Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, April 20, 2017 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Baldwin, Hofmann, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: None Staff Members Present: Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra, Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo, NIP Coordinator Krebs, Traffic Engineer Deal, Lieutenant Andrews, Recreation Supervisor Leon, Recreation Coordinator Deis, Recreation Coordinator Cota, Recreation Coordinator Clark, Recreation Intern Uebele, Recording Secretary Nash CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATIONS 1. Introduction of New Commissioner - Monica Hofmann (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Introduction made. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra introduced Monica Hofmann, our new Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Commissioner Hofmann said she is excited to be part of this commission to meet the needs of current and future citizens. She graduated from Monterey High School, and is an employee and volunteer for the Red Cross; was a water safety instructor; volunteered with Girl Scouts; and is the Villa Del Monte Neighborhood Association Vice President. 2. Introduction of New Recreation Coordinator Katie Clark (Not a Project Under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Introduction made. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra introduced Katie Clark, our new Recreation Coordinator at Hilltop Park Center. She said Katie started working in our division right out of high school in the Playground Program. Recreation Coordinator Clark said she grew up in Pacific Grove; worked in our Playground Program and at the Monterey Sports Center. She attended UC Berkeley and did 6 years of programming at year-round camps. She is excited to use that experience and be back in this area.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 3. Highlights of Community Center Programs (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation given. Recreation Coordinator Rachel Deis, Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, gave a Power Point presentation highlighting community center programs. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra noted that staff is very busy keeping classes going and creating new programs for the community. The Commission thanked Rachel and Cindy for the presentation. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 4. Thursday, February 16, 2017 Action: Approved as submitted (7-0). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Jay Zwagerman, ambassador for USA Pickleball Association (USAPA); said we’ve had some ups and downs with the relationships with the tennis players at Via Paraiso Park. He noted that pickleball offers benefits for all ages and the tourist industry. Our goal is to work out equitable court sharing times for both groups. Jerry Holden, president of local pickleball club, said they have over 50 members and our goal is to expand pickleball in Monterey. This sport has been introduced in schools and is very popular with seniors and becoming more popular with the kids; they don’t have to be the biggest, strongest, fastest to play. We want to get along with everybody and feel that new muted lines would be an easy solution to satisfy everyone. He thanked the Commission and said he appreciates their time and listening to our appeals. Sharon Dwight said she goes to Fresno every week and talks to a lot of people; our recreation opportunities really outshine the big community; you’re really doing a good job. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 5. Recommend to City Council to Amend Monterey City Code Section 23-5 to Restrict Parking in City Park Parking Lots Between the Hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Except by Permit or Written Authorization from the Community Services Director (Exempt from CEQA Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval to the City Council to amend Monterey City Code Section 23-5 to restrict parking in City park parking lots between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except by permit or written authorization from the Community Services Director (7-0). Rich Deal, Traffic Engineer, stated that Section 23-5 in the Monterey City Code prohibits anyone to remain in the parks from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.; this amendment to include the parking lots within City parks to the Code will make it easier for the Police Department to enforce. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 Commissioner McEwen said she often goes to the Sports Center and parks by Jacks Park around 5:30 a.m., will that be an issue? Traffic Engineer Deal stated that on-street parking is not included in this amendment and the parking lot at the Sports Center is managed by the Parking Division; any lots controlled by Parking or metered are not included. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if something happened that we need to clarify this. Traffic Engineer Deal stated there are more vehicles parking in parks overnight. Lieutenant Andrews stated the Police Department really supports this change; we’ve received a lot of calls from the community regarding drug sales, drinking, etc. He said people move their vehicles around to beat the 3 day code; this will be another tool to encourage folks that when the park is closed at night so is the parking lot. Commissioner Panetta inquired how is it enforced with people in the parks now after hours. Lieutenant Andrews said the officer has the discretion to cite someone, but they will be asked to leave. Commissioner Panetta asked if the parks are patrolled regularly? Lieutenant Andrews said that when people see us coming they stop their activities; we have to use undercover officers. Commissioner McCarthy said a few months ago the City was researching for a location that homeless could park vehicles overnight somewhere in the City, does this code amendment impact this program. Traffic Engineer Deal stated there is an overlay to accommodate emergency homeless shelters; we haven’t gotten that far yet; any kind of designation will have to go through a lot of public processes. Commissioner Hofmann noted the One Starfish Program was approved for St. John’s Church and will be on private property. Sharon Dwight, New Monterey Neighborhood Association, said they discussed this at their last neighborhood meeting; we would like to have Hilltop Park Center and Hoffman Park removed from the list; we really feel it’s already illegal to be in the park after hours. On a motion by Commissioner McCarthy, seconded by Commissioner Baldwin, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend approval to the City Council to amend Monterey City Code Section 23-5 to restrict parking in City park parking lots between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except by permit or written authorization from the Community Services Director: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Hofmann, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 6. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (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 proposed park and recreation related NIP projects for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (7-0). Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 NIP Coordinator Krebs reported the City received 86 project NIP proposals and about 40 are parks and recreation related; he reviewed the list with the Commission. Commissioner Spangler inquired if we should hold off on the Via Paraiso Park tennis courts resurfacing project until we do a review of tennis and pickleball. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated it’s better to keep the courts maintained on a regular basis. Commissioner McCarthy stated with this proposal, the court surface would be maintained and lines can be added later. Commissioner Spangler inquired if possible pickleball court locations will be reviewed at next week’s study session. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra stated that staff has looked at possible sites to discuss; but that next week’s Study Session will be to gain information regarding pickleball. Commissioner Hofmann said she is not a fan of the look of the Portland LOO; is that the visual appeal we want on the waterfront. Commissioner McCarthy inquired if we put in a Portland LOO does that take away us putting in a permanent facility. Commissioner McEwen agreed that they are not attractive; but may be less vandalized. NIP Coordinator Krebs noted that restrooms in the waterfront area may need to be cleaned four or five times a day. Commissioner Hofmann asked what the City’s policy is for lighting in parks after hours; regarding proposed project CW-29, El Estero bridge lighting. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra said the lights at the new basketball court are on an automatic timer and go off at 10:00 p.m.; the lights will go off at 8:30 p.m. at the new Montecito Park basketball court; it depends if it’s in a neighborhood or not. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the NIP Committee is not inclined to move forward on the Via Paraiso Park tennis court resurfacing project until the Commission has their study session next week; project CW-3, Recreation Trail Permeable Pavers; this started out as permeable pavers but the applicant has agreed that colored concrete would work; if the Commission wants DG, we will not vote for this project. She noted the City’s General Plan has a strong policy for lighting, use ambient lighting for pathways and not create more light; project CW-5, tables and benches at Monterey Bay Park, is this something you want reinstalled; project CW-11, Monterey Bay Park Restrooms, is the LOO an acceptable structure to go there; on project CW-18, Jacks Ballpark Infield Turf Improvements, this is the first we’ve heard about getting matching funding for this project, is that something the Commission wants us to consider over and over; project OG-1, El Estero Bridge Lighting, the Architectural Review Committee spent a lot of time talking about the level of light on those bridges and want to keep it toned down. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Hofmann, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed NIP projects and declared all projects are in conformity with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Hofmann, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 7. Approve Concept for Montecito Park Improvements (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 Phase 2 concept design for Montecito Park (7-0). NIP Coordinator Krebs showed the layout of the park and discussed the anticipated improvements. He said staff did a lot of public outreach for this park; the only thing funded for this phase is the front wall; we are applying for CDBG grant funds. He noted they will replant trees and install drip irrigation and bollard lighting. Commissioner McEwen inquired if the restrooms were upgraded. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated we are just doing compliance work for levers and the sinks are too high. Commissioner Hofmann noted that people may run into the volleyball court pole if they are not paying attention. NIP Coordinator Krebs stated we have to go through more review for the design. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo suggested a wider wooden pole would be more visible. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, said the people in the Montecito Park neighborhood are so pleased and excited with the improvements. On a motion by Commissioner Menendez-Herbst, seconded by Commissioner Panetta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Phase 2 concept design for Montecito Park: AYES: 7 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, Hofmann, McCarthy, McEwen, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 8. Receive Report on Dogs in Parks (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 introduced Intern Lisa Uebele. Intern Uebele gave a presentation on the need for more areas for dogs in Monterey. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst inquired if there are ways to make the El Estero dog park better by adding information boards, trimming the trees, and maybe some lighting. Intern Uebele said it’s possible to do an upgrade and make it nicer; and add another run that is bigger. Recreation and Community Services Manager Vierra noted staff would like input on how the Commission would like to move forward. We don’t need to decide now to look for another location for a park; but may choose to find ways to make Monterey more dog-friendly. Commissioner McCarthy suggested doing a public survey and resurrects the park we have. Commissioner McEwen said allowing dogs in some parks would be a step forward to make Monterey more dog-friendly. This is a high priority for our residents. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 Commissioner Menendez-Herbst noted people have their dogs off leash at Veteran’s Memorial Park now. Commissioner Spangler suggested looking at some wooded trails to open restrictions to allow dogs. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo said he is all for loosening up on the dog policies. Commissioner Baldwin stated we’ve been talking about this for a long time; it’s in the PRMP; he suggested creating a subcommittee. Manager Vierra asked the Commission for two volunteers for the subcommittee. Commissioners Menendez-Herbst and Hofmann agreed to be on the subcommittee. Sharon Dwight said there was a proposal to have a dog park at Via Paraiso Park; there were some neighbors passionately for it and some totally against it; they do want some acreage where dogs could be off-leash. She said the existing dog park needs some clean up of weeds; and she has noticed 3-4 vehicles always parked there with their dogs off-leash in the parking lot. She said people living in vicinity of Archer Park love that park because it’s all fenced. They like to be there with their dog off-leash, but if someone is using the BBQ area, they would not like to have dogs coming into their area; that’s why we want some additional fencing. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 9. Monthly Report - Parks Division - February 2017 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Report received. 10. Monthly Update - Parks and Recreation Work Plan - March 2017 (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 - March 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 the ribbon cutting for Montecito Park is scheduled for Saturday, May 20; the City Manager’s Office is doing this event because the Recreation Division already have two events scheduled for that day; the Skate Jam and Art in the Park. Staff is getting ready for summer; registration has been great; programs are filling; we are opening a Playground Program at Montecito Park this summer and free lunches will be provided; we are hiring and training new staff; and the Track & Field program is full and going well. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo reported the City received a grant from Monterey Peninsula Regional Wastewater District (MPRWD) and did a landscape job by Lagunita Mirada; crews are working on Dennis the Menace Park improvements and hopes the park will be open next Friday. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 NEXT MEETING Wednesday, April 26, 2017 – Study Session Thursday, May 18, 2017 – Regular Meeting ADJOURNMENT Chair Spangler adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Cindy Vierra Lacy Spangler, Chair Recreation and Community Services Manager Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2017 7