HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-21 PRC MINSCity of Chula Vista
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. February 21, 2008
Public Works Center 1800 Maxwell Road
Meeting called to order by Chair Searles at 6:30 p.m.
Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation
Dave Byers, Director of Public Works
Jack Griffin, Director of Engineering and General Services
Ed Hall, Assistant Recreation Director
Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager
John Gates, Acting Principal Recreation Manager
Tom Class, Parks Supervisor
Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III
Guests: Karl Mondt - 401 Calle La Morena, C.V. Ca 91914
Roll Call /Motion to Excuse
Members Present: Commissioner Ramos, Rios, Searles, Garza, and Chambers
Members Absent: Commissioner Scott and Cien -Mayer
MSC (Ramos /Chambers) to excuse Commissioner Scott and Cien -Mayer
2. Approval of Minutes - November 15, 2007
MSC Rios /Ramos (Vote 4 -0 -0 -2 with Scott and Cien -Mayer absent) to approve Minutes of
November 15, 2007
3. Information Items
a. Change in Ordinance - Increase Park Ranger Authority - Mr. Tom Class (Parks
Manager) informed the Commission that the park rangers have not experienced any
difficulties with removing unauthorized groups from parks. The Rangers have been
successful in enforcing the current ordinance.
Commissioner Garza asked about a groups insisting on staying on park grounds after
being asked to leave by the Park Rangers.
Mr. Class responded that this has not been an issue for the Park Rangers, and in
addition to the current ordinance, there is also a trespassing ordinance.
b. Field Use Agreement between City of Chula Vista and Sweetwater Union High School
District - Mr. Brian Cox (Principal Recreation Manager) informed the Commission that
the current agreement is being extended to June 30, 2008. The SUHSD is currently
undergoing administrative staff changes and it was decided by them to extend the
Agreement to June 30, 2008.
Parks and Recreation Commission - February 21, 2008 Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Garza inquired about a Master Joint Use Agreement with all of the
Middle Schools.
Mr. Cox responded that this item has been pursued, however, with the administrative
staff changes at the District offices, that agreement has been delayed as well.
Current agreements that the Department is working on include: Rancho Del Rey
Middle School, Eastlake High School (ends 2013), Master Agreements, and a Joint -
Use for Care Shelter.
c. Status of Mount San Miguel Community park and All Seasons Park - Mr. Jack Griffin
(Director of Engineering and General Services) provided background information on
both parks. He reviewed the acquired fees and design build agreement. Mr. Griffin
noted funding is available for construction of the Mount San Miguel Park, however,
there is an issue about maintaining both parks. Mr. Griffin also noted that the City
Manager directed him in November 2007 to halt the process of both parks. However,
in January, direction was received from the City Manager to go forward with the
process. Mr. Griffin also noted that the operating costs of the both parks will be
realized in Budget Year 2010.
Commissioner Chambers inquired about the costs of the parks.
Mr. Griffin responded that the cost is approximately, $8.5 million to build Mount San
Miguel Park and $3.1 million to build All Seasons Park.
Commissioner Garza asked if both parks needed to be built at the same time.
Mr. Griffin responded that they did not need to be built at the same time, however,
with the current construction and contractor costs being reasonable, the City would
need to take advantage of that opportunity.
Chair Searles asked that Mr. Griffin return in April with a status of both parks.
d. Status on current budget and status on budget alternatives - Mr. Dave Byers (Director
of Public Works) briefly recapped budget discussion from the previous commission
meeting. He noted that with the reduction in gardener positions, the impacts would
affect mowing, trash removal, spraying, weeding, and thatching would be done on
a quarterly basis. He noted that every department in the city had to again cut 10%
from their budget, and continue with a hiring freeze.
Mr. Griffin informed the Commission that the Planning Commission recently approved
a 494 apartment complex, and that through discussion with Otay Ranch,
construction will be in Village 2 in July.
Commissioner Garza inquired about Adopt -a -Park Program.
Mr. Byers responded that the city does have that program and volunteers assist with
trash pick -up. Volunteers are not allowed to mow due to liability reasons.
Mr. Buck Martin (Director of Recreation) also briefly recapped budget discussion from
previous commission meeting. He noted that a large number part -time hours were
reduced from the budget already, and that more hours would be reduced. He also
informed the Commission that the department continues to look for funding
Parks and Recreation Commission - February 21, 2008 Page 3 of 3
alternatives to increase current resources so the budget crises won't have a negative
impact to the community.
Commissioner Chambers inquired as to when the hours would be cut.
Mr. Martin responded that none have been cut yet and the big challenge for
departments is picking and choosing what items will be cut from the budget.
Commissioner Garza asked if Fiscal Year 2009/2010 is better or worse than Fiscal Year
2008/2009, and also stated that he can't imagine the City laying off staff.
Mr. Byers responded that it all depended on the economy.
Chair Searles informed the Commission that he attended a Council meeting in
December and voiced his concerns about the budget and also encouraged the
commission to attend future council meetings and voice concerns about cutting
recreation and park services.
4. Unfinished Business: None
5. New Business: None
6. Written Communications: None
7. Commission Comments:
Commissioner Rios wished everyone a Happy New Year and hopes that city staff are
spared their job.
Commissioner Garza thanked staff for everything they do on a daily basis, and for
working towards staff keeping their jobs.
Commissioner Chambers informed the commission that he would be attending council
meetings and addressing the Council.
Commissioner Ramos informed the commission that she would have to miss the March
meeting and asked for an excused absence.
Chair Searles asked that an action item be placed on the next agenda, "Change Venue
for Future Meeting ".
8. Staff Comments -
a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) reviewed the
monthly report and reminded the Commission of the Re -Grand Opening of Otay Park
on Friday, February 22, 2008.
b. Public Works Monthly Report - Nothing to report.
9. Public Comments - None
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. to March 20, 2008