Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, September 15, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra, Sports Center Manager Vierra, Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo, NIP Coordinator Krebs, Facility Coordinator Zalan, Recording Secretary Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Recognition of Monterey Community Band Director Richard Robins for 30 Years of Service (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation received. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra recognized Richard (Dick) Robins for all of the time he has contributed over the past 30 years to the Monterey Community Band. She said not only was he the director/conductor, he also ordered, arranged and wrote music; planned concerts; took care of the music library; recruited new musicians; and promoted the band. She said Dick provided an outstanding band program for the City of Monterey. Commissioner McEwen presented a plaque to Dick thanking him for his outstanding service to the City. Dick Robins gave Manager Vierra a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for 30 years of support. He said our concerts are usually full houses and receive standing ovations. He said the City is getting an exceptional new band director, Kristen Thompson. He encouraged everyone to come to the concerts. 2. Lower Presidio Historic Park Improvements Presented by the Old Monterey Foundation (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton introduced Bill McCrone with the Old Monterey Foundation (OMF) who gave a presentation on the proposed improvements to the Lower Presidio Historic Park. Commissioner Panetta noted that Viscaino Park is also used as a bird watching area and said the whole story was fascinating. Mr. McCrone stated there is a Phase II and III for improvements; Phase I will make it look and feel like a park.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 Commissioner McEwen thanked Bill McCrone and said this is so exciting; the Commission visited this site on our park tour in August. Mr. McCrone noted there are tours available on Saturday mornings. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 3. Thursday, July 21, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (6-1, McCarthy abstained – was not in attendance). 4. Thursday, August 18, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (7-0). 5. Thursday, August 25, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (7-0). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS John Pesach, Monterey resident, said that Archer Park is used by thousands of people and families; having a dog park there would drive people away and it is not a good idea to put a dog park next to a picnic area. A dog park in New Monterey is a good idea; but not in Archer Park. Hal Cochran, Monterey resident, said it’s a great idea to have a dog park in the New Monterey area but that Archer Park is not the place, it’s too small; he suggested somewhere by the Recreation Trail. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 6. 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 the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) process began in August 2015 and was recommended to the City Council for adoption by the Commission on July 21, 2016; the City Council unanimously adopted the PRMP on September 6, 2016 and rescinded the 1986 master plan and amendments. She congratulated the Commission and staff for all the hard work and time that went into this plan. She noted the Council had definite interest in having more dog areas and to possibly allow dogs in City parks on a leash; to look for a facility for seniors; to look for a new location for a teen center; to list Dennis the Menace Park as a higher priority; to review the Monterey Youth Center uses; the Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood area still needs more park space; identify a park where drones could be used; improvements to the Recreation Trail and to provide separation between pedestrians and bicyclists where possible; allow businesses facing the Recreation Trail to have direct access to the Trail; and pickle ball requests. She said the Council was very appreciative of all the hard work that went into the new PRMP. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 Commissioner Baldwin inquired when the final PRMP publication would be available. Director Bui-Burton we plan to have it published by early October. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, said she thought the proposed dog park at Archer Park was going to be on the agenda tonight and said 150 letters were taken door to door notifying neighbors. She said most people she spoke to support the idea/concept of a dog park in New Monterey; there is a need and people would like to have a place for dogs to run off leash. She said one person she spoke to said some dogs are aggressive and come into their groups at the park, and people are not picking up after their dogs. She said dogs are not allowed in City parks; people want a place to let their dogs run loose in parks. She said congratulations on the PRMP, there was a lot of work done and now there is a vision. Milena Cochran, 780 Hoffman Avenue; said her concerns about having a dog park in Archer Park is the size of the park, increase in noise and traffic, and security. She presented a letter for the record with her concerns. She said that she read through the PRMP looking for other areas for a dog park; Archer Park is one of the smaller parks in Monterey; she feels there are larger parks that could be refigured for that purpose. 7. Approve Design for Veteran’s Memorial Park Bocce Ball Court and Veteran’s Memorial Park Repairs (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 design of the Veteran’s Memorial Park bocce ball court, improvements to the basketball court, and replacement of bollards and telephone poles (7-0). NIP Coordinator Krebs reviewed the proposed project to install a bocce ball court above the half basketball court; make improvements to the half basketball court and to replace rotting bollards and telephone poles. He noted that both courts need ADA access from the parking area and they are also close to the restrooms. Commissioner Spangler inquired if any seating is proposed. NIP Coordinator Krebs said they will put in a bench or two depending on the cost of the project. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst inquired if there will be bocce ball equipment for park users and campers to use. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated most people will bring their own; we could possibly do a lock box if people want to leave their equipment there. On a motion by Commissioner Panetta, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the design of the Veteran’s Memorial Park bocce ball court, improvements to the half basketball court, and replacement of bollards and telephone poles: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta , Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 8. Review Two Rescoped 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 reviewed the two rescoped proposed NIP projects submitted for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) and provided direction to staff to advise the City Council that the rescoped Ferrante Park Design Study (VDM-2) conforms to the PRMP and that any extra funding after the design study is done will be used on park improvements. The Dennis the Menace Caboose (CW-38) project is recommended to be deferred and the idea be considered as part of a future comprehensive Dennis the Menace Playground design and renovation project (7-0). Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted that after review of proposed NIP projects for FY 2016-2017, the City Council sent these two projects back to the NIP Committee for rescoping. NIP Coordinator Krebs said staff met with the NIP Committee on June 30 to rescope the Ferrante Park Design Study (VDM-2) and the Dennis the Menace Caboose project (CW-38). The Ferrante Park project includes retaining the baseball field; the City Council comments were that any funds left over after the study could be used for improvements to the park. He noted the design study was funded for $30,000 to see what the community’s needs and wants for the park are; he anticipates at least 2-3 meetings for outreach purposes. Director Bui-Burton stated the new PRMP states the main use for this park is for baseball and softball. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated this park currently has three approved projects pending: fix the outfield fence, redo the BBQ area, and a design study. Commissioner McCarthy inquired is the project still do to the outreach study with neighbors, but the rescoping is that the baseball field remains. NIP Coordinator Krebs said yes and that Council suggested to use all of the funding in improving the park, but that the proponent and NIP Committee still wanted to do a design study. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, the neighbors want to feel like they can use the park more and the rescoping now states what is wanted. Commissioner Spangler inquired what percentage of that $30,000 will be spent on meetings and outreach. NIP Coordinator Krebs said we could easily spend 1/3 or 1/2 on outreach. He said the outfield fence needs to be fixed now and that staff would like to wait until the design study is done before fixing the BBQ/picnic area. Commissioner Spangler inquired if the use of building is up for public input. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated the building is not very big; the upstairs is a score booth, there is some storage and a concession stand. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated he will include the footprint of the building in the study to show people everything that is in the park and what other uses can be done and what can fit there; the size limits the age of users. Manager Vierra stated we use that field for soccer practices, it’s not big enough for a game; the field is booked about 10 months of the year. Commissioner McCarthy said comments by the Council were to use the money to fix up the park instead of doing another study. NIP Coordinator Krebs said staff will do public outreach to get as much input as we can; this area has a high population base. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 Commissioner McEwen said we are looking for a consensus to move forward with the Ferrante Park Design Study rescoped project. Commissioner McCarthy said that maintaining the ballpark must be included. Commissioner Spangler also said we need to include that any extra funding will be used for improvements to the park. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated he will come back to the Commission if there is extra funding and to determine what it will be used for. NIP Coordinator Krebs reviewed the rescoped Dennis the Menace (DTM) Caboose project which states “Code compliant caboose or simulated caboose behind the locomotive and ADA roofed platform station which may or may not include the tender or some modification of it.” Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated the new PRMP provides guidance on the entire El Estero Park complex. Under the guidelines, it says to reestablish the park’s historic charm and vibrancy; and that the train is a main element of the park and should be considered as part of the overall redesign. Staff recommends this project be deferred until that time. Commissioner McEwen said now that we have our new PRMP, we are looking at this project differently. She agrees this project should be tabled and see how it fits in with the redesign of the entire park and complex. NIP Coordinator Krebs said there are currently three NIP projects for the park: a pathway around the entire park that must be ADA accessible, replacement of the boat structure and climbing structure, and the Moon Bridge. Director Bui-Burton stated the proposed park study would include the Monterey Youth Center. She also noted that DTM does not have a reservable picnic area inside the park and that maybe a location could be found. Tom Reeves, project proponent, said a significant part of that park is being taken up by the train and feels this project would cater to the children. He said the main comments heard is that the project is too expensive and too big; he suggested removing the tender but don’t move train. The locomotive is a trademark and is how people identify DTM; I want to see the land utilized by children not by a fenced off train. If we can agree in concept that the train stays, we can design the rest of the park around the train. The PRMP recognizes that the train is a main element of the park. He said the project funding could be approved and construction deferred; if the project isn’t approved, the money will go back to NIP. Commissioner Baldwin asked the proponent if he is envisioning the locomotive to stay where it is now. Mr. Reeves stated the engine would stay, the tender would go away and a caboose structure would be added. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the rescoped wording is expressive of the NIPs view of this project; we discussed the PRMP and suggested a total relook at the park. NIP is saying here’s some money, put it on a shelf and if this project works in with the study, then you have money. She said NIP sees the train as very important and we should set this money aside; there is some flexibility, after a study this project could be rescoped again. She encouraged the Commission to have the Council accept the money. She said NIP members truly want kids to be able to get closer to the train; this is a lot of money; we’re going to do a review of the park before we use it. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo noted the train has had a lot of issues over the last 10 years. He feels that if you put in a caboose, the City Attorney may say it is not a piece of play equipment and cannot go in the park. Staff also sees a lot of problems with having an enclosed building in the park. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 Commissioner McCarthy thanked Tom Reeves for being thoughtful and for pushing something that would be viable for this park. He said NIP Spokesperson Dwight is saying to take the money; but if we take the money we have to use it for the caboose. He inquired if we have the flexibility to take the money and use it for other projects within the park. Commissioner McEwen said this is confusing; we would love to have this $370,000 to develop a master plan for DTM and use what funding is left over on the caboose; this recommendation tonight is to approve the proposed caboose project only. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the NIP process allows staff to come back to NIP to revise the scope of a project; a master plan for the park could be another submitted NIP project. The NIP Committee knew when we voted this rescoped wording that this proposed project might be put on the side until a master plan is done for DTM. Commissioner Baldwin stated he would like to get a legal opinion on whether the caboose can be play equipment or not; that will give us a basis on making a decision. Commissioner Spangler inquired if we approve this project, can some of the funding be used for a master plan; if we decide we don’t want a caboose, would the remaining funding go back to NIP. Commissioner McCarthy said he can’t commit to this project as written. We would love to take the money if some of the funding can be used for a study or other projects; this way we’re not turning the money down. Commissioner Baldwin noted that after we get a master plan, we may realize that we don’t want the train at all. Commissioner McEwen said we appreciate the direction that the NIP has rescoped the project; but feel that more deliberation is needed; because we don’t have specifics, we need more answers. Tom Reeves said he spoke to the City Attorney, she said if it’s in the playground, then it’s considered playground equipment. Commissioner McEwen stated that an enclosed unsupervised space is a hazard. Mr. Reeves said that video equipment is included in the proposal. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated that once a proposed project becomes an NIP project, Council cannot change it. Commissioner McCarthy said the project is the caboose, I don’t want to approve $370,000 for a caboose; what we are asking is can the money be used for other projects or a study. Commissioner Baldwin said he agrees with the staff recommendation to defer the proposed caboose project and the idea be considered as part of a future comprehensive DTM design and renovation project. The Commission agreed with the staff recommendation to consider the caboose as part of the future development. Commissioner McCarthy said our guidance to Council is that we do adopt a thoughtful, holistic approach, and that the caboose project be deferred and the idea be considered as part of a future comprehensive Dennis the Menace Playground design and renovation. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2016 9. Highlights of Monterey Sports Center Programs (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation received. Facility Coordinator Rachael Zalan gave a presentation on the Monterey Sports Center programs. The Commission thanked Rachael for her presentation. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 10. Monthly Report - Parks Division - July 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 11. Monthly Report - Parks Division - August 2016 (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 reported the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new lighted outdoor basketball court near Shoreline Park will be on Saturday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the Golden State Warriors and the Santa Cruz Warriors. The Sports Center is holding the preliminary free throw contest with the top winners competing for prizes during the finals at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Sports Center Manager Vierra noted that registration for the free throw contest will be done online and the deadline to register is Tuesday, September 20, 2016; three people from each age group will be picked to go to the finals. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the pickle ball court striping at Via Paraiso Park was done today; they are working on the landscaping at the new outdoor basketball court. Community Services Director Bui-Burton acknowledged that the relationship with the Presidio is going great; a new pass system for sports program participants was created and seems to be working well. She reminded the Commission that a retreat will be held on Saturday, October 1 and Mindy Craig from BluePoint Planning will lead the retreat. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner McCarthy said visit a park! NEXT MEETING Thursday, October 20, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 9:55 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, September 15, 2016 7