Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, February 16, 2017 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Baldwin, Carnazzo Staff Members Present: Community Services Director Bui-Burton, Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra, Sports Center Manager Vierra, Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo, Recreation Supervisor Leon, Intern Uebele, Recording Secretary Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation to Former Chair Ellen McEwen (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation given. Community Services Director Bui-Burton said it is with great pleasure that we recognize Ellen for faithfully serving as the 2016 Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. She provided excellent leadership and her commitment, dedication and good humor are greatly appreciated. Commissioner Spangler presented Ellen with a plaque and said it’s an honor to work with Ellen and appreciates her levity and service. Commissioner McEwen said its fun working with you all and learning so much from the Commission and staff. 2. Presentation of New Recreation Logo (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation given. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated this is our first logo to identify and brand what the Recreation Division provides for the community. Recreation Supervisor Leon said we worked with Kelly McCay Design to create the logo and that the designed color palate and icons speak to our mission; each icon and color has a certain meaning. She noted we will introduce this logo during the year. Manager Vierra stated we will roll the new logo out slowly and use our existing uniforms, business cards, etc. so we don’t waste City resources. Commissioner Spangler said this logo is very vibrant and eye catching. Commissioner McEwen inquired what were you using before. Manager Vierra said the City Seal has been our logo and that we will use the two together on certain things.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 3. Thursday, January 19, 2017 Action: Approved as submitted (5-0-2, Baldwin, Carnazzo absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Gabriella Clifton said she plays tennis at Via Paraiso Park and understands the courts will be resurfaced in the future, which will be great for tennis. She also heard that these courts are both going to be changed to pickle ball courts; there are pickle ball courts in other locations they could use. The tennis court at Cypress Park is not used and could be changed to a pickle ball court. She grew up playing tennis at Via Paraiso Park and taught her kids there; our son is a tennis pro. She said it would be detrimental to the tennis players and that the courts have been there for over 50 years. Char Carter said she has played tennis weekly for 31 years at Via Paraiso Park. The tennis courts are open to everyone and have been there for 50 years and are historic; thousands of people have played there. These courts must remain regulation tennis courts to teach children; no other sports should be played there. Pickle ball destroyed the integrity and value of these tennis courts; it’s confusing with the yellow pickle ball lines over the white tennis lines. We request that when the City resurfaces these tennis courts that you do not paint the confusing yellow pickle ball lines. She suggested designating one court at the Monterey Tennis Center for pickle ball or placing pickle ball lines on the new outdoor basketball court. Joy Welch said in the past it has been easy to get a tennis court at Via Paraiso Park, but now it isn’t. She said the courts at Hilltop Park are cracked. She reported the nets were vandalized; one court has yellow lines painted on and now the other court has chalk lines in multiple colors. She said we need to come up with a solution, find a new spot for the pickle ball players or share the Via Paraiso Park courts and designate one for tennis and one for pickle ball. Charles Carter said that tennis is a sport and an art. He feels that pickle ball is for older people and excludes children. He noted that tennis has been around for so long and there are no scholarships available for pickle ball like there is for tennis. Monica Scardine stated we have sanctioned tennis tournaments here and we need to have places for players to practice. We love tennis and we want people to play pickle ball too, but please don’t take the tennis away from us when we have been playing at Via Paraiso Park for so long. Josie Negi, said she has played tennis with these ladies for over 12 years; Via Paraiso Park is a beautiful park setting and there are always children playing nearby; gorgeous trees and there are only two courts. Not everybody has the financial resources to belong to a club; having public tennis courts is critical. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 Jerry Holden, president of Monterey Bay Pickle Ball Club, said they have over 40 members and are still growing. He said the sport has grown internationally, is easy to learn, great exercise, not expensive, and is a lot of fun. He said it is a very social sport and is now being taught in schools and becoming popular with students. Jay Zwagerman, USAPA Ambassador for this region, noted that one of the Via Paraiso Park tennis courts was striped for pickle ball on September 14 and then we started chalking the second court for pickle ball. He said a grand opening was held at the Via Paraiso Park pickle ball court with Mayor Roberson and Councilmember Downey. We have players of all ages and get 12-22 players a day. He feels that pickle ball and tennis can both exist at Via Paraiso Park if we coordinate an arrangement. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 4. Recommend to City Council Continued Use of Facilities at Jacks Park and Peter J. Ferrante Park by Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball Inc. for a License Agreement Regarding Concession Sales and Storage (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval to the City Council the continued use of facilities at Jacks Park and Peter J. Ferrante Park for concession sales and storage (5-0-2, Baldwin, Carnazzo absent). Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said this action is to formalize the agreement with Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball Inc. for the use of facilities at Jacks Park and Peter J. Ferrante Park for concession sales and storage. She noted that on May 19, 1983, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved sole use of the concession buildings at Jacks Park and Peter J. Ferrante Park as long as they continued to operate baseball and softball programs for youth in Monterey. The league built both of these buildings and maintains the inside of the buildings. She said staff worked with the City Attorney and Risk Manager to formalize their use; this agreement will be for 5 years ending December 31, 2022 and may be extended by mutual agreement. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst inquired if there a previous agreement with the league. Manager Vierra stated it was approved by Council but was never put into a formal license agreement. Commissioner McEwen asked if the use of these facilities will be changing. Manager Vierra said the use stays the same and that the items inside the buildings belong to the league. Commissioner McCarthy asked for clarification that the Use Agreement for playing ball is done and that this agreement is just for the concession and storage. Manager Vierra stated yes, that the use of the ball fields was done through a Facility Use Permit. Commissioner Panetta inquired if this license agreement would interfere with the study that is being done for Ferrante Park. Manager Vierra stated no, the use of the building would stay the same. Sharon Dwight, Monterey resident, asked how this agreement is different from the agreement you have with the concession stand at Sollecito Ballpark. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 Commissioner McCarthy asked what brought this about and why are we doing it now? Manager Vierra stated that the City’s Property Management Division is in the process of renewing license agreements and the question was asked if others can use these buildings that contain the league’s property; this agreement will cover that concern; it’s similar to the El Estero concession. Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted this agreement was approved in 1983 by City Council; the City Attorney and Property Management Division are requesting to formalize all agreements through license agreements. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Panetta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval to the City Council the continued use of facilities at Jacks Park and Peter J. Ferrante Park by the Monterey Pony Baseball/Softball Inc. for a license agreement regarding concession sales and storage: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo 5. Review Submitted Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects and NIP Schedule, Approve Additional Recreation NIP Project and Provide Guidance to Staff (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and approved the additional NIP project to install Wi-Fi in the City’s four community centers to be submitted for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 (5-0-2, Baldwin, Carnazzo absent). Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted this is an update on the NIP submittal process, and an opportunity for the Commission to review and approve a third project that was submitted by Commissioner Spangler, based on what was heard at previous meetings. Sharon Dwight, Alternate NIP Spokesperson, said the Wi-Fi project would be considered a Citywide project and the neighborhoods could support it. She noted that the NIP Committee will be tightening up voting night; previously after every voting round people came up and talked about their projects each time. She said they will be taking comments regarding proposed projects at the first meeting; so for advocacy purposes April 19 will be the best meeting for the Commissioners to come to. Commissioner Spangler asked which Commissioners could attend these meetings; Commissioners McEwen and Panetta confirmed they can attend the April 19 NIP meeting. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Panetta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved an additional NIP project for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 to install Wi-Fi in the City’s four community centers: AYES: 5 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 2 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Carnazzo Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 6. Review of Operations and Maintenance (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Review of operations and maintenance for the Parks and Recreation Divisions. Community Services Director Bui-Burton gave a presentation on operations and maintenance for the Parks and Recreation Divisions. Commissioner McEwen noted that Camp Quien Sabe is held at Toro Park. Director Bui-Burton said we have a partnership with Monterey County for our summer camp program and our City Parks staff helps prepare the facility for camp. Commissioner McEwen said this presentation was outstanding; we have the best parks and recreation programs. Commissioner Panetta inquired how the Commission could help staff get more money for operations and maintenance. Sharon Dwight said this is really outstanding information; your report tells you how much staff you have now; it would be helpful to know how much staff the City had 10 years ago; when people have retired they have not been replaced. The people who work for the City are amazing, the quality of workers at all levels are outstanding. Operating supplies need to be increased. The people in any given town care about their parks, library, police and fire; we want our parks to really hit the mark, it’s time for the City to take it seriously; we need money in the budget to keep our facilities top-notch. Commissioner McCarthy said it would be helpful to have staff educate us on how to advocate for more money to be effective; we need to know what you need. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated that contracted services have been raised by 30%, so that’s 30% less we can do with our existing budget. Sports Center Manager Vierra stated the budget for chemicals for the pool has not been increased for many years and we went over budget $100,000 this year just for chemicals. The City staff is always looking for ways to cut costs; over the years the prices have increased but the budget hasn’t. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra noted that staff is really good at keeping costs down, for example a major company had a 30% discount offer so we bought things now for our summer programs. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 7. Monthly Report - Parks Division - January 2017 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 8. Monthly Update - Parks and Recreation Work Plan - February 2017 (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, February 16, 2017 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 Community Services Director Bui-Burton noted a monthly update for the Commission’s work plan will be added as an informational report each month. She reported that Commissioner Panetta has contacted a few neighborhood associations and we are now going to give a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to two neighborhoods. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra introduced Lisa Uebele, an intern from Germany who will be working with us through April. Lisa Uebele said she is studying public administration and university applied science. She said we’re allowed to do an internship in a foreign country and she hopes to learn a lot and help the Community Services Department. Manager Vierra reported that summer recruitment is underway; Pony baseball is getting started; High School baseball and softball are starting; the Summer/Fall 2017 Activities Guide is going to print; summer registration starts March 29; Scholze Park held their monthly luncheon with 100 guests; and Art in the Park at Hilltop Park is on May 20. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the Jacks Park batting cages are done; the Ferrante Park BBQ area is being renovated and the fence is getting fixed; the whale play structure is about a week away from being installed; and three poles have been installed at Sollecito Park along the Dennis the Menace Park fence to keep balls out of the park. Commissioner McCarthy inquired what the pickle ball status is at Via Paraiso Park. Manager Marcuzzo stated that one court is painted; we have to wait for the weather to be warmer to paint the other court for pickle ball. Commissioner McCarthy noted you can play other sports and have lines on existing courts with no problems. Sports Center Manager Vierra reported the HVAC is fixed and they will use leftover funds to redo the pool bottom, resurface part of the pool deck and locker rooms; the outside tile needs to be removed and replaced with colored concrete; Tuesday was Guest Appreciation Day, we had bagels and prizes and it was a lot of fun. The 25th Anniversary for the Sports Center is on June 1, we are putting something together and will keep the Commission informed. Community Services Director Bui-Burton reported we had our first joint project with the Presidio Recreation last weekend which was a Chinatown Tour open to the public; the Council passed the ordinance to allow alcohol at Sollecito; Amberjacks are promoting their mascot; we held a California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) event at Scholze Park Center and they acknowledged Cindy, who has mentored so many people throughout the years and how fortunate we are to have her. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Menendez-Herbst said she would like to hear more about tennis and pickle ball and noted there was an argument outside after they left. Commissioner McEwen thanked everyone for her wonderful shirt and gavel plaque. It is so wonderful being part of this Commission; parks make my life better! Commissioner McCarthy said the new basketball court is well used, Kudos to staff for getting that project done. He said he saw Sports Center Manager Jeff Vierra out front sweeping, that’s what you have to do to make things work! He said there was an incident in the locker room at the Sports Center where someone was using profanity around children, a staff member talked to them and it was handled well. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 Commissioner Panetta said she was impressed with Operations and Maintenance presentation, it’s amazing what you do with what you have; she also attended the Lower Presidio Historic Park new sign ceremony. Commissioner Spangler reported that she and Commissioners Baldwin and Panetta went on the Nature Walk at Laguna Grande Park and it’s great to see that our side is so well taken of, thanks Louie; and she appreciates the way Director Bui-Burton handles everything she does and working with the Council. NEXT MEETING Thursday, March 16, 2017 ADJOURNMENT Chair Spangler adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kim Bui-Burton Lacy Spangler, Chair Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2017 7