Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, November 17, 2016 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: 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, NIP Coordinator Krebs, Recreation Supervisor Leon, Recording Secretary Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, September 15, 2016 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-2, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Dwight, Alternate NIP Spokesperson, reported the NIP Committee held a meeting last night and approved the ADA access walkway improvements at Dennis the Menace Park (DTM) and improvements to the Deer Flats Park entry. She said this walkway phase at DTM is over $443,000 and we want to assure that whatever projects are approved in the future do not take out any of this new walkway. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Approve Concept for Montecito Park Improvements (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved the concept design of Montecito Park improvements (5-0-2, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted the City Council approved NIP funding of $155,000 in FY 2015-2016, $80,000 in FY 2016-2017, and $120,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for improvements at Montecito Park. She said two public outreach efforts were held at the park and staff received input from over 70 people. She stated that not all of these suggestions can be incorporated into Montecito Park due to its size and heavy use, but they can provide input for future improvements to Laguna Grande Park. Jeff Krebs, NIP Coordinator, reviewed the concept plan for improvements and ADA access at Montecito Park. The existing restrooms will also become ADA accessible. He noted that the CBDG funds need to be used by May or June.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 Director Bui-Burton stated we have Federal funding that has to be spent this fiscal year; this park also has the greatest amount of users who will benefit from these improvements. She noted that staff is considering having a Summer Playground Program at this park this summer; and the improvements would be done by then. She said some concerns were about kids being bullied while waiting for the bus; Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra spoke to the school resource officer to make them aware of this issue. Commissioner McEwen asked if bike racks will be installed. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated the existing bike racks will be replaced with next year’s CBDG funding. Commissioner Panetta asked how much open grass space will be left for kids to run around and kick a ball. NIP Coordinator Krebs said about ¼ acre will be an open grass area. Commissioner Carnazzo inquired if real grass or artificial turf will be installed. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated it will be real grass with a soil amendment added so less watering is required. Commissioner Spangler inquired would the volleyball court idea be addressed in next year. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated this project is not confirmed yet but that the entire park will be graded now so big equipment won’t have to go over the park or upgraded basketball court. Commissioner Spangler said based on comments heard about having open space and volleyball; does staff feel one or the other is more important. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said staff has talked about doing another outreach on a Sunday to hopefully reach more neighborhood residents. Commissioner Baldwin said these are a lot of nice improvements; but that he is concerned about the proposed volleyball court taking up too much open space; kids need to have that room just to run around. He said NIP Representative Harry Mucha, Villa Del Monte neighborhood, has really helped with the outreach and to get things moving for this park. Harry Mucha, Villa Del Monte NIP representative, said about 3 years ago there was a revitalization study done to improve the area. He said the proposed volleyball court is not confirmed yet; the neighborhood really need these improvements. Sharon Dwight, NIP member, said the trees that NIP funded were in lieu of the walkway; the condo neighbors wanted some privacy and the trees may not stop the sound of a basketball. On a motion by Commissioner Carnazzo, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the design concept for Montecito Park improvements: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 3. Approve Recreation Trail Restroom Signs (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved the installation of restroom signage along the Recreation Trail (5-0-2, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton stated this project was approved for $8,000 in the NIP budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 to increase signage along the Recreation Trail to alert users to public restrooms that are nearby. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated staff identified nine (9) restrooms along the Recreation Trail between Hoffman Avenue and Camino El Estero; fin signs will be installed to help locate these public restrooms. The proposed signs will match other City way-finding signs and comply with the Sign Ordinance. Commissioner McEwen said this will be really helpful to residents and tourists alike, it will make Monterey seem friendlier. Commissioner Panetta said she uses the Recreation Trail five times a week and didn’t know there were that many restrooms along the way; this is very helpful. Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, noted one other restroom you might consider is where State Parks has a restroom by Olivier and Scott streets by the Memory Garden. Sharon Dwight, said signage could also direct people over to the breakwater area to use the restrooms there. She said the NIP Committee wants to remind you that there is a restroom approved by Monterey Bay Park that we have waited since 2000 to get built. Commissioner McEwen inquired what is the status of this NIP approved restroom. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated this project needs to comply with the Waterfront Master Plan and the Parks and Recreation Commission Master Plan; there is $69,000 left for this project. He stated the biggest commitment is for the maintenance by Building Maintenance staff; we have to maintain them and keep them clean and this is a high volume use area. On a motion by Commissioner Panetta, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the installation of restroom signs along the Recreation Trail to show locations of public restrooms: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst 4. Approve FY 2016-2017 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Priorities for Parks and Recreation Commission 2017 Work Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) priorities for the 2017 Work Plan (5-0-2, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton said this is an opportunity to come together after the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 Commissions retreat and create a work plan for 2017 based on the PRMP priorities. She noted the retreat was to define priorities; articulate their role with staff; and the importance of reaching out to get public input for projects. She stated the #1 priority is that maintenance is considered in every proposed project; the City Council also noted this as a high priority. Other top priorities included maintaining partnerships; teen and senior services; Dennis the Menace Park refresh; Monterey Youth Center redesign; and Recreation Trail safety. The Commission agreed they need to become more visible advocates and stewards of parks and recreation facilities and projects. Commissioner McEwen said it was a wonderful retreat and an honor to be there, especially with the PRMP now approved. Tom Reeves, Monterey resident, said staff has done a really good job of putting this plan together. He suggested they keep an open mind with public comments and projects and maybe shuffle them into your projects. He said he is looking forward to working with the Commission on the caboose project and that Council will review the NIP funding for the proposed caboose project at their December 20 meeting. Sharon Dwight said the NIP members would absolutely love to sit down with the PRC to collaboratively share how they can help the Commission with their knowledge of where we have problems in neighborhoods; we need to roll up our sleeves and just talk to each other; it would be a benefit to both groups. She said NIP can help with the maintenance and upgrades to the community centers; certain parks have been identified to not be watered, NIP can help with drip irrigation. She said last year they tried to get funding to replace the wall at Scholze Park; we can collaboratively work on this project. We hope you take up our invitation to have a joint meeting. Commissioner McEwen stated that more collaboration is part of the PRMP. On a motion by Commissioner Panetta, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 PRMP priorities for the 2017 Work Plan: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst 5. Highlights of Summer Programs (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation received. Recreation Supervisor Leon gave a presentation on the 2016 Summer programs. Commissioner Baldwin said we need to get this type of presentation out to the community and also suggested having these done at the beginning of the meeting while we have public in the audience. This should be packaged and go to Kiwanis meetings or church groups, the smiles on the kids faces really shows how much good we’re doing. Commissioner McEwen said it was a fabulous presentation and she is very proud of staff. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 Commissioner Spangler suggested that more pictures of participants in the Activities Guide might get people excited to participate in certain programs. Recreation Supervisor Leon stated there are pictures on the website and that we encourage our staff to take pictures of their programs and activities. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 6. Monthly Report - Parks Division - September 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 7. Monthly Report - Parks Division - October 2016 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the new basketball court at Shoreline Park is great and its busy all the time; the new backstop was installed at Jacks Park and is keeping balls off the tennis courts; pickle ball is very popular and we are going to stripe the other tennis court at Via Paraiso Park. 8. Commission Appointment Process and Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2017 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reviewed the process for the selection of Chair and Vice Chair and announced that Lacy Spangler will be Chair and Dennis McCarthy will be Vice Chair for 2017. 9. Parks and Recreation Commission Schedule for 2017 (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 staff is getting ready for the holidays with several events coming up including the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas in the Adobes, the Monterey Community Band concert, Holiday Luncheon and New Years Extravaganza at Scholze Park Center, the preschools are having a Thanksgiving feast, and getting ready for summer recruitment. She also reported that Recreation Coordinator Ksenia Berkoff submitted her resignation, effective January 4, 2017, to be a full-time mother to her three small children. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the picnic area at Ferrante Park is being revitalized and a new split rail fence and ADA access have been added. Monterey Sports Center Manager Vierra reported that youth basketball started and is full; they are having a Black Friday sales promotion where you can purchase a $100 gift card for $80; new merchandise is coming in for the Snack Bar; staff is preparing for the New Year; they will have body fat testing in January; and he reminded everyone they will be open on New Year’s day. Community Services Director Bui-Burton said everybody is working so hard; with Recreation and the Sports Center it’s a continuous motion. She recognized Libby Downey for her service Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, November 17, 2016 on the Parks and Recreation Commission and on the City Council. She also recognized Commissioner Dennis McCarthy who is being recognized as the 2016 recipient of the Lewis L. Fenton Excellence in Advocacy Award; given by the Monterey County Bar Association. We are very proud of him. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Panetta said as the PRC steward of maintenance and operations, I met with Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo and he was very helpful in understanding their budget and needs. Commissioner Carnazzo wanted to let staff know that their hard work does not go unnoticed. Commissioner Spangler also said staff does a good job and she enjoys being on this Commission. Commissioner McEwen said she shares the same sentiment about staff; it’s been a wonderful year. She thanked everyone for helping her understand her role; it’s made me feel more a part of Monterey. Happy Thanksgiving and visit a park! NEXT MEETING Thursday, December 15, 2016 ADJOURNMENT Chair McEwen adjourned the meeting at 8:45 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, November 17, 2016 6