Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, July 21, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra, Sports Center Manager Vierra, Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo, Principal Planner Caraker, NIP Coordinator Krebs, Recording Secretary Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, June 16, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). 2. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Recommendation to City Council to Adopt the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Mitigated Negative Declaration) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council to adopt the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton presented the Parks and Recreation Master. Principal Planner Caraker stated this plan provides guidance and focuses on the City as a whole. The Appendices are great reference materials; including the existing conditions and inventory and the LPHP as part of the PRMP. She said the PRMP will create a unique sense of place, community, and make sure all parks and facilities are accessible for all.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 Commissioner Panetta said this is an amazing document; at the last meeting we talked about partnerships and inquired if we already have some set up. Community Services Director Bui- Burton stated yes and that Camp Quien Sabe is an example of a partnership with Monterey County Parks for our summer resident camp; we are always looking to work with other groups. Commissioner Panetta asked if the Library would be another example. Director Bui-Burton stated we currently partner with them on programs. Commissioner Panetta noted there was a suggestion of creating more parking in the dog park area and asked for clarification. Principal Planner Caraker the El Estero complex parking is so congested, we were trying to think of other ways to create parking for that area. Commissioner Panetta inquired if there is enough space for parking along the back of the dog park towards Fremont Street. Commissioner Spangler inquired if the Beach House were to move, would it continue to operate as it is or would it create more uses. Principal Planner Caraker said the recommendation was that it could have some of the uses people want along the waterfront like weddings and more water related uses. Jayme Fields, Del Monte Beach (DMB) Steering Committee, said she provided input during the PRMP process and stated the pocket parks are vital for our neighborhoods, our tot lot is in constant use; and easy and visible parking is vital. DMB is not a quiet neighborhood anymore, we have 4th of July level traffic every weekend. She said that Google is leading visitors to DMB and asked if there is anything the City can do to help direct them to downtown beaches. Merrily Alley, Del Monte Grove Neighborhood, said Laguna Grande Park was created to have a safe haven for birds and wildlife, we wanted to make sure that minimal paths were created through the park; this has been done and we want to keep it that way. She suggested creating a wildlife sanctuary there; if you would take that into consideration, we would be most grateful. Robert McCleary, volleyball player, said our response to the plan has gone from terror to concern to relief. He thanked the Commission for seeing that the volleyball courts at Monterey Bay Park are well used. He said we use those courts a lot and donated a net that we leave there; we have been playing there for 20 years; we are delighted to see that our concerns are reflected in the document. John Elliott, Oak Grove neighborhood, commended the Commission and staff on all the hard work that went into this, it really is an excellent document. He said he appreciates how receptive the Commission has been regarding the volleyball courts; I have been playing there since 1989; there is a diverse group of people who play there. He noted that next weekend is the Monterey Beach Open Volleyball Tournament and said they blend in perfectly with that park. He asked if we could get something in the PRMP that the volleyball courts stay there; if anything more courts are needed, it’s a good activity for our beach area and we should promote that. He inquired if the Beach House is moved closer to the Oak Grove neighborhood, will they still be allowed to have amplified music; we can hear their music in the Oak Grove Neighborhood from their current location. Ansel Toney, said he heard about the proposal to remove the volleyball courts because they are underutilized; the courts there now are perfect; we play rain or shine, they are not underutilized. He asked to put in the plan to retain the courts. He said its fun to drive by there and see volleyball games going on. He feels the City really needs to look at the noise level of the Beach House. He said the document also says that pocket parks are underutilized and feels that nice parks keep the neighborhoods attractive whether they are used all the time or not. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 Evelyn Homden, volleyball player, said we wanted our voices heard for our love for the courts, we appreciate being able to play there. A lot of people using the Recreation Trail stop by to watch us play, they enjoy the sport. Matthew Elliott, volleyball player, said he has been playing there every Saturday for 17 years; it’s a well used area; I see people there all the time; it’s a great resource; it’s definitely something that people want to get involved with; it’s a community building sport. Please put in the plan to “retain” the volleyball courts at Monterey Bay Park. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, stated there are six neighborhood area plans that are not being referenced in this document, we need to make sure they are all consistent; the boat storage area needs to be located either left or right of Figueroa so they are not blocking the view to the water; there is a City policy that do not allow businesses to have access to the Recreation Trail, it’s a matter of safety; the widening of the Recreation Trail by Shoreline Park and above San Carlos Beach is maxed out, all of the ROW has been used; eliminating the dog park to create parking is a mistake; we need an inventory of the MPUSD and City joint use parks; the City should think about replacing Hilltop Park Center and the Monterey Youth Center instead of remodeling those centers; the Laguna Grande Court Park is a tiny little tot lot and needs to be protected; the Council voted down the waterfront gathering area seating; the breakwater protects a certain area of the beach for launching; create volleyball courts on the beach for overflow play; we are not going to be able to buy really large parcels and would like to create more tot lots. Commissioner McEwen thanked Sharon Dwight for all of her work going through the PRMP line by line; we really do appreciate it. Commissioner Spangler said the plan talks about working with the neighborhoods and to consider their ideas and concerns before doing any projects. She noted the amphitheater by the waterfront is part of the Waterfront Master Plan (WMP). Principal Planner Caraker stated the WMP did have a vision next to the harbor to use as a meeting space, the Council wanted to do more parking surveys; the PRMP goes a little further and shows open space on the waterfront and thought that would be a great meeting space; it’s a visionary idea. Commissioner McEwen stated the PRMP allows us to take public comments along the way; gives more room for interpretation; it’s a great responsibility to set priorities and engage with our community. Commissioner Baldwin stated this document puts proposals out there for people to review and make comments; discusses pros and cons; looks at funding; looks at alternatives; it’s a road map that will help us get from point A to point B and will give us direction for a long time. It gives us historical resources and puts everything out in the open so it can be discussed to come up with the right idea. It tells us what the community said about safety and cleanliness. On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Spangler, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to City Council to adopt the Parks and Recreation Master Plan: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta , Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 4. Receive Report on Proposed Site Improvements for Basketball Court with Lighting in Montecito Park, and Approve the Concept Design of Full-sized Lighted Basketball Court (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report and approved the concept design of a full-sized lighted basketball court at Montecito Park (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted we have received comments from the public on this project, as part of the NIP process proposers are to canvass the neighborhood; which was done except for one area that they did not have access to. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated that before he gets too far on a project, he likes to notify adjacent property owners; he received comments from neighbors regarding the lights and the balls coming over the fence. He noted the trees have lifted the asphalt on the half basketball court and during the winter they can’t play in the evening. The proposed lights for the basketball court can be put on a timer; the proposal to put a security light in the back corner is for safety and to be able to see what is going on in the park. Commissioner Panetta inquired that if you sent out letters to the surrounding property owners and you only received two comments, are you satisfied with moving on with this project. NIP Coordinator Krebs said the property owners are concerned about the noise, the balls going over the fence, and increased activity. He noted he also received comments/ideas on redoing the half basketball court and creating a volleyball court. Commissioner McEwen said one possibility is to send this project back to the NIP Committee to re-scope this project so that it would benefit the neighborhood. Ted Pepelis, president of Villa Del Monte Neighborhood Association, said this project got started because he played a lot of basketball there; where the half basketball court sits now is perfect. There are 600-700 people who live in the neighborhood and it’s an ideal location for a park. He noted the volleyball players move around wherever there is grass. He said with the help of Katrina Hintze they went door to door and a majority of people want this basketball court; this park has been neglected and needs improvement. He said the neighborhood will take pride and take care of the park. Stan Cook, Villa Rose of Monterey Condos, said he went to the park to play basketball with his nephew and said he has never seen the park look so bad. He said they received a note from the City saying they plan to go ahead with the lighted basketball court; our HOA wrote a letter stating this would change the park from a family neighborhood park where families feel safe to play. We are concerned about the sound, my back window is against the park and there are about 60 homes around that park; the neighbors would be affected by increased noise; I like when it gets dark because the park quiets down. Carol Pavlo, NIP Alternate for Villa Del Monte Neighborhood, thanked the Commission for allowing another survey to be done for Ferrante Park. She said that Montecito Park provides the neighborhood with an acre park, far below the minimum goal of park space; it falls short of meeting neighborhood recreational needs. She said Montecito Park is inadequate; the asphalt court is cracked with weeds growing; it is a risk to the City; it is a mud hole, far below the standards. She said the proposal is being objected to by neighbors because of noise; I checked with the Police Department and there have only been two calls for noise in the early morning Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 hours when the park is closed. She noted the proposal calls for a sound deadening surface and security lighting; which may attract even more users; heavy use of parks indicates success; many families who live in the area cannot afford swim lessons or recreational programs. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate spokesperson, we are sensitive to the City’s rule of parks closing at 10:00 p.m.; she noted that a significant group of people around the park could not be reached to notify them of the proposal. She said the Commission now has feedback from that group that the NIP Committee didn’t have at the time of funding; if the project is going to be different than what we approved, we would like to hear that. Commissioner Baldwin inquired if there are any rules or policies that say the lights can be turned off at 9:00 p.m. Director Bui-Burton said staff can set the time. Commissioner McEwen stated this is a very small park in a very highly populated area, it really needs an upgrade; there are going to be some conflicting needs; if we can mitigate the sound and light issues, maybe we can still do a full basketball court. Commissioner Baldwin said he is hearing from the public that maybe a half basketball court and a volleyball court would meet the neighborhoods needs. Commissioner Spangler stated a full court would be a great opportunity for exercise; I think we can do both to meet the needs. She empathizes with the neighbors but feels the sound could be mitigated and the cut-off time for the lights could be set even earlier. Commissioner McEwen stated that this park needs us to address the disrepair it has fallen in to; there’s no perfect solution; this sounds like an appreciated forward plan. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Spangler, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the concept design of a full- sized lighted basketball court at Montecito Park: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta , Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst 5. Approve Striping of a Pickle Ball Court to Existing Tennis Court at Via Paraiso Park (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved striping of a pickle ball court within an existing tennis court at Via Paraiso Park (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton reviewed the proposal and noted it has been approved by the NIP Committee and City Council. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated that Via Paraiso Park currently has two tennis courts; the pickle ball court striping will be a different color and anchors will be installed to pull the net down. He said he talked with tennis players at the park and they asked if the City would try one court first to see how it works out. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 On a motion by Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Panetta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved striping of one pickle ball court within the existing tennis court at Via Paraiso Park: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta , Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst 6. Recommend that the City Council Amend Monterey City Code Section 23-4 to Prohibit Alcohol on Public Beaches Except By A Valid Written Permit and to Allow Alcohol at Colton Hall Lawn, Friendly Plaza, Monterey Bay Park, and The Lower Presidio Historic Park With A Valid Written Permit (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to City Council to amend the Monterey City Code Section 23-4 to prohibit alcohol on public beaches except by a valid written permit and to allow alcohol at Colton Hall Lawn, Friendly Plaza, Monterey Bay Park, and the Lower Presidio Historic Park with a valid written permit (4-3, Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton said this amendment will restrict alcohol on the beaches unless they have a valid permit and is also expanded to allow alcohol on Colton Hall Lawn, Friendly Plaza, Monterey Bay Park, and the Lower Presidio Historic Park with a valid permit; restrictions could be added no one under 21 would be allowed and they must provide trained servers, and security, etc. She noted that Monterey beaches are the only beaches in our area that allows alcohol. She stated alcohol on the beaches have created a public safety issue; this would be an additional tool to help control the safety for the community. Ethan Andrews, Monterey Police Sergeant, stated from a public safety perspective, there have been some significant crimes on the beach and alcohol played a role in that. We have had over 350 calls for the beach, it’s a very challenging area for us to patrol and to get in there; people call it the “drunk beach.” He said that prohibiting alcohol would help us a lot with this issue. Commissioner Spangler inquired what kind of repercussions people would receive now having alcohol on the beach and what would the fines be for violators with this revision. Sergeant Andrews stated they can only enforce no glass containers on the beach at this time and that it’s a $75 fine for an open container. There are some very visible areas on the beach that we can patrol easily; as it is now we cannot do anything about someone drinking; they can legally consume alcohol anywhere on the beach. Commissioner Panetta inquired what if a family was on the beach with alcohol. Sergeant Andrews stated the Officer will talk to people to educate them about the ordinance and use their discretion on whether to fine them or not. Director Bui-Burton said one example of a problem is the area below Del Monte Beach where people are bringing kegs and cases of beer to party; there are multiple areas in the City that have issues with alcohol. Commissioner Spangler inquired what would be the conditions to allow a permit. Director Bui- Burton stated it would be under a special event permit with 150 people or more; with liability insurance requirements; and the area would have to be controlled with fencing and security. She noted that alcohol is allowed in the reservable park BBQ areas and this wouldn’t change. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 Sharon Dwight, said she appreciated Director Bui-Burton talking to their neighborhood about this change. She said there were a lot of questions about signage and appreciates that the Police Department will educate beach users and use their discretion on whether to fine someone or not. Stan Cook, Monterey resident, said he thinks this is a much better situation than we have now; it’s a good place to start. Director Bui-Burton said after this recommendation goes to the City Council, they will have two readings of the ordinance and then it will become effective 30 days after the second reading. On a motion by Commissioner Spangler, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to City Council to amend the City’s Alcohol Beverages Ordinance to prohibit alcohol on public beaches except by permit and to allow alcohol at Colton Hall Lawn, Friendly Plaza, Monterey Bay Park, and the Lower Presidio Historic Park with a permit: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta , Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Carnazzo, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst 7. Highlights of Field Sports Programs (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation made. Sports Coordinator Susic gave a presentation showing all of the different youth and adult sports programs offered. Commissioner McEwen thanked Kyle for a great presentation! INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 8. Tour of Park Facilities for August 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 9. Monthly Report - Parks Division - June 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 that summer programs are wrapping up next week and school starts on August 3; it was a very successful summer, and a lot of programs were full with a lot of smiling faces. Commissioner McEwen thanked staff for the opportunity to visit Camp Quien Sabe for lunch and a tour. Manager Vierra said next year we’ll go out for dinner and campfire. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported they are doing a lot of fire fuel reduction; Cypress Park is getting a new slide, sod, and sprinkler system; and the Dennis The Menace statue from Florida has been installed in front of the Recreation office. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 7  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2016 Sports Center Manager Vierra reported they had a great summer and were at capacity; there are new pay stations in the parking lot, which will be more convenient for customers; they are going out for bids in August for new weight room equipment, the current equipment is from 2002 and we can no longer get parts to fix them. Community Services Director Bui-Burton gave recognition to our wonderful staff, summer is not a time off for Recreation, everything is in full gear including the 4th of July Lawn Party and Parade; it’s really wonderful to be in the City in the summer due to the staff’s good work. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner McEwen thanked everyone and noted this was a very productive meeting. NEXT MEETING Thursday, August 18, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 9:29 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, July 21, 2016 8