Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2019 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Gibson, Gorman, McEwen, Spangler Commissioners Absent: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta Staff Members Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Interim Recreation and Community Services Director, Sports Center Manager, Park Operations Manager, Administrative Assistant II CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Spangler called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. ROLL CALL PRESENTATIONS 1. Presentation on the Concept of the Monterey 250 Public Art (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation given. Jay Punkar, Administrative Analyst, is working on various committees for Monterey 250, which is the celebration of Monterey’s 250th Birthday. The Public Art Committee has narrowed down the art installation to a statue and a mural and are seeking input from the Parks and Recreation Commission for selecting locations for both. For the statue, the committee had looked at Spanish Plaza but found it isn’t as pedestrian friendly as they wanted and would require a lot more funding to make it suitable. The preferred location the committee is looking at is a patch of grass at the top of the Wharf entrance. It is a high traffic area and already has power if lighting is needed. Two locations the committee looked at for the mural is the wall of the East Parking Garage and their top choice, which is the parking garage on Calle Principal. Commissioner Spangler asked if the sculpture would be climbable like the bears on Colton Hall Lawn. Punkar said the committee is open to that. Commissioner Gibson stated her preference for the location at the Wharf for the statue. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta absent) ***End of Consent Agenda***  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 PUBLIC COMMENTS Monterey resident Katrina Hintze expressed her concern about the content shown on the televisions at the Monterey Sports Center. She said the Sports Center is practicing political discrimination due to liberal news being shown on the multiple televisions. Would like to have both viewpoints given equal time or have politically neutral content such as sports or cooking channels displayed. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 3. Review 2019 Parks and Recreation Work Plan (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to move this item to the next meeting (4-0-3, McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta absent) Director McClure Huckaby requested to table this item to the next meeting, due to the absence of three of the commissioners. On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Gibson and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted to move this item to the next meeting: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Gibson, Gorman, McEwen, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta 4. Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 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 moved to approve staff recommendations on Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Director McClure Huckaby introduced NIP Staff Coordinator Jeff Krebs. Krebs reviewed all of the proposed projects. Via Paraiso Park Pickleball 6 Courts (MV-2): Cost is high due to the amount of digging that would have to be done to get a level surface for the courts. Katrina Hintze, Monterey resident, asked for clarification on where these courts are in relation to the existing pickleball courts. Krebs clarified it is a shared court with tennis and not a dedicated court. Jay Zwagerman, applicant, has received feedback from NIP that they would not fund this project, as the estimated cost would be about one third of their total budget. Director McClure Huckaby suggested changing this to a feasibility study. Commission McEwen questioned putting money into a feasibility study and not directly into building a court at another location. NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs explained that finding an available, completely flat surface in Monterey is difficult. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight supports funding a study. Commissioner Gibson asked if the Monterey Tennis Center has ever been looked at. Applicant Zwagerman replied that it had, but it’s not an option. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Montecito Park Improvements Phase 3 (VDM-1), Peter Ferrante Playground Improvement Phase 1 (VDM-5) and Montecito Park Improvement Phase 4 with Supplemental CDBG Funds (VDM-6): Katrina Hintze, Monterey resident, supports the improvement of the Playground equipment at Ferrante. The two Montecito Park projects are exciting and this heavily used park deserves these improvements. Sharon Dwight, Alternate NIP Spokesperson, the Ferrante playground expansion would need approval from City Council for the street changes. Questioned the necessity of using turf for the volleyball court at Montecito Park. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo replied that artificial turf is preferred, as it requires less maintenance. Sloat Monument/Ft. Mervine Renovation (CW-38): NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs reviewed the project and stated the cost is high due to this location being a historical site. Bill McCrone, Old Monterey Foundation, said the Foundation raised money for all of the improvements that have been completed at the Lower Presidio Park thus far. This project request is made up of three parts: Part 1 is adding a sidewalk to connect lower Harbor Trail and the Museum; Part 2 is developing Ft. Mervine near the monument to make it accessible; Part 3 is landscaping around Sloat Monument. Commissioner Gibson asked McCrone about the dilapidated buildings shown in the photos. He said it’s the old stable and tack room and eventually they would like to demolish those two structures and rebuild replicas. Sharon Dwight, Alternate NIP Spokesperson, said there is already a project in the works to repair the stonework on the monument; funding for landscaping would be pushed aside until the monument gets fixed. Windows on the Bay to Casa Verde Rec Trail Reconstruct Patches (CW-36): repave the recreation trail from Windows on the Bay to Casa Verde Avenue. Via Del Monte resident, Katrina Hintze, said this a dangerous area of the recreation trail for bicyclists and asked about the shared-usage with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in that area. Krebs clarified that this area of the Recreation Trail is City of Monterey’s property, not NPS. Commissioner Gorman asked about redefining the project request to go to the end of the City’s portion of the Recreation Trail, which per Krebs, would be to Roberts Avenue. After reviewing the above projects first because applicants were in attendance, NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs went through the rest of the projects in order as listed on the handout he provided. Alta Mesa Greenbelt Maintenance (AM-3), Don Dahvee Creek Path (AM-4), COK Tree Study (COK-1), COK Park Improvements (COK-2), Casanova Oak Knoll Park Fence Replacement (COK-3): Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said it would helpful to receive the Commission’s thoughts on AM-4, the Don Dahvee Creek Path. Spray Ave Tot Lot Resurfacing (DMB-1), Spray Ave Dog Waste Station (DMB-2), Spray Ave Tot Lot Resurface and Exercise Equipment (DMB-3), DMB Rec Trail Signage (DMB-6), DMV Dunes Play Area (DMB-8): Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo suggested lumping DMB-2, Spray Ave Dog Waste Station, with CW-5, Citywide Dog Amenities in Parks, which is the installation of mutt mitt stations in 25 parks. Commissioner Spangler questioned request DMB-3 for adding adult exercise equipment into a park designed for tots. The Commissioners collectively agreed to support the Spray Ave Tot Lot Resurfacing (DMB-1) and not support Exercise Equipment (DMB-3). Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Laguna Grande Park Playground Boulders (DMG-3), Laguna Grande Park Volleyball Court Turf Replacement (DMG-5), Laguna Grande Park Playground Equipment Replacement (DMG-6): DMG-3 is adding one or two rock climbing boulders to the playground area of Laguna Grande Park. Commissioner Gibson expressed concern for safety. Director McClure Huckaby had heard from Commissioner McCarthy in regards to the DMB Dunes Play Area (DMB-8), and he said the proposal is not specific enough for the types of activities that would take place there. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight stated that the intent of the applicant for DMB-8 would like to have an area for older kids to play to be able to throw a ball that is not directly on the sand. Dwight said she doesn’t think the neighborhood would support a rock climbing wall at Laguna Grande Park. Director McClure Huckaby suggested looking at outdoor climbing areas in the future. Del Monte Beach Shower Station (DT-2), Pearl/Figueroa Mutt Mitt Dispenser (DT-4): Commissioner Gorman asked why the original shower was removed from the restroom on the beach and NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs said the galvanized pipe wore out. Commissioner Gibson expressed concern about water waste. Krebs said the showerhead can be installed at foot level for rinsing off feet only. Fisherman Flats Park Improvements (FF-1), Fisherman Flats Greenbelt Fuel Reduction (FF-4): Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo said that trees are already being planted citywide from a previous NIP project, so FF-1 request to replace a tree that was removed from the park, will be taken care of. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said one of the NIP members suggested grouping all of the greenbelt fuel reductions together, and grouping all of the mutt mitt stations together. Monterey Vista Greenbelt Fuel Reduction (MV-11), Via Paraiso Park Basketball Court Upgrade (MV-12): Commissioner Spangler inquired if there was a public demand to change the Via Paraiso Basketball Court to high-school regulation size. NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs said nobody requested it, he just factored that cost in as an additional option. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said the neighborhood does not support expanding the existing basketball court at Via Paraiso Park. Commissioner McEwen extended her support for only upgrading, and not expanding, the Via Paraiso Basketball Court. Hawthorne-Bolio Bicycle Ramp (NM-2), Rec Trail Water Tank Mural (NM-6), Cannery Row Public Restroom Construction (NM-7), Scholze Park Walkway and Outdoor Fitness Station, Phase III (NM-8): Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said that NM-6 is in a historic district and this project doesn’t fit; NM-8 the neighborhood wants bring back tables and a barbecue to Scholze Park. Director McClure Huckaby clarified that the project submittal for NM- 8 did not include a request for adding a barbecue area, it is for outdoor fitness equipment and the walkway only. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo would like the option to split the NM-8 project to reduce the cost, by taking out the walkway portion and just having the exercise equipment. Skyline Drive at Chatswood Place Landscaping of Island (SF-1), Skyline Forest Bike Path Reconstruction (SF-3), Skyline Forest Greenbelt Fuel Reduction (SF-4), Skyline Forest Greenbelt Tree Removal (SF-5): Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo said in regards to SF-1, they would not want to add landscaping to the island due to lack of irrigation and suggested making it a rock island, which NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs agreed with. Krebs will reach out to the applicant to suggest changing submittal to a rock island as opposed to landscaping. Commissioner McEwen extended her support for SF-3. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Ryan Ranch RV Storage Lot Security (CW-1), Citywide Multi-Lingual Signage (CW-3), Del Monte Beach Dunes Fence and Signage Repair (CW-4), Citywide Dog Amenities in Parks for Mutt Mitts and Water Bowls (CW-5), Sollecito Ballpark Lighting (CW-6), Dennis the Menace Train Play Equipment (CW-7), Recreation Trail and North Fremont Bike Repair Stations (CW-8), Citywide Aquatic Center (CW-9), Water Bottle Refill Stations (CW-10), Sports Center Kids Zone Window Tinting (CW-11), Sports Center Water Slide (CW-12), Accessible Beach Mats (CW-17), Sports Center Parklet (CW-18), Recreation Trail Safety Improvements (CW-19), Shoreline Park Basketball Court Flex Surfacing (CW-20), Veteran’s Park Bike Path Segment 4 (CW-21), Youth Center Play Equipment Upgrade (CW-22), El Estero Park Par Course Upgrade (CW-24), Veteran’s Park West Parking Lot Renovation (CW-26), Lake El Estero Portland Loo (CW-27), Veteran’s Park Basketball Court, Phase II (CW-28), Downtown Portland Loos (CW-32), Veteran’s Park/Canyon Greenbelt Fuel Reduction (CW-33), Josselyn Canyon Greenbelt Fuel Reduction (CW-34), Cemetery Columbarium Flooring Replacement (CW-35), Pearl Street Southside Walking Access/Radar Speed Sign (CW-40), Veteran’s Park Bocce Ball Court Surface Improvement (CW-43), Jack’s Park Infield Turf (CW-46): NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs suggested changing the submittal for CW-5 to a more general title of Citywide Dog Amenities in Parks. Commissioner McEwen asked for more information about the CW-3 request for multi-lingual signage. Director McClure Huckaby said this project is more of an informational item for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Gibson asked if CW-4 was due to a homeless issue. Krebs said people are camping in this area and the applicant is hoping that repairing the fencing should help keep people out of this restored dune area. Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo pointed out that the title of CW-4 should be modified to read Monterey Municipal Beach instead of Del Monte Beach. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said in regards to CW-3, do you really want multi-lingual signs on the recreation trail? She is very supportive of Sollecito Ballpark Lighting. The Commissioners collectively agreed that they have no interest in adding multi-lingual signage in parks or the recreation trail. Commissioner Gibson asked if the Bike Repair Stations are necessary. Commissioner McEwen, a frequent cyclist, said it would be very useful. Commissioner McEwen asked for clarification as to why the cost is so low for CW-9 (Citywide Aquatic Center). Krebs clarified that the $40,000 estimated cost is 25% of the feasibility study. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said with CW-8, TAMC provides the repair stations, the City would just have to provide the concrete slab to place it on. Dwight said to consider who the actual users of a competitive pool would be and how much access the public would actually have, and to also consider the request does not specify that the pool be located in the City of Monterey. Director McClure Huckaby read from Page 74 of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan which does specify that the competitive swimming pool be located in Monterey. Krebs said the MOU with MPUSD could include specific parameters to make sure the pool’s location is within the City limits. Commissioner Gibson has noticed the need for seating out front of the Sports Center, especially with mobility impaired individuals waiting for their rides. All the commissioners support adding seating and a small covered area out front of the Monterey Sports Center (CW-18). Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo opposes the accessible beach mats (CW-17) due to the maintenance. Sharon Dwight said that a representative from the manufacturer of the beach mats accompanied the applicant to the NIP meeting and they can be cleaned off with a leaf blower. Manager Marcuzzo explained that the sand at this beach is cleaned by a tractor with a rake twice per week and the beach mats would inhibit the tractor from cleaning that area. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Commissioner McEwen does not support separating the recreation trail into three lanes (CW- 19), with two of those lanes designated for bicycles. With the results from the December 2017 Recreation Trail Count showing 75% of usage is by pedestrians, more bike lanes and less walking space does not support the usage. Sharon Dwight, Monterey Resident, is very concerned about putting a 4’ pedestrian path on the recreation trail. There is a demand to accommodate the amount of pedestrians. Director McClure Huckaby asked NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs for clarification as to whether or not a project has ever been brought forward to actually widen the recreation trail. Krebs said yes, in 2018 the City applied for a grant but was unsuccessful. It is a six-million-dollar project to widen that main congested area but without a grant, funding isn’t there. Will apply for the grant again the next time it comes up. The Commissioners all agreed to not support CW-19A and would be supportive of CW-19B if they changed the decomposed granite pathway to a concrete pathway instead because of the ongoing maintenance required with decomposed granite. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said that the Veteran’s Park Bike Path Segment 4 (CW21) is supported by NIP. The Commissioners collectively agreed to support projects CW- 20, CW-21, CW-22 and CW-24. Commissioner McEwen asked if the estimated cost for the Lake El Estero Portland Loo (CW-27) is for both the study and the loo. Krebs confirmed that it is for both. Commissioner McEwen suggested the applicant change the submittal to just a study and not the loo. On behalf of Commissioner McCarthy, Director McClure Huckaby said he would like CW-27 to be funded for a feasibility study only. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight thinks a study should be done for the need of public restrooms. Director McClure Huckaby said she was surprised to see there is no fencing at the Veteran’s Park basketball court and is very supportive of CW-28 which would add that fence. Director McClure Huckaby reviewed the top priorities that the commission had decided upon. Huckaby asked NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs to remove “new sod in outfield” from the description of CW-46, as the request should just be for artificial turf in the infield of Jack’s Ballpark. Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight said the consensus of the NIP is that CW-35, Cemetery Columbarium Flooring Replacement, is a maintenance issue and NIP funds should not go towards maintenance. She also stated that CW-40, Pearl Street Southside Walking Access, is not necessary as there is a good sidewalk directly across the street. Director McClure Huckaby asked Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight for clarification as to which meetings would be best for the commissioners to attend. If any of the park projects are on the agenda, it would be beneficial to be there for support and to answer any questions, especially with the priority projects. Next week will be the public comment night for Alta Mesa through Monterey Vista projects and the last public comment night is on May 2, which will be New Monterey through Citywide. Voting night is Wednesday, May 15 at 6:00pm in the Council Chamber. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 6  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 On a motion by Commissioner McEwen, seconded by Commissioner Gibson, and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission moved to approve staff recommendations on Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Gibson, Gorman, McEwen, Spangler NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: McCarthy, Menendez-Herbst, Panetta INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 5. Parks and Recreation Department Monthly Report (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Received report. Director McClure Huckaby shared information about the upcoming Arbor Day event being held at Laguna Grande Park on Saturday, April 27. Currently working on getting a schedule together for future meetings, hoping to keep the meetings to two hours. Will be bringing recreation fees to the commission at next month’s meeting. Interim Recreation and Community Services Manager Leon shared that National Bookmobile Day is coming up and Recreation has partnered with the Monterey Library for a story walk around Lake El Estero this Saturday, April 13. The Spring Egg Hunt will be held the following Saturday, April 20, at Jack’s Ballpark. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioners McEwen and Gibson both thanked NIP Staff Coordinator Krebs for his efforts. Commissioner Gibson thanked Alternate NIP Spokesperson Sharon Dwight for always attending the PRC meetings and her valuable input. Commissioner Spangler appreciates the great strides in working with the NIP. NEXT MEETING Wednesday, May 8, 2019 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Spangler adjourned the meeting at 9:26 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kristi McClure Huckaby Lacy Spangler, Commissioner Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 10, 2019 7