, at the Farmer’s Market, and on social media; we are creating a new video, and will hold another community meeting on April 5 asking for the community’s feedback. Staff hopes to bring the draft plan to the Commission in May for approval and then to Council in June or July. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 Bill McCrone, Old Monterey Foundation (OMF), requested an opportunity to present their plans for the Lower Presidio Historic Park (LPHP) to the Commission to explain their proposed plans and projects. He stated they hope to have a sign up at the entrance in June showing that it’s a public park; people think that area is restricted. He asked that the Commission support the park during the NIP process and the PRMP update. Commissioner McEwen thanked Mr. McCrone for his passion. She noted we have discussed having a field trip to the LPHP. Mr. McCrone stated he has a Power Point presentation and would also like to host a tour for the Commission. 5. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Commission reviewed proposed NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 and confirmed all projects conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with the exception of project CW-33, “Development of Upper End of Don Dahvee Park,” due to deed restrictions (4-0-2, Carnazzo, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated this will be the last year we will use the 1986 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) to determine project compliance. She noted that one project was not on the list of parks and recreation-related proposed projects, but was submitted in time; it was a project submitted by Commissioners McEwen and Spangler, “Funds for increased signage for bathroom accessibility on the Recreation Trail.” Commissioner McCarthy inquired if staff found any of the proposed projects not consistent with the PRMP. Director Bui-Burton noted that project CW-33, “Development of Upper End of Don Dahvee Park” does not comply; this property was dedicated to the City in 1940 with deed restrictions that it must remain a passive greenbelt. Commissioner Baldwin stated the agenda report states the Commission is to review the proposed projects on whether or not they comply with the PRMP; staff has looked at these and determined all but CW-33 comply; so we have the answer. Commissioner McCarthy said his questions are to better understand the project. Director Bui- Burton stated it would be best for the Commissioners to go to the NIP meetings; they are still refining projects and talking to proponents at this point. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the NIP Committee wants to hear comments from the Commission now on the proposed projects. Commissioner Baldwin reiterated that the agenda item is do the proposed projects conform to the PRMP not whether we think it’s a valid project or not. Director Bui-Burton stated the Commission is not approving any projects at this time. Director Bui-Burton reviewed the NIP schedule and said it’s a very tight time frame and noted that the scope of projects change during the process. Commissioner Baldwin inquired if we could have a special meeting to discuss each project. Commissioner McEwen suggested another option would be to go the some of the NIP meetings to hear more details on the projects. Commissioner Spangler stated we will have a new master plan to work from next year. Director Bui-Burton said the format of the new master plan is laid out differently and will drive projects by priority. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 Rick Heuer, NIP Spokesperson, said the Commission’s role right now is are the proposed projects in conformity with the PRMP. He said the NIP Committee wants your feedback; he urged the Commission to attend the upcoming NIP meetings where they go in depth and ask questions about each project. He noted that on voting night, public comments are made in between each round of voting. He said it is really informative to the NIP Committee if the proposed projects are in conformance. He stated that projects are being refined and costs are still coming in; until voting night projects are subject to change. Sharon Dwight, NIP Committee, inquired if the Commission has any issues with VDM-2, “Ferrante Park Usage Review, Recommendation and Design;” CW-25, “Improved Lighting in Neighborhood Park Parking Areas” stating we don’t know which parks this is for yet; CW-27, “Emergency Shelter Improvements to Hilltop Center, Youth Center, Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, and the Library;” and asked if the Commission wants fixed generators at the centers; and CW-30, “Emergency Preparedness and Implementation at City Centers” and asked if the Commission wants combustible materials at the parks. Bill McCrone, OMF, stated that if you notice the meeting as a hearing in the future you can comment on each project. What the public and NIP Committee want to know is what you recommend; just telling them it complies with the master plan is not what they need to hear. With your expertise and knowledge, the public wants and needs to know what you want. Jennifer Bodensteiner, Monterey resident and Board Treasurer for Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc., spoke in regards to project CW-21, “Jacks Ballpark Modernization and Safety Improvements,” she stated that Jacks Ballpark is in need of modernization; it takes a lot of volunteers to keep the ball field going and requires a lot of maintenance; installing artificial turf requires less maintenance and saves money. She said the ballpark is an important fixture to downtown Monterey and we are trying to get families back and bring vibrancy back into the community. We have tournaments almost every weekend at Jacks and bring a lot of people to Monterey. She also noted the batting cages are over 30 years old and they are rusting, it’s a safety issue. She read a note from Mr. Santora, MHS Head Softball Coach, saying without the City’s generosity we would not have a place to play; Sollecito Ballpark now has artificial turf and Jacks Ballpark needs to be upgraded with artificial turf. He noted that Girls Softball has a 25% increase in participation. Joe DeRousi, Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc. said our organization spent over $100,000 to help maintain these two City ball fields. We provide scholarships and have over 14 teams using Ferrante Ballpark; our goal is to get an even amount of girls playing as we do boys. Jacks Ballpark is a multi use facility; it would be a tremendous asset to our City with artificial turf at Jacks and it would allow us to play two more games per day. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the proposed park and recreation-related projects submitted for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 and that all proposed projects conform to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan with the exception of Project CW-33, “Development of Upper End of Don Dahvee Park,” due to deed restrictions: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McCarthy, McEwen, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 6. Monthly Report - Parks Division - February 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Sports Center Manager Vierra reported the Special Olympics swimming practices have started; the Youth Basketball League just finished; and we are in the process of hiring summer staff. He noted the Sports Center won the Herald’s best facility and best swimming; the Monterey County Weekly has something similar and they will announce winners next week. He stated it’s an honor to be recognized by community. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the 60th Annual Cutting Day is Saturday, March 19 in Friendly Plaza; and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Sollecito Ballpark was fantastic. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported the Council appointed Kathleen Panetta to the Parks and Recreation Commission; there has been preliminary discussions with the Presidio of Monterey for use of Soldier Field for our soccer program this coming year, we are doing a formal proposal and it is looking very promising. She noted that staff is working on a better way to work through the NIP process; it’s a public process and public projects and stated the Commission’s participation in the NIP process will help. Commissioner McEwen inquired as we work on the PRMP, will we have more to look at other than if a proposed project complies or not. Director Bui-Burton stated yes, you will have that input; the NIP Committee is looking for your expertise and knowledge; they go through project by project so the project applicant can explain their project in more detail. Commissioner McCarthy said it’s a fine line between speaking as a commissioner and speaking as a member of the public at a NIP meeting. Director Bui-Burton stated the Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory commission, you act as a commission not as an individual. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None. NEXT MEETING Thursday, April 21, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Ellen McEwen, Chair Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2016 5