Parks and Recreation Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, July 8, 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 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chair Alexander led the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: 4 - Commissioner Henry Alexander III Chair Craig Pasqua Vice Chair Ralph Kenton Commissioner Robert Pochowski Council Liaison Davis (present) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1a 15-0077 Draft Minutes of June 10, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Commissioner Kenton moved and Vice Chair Pasqua seconded the motion to approve the minutes of June 10, 2015. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Commissioner Alexander III Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 1b 15-0435 Approve a Special Agreement between the City of Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale Garden Club for Outside Group Support City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2015 Commissioner Pochowski motioned and Vice Chair Pasqua seconded to recommend that Council approve the Special Agreement between the Sunnyvale Garden Club and the City of Sunnyvale for Outside Group Support. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 3 - Commissioner Alexander III Chair Pasqua Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 Abstain: 1 - Vice Chair Kenton PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Rahman spoke regarding the enforcement of the leaf blower ordinance and identified that a shopping center near his home was out of compliance due to the early morning use of leaf blowers. Staff committed to follow up with Mr. Rahman. PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 2 15-0597 Introduce an Ordinance to Add Chapter 9.63 (Camping and Storage of Property in Public Areas) to Chapter 9 (Public Peace, Safety or Welfare) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Superintendent of Parks and Golf Scott Morton provided the staff report. He explained the process to which the proposed new ordinance addresses the issues of cleanliness, health, usability and safety in Sunnyvale parks. He answered Vice Chair Pasqua's questions about steps the City took to remedy the loss of the local shelter, and about the prevalence of camping when the shelter was operational. He answered Chair Alexander's questions regarding the enforcement of the current municipal code; the fiscal impact of the new code; how the new ordinance would be placed into effect; and if there are plans for public education. Chair Alexander opened the public hearing. Councilmember Davis provided information about his personal involvement in attempting to assist the homeless at Fair Oaks Park when the adjacent winter shelter was permanently closed. He stated an ordinance will not stop people from camping in public spaces and advocated for housing assistance through community services. He answered Vice Chair Pasqua's question about the funding sources provided to assist those that were impacted by the shelter closure. There were no further public comments and Chair Alexander closed the public hearing. City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2015 Commissioner Pochowski moved and Commissioner Kenton seconded to approve Alternative 1: Introduce an ordinance to add Chapter 9.63 to Chapter 9 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes: 2 - Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Pochowski No: 2 - Commissioner Alexander III Chair Pasqua Commissioners explained the rationale for their vote. Commissioner Pochowski stated that homelessness is a broad issue which needs to be solved at a different level. He said he believes parks are areas available for the community to enjoy themselves and feel safe. He supported the motion. Vice Chair Pasqua stated that he feels safe at Fair Oaks and other parks. He also stated that he believes this ordinance will not stop people from camping in the parks due to people being displaced by the economy and complexities related to homeless populations. He said considering there is no imminent danger he did not support the motion. Commissioner Kenton stated the report provided good analysis and he said he thinks there are two separate issues. He stated this ordinance is not meant to solve homelessness, rather it is an ordinance to improve the cleanliness and available space in the parks. He said he strongly supported the motion. Chair Alexander indicated the way in which the ordinance would be enforced for those "camping" could be written with more detail. He did not support the motion. 3 15-0662 Election of Chair and Vice Chair Commissioner Pochowski nominated Vice Chair Pasqua for Chair. Vice Chair Pasqua accepted the nomination. Commissioner Pasqua nominated Chair Alexander. Chair Alexander declined the nomination. Chair Alexander nominated Commissioner Kenton. Commissioner Kenton declined City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2015 the nomination. Vice Chair Pasqua was appointed to Chair by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Commissioner Alexander III Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 Abstain: 1 - Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Pasqua nominated Commissioner Kenton for Vice Chair. Commissioner Kenton accepted the nomination. Commissioner Pochowski nominated Chair Alexander for Vice Chair. Chair Alexander declined the nomination. Chair Alexander nominated Commissioner Pochowski for Vice Chair. Commissioner Pochowski declined the nomination. Commissioner Kenton was appointed to Vice Chair by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Commissioner Alexander III Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Commissioner Pochowski thanked Chair Alexander for his leadership over the last two years. -Staff Comments Superintendent of Community Services Daniel Wax introduced Anne Cain, Interim Director of Library and Community Services. Superintendent Wax invited the Commissioners to attend a youth recognition event on August 1, 2015, and requested Commission representation to present awards to the youth at the event. Chair Alexander agreed to attend, Commissioner Kenton and Vice Chair Pasqua expressed interest in attending too. City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 2015 Superintendent Wax announced the resignation of Commissioner Andrea Schneck. Commissioner applications may be submitted at any time, the next round of interviews are currently scheduled in November. Superintendent Morton announced his retirement, his last day at work will be August 28, 2015. He introduced Jim Stark who will serve as the interim Superintendent of Parks and Golf. Superintendent Morton announced that the Las Palmas Dog Park is open. Commissioner Kenton inquired about what is being done to decrease noise from barking dogs for the local neighbors. Superintendent Morton provided information about the sound barrier which was installed along the neighboring fence and absorbs 90% of the sound it encounters. Superintendent Wax provided an overview of the services provided by Arts Programs including pottery, visual arts, performing arts, theatre, Art in Private Development, Art in Public Places, the permanent art collection and the Hands on the Arts Festival. ADJOURNMENT Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 5