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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-15 PRC MINSCity of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 pan. January 15, 2009 Civic Center Bldg 300 Cnf Rm B 128 276 Fourth Avenue Meeting called to order by Chair Garza at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation/Nature Center Richard Hopkins, Director of Public Works Ed Hall, Assistant Director of Recreation & Nature Center Agnes Bernardo, Parks & Open Space Manager Guests: Fernando Idigauez, Bonita Valley ASA Enrique Flores, Rebels Soccer, Eastlake Football Clement Corona 554 J Street CV - Sundevils Softball Roll Call/Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Vogel, Commissioner Commissioner Searles, Commissioner Chambers Members Absent: Commissioner Cien- Mayer, Rios MSC (Searles /Vogel 7- 0 -0 -2) to excuse Commissioner Cien -Mayer and Rios from tonight's meeting 2. a. Approval of Minutes of November 20, 2008 — Table to next meeting b. Approving Amendment to the 2003 Agreement between the Boys and Girls Club of Chula Vista and the City of Chula Vista for lease and operation of a Skate Park and Amending City of Chula Vista Municipal Ordinance 2.66 to allow Bicycle Motocross (BMX) at Len Moore Skate Park Mr. Hall (Assistant Director of Recreation and Nature Center) talked about the current agreement with the Boys and Girls Club. He made note that: • Since beginning operations in 2003, the use of BMX bikes at the facility has been prohibited by Chula Vista Ordinance 2.66 • Since 2003, interest and requests for BMX bicycle access has increased; • BMX was originally prohibited at the Skate Park due to concern that it cause damage to the concrete; • Staff research showed that other skate parks in the County and State have allowed BMX without incurring damage to facilities or personal injury; Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 2 • Staff from Recreation and Public Works visited skate parks in City of Santee and City of Escondido and found that there wasn't facility damage or personal injuries attributable to BMX use, • Damage to the concrete from BMX bicycles have been mitigated by changes in materials; • BMX usage and skaters would be segregated by time, use and area; and • Insurance Requirements have been addressed and approved by the City's Risk Management Division. Commissioner Searles inquired about the Insurance by the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Hall responded that the Club provides higher rate insurance (combined with $2 Million aggregate); which has been approved by the City's Risk Management Division. Commissioner Searles inquired about usage of the park between BMX users and skaters. Mr. Hall responded that both groups would be segregated by area and time. Commissioner Chambers inquired about an entrance fee to the park. Mr. Hall responded the entrance fee to the park would remain the same. Commissioner Scott inquired about BMX users and waivers. Mr. Hall responded that BMX users would be required to sign waivers, as will the parents. Commissioner Vogel inquired about any other BMX areas in the City. Mr. Hall responded that to his knowledge there aren't any other BMX parks in the City. Commissioner Garza noted that it appears that the skate park has a designated area for each user, safety equipment requirements are in place, and signature on waivers is required. MSC (Vogel /Scott 5 -0 -0 -2 with Cien -Mayer and Rios absent) to recommend approving an amendment to the current operating agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Chula Vista and approving an amendment to the City of Chula Vista Municipal Ordinance 2.66 allowing BMX bicycle use at Len Moore Skate park specifically. 3. a. City of Chula Vista Status on current budget Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation and Nature Center) provided an update on the current budget. He noted that Chula Vista Employees Association and Western Council of Engineers gave up their Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for January 09 and January 2010. As a Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 3 result of that action, 33 employees slated for lay -off and programs have been reinstated, for now (i.e. Parkway Facility). The City is currently realizing a $4 million dollar short- fall, and seeking ways of saving additional employees from being laid off. International Fire Fighters Association and Police Officers Association are currently in negotiations with the City about their COLA for 2009 and 2010, and depending on how those associations vote, will depend on how many additional employees are kept on the books or laid off (15 Fire Department employees and 23 Police Department employees). Mr. Martin informed the Commission that the Recreation Department's budget has been cut by $1.2 million dollars in part-time hours collectively over the past two - years. Currently, it appears that the Therapeutics program that was scheduled to be being eliminated from the budget, could be funded by CDBG funding. Awaiting on Council approval. He also noted that the Middle School program and Mobile Recreation programs are being eliminated from the budget. The Mobile Recreation Program is funded by a grant through the State of California, and those funds have been frozen. The Mobile Recreation Program (community center on wheels) provides recreation programs at Ilarborside Parks and Los Ninos Park and serves under - served /privileged children from those communities. Mr. Martin also pointed out that during this budget cycle, an additional $465K was cut fiom part -time hourly budget. This means that all free programs (i.e., Fun to Be Fit, health and wellness programs, free drop in programs, etc.) have been eliminated. Mr. Martin also noted that this past summer, the Friends of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation (a 501 (c)3) donated $8K to continue 8 -weeks of free swim, health and wellness programs, and fun -to -be -tit programs for the community (served approximately 4k participants). Staff is hopeful that if and when the tax - increase is approved, those funds would reinstate the much needed recreation programs that improve the duality of life for the Chula Vista community. Mr. Richard Hopkins (Director of Public Works) shared with the Commission that Clue to restructuring of the City, lie is now overseeing Engineering and Public Works, which includes Parks Division. Mr. Hopkins also shared with the Commission about the Main Street Stimulus Package that has been discussed in the news. The goal of this Stimulus Package is to provide an economic stimulus to the nation to fix and repair infrastructure and create jobs (somewhere between $750 billion and $1.3 trillion). In October 2008, City staffput together a list ofprojects that could be done for the City. In addition, staff visited Congressman Filner in December 2008 and received encouraging words from him. The City's project list for the Stimulus Package totaled $520 Million dollars for infrastructure improvements throughout the City. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 4 Mr. Hopkins also noted that the City's list for the Stimulus Package has many sections. He highlighted a few of the projects that would be addressed with fields received from the Stimulus Package. Improvements that require immediate attention (or considered shovel- ready) include: • All Seasons Neighborhood Park Construction (currently not enough P.A.D. Fees available to build the park); • Rohr Park upgrades (irrigation systems, restrooms, picnic shelters); • Greg Rogers Park (storage facility, restroorn, picnic shelters); • Irrigation and modernization city -wide; • Memorial Park arbors and water-teature restoration; • Norman Park (.enter (equipment, community meeting space & office space); • Converting multi- purpose fields from grass to artificial turf, • Rancho del Rey Library (designed but funding not available to build or operate); Projects close to being ready for improvements (6- months) - $37 Million worth of projects include: • Restore and renovate Rohr Manor (designated as a historical site); • Lauderbach Recreation Center; • City -wide park restroom replacement; • Loma Verde Recreation Center upgrade (rear - patio, etc.); • Chula Vista Woman's Club; • Chula Vista Animal Shelter; • Wheel Chair access throughout city parks; • Ballfield lighting; • Lauderbach Park parking lot expansion and repair; • Fields from Loma Verde facility to Max Field; • Jogging trail around Rohr Park; • Parking lot re- pavement; • Reinstra Sports Fields; Projects in -line 12- months: • Eucalyptus Park ballfields and restore picnic shelters; • C.V. Nature Center parking lot; • C.V. Visitor's Center; • C.V. Civic Center Library; • C.V. South Library (energy efficiency) b. Police Department Service Calls to Chula Vista Parks — Mr. Martin presented the information item and attachments. Ms. Bernardo (Parks and Open Space Manager) infonned the Commission that this type of information assists the department in determining whether alcohol should be banned from a park. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 Commissioner Scott asked about the Adopt -A -Park Program and asked how many parks had been adopted. Ms. Bernardo responded that currently 6 parks are adopted. She also mentioned that they receive requests from students wishing to complete their community service requirement. Commissioner Scott requested a list of parks that have not been adopted through the Adopt - A -Park program. She also noted that she belongs to the Kiwanis Club and thought this would be a good fist to provide them. She suggested that the Commission advocate to private groups (such as Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.) the need to adopt a park. Ms. Bernardo responded that she would provide that list to her. Ms. Bernardo also informed the Commission that the commitment for any group wishing to adopt a park is 2 -years and work 2 -3 hours per week. The City provides trash bags and gloves, and guidelines. The City posts a sign at the park advertising the group's name that has adopted that particular park. c. Suspension of Mobile Recreation Program — The City received a notice from the State of California informing that funding for this program would be suspended. Mr. Hall (Assistant Director of Recreation & Nature Center) noted that this program was used to serve the underserved community and the areas that do not have access to community centers. Commissioner Scott asked for the status of the meeting she had with Mr. Martin regarding grant proposals. She also noted that she would volunteer to write a grant for funding from Kiwanis International if data could be provided. She also shared with the Commission that First -Five Organization has approximately $1 OM available for grants. These grants are available for programming that deals with children from the ages of 5 years of age and younger. Mr. Martin responded that the department could use this grant for the Tiny Tot Program, bumble bee programs, Tiny Tot Swim Program. He also stated that staff had discussed this grant with him, and that lie would make sure that staff contacts her. 4. Unfinished Business — None 5. New Business — None 6. Written Communications — None 7. Commission Comments Commissioner Scott noted that she was happy that the Parkway Facility would remain open. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 6 Commissioner Searles also noted that he was happy hat the Parkway Facility was not deleted from the budget. He also stated that he thinks that it is important for the Rec N Roll to remain budgeted and continues to service the underserved community. Commissioner Chambers also stated that he was happy with the outcome of the Parkway Facility and was glad that it would remain open for the community to enjoy. He noted that it is important to encourage participation of the community to support recreation programs. Commissioner Vogel was glad to see that Parkway Facility would remain open. He asked about the $1.5 M that Council is going to spend to purchase a small piece of property off of Orange Avenue (for park purposes). Mr. Martin responded that when Montgomery was annexed park requirements were being met. Currently, the park requirement /ratio is 3 -acres per 1,000 population. The park requirement is deficient in the west by 89 acres, and therefore it was suggested /considered to purchase this parcel. The parcel measures 1.8 acres, and would have been a small park. Council gave direction to staff approximately 8- months ago to increase park inventory. Redevelopment has funds that need to be spent and could only be used for acquisition or capital improvements. Commissioner Vogel suggested restroom at SDG &E Park. Mr. Martin further stated that staff is re- evaluating this parcel and /or looking at other parcels. Commissioner Vogel asked if the Redevelopment Funds could be used expand the Parkway Pool onto the existing parkland so that it could have a full long course and diving facilities. Commissioner Searles also stated that that sounds like a great idea because the Parkway Facility is a bit older than other facilities and could be refurbished in an ecologically friendly manner. Commissioner Garza requested that the DRAFT minutes be sent out for review because of the fact that the commission is only meeting every- other - month. In addition and resend out the commission meeting schedule. 8. Staff Comments — a. Recreation Monthly Report (Buck Martin) — Mr. Martin reviewed the department's monthly report and made note of the Employees of the Month, Elizabeth Kolata and Karina Craig of the Parkway Family Aquatic Center. In addition, the Friends of CV Parks & Recreation applied for another $50K grant from Kaiser. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — January 15, 2009 7 b. Public Works (Richard Hopkins) - Mr. Hopkins shared with the commission that the City was cautioned by Sweetwater Authority about the current drought situation. He noted that water for parks in western Chula Vista would be shut -off (due to lack of recycled /reclaimed water systems). The parks in eastern Chula Vista have the recycled water systems installed so therefore those parks are not being affected. Consultant is being hired to assist with this endeavor on developing ways of water usage. 9. Public Comments Fernando Idiquez informed the Commission that Ted Nelson is an integral part of the Youth Sports Council. Losing the park ranger staff is a huge concern to the YSC and is important to keep them employed. Clemente Corona wanted to reiterate the message given by Fernando. It's impossible to run safe programs when park rangers are not available. Also asked about building a sports complex in Chula Vista because without a facility, Chula Vista is losing out on big revenue. Enrique Flores also stated that the rangers are important but also shared with the commission that it was disappointing to learn at a City presentation that the YSC members not be allowed to maintain fields, picking -up trash, etc. The message received was that the City did not require assistance. Ms. Bernardo responded that clarification was required on the need for assistance in parks. Mr. Hopkins asked that staff could attend a YSC meeting and provide clarification. 10. Other Meeting Adjournment at 8:30 p.m. to the regularly scheduled meeting of March 19, 2009 Prepared: J�Wr (°kkx,U-iAtl