Parks and Recreation Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, February 11, 2015 7:00 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 CALL TO ORDER Chair Alexander called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chair Alexander led the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: 4 - Chair Henry Alexander III Vice Chair Craig Pasqua Commissioner Ralph Kenton Commissioner Andrea Schneck Absent: 1 - Commissioner Robert Pochowski Commissioner Pochowski's absence is excused. Council Liaison Vice Mayor Martin-Milius (present) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR 15-0124 Draft Minutes of the January 14, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. Commissioner Kenton moved and Vice Chair Pasqua seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of January 14, 2015. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Alexander III Vice Chair Pasqua Commissioner Kenton Commissioner Schneck No: 0 City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 11, 2015 Absent: 1 - Commissioner Pochowski PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 14-1115 Review of Park Use Policies and Related User Fees (Study Issue) Superintendent of Community Services Daniel Wax and Community Services Manager Nancy Grove presented the staff report. They answered Commissioner's questions regarding revenues, fee rates and when fees were last raised. Superintendent Wax emphasized that Sunnyvale has very high quality parks, which was also mentioned by the public during the community meetings and in the survey responses. Chair Alexander indicated that the fee increase doesn't appear high. Commissioner Pasqua emphasized the importance of serving those who can not afford the fees and Manager Grove responded that all parks have picnic areas which are non-reservable for drop in use and are free to the public. Manager Grove described the new lottery process for field reservations which was implemented in February and was successful for both field users and the City. She discussed how this process and future changes would be communicated to the residents and users. Director of Library and Community Services Lisa Rosenblum clarified that Council has given her the authority to set fee rates, and she noted that this is not a ballot issue. She reviews benchmarking of other cities when considering raising fees. She also must consider the need to at the minimum provide cost neutral programs whenever possible. Manager Grove explained that residents and non residents are charged different fees rates, at a 25% differential, however; picnic areas are only available to residents because of their high demand. Chair Alexander opened the public hearing. There were no public comments and he closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kenton moved and Commissioner Schneck seconded to approve Alternatives 1 and 2: Reaffirm existing Council policy as the basis for park use policies and related user fees; and acknowledge staff's proposed operational responses, as outlined in this report, to address issues identified throughout the course of the study. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Alexander III Vice Chair Pasqua Commissioner Kenton Commissioner Schneck City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 11, 2015 No: 0 Absent: 1 - Commissioner Pochowski Commissioners explained their rationale for their vote. Commissioner Kenton stated the study is fiscally balanced, without flaws and that he is pleased with the condition of parks. He thanked Superintendent of Parks and Golf Scott Morton and the Parks' employees. Chair Alexander indicated he believed it is time to raise fees. 15-0193 Review Draft 2015 Work Plan Superintendent Wax informed the Commission that the approval of the work plan was delayed a month pending the results of the Council Study Issue Workshop. The workshop was rescheduled to Thursday, February 19, 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. He identified the following items to be added to the draft work plan: March - Leaf Blower Study and Findings (Study Issue) August - Fair Oaks Auxiliary Restroom Conceptual Plan November - Orchard Heritage Park Improvements Conceptual Plan December - Las Palmas Park/ Tennis Center Auxiliary Restroom Conceptual Plan Commissioners discussed ideas for the work plan many of which had a common theme of increasing community engagement. The subject of "Community Engagement" was added to the work plan in both April and October. Chair Alexander opened the public hearing. There were no public comments and he closed the public hearing. NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments None. -Staff Comments Superintendent Wax informed the Commissioners of new study issues sponsored by Council; LCS 15-03 Consider Development of Teen Center; LCS 15-04 Consider Development of Indoor Aquatic Center; DPW 15-10 Relocation of the Butcher House to Heritage Garden Park and Review of the Need for a Retaining Wall; DPW 15-11 Consider Development of Weekday School Facilities on City City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 11, 2015 Property, and a study issued sponsored by the City Manager; DPW 15-09 Feasibility of Establishing a Park Mitigation Fee for Non-residential Development. He announced that the Youth and Teen Unit will be recognized for their Camp Pioneer program at the CPRS District 4 Awards on Thursday, February 26. Staff are also hosting a first ever Summer Camp Fair on Sunday, March 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m., in the Sunnyvale Library Program Room. He also invited Commissioners to participate in the Fit and Fun Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Columbia Neighborhood Center. Superintendent of Parks and Golf Scott Morton announced a tree planting event hosted by Sunnyvale Urban Forest Advocates on March 7, and invited Commissioners to plant trees or participate in a booth to gather community input. ADJOURNMENT Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 4