Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF MONTEREY Wednesday, September 13, 2023 5:30 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, 580 PACIFIC ST., AND ZOOM TELECONFERENCE MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Crampton, McEwen, Ono, Spangler Commissioners Absent: Gibson, McCarthy, Schmidt Staff Members Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Recreation Manager, Park Operations Manager, Interim Sports Center Manager, Recreation Supervisor, NCIP Coordinator, Administrative Assistant CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Crampton called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENTATIONS 1 Presentation on the Status of the Parks and Recreation Department Operations for June 2023 through August 2023 (Not a project under CEQA Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061) Action: Presentation given Public Comments: Community member Charlotte Arnold requested a breakdown comparison of the funding allocated to Parks and Recreation before and after the onset of COVID-19. She expressed satisfaction with the filling of vacant positions but voiced curiosity regarding the Department's position within the City's financial priorities. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Spangler expressed her delight upon learning that the summer staff are contemplating a return to CQS. She was deeply impressed by their stories and the appreciation they expressed for the summer program. Commissioner Spangler inquired with Park Operations Manager Marcuzzo about any feedback received regarding the recently installed ADA beach mats. Despite a recent incident, the consensus has been positive regarding their installation. Commissioner Spangler inquired about the playground program and its enrollment across the three sites. Recreation Manager Leon disclosed that Hilltop and Via Paraiso were tied for the highest enrollment, while Casanova Oak Knoll had the lowest enrollment. Commissioner Spangler then inquired about the coordination of events at Casanova Oak Knoll and who was overseeing them. Recreation Manager Leon explained that these programs are coordinated by a team effort involving Recreation Division full-time staff with part-time staff support. In response, Commissioner Spangler mentioned her recent visit to Casanova Oak Knoll and wondered if there was a demand for a preschool program. Recreation Manager Leon clarified that while there has been some interest expressed there is not a high demand for a traditional preschool program. She also mentioned that MPUSD has recently initiated Transitional  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 9/13/2023 5:30:00 PM Kindergarten (TK) and started offering free preschool programs, and the closure of the Foothill School has had an impact on program participation. Commissioner McEwen commended the Recreation Department for successfully reviving programs and addressing the community's needs in the aftermath of the pandemic. She raised the issue of the seal population and questioned the reasons for the higher numbers this year. Park Manager Marcuzzo explained that, during this season, male seals typically migrate from Southern California to the area. Commissioner McEwen also inquired about electrified docks and whether they were causing the seals to vacate certain areas. Parks Manager Marcuzzo clarified that the docks have always given a low level of electricity to deter seals from those areas. Commissioner Ono inquired about the seals' current location near Coast Guard Pier, and Park Manager Marcuzzo responded that they have moved away from the breakwater due to the presence of Cormorant birds. Commissioner Ono then asked about fuel reduction efforts at the Old Capitol site, to which Parks Manager Marcuzzo confirmed that there have been such efforts, with additional efforts beginning soon. CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 2 Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3 Absent). Commissioner McEwen motioned Commissioner Spangler Second 3 Wednesday, August 9, 2023 Action: Approved as submitted (4-0-3 Absent). Commissioner McEwen motioned Commissioner Ono Second ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Lee Whitney, representing the Glenwood and Alta Mesa Neighborhood Association, wanted an email on the Old Capitol site project. Reiterated that they would like a seat at the table when it comes time to discuss what to do with the site. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 4 Review Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for Conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Provide Direction to Staff to Advise City Council (See Project Specific Environmental Determination) Action: Commission review proposed Park and Recreation related Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) projects submitted for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for conformity to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) and advise Parks and Recreation Staff of any proposed project inconsistencies. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 9/13/2023 5:35:00 PM  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 9/13/2023 5:30:00 PM Public Comments: John Sovereign discussed the pickleball project at Ryan Ranch and expressed his gratitude to the Commission and staff for their support over the last three and a half years. He encouraged the Commission to attend the October 17, 2023, City Council meeting to further endorse the project. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Spangler inquired about which NCIP (Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program) projects were eligible for grant funding as outlined in the packet provided to them. NCIP Coordinator Paulding stated that they are currently in the process of gathering information about the projects that will be eligible for grant funding. Commissioner Spangler asked about the Via Paraiso basketball court remodel and whether the project involved repaving the court or extending it to meet regulation size. Recreation Manager Leon clarified that the plan is to extend the court and remove the existing wall, but the court will not reach full regulation size even after these modifications. Commissioner Ono inquired about the funding allocated for forestry and whether it was primarily directed toward tree management or fuel reduction. Parks Manager Marcuzzo explained that the funding primarily focuses on fuel reduction and the removal of large trees lying on the ground. Commissioner Ono sought clarification regarding the location of the pickleball courts at Ryan Ranch. Recreation Manager Leon indicated that the courts would be situated immediately to the right of the parking lot, as the land in that area had already been impacted by construction staging. Further, Commissioner Ono inquired about whether there would be enough parking space to accommodate both activities, specifically disc golf and pickleball, sharing the same area. Recreation Manager Leon assured that there would typically be enough room as both activities do not occur simultaneously, minimizing potential conflicts. Commissioner Spangler inquired about the parking capacity at Ryan Ranch and whether Recreation foresaw any concerns for events with over 80 guests. Recreation Manager Leon explained that the flight safety issue would become a concern if large groups of people were stationary in one location for an extended period of time. Since disc golf and pickleball activities involve people coming and going, there is minimal concern. Commissioner Spangler asked about the 12 prioritized projects from NCIP that the commission voted on and expressed interest in the Department's perspective on the funded versus unfunded projects. Parks and Recreation Director Larson responded, expressing overall gratitude with the approved projects and the support they've received. However, she also noted the Department's desire for more support for facility improvements to continue offering programs to the best of their ability. She was extremely appreciative that the whole Department got some project approval. Recreation Manager Leon added that some of these projects had been submitted multiple times and expressed satisfaction with the funding allocated and is hopeful for next year’s NCIP proposals. She also conveyed enthusiasm regarding the project approvals for El Estero, Via Paraiso, the Recreation Trail Study and the enhancements to existing facilities. Commissioner Spangler inquired about the various proposals for the Recreation Trail Study, particularly regarding the plans for the trail and installing permanent pavers before a thorough Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 9/13/2023 5:35:00 PM  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 9/13/2023 5:30:00 PM trail analysis. In response, Park Manager Marcuzzo expressed his view that the pavers aren't a primary concern. The permeable pavers will be an enhancement and require less ongoing maintenance to address drainage issues while providing space for pedestrians. Vice Chair Crampton expressed her admiration for the El Estero Park Center during her recent visit, recognizing its importance to the community despite its need for maintenance and updates. She observed that there appeared to be no NCIP funding allocated for the building itself. In response, Recreation Manager Leon mentioned that she wasn't certain of its position on the priority list, but it hadn't received funding due to concerns about rising sea levels. Recreation Manager Leon stressed the urgency of the submitted projects, emphasizing the need to address building updates. Sea level rise is projected for 50-100 years but these updates are needed now and should not prevent improvements and updates as the building’s condition will continue to decline. On a motion by Commissioner Ono, seconded by Commissioner Spangler and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission agreed and provided direction to staff on the Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 is consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP). AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: McEwen, Crampton, Spangler, Ono NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None. ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Schmidt, Gibson, McCarthy INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS Parks and Recreation Director Larson provided an update on the Old Capitol Site, mentioning they have selected a consultant and are in the process of a contract while addressing insurance matters. She also highlighted that the Laguna Grande JPA Staff have been actively meeting and progressing with the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the permitting plan for trail maintenance. Director Larson concluded by expressing gratitude to the entire staff for their outstanding work during the summer and conveyed excitement about the upcoming fall season, as well as the introduction of new full-time staff members. Recreation Manager Leon reiterated Director Larson concerning the Old Capitol Site and the ongoing collaboration with the consultant. They continue to seek public input and input from the Commission. She highlighted the successful summer season that the Recreation Division recently experienced, where team members took on various roles. She also called attention to the positive community response to our summer programs and expressed gratitude to the Commission for their support at CQS. Additionally, she extended thanks to the Parks Division and other collaborating departments for their assistance in preparing and maintaining our summer program locations. Parks Manager Marcuzzo discussed the cemetery on Fremont Street and highlighted how the Parks Division takes care of a significant portion of its landscaping internally. He also gave a reminder about the upcoming City Park(ing) Day event, where various City Departments will be engaging with the public regarding City services on Alvarado Street. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 9/13/2023 5:35:00 PM  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 9/13/2023 5:30:00 PM Interim Sports Center Manager Nunez expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their unwavering support. He also mentioned the recent park tour visit and was thankful for the opportunity to visit and see all the parks. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner McEwen expressed gratitude to Parks and Recreation and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming year with the new staff on board. Commissioner Ono wanted to shout out the successful summer programs Parks and Recreation consistently organize for the children. Commissioner Spangler shared her thoughts on the cemetery improvements, describing them as a significant upgrade, and commended the Parks Division for their excellent work. Vice Chair Crampton reiterated her fellow commissioners and expressed her excitement about Parks and Recreation welcoming new full-time staff in the coming months. NEXT MEETING Wednesday, October 11, 2023. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Crampton adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Karen Larson Christian Schmidt, Chair Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 9/13/2023 5:35:00 PM