Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, March 15, 2018 7:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM, MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Commissioners Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Staff Members Present: Acting Community Services Director, Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager, Interim Sports Center Manager, Park Operations Manager, Principal Engineer, Sustainability Coordinator, Administrative Assistant I CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Panetta called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. ROLL CALL CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, February 15, 2018 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3, Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent) ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 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 Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) projects for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and prioritized the following projects as the highest priority: Dog Park (CW-12), MYC Redesign (CW-5), Rec Trail Widening (CW-8), Montecito Park Phase 3 (VDM-5), Hilltop Roof (NM-3), Vets Park Bike Path (MV-4), Sports Center Projects (CW-18, CW-19, CW-20, CW-22, CW-23) and Beach Way Toilets (DMB-4) (4-0-3, Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent) Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Leon introduced Principal Engineer/NIP Coordinator Jeff Krebs. He said that approximately 100 projects were submitted and after screening them, it dropped down to approximately 85, 50 of which are park-related. He gave a PowerPoint presentation with all of the park-related projects and asked for the PRC’s input on several of the projects.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 AM-6 & AM-7 Lagunita Miranda Park Security Lights and Lagunita Miranda Park Path Lighting: Does the commission have a preference for the lighting level? Commissioner Panetta said just enough for walking safely along the path. All commissioners collectively agreed that security lighting would be beneficial to deter recent transient camping and provide lighting along the walking path. DT-9 Spanish Plaza Art Installation: Principal Engineer Krebs said he needs to look at the Waterfront Plan and Downtown Plan, but more than likely the art installation will be a statue. Commissioner Panetta asked about lighting and Krebs and Parks Operations Manager Marcuzzo stated that it already exists down there. Commissioner Spangler suggests waiting until the plaza has been renovated before installing a piece of art. MV-3 Via Paraiso Park Outdoor Fitness Spot: Krebs asked if this was compliant with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan? Commissioners responded yes. Commissioner Spangler asked Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo his opinion about placing it at Via Paraiso and he said he thinks it would be a great park for this. MV-7 Via Paraiso Park Walkway Upgrade: Krebs asked what the commission’s preference would be for the material on the path; blacktop or concrete, it is currently decomposed granite. Commissioner McEwen asked for Marcuzzo’s opinion and he said blacktop due to all the kids walking through. NM-1 David Ave Open Space Acquisition: Commissioner Panetta asked Krebs what the plan would be if they do acquire this space and he said it would be open space. CW-5 Monterey Youth Center Re-Design: Krebs asked the commission to clarify if they are looking for a temporary improvement or a whole new building design? Commissioner Spangler asked Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Leon what would happen to all of the programs if they did tear down the building? Manager Leon said classes would be relocated to other community centers, more than likely Hilltop for gymnastics. All commissioners would prefer to tear it down and start from scratch, as opposed to putting money into a temporary upgrade. CW-12 Citywide Dog Park: Does the commission have any recommendations for a location? Commissioner Panetta suggested putting it closer to the City building and visitors center, instead of along Del Monte Avenue. Park Operation Manager Marcuzzo liked that location and suggested even looking at the space between the visitor’s center and the bridge. CW-25 Monterey High School Turf and Fence Installation: Commissioner Spangler asked if this would free up the use of our city fields? Krebs said this field would not have lights and would not be big enough for boys baseball, more than likely could be used for softball practice and soccer. Manager Leon said Recreation could potentially use it on weekends or for summer camps. Main concern from all the commissioners is spending all that money and not getting a lot of usage out of it for City Recreation programs. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, DMB-4 Beach Way toilets: Neighbors do not want restrooms on the water side and would like them as hidden as possible. DT-9 Spanish Plaza Art Installation: Place a sculpture on a pedestal and it can be moved when the park is renovated. MV-7 Via Paraiso Park Walkway Upgrade: There is currently decomposed granite all around that park, and putting asphalt around the entire park will change the whole look and not for the better. NM-1 David Ave Open Space Acquisition: MPUSD does not want any money for this parcel, the fees associated with it would only be legal for the transfer. NM-3 Hilltop Park Center Roof Matching Funds: NIP would pay for 1/3 of the roof. NM-8 Bruce Arris Way Lighting Project: There is an existing utility pole, only need to run wires, not a big project. NM-10 Cannery Row Public Restroom: Build them to look like the existing fish shacks, so it would just look like 2 additional shacks. CW-12 Citywide Dog Park: Suggested placing it between the visitor’s center and the bridge. NIP would love to get the commission’s top 5 projects. Commissioner Spangler asked for clarification as to why CW-8 Wharf I/Coast Guard Pier Rec Trail Widening was submitted if the City has applied for the eight million dollar grant. Krebs said the NIP funds would help pay for studies. The commission decided upon the following as their priorities, in no particular order: 1. Dog Park (CW-12) 2. MYC Redesign (CW-5) 3. Rec Trail Widening (CW-8) 4. Montecito Park Phase 3 (VDM-5) 5. Hilltop Roof (NM-3) 6. Vets Park Bike Path (MV-4) 7. Sports Center Projects (CW-18, CW-19, CW-20, CW-22, CW-23) 8. Beach Way Toilets (DMB-4) On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Panetta, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) projects for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and prioritized the following projects as the highest priority Dog Park (CW-12), MYC Redesign (CW-5), Rec Trail Widening (CW-8), Montecito Park Phase 3 (VDM- 5), Hilltop Roof (NM-3), Vets Park Bike Path (MV-4), Sports Center Projects (CW-18, CW-19, CW-20, CW-22, CW-23) and Beach Way Toilets (DMB-4): AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 3. Receive Presentation Regarding Proposed SunPower Solar Panel Installation and Provide Direction to Staff to Advise City Council (Not a Project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission provided direction to staff in support of generating solar power in Monterey, using existing structures as much as possible, with some solar generation in Ryan Ranch but on a smaller/reduced scale, and not in areas affecting a potential sports complex: (4-0-3, Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst absent) Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Leon introduced Ted Terrasas, Sustainability Coordinator, who reviewed the details of the potential solar panel installation at Ryan Ranch. This is the preferred option, though a second option is possible which would be to place solar panels on top of several City structures. He is looking for the Parks and Recreation Commission’s input and if they support the proposal or not. Commissioner Spangler asked if the Ryan Ranch option would be taking away from the disc golf course. Coordinator Terrasas said yes, the course would have to be re-arranged. She asked Principal Engineer Krebs if this lot is the one that has had the recommendation to not put a sports facility on it and he said yes. Commissioner McEwen stated her concern about taking up space in Ryan Ranch, the only open space left in Monterey. Giving up all that open space for a solar farm seems extreme and the second option still has a great return. Commissioner Panetta suggested compromising and reducing the amount of panels out at Ryan Ranch, which would have less impact on the disc golf course, but also placing panels on top of existing City buildings. Coordinator Terrasas stated that the main driver for that area was the close proximity to the PG&E interconnection point, but it could be possible to move them away from the disc golf course. Sharon Dwight, Monterey Resident, asked the Commission to consider view mitigation, can these panels be seen from Highway 68? Has the City taken a look at the Police and Fire parking lots? The El Estero Group Barbecue area has been in need of shade and cover, why not put up panels that can double as a shade for the group barbecue area? On a motion by Commissioner Panetta, seconded by Commissioner McEwen, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission provided direction to staff in support of generating solar power in Monterey, using existing structures as much as possible, with some solar generation in Ryan Ranch but on a smaller/reduced scale, and not in areas affecting a potential sports complex: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Baldwin, McEwen, Panetta, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Hofmann, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 4. Monthly Report - Parks Division - February 2018 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report. 5. Monthly Update - Parks and Recreation Work Plan - March 2018 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report. 6. 40th Annual Spring Egg Hunt (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report. Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Leon said the Summer/Fall activities guide will be out on March 26, and available to view online about one week prior to that. Registration for Summer/Fall programs begins on March 28. Staff is working with two advisors regarding staffing changes. Interim Sports Center Manager Rothschild reported that revenues are doing well, they will be having a youth sports informational series, the Parkinson’s program is running well and they are looking at expanding the basketball program into summer. Park Operations Manger Marcuzzo reported that landscaping along the back of the Sports Center has just been completed. The boat in Dennis the Menace Playground will be replaced soon. This Saturday, March 17 is Cutting Day in Friendly Plaza. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Visit a park! NEXT MEETING Thursday, April 19, 2018 ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Panetta adjourned the meeting at 9:39p.m. Respectfully submitted, Shannon Leon Kathleen Panetta, Vice Chair Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 15, 2018 5