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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-30 PRC MINSCity of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursdav - 6:30 pm June 30, 2011 N'lontevalle Recreation Center Annex Rrn 840 Duncan Ranch Rd \lecting called to order bti Chali- john Vogel at 6:36 p.m. Sr<rft Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation Richard Hopkins, Di- rector of Public Works GLICStS: Dan Woodard, CV Resident, South I3ay Little League Nlatilde Bermudez, CN' Resident, Cdr American Little League. Raoul Rudv Nlorcrro, CV Resident, South Bay Little league Silvcstre Vigilante, CV Resident, Chula Vista Rangers Robert Pablos, (.:V Resident, Chula Vista Rangers Nlarc .Almaraz, CN -' Resident, South Bay Little League Angela Cole C:V Resident (;hula Vista American Little League. Roll Call/Motion to Excuse Nlerrrbers ]'resent: Chair Vogel, Corrrrnissiotier Garza, Corninissioner Buddingh, Comte ssiotier Cietl- Haver, Nlcmbers zlbsent: Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Serrano, Commissioner Chambers MSC — Buddingh /Cien -Mayer to excuse Commissioner Chambers and Serrano from tonight's meeting (4- 0 -0 -3) 2. Oral Communications - none a. Approval of Minutes of May 19, 2011— MSC Cien - Mayer /Buddingh (Vote 4- 0-0-3) to table item to the next meeting because of lack quorum needed for approval 4. a. Information Item — Recreation & Public Works Master Fee Schedule Increase Nlr. Nlartin (Director of Recreation) discussed the _dune 7, 2011 lNlaster Fee Increase (Aty ('011110 .1 Report. i Ie explained that a limited number of fee updates were recommended to a portion of recreation fees. He explained that the quality in field maintenance had declined over the past few vears due to minimal park maintenance (non - watering, non aeration, minimal fertilization, no thatching, etc.). I -fe also explained that the Youth Sports Council presidents and cinv staff (Cite Manager, Assistant (:ity- Manager, finance, Public Works and Recreation) began meeting regarding the proposed fee increases and condition of fields. Nlr. Nlartin also talked about Proposition 26, which talks about continuity in fees to all teams playing on city fields. (;hair Vogel asked if the YSC members were 501 (c) 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting —.June 30, 2011 2 Commissioner Garza responded that ves, the YSC; is a 501 (c) 3 organization, its members are comprised of 75° ,'o Chula Vista residents. Commissioner Garza explained that he as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission understand the fiscal situation the City is currently in. He also reminded the commission that in the past, the Department always presented fee increases to the commission prior to Council. Commissioner Garza offered a suggestion for buy -in to fee increases or other important matters that require community input. steps include: (1) he City Manager (C:N1) gathers input from appropriate department directors, and then schedule a meeting the YSC ]'resident's ccnnrnittee and present proposed item (include appropriate documents for review), (2) the C NI or designee to attend a YS(" meeting to present the proposed fee increase item; (3) the C NI attend a Parks and Recreation Commission and provide presetitation, for commission and public input and feedback, and commission recommendation or no recommendation to Council; and (4) place item on City- Council Aglenda Commissioner liuddingh asked if the 5375K increase is warranted? Commissioner Garza noted that there is not doubt that the fees have to be increased. NIr. f lopkins (Director of Public Works) responded that staff's recoinmendation/goal is $375K. Commissioner Budding requested that staff explain how this fee of $' 75K was developed, and how fee increases for the sports were developed. Mr. Hopkins c -\plained that there are 330 acres of turf in the C.lty to be maintained, and 88 acres of sports fields. Mainteriance for turf includes: mowing, watering, rodent control., thatching, etc. 'Fhe $375K would enhance watering, thatching, fertilizing 4 times per year, etc. which are rnuch. needed required maintenance to keep parks and fields in good shape. Chair Vogel asked about the rental costs of fields. Mr. ]Martin responded that the cost is $25 with no lights and x+40 with lights Commissioner Garza stated that groups in the YSC are always amenable to provide in -kind services. Chair Vogel requested that information on field fee increase process be brought back to the July meeting. Mr. I lopkins discussed the maintenance contract (broken down by acres that need maintaining, items that need addressing, (condition, type of grass, condition, etc.). Mr. Moreno referenced Prop 26 pertaining to charging the same fees for eN-en'orre using Fields. Mr. ]Martin responded the City is currently evaluating this item, and the different impacts to fields due to different usage. (i.e., age. group 5 -Fear olds vs. older: players, etc.) in -kind Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — June 30, 2011 services sub- contract for field maintenance (similar to SL ;1I -ISD), fees developed between City and YSC: president's committee Commissioner Buddirrgh asked about N'Iunicipal Code (NIC) for field allocation rights, and /or enforcing illegal use of fields. Mr. Hopkins responded that a legal opinion from the City Attorney's office was provided and sent to Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) whereby, they have the right /power to enforce the NIC for illegal use of park. If C \'PD can shoe- -up for illegal use of park, then users are removed (if CVPD is not out on more urgent matters /priority, calls). INIs. Angela Cole discussed concerns regarding the fee .increase, and noted that to date, a firm. fee /number has not been made available. Ms. Cole provided information on h.cr organization and rioted that they do not turn away a child because of financial hardship. New fee increases imposed by the ('try would become a hardship to the leagues. Commissioner Garza stated that he understands the concerns of the leagues, acid that the recent :Master lee Schedule increase Was rescinded and would be brought: back to the Council in November, which by then, hopefully this subject matter would be worked out between the (Site and YSC:. Commissioner Buddingh asked Ms. Cole on the number of families that play for free. Ms. Cole responded that it depends on the season, but any where between 20-25 families receive financial arc] (family- agrees to volunteer at snack bar, set -up payment plan for partial fees, etc.). financial aid to families impacts other families that are able to pay full fee. lees are usually X165 for summer and '0 in fall because it's a shorter Season. Commssioner Cien- Alayer noted that this was the first time since she had been on the Commission that the Master Fee Schedule had not been brought forward to the Commission for input, prior to Cit}, Council consideration /approval. Additionally, she noted that she was surprised that the current process occurred, and was a bit embarrassed because she received numerous phone calls regarding this issue, and she knew nothing about it. Mr. Hopkins responded that the City \'lanager is well aware that the current process was ail error and noted that he took steps to work on correcting the situation. b. Recreation Department Budget -- N'Ir. Martin explained • January 2011 full. -time recreation supervisors were laid -off due to the budget, • As of January- 2011, Recreation facilities were only be open 2 days per week. • I le also explained that the Recreation Department received donations (Friends of CV Parks and Rec and Has Prirneras) that would allow recreation facilities to be open 5 days per week during the surniner and offer free swim at Parkway pool (2 days) and Loma Verde (3 days). • In order to keep facilities open during the critical hours of 3:00 — 6:00 pm, a budget of $2001� is required (which includes staff costs, utilities and maintenance). Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — June 30, 2011 11 • Mr. Martin also talked about the AnieriCorps grant that would enhance current programs not only 111 the Recreation Department, but the community, members that are part of the collaboration. • Mr. Martin talked about the Chula ti'ista Sports Alliance created in January 2011. that would bring in tournaments to Chula Vista • 70 -Acre Sports park R.FP privatc /public partnership • Old laird Ranch in OVIU area and develop fields (FIFA size fields) for tournament use. C onitnissioner 13uddingh asked if the budget was approved, and if centers with fitness centers were open, if CDBG finding for Otay was approved? Mr. Martin responded that ties, the budget for 11Y 11 -12 was approved, yes recreation centers with fitness center are open but with reduced hours, and CDBG funding was approved for the Norman Part. Center. Information — Complaints received regarding condition of parks and decline in service - %lr. Hopkins provided an overview of the complaints received regarding decline in service at parks, park gazebos, etc. Mr. Hopkins explained, that the Department does not have park rangers to monitor the park gazebos, nor clerical to take park reservations, and further explained that the Department relies on park users /renters to clean -up after their party and as a result, there are instances where gazebos are left dirty. The Department is working with C:VPD about utilizing their senior volunteer patrol, to patrol park gazebo rentals. The Department requires $150K for a partial park ranger program; however, Council only approved a50K (for 4- months), and the remainder of year, the department would rely on volunteers. This funding would only be used on weekends (8:00 pin - 12:00 midnight to close parks and restrooms). Unfinished Business - None 6. New Business — None 7. Written Communications -- Staff Comments a. Recreation (Buck Martin) -- 1�ir.artin shared that Deputy Ramirez is holding Public Officee hours on Monday, July 11 at the Civic Center Library from 6:00 — 8:00 pm regarding recreation and park fees, and again the possible merger of I ibrar. and Recreation Departinctits. The ;Meeting Notice was distributed. b. Pul)lic Works -- \Is. Hopkins reported that copper wire was stolen from Los Ninos Park, and Horizon Park. 'There has been a significant increase in graffiti throughout the City, and this has become a major issue. Volunteers are Currently, being recruited to for graffiti abatement. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — June 30, 2011 5 Grant for South (;V Library Park name park contest; SDG &l3 donation for park irnprox,ements on west -side. Prop 84 Grants — Greg Rogers Park and Rice Canyon for environmentally friendly pavement (capture rain water). 9. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Garza commented that Public Works and Recreation Directors are doing an Amazing job dealing with the current fiscal situation and keeping a balance. Commissioner Buddingh requested information on how the Master Fee increase was developed for park and field fees for the next meeting. 10. Other - ]done Adjournment at 8:45 p.rri. to the regularly scheduled meeting of July 21, 2011 Submitted: '�``-