Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Study Session Monday, April 11, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, McCarthy, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Carnazzo, Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs, Administrative Assistant II Sara Myers, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER Chair McEwen gave a brief introduction and welcomed Kathy Panetta, the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, feels the process between the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) and the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) needs to be streamlined. He stated tonight’s meeting has been posted as a Study Session and the commission cannot vote on any proposed projects, they can only ask questions and make comments. Commissioner McEwen stated we’re all looking for a better process to get the most out of the NIP/PRC deliberations. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 1. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 and Provide Comments to Staff and NIP Committee (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Reviewed Park and Recreation Related proposed NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated this study session is for the Commission to hear more details about the proposed projects prior to the NIP’s voting night. She said that NIP Coordinator Krebs will review the proposed projects; this doesn’t mean all proposed projects will be funded or go through the process, it’s so the Commission will gain more knowledge about each project and be able to ask questions. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated the annual NIP process starts in February with receiving applications, then several meetings are held by the NIP Committee to review these proposals. He said staff talks with each proponent if more details are required and that the scope of the projects evolve throughout the process. He reviewed proposed park and recreation-related projects and answered Commissioner questions.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Monday, April 11, 2016 Commissioner Spangler inquired on project NM-16 and asked what kind of maintenance is required to keep the sand out of the Fish Hopper. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated the sand would need to be removed from the inside and then it would have to be sealed. NIP Coordinator Krebs said this proposal is to do some minor repair work and draw attention to its historical significance. NIP Coordinator Krebs said for project NM-20, this would be an architectural analysis of the building and how you want the building to be laid out. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if it has been decided to transform Hilltop Park Center into an art center. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated no, this project is in line with the updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan that is almost completed; it would change the entrance and relocate the restrooms. She noted because of the layout a lot of people still think it’s a school; we will get input from the families that live in the neighborhood on potential uses and changes. Commissioner Spangler stated she walked through the building and said the atmosphere is institutional and not very inviting because of the layout; it’s not inspiring, and needs paint and new lighting. Commissioner McEwen noted there’s also a commercial kitchen there and that this facility has a lot of potential. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated Manager Vierra put together a list of field use for proposed project VDM-2 at Ferrante Park. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated the down months for the ball field at Ferrante Park are January and February; otherwise the youth league is using it every day along with other organizations including City programs. Commissioner McCarthy said this proposed project is coming from a neighborhood resident and they are stating it’s not used. Manager Vierra stated we have tightened up to lower the age groups using the ball field due to the size of the field. NIP Coordinator Krebs noted on proposed project VDM-5, staff is currently designing a basketball court and ADA access; this proposal would be Phase 2 of improvements to Montecito Park. Commissioner Panetta inquired if the basketball court will be lighted. Coordinator Krebs stated yes and that staff is in the process of working with neighbors and the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Manager Vierra suggested looking at the park as a whole; it’s utilized a lot but there isn’t a lot of space. NIP Coordinator Krebs noted that proposal CW-27 is a priority from the City Council. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated we are working with the Red Cross for access to generators; they also have portable kitchens and if they come to one of our facilities, they run everything. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said on proposed project CW-28, the Monterey Youth Center is in dire need of work and the roof needs to be replaced. Commissioner Spangler inquired if more events can be held there with all the parking that’s available in the area. Manager Vierra stated we need to look at the whole center and its uses. As part of the Parks and Master Plan Update workshops, the Teen Focus Group stated they want a Teen/Youth Center closer to Monterey High School. NIP Coordinator Krebs noted that staff is going through the process with the Army on proposal CW-35. He also noted that the Old Monterey Foundation (OMF) is working with the City on signage for the Lower Presidio Historic Park. Tom Reeves, proponent of proposed project CW-38, said his idea is to move the train forward 20’, get some scrap wheels and build a stick building on rails with a platform so events could be held there. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated that staff is getting prices on different ideas and is looking at what will be most cost effective; he noted there was a recent study done on what Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 11, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Monday, April 11, 2016 could be done with the train. Manager Vierra stated it must also meet Playground Standards. Mr. Reeves stated the caboose would be a room, not a play structure and not meant for climbing. Commissioner Panetta inquired what would be inside the caboose for the children. Mr. Reeves said that would have to be explored. NIP Coordinator Krebs said staff anticipates a lot of public input to see what the community wants. Manager Vierra reiterated that operations and maintenance also needs to be considered for this proposal. Joe DeRousi, President of the Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc. stated they have over 200 families who utilize Ferrante Ballpark; he said losing the use of that field would be devastating for our program. He also stated that the batting cages at Jacks Ballpark are in really bad shape and are a safety issue, and adding artificial turf to the infield would cut down on maintenance. He said the batting cage and netting are critical; Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball, Inc. has put a lot of money in over the past few years to maintain them. Commissioner McCarthy asked Mr. DeRousi to keep the City in the loop when applying for grants to install artificial turf at Jacks Ballpark. NEXT MEETING Thursday, May 19, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 9:20 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 Monday, April 11, 2016 3