Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, May 19, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Kim Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Cindy Vierra, Sports Center Manager Jeff Vierra, Park Operations Manager Louie Marcuzzo, NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, March 17, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta absent). 2. Monday, April 11, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, said she was talking to a resident at Del Monte Beach regarding the fire rings; she noted there is a 20-year agreement with State Parks for this area. David Björk, Monterey Stinging Jellies Disc Golf Club, thanked the City for allowing a disc golf course at Ryan Ranch. He stated they spent over $3,000 this past year in upkeep plus a lot of volunteer hours. He said since 2009, they have held many tournament events. The City waived our fees last year and we were able to put that into the course. This year the City is using the parking lot for a construction project and it is disrupting our use of the disc golf course. He is requesting that the City waive their fees again this year due to construction equipment on the course which could mitigate their profit during tournaments. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. 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 that staff hoped to have a draft plan for review tonight but there is a lot to still put together. She noted the subcommittee will meet tomorrow and hope to have the Draft PRMP at the June meeting; or a study session may be scheduled.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 Commissioner McCarthy inquired if the draft plan goes online for the public to see. Director Bui- Burton stated yes, it will as part of the Commission’s agenda packet. Sharon Dwight, Monterey Resident, said now that the survey is over, she thought decisions would be made; she inquired when those results will be reviewed. Director Bui-Burton will follow up with Ms. Dwight. 4. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 for Conformity and Provide Direction to Staff to Advise Council (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the proposed park and recreation related NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and provided comments to the Council on Project CW-38, Dennis the Menace Caboose, and Project VDM-2, Ferrante Park Design Study (4-0-3, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated that as part of the NIP process, the Commission will review the projects selected by the NIP Committee for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) and provide comments to the City Council. Director Bui-Burton reviewed the projects against the 1986 PRMP and Updates and said that staff found all proposed projects are in conformance. She also noted two projects that staff have concerns with: CW-38 – Dennis the Menace Caboose and VDM-2 – Ferrante Park Design Study. On CW-38, she noted that a previous NIP funded study, done by MIG, Inc., was completed and that the purpose of that study as approved by Council, was to define the specifications for the train to remain in Dennis the Menace Park. One concern is that the proposed relocation of the train engine would bring it too close to the park entry and installing a 40’ caboose behind it would be adding another piece of train equipment in a park; staff cannot support this because it would not be a piece of certified play equipment. She said staff also has concerns about putting an enclosed structure in a park. She noted as part of the work we’ve been doing on the new PRMP, we feel we need to look at Dennis the Menace Park as a whole, including the Monterey Youth Center, so adding another building at this time is a concern. Regarding Project VDM-2 - Ferrante Park Design Study; she stated that the City Council just approved a Villa Del Monte Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and that any specific park plans would come to the Commission for review and approval. The 1986 PRMP states the City has a deficiency in ball fields by two. She noted that community input says we need more field space and the proponents comments seem to indicate removal of the ball field; staff cannot support this concept. Commissioner McCarthy noted the staff report says the caboose would not qualify as a piece of play equipment and would only replicate the existing problems. Director Bui-Burton stated that although when the train was put in it was allowable; with more recent State Playground Equipment Standards it does not meet the specifications for a piece of play equipment, it is no longer usable as play equipment. It would still have to be fenced off if added as another piece of train equipment. Commissioner Spangler inquired what the process is if an approved NIP project is modified. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated the Council can choose to not fund the project or they can add a greater or lesser scope to the project; then it goes back to the NIP committee for review and approval, and then back to Council for their review and approval. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 Commissioner McCarthy said the NIP recommended $370,000 for the caboose project and inquired what happens to that allocation if the project is not approved by Council. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated that funding would go back into the NIP fund. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, regarding Project CW-38, the MIG study funded by NIP was to find a way to make the train accessible again. She said this proposed project allows the public to have access and be able to go through the caboose so kids can have the reality of what it was like. We want to be able to get up to the train that is the objective; we want access, something real that meets the standards. She said regarding Project VDM-2, the neighborhood revitalization plan has been done and the residents want to be able to use Ferrante Park for more than one sport; create community use year round in the park. She stated that NIP is not at all interested in removal of baseball at that park; residents are not enjoying their neighborhood park as it is now. Tom Reeves, proponent of project CW-38, noted the Commission has received two memos from him with his concerns of the agenda report. He said he has no objections to the MIG study; this proposed project is to add a safe place for children’s imaginations to run wild. He feels it would be safe and does not understand why there is so much against this project. He said there is a lot that still needs to go into this project and would be perfectly happy to work with the Commission and staff. He reiterated that this is supposed to be a safe place and suggested that surveillance could be monitored in the Monterey Youth Center. He said if someone comes up with a better idea, he’s open to that. Carol Pavlo, NIP Alternate Representative for Villa Del Monte Neighborhood, said she is here as member of the community and here to seek the Commission’s support on the Ferrante Park project. She said the park is not usable for all neighbors and is below expectations of its intended use. As you are no doubt aware, it has created conflict with members of the neighborhood and the Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball League. She feels a professional study may show that Ferrante Park is underused. The City Council unanimously approved the Villa Del Monte Revitalization Neighborhood Plan. The Ferrante Park Design Study would seek the truth, as stated in the conditions report and is deemed viable and worthy by the NIP committee. Katrina Hintze, Villa Del Monte resident, said this project is very much in line with what the Parks and Recreation Commission are working on with the Master Plan Update. She said as far as usage, from 2015 field reservations, the park is open 86% of the time and can only be used by kids 10 and under. She said baseball/softball practice begins around 4:00 p.m. after the kids are out of school. There are a lot of people in the neighborhood who live in apartments and have very little park land; Ferrante Park is about an acre of land with a ball park, a play area and a dismal picnic area and is not usable for most neighborhood residents. She questioned what you can do at a baseball field if you as an adult cannot play there; what would you do for family recreational time. She stated that the Pony League enjoys the use of the field for free; and have carte blanche use of the building. She said the City has 9 ballparks and inquired how many dollars are forfeited by the City for the Pony League’s usage; how many fields do we need in Monterey? She stated that the Villa Del Monte neighborhood has a shortage of available park space and wants to ask the residents what they want in the park; just because the ball park has been there for 60 years doesn’t mean it has to stay. Joe DeRousi, Monterey Pony Baseball Board President, noted that they do not have access to the Del Rey Oaks ball field and that some of the previous comments made are incorrect. He said the Pony League put over $100,000 into the parks and fields and have to go through the same process like everyone else; these ballparks are important to the youth in Monterey. If you use the argument the parks are not used while school is open, we might as well close all parks. He thanked the City and staff for all they do. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 Commissioner Baldwin said the draft PRMP suggests specifically to get Dennis the Menace Park back to the original theme. Director Bui-Burton said the PRMP recommends a refresh of the park with community input; it goes back to maintaining the creative spirit of the park created by Hank Ketcham. Commissioner McCarthy stated that reading the scope of the project for VDM-2, it’s not just asking what they want there, it’s a design plan; so it’s actually reconfiguring the park; the language states there will be a design. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated we sent all the projects out to the neighborhood representatives to make sure this is the correct wording; once it is an approved project in the budget, that’s what we go with. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the NIP Committee will have to work with the Commission after the City Council approves the funding; whatever comes out of that, the Commission will review and approve. Commissioner McCarthy said ultimately it’s going to come down to do you support a ball field there or do you support what the neighbors want. Ms. Dwight said the solution does not have to be baseball or no baseball; there is nice grass there; add another access gate into the field. She stated the NIP Committee is not saying we don’t want baseball there. Commissioner McCarthy stated his understanding of the proposed project by the proponent is to remove the ball field. Commissioner Spangler inquired if the Villa Del Monte Revitalization Plan covers this. Director Bui-Burton said when she looked at the proposal; she thought it was a plan. She spoke to Principal Planner Elizabeth Caraker and she stated this is just a vision and what is being talked about is park improvements. The actual park design would come to Commission; at this point it’s a concept design, not a plan. Commissioner Spangler said she’s hearing a consensus that the Commission is not in favor of removing any ball fields but we are in favor of updating Ferrante Park. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated these comments are what he needs to move on to Council; to study the park and see how we can upgrade it; what Council approved is a revitalization plan for the neighborhood; the Parks and Recreation Commission can add a directive to keep the ball field. Commissioner McCarthy stated there’s times when the park has no activity; our job is to make use of the park; if it comes down to the removal of the ballpark it will not fly in this community. It needs to go to Council with a recommendation that the ballpark be preserved; with input from the neighbors about multi-use of Ferrante Park. Commissioner Spangler said regarding the train, there is an interest in capturing the imagination of children and adults; the MIG study is about safety but can also mesh with a structure that can be climbed on and is open; how do we merge these. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated we start at a concept, then get costs, develop the project and provide information; we put a lot of time in just to get a consensus on a project. There will be multiple meetings on this project; you really can’t make an informed decision without doing some work. He noted that projects also need to include maintenance costs when it goes to Council. Commissioner Spangler stated we really can’t put something into a park if it’s not insurable. She suggested holding a formal public workshop to get public comments and ideas. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 Commissioner Baldwin said he likes the idea but feels the timing is wrong for this discussion; we need to look at the whole park and get back to Hank Ketcham’s original idea for the park. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated he would not start this project until the PRMP is approved; at this time, it’s to get funding and public input. Commissioner McCarthy agreed it needs to be part of the overall review of the park after the PRMP has been completed; we can approve the concept, but it has to fit in with the park. There are a lot of questions to be asked; this project is too expensive. Commissioner Spangler said at this time we are not removing the train; we need to move forward with something that will work; I see the train as a separate feature of the park. On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the train at Dennis the Menace Park needs to be part of the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The motion died due to a lack of a second. On a motion by Commissioner Spangler, seconded by Commissioner McCarthy, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission find the Park and Recreation Related NIP Projects for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 are in conformity with the Park and Recreation Master Plan and provided comments to the City Council on Projects CW-38 and VDM-2: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta 5. Recommend to City Council Revision to Skate Park Ordinance (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approve and recommend revisions to the Skate Park Ordinance to the City Council (4-0-3, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton said that staff reviewed the existing ordinance and it needs to conform to State Law giving public agencies immunity for injuries. This revision will make helmets, knee pads and elbow pads mandatory and the signage at the park needs to include fines. The State Law added the inclusion of non-motorized recreational devices including wheelchairs, scooters, inline skates or roller skates; bicyclists also want to use the park, but would be incompatible with other uses. She said this ordinance will go to Council in June, if approved after two readings it will go into effect in 30 days. Commissioner McCarthy inquired why wheelchairs were included. Director Bui-Burton stated the Skate Park is now ADA accessible. Commissioner McCarthy asked what happens if there is no enforcement. Director Bui-Burton said it’s not a supervised park, staff feels that with Parks staff and Recreation staff around we can help monitor it along with public complaints. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, said there’s no question that safety items need to be added. She feels it’s a mistake to mix these different modes of transportation. State Law allows us to expand the definition but must we do it; we need to find a way to set times for specific users. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 Katrina Hintze, Monterey resident, said she has four boys and they love the Skate Park. She said the City needs to state they need to wear protective gear; some will wear it, some won’t, putting up signs gives them a warning. She said it’s a great park; there are some folks in wheelchairs at the park that don’t want a separation of use. Commissioner Spangler inquired what is done at other skate parks. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said she met with Terry Siegrist, Recreation and Cultural Services Manager for the City of Marina to see how they operate their skate park. They changed their ordinance to comply with State Laws and provided a lot of information on what they have seen; the biggest concern was to not have motorized devices in the park. He said when someone in a wheelchair is in the skate park, the other users respect them. On a motion by Commissioner Menendez-Herbst, seconded by Commissioner McCarthy, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approve and recommend to City Council revisions to the Skate Park Ordinance: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta 6. Recommend to City Council Revision to Alcoholic Beverages on Public Beaches Ordinance (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Item tabled. Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated that staff recommends that the Commission table this item for further staff coordination and review. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved tabling this item for further staff coordination and review: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 7. Art in the Park (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 8. Monthly Report - Parks Division - March 2016 (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 9. Monthly Report - Parks Division - April 2016 (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 the Skate Jam is this Saturday and is co-sponsored with On the Beach Surf Shop; they will also hold skateboard clinics during the summer with professional skaters; Art in the Park is also this Saturday at Hilltop Park Center; and the upcoming Community Band Concert will be a tribute to Dick Robins, who has conducted the band for 30 years. She reported tomorrow is the last day of softball league registration; staff is gearing up for summer programs; a Sock Hop was the theme for the luncheon at Scholze Park Center; there are two upcoming trips to San Francisco; and preschool graduation is next week. She also reported that Monterey County Pops! will have their Memorial Day Concert on Colton Hall lawn on Monday, May 31. Sports Center Manager Vierra read some guest comments he received saying “how awesome the Sports Center is and how much they appreciate how clean the facility is;” another comment received “my husband and I are so impressed, wish we had one like this in Newport Beach.” He said a lot of projects are coming up including the pool deck, the pool bottom and the HVAC system. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported new lights have been installed at Jacks Park; they are recruiting for a Greenbelt Coordinator position to be filled soon; and the Parks Division is doing a lot of mowing and spring cleaning. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported a HBO series was recently filmed in the Colton Hall Museum and at the Waterfront; we have completed the Special Events Grants Program and the City Council approved $99,925 for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 for this program. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Spangler thanked staff for answering questions and getting through the NIP process. Commissioner McCarthy also thanked staff and said visit a park! NEXT MEETING Thursday, June 16, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Spangler adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Lacy Spangler, Vice Chair Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2016 7