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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-17 PRC MINSCity of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. April 17, 2008 Public Works Center 1800 Maxwell Road Meeting called to order by Chair Searles at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: Ed Hall, Assistant Recreation Director Richard Hopkins, Engineering & General Services Tom Class, Parks Supervisor Guests: Peter Watry- Crossroads, Chula Vista, CA Don Salcido, Chula Vista, CA Roll Call /Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Rios, Searles, Garza, Cien- Mayer, and Chambers Members Absent: Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Ramos MSC (Garza /Chambers) to excuse Commissioner Scott and Ramos MSC Rios /Cien -Mayer (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to take Item 9 Public Comments out of order. Mr. Peter Watry of Crossroads addressed the Commission and thanked the Commission for approving the Drop Hammer that was placed in Memorial Park. He distributed photographs of the Drop Hammer and urged the Commission to visit the park. Mr. Don Salcido, former Parks and Recreation Commissioner commented that the dumpsters at Veterans Park are not emptied often and present an unsightly odor to neighbors of the park. He also noted that he believes that the Park Rangers do not carry enough authority with them to enforce park regulations when it comes to removing people that are utilizing the park facilities illegally and recommends utilizing the senior patrol or reserve police officers to control these issues or to have a "presence" in the park. Chair Searles stated there seems to be a discrepancy with regards to enforcing the current ordinance. This topic was discussed at the February meeting and the park rangers appeared to not have any issues with removing unauthorized users from the park. Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Engineering and General Services) noted that he is aware that the Police Department does not like utilizing their senior patrol officers in situations that will put them at risk. a. Approval of Minutes - February 21, 2008 MSC Rios /Ramos (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to approve Minutes of February 21, 2008. Parks and Recreation Commission - April 17, 2008 Page 2 of 4 b. Consider Changing Meeting Venue for May Meeting - Chair Searles noted that he would like to hold the Parks and Recreation Commission in alternate locations between the Public Works Center and the Civic Center. He requested that staff research meeting venues and provide information at the May meeting. Commissioners Rios, Chambers, Garza, and Cien -Mayer all stated that this was an excellent idea. MSC Rios /Chambers (Vote 4 -0 -0 -2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to approve having the meeting locations in alternate locations and having staff research meeting sights for the upcoming meetings. C. Approval of Alcohol Ban at Harborside Park - Mr. Ed Hall (Assistant Director of Recreation) informed the Commission a request was coming forward with regards to posting signs making it unlawful to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage without a permit within Harborside Park. He further noted that in January 2006 the City placed signs prohibiting alcohol in Lauderbach, Eucalyptus, Memorial, and Friendship Parks (unless the park user was in possession of a valid park use permit). As a result of this action, a downward trend in violent and disorder calls to these parks has been noted. Mr. Hall explained that since the opening of Harborside Park in May 2006, the rate of violent and disorder calls at the park have increased 252% over the rate in 2007. A graph which represents parks in the west side of Chula Vista was discussed, and indicated the "Violent and Disorder" calls to parks that are 2 -acres or larger. Commissioner Chambers noted that this ordinance is greatly needed at this park. Chair Searles asked if there are any members of the public who are opposed to the ban of alcohol at any of the parks. Mr. Hall responded that he is not aware of any complaints or opposition to this type of ban. MSC Cien- Mayer /Garza (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 with Scott and Ramos absent) to recommend the installation of signs prohibiting the possession and /or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Harborside Park. 3. Information Items a. Update Status on San Miguel Ranch Park and All Seasons Park - Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Engineering and General Services) provided a narrative update on the Master Plan for both parks. He noted that all required fees have been collected for both parks, and also made note of the maintenance cost to both parks as such: $120K for Rancho San Miguel Park and $40K for All Seasons Park. The construction cost of the parks are as such: Rancho San Miguel Park - $7million and All Seasons Park is $2.7 million. The contractor will maintain both parks for 1 -year and then turn it over to the City. Mr. Hopkins briefly talked about the park concepts of both parks and its amenities. Parks and Recreation Commission - April 17, 2008 Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Garza asked about lighting at Rancho San Miguel Park. Mr. Hopkins responded that the electrical conduits would be installed and the City Council would have to make decision on weather the park will be lighted or not, since there are budget constraints. Commissioner Garza highly urged and recommended that the park be lighted. Chair Searles inquired if the maintenance cost for both parks are for additional staff. Mr. Hopkins responded no, and stated that the maintenance cost reflects current staff levels. Mr. Class (Parks and Open Space Manager) also responded that the $120K includes current staffing, at of which, the department is down 7 gardeners. Mr. Hopkins informed the commission that the Parks Division took major hits with regards to their staffing, and the maintenance of parks would be decreased due to the shortage in staff. He further noted that he wasn't optimistic with the City hiring additional park maintenance staff. b. Update on Lauderbach Park - Mr. Hopkins (Director of Engineering and General Services) made reference to the public meeting of December 2006 as a result of continued complaints and concerns about homeless individuals hanging out in the park. Priorities were received at the public meeting which included, enhancement to lighting, fencing off the Boys & Girls Club area, improvement to tot -lot area, restroom, improve the picnic areas, and programming of park for practices. The City is starting on the 2nd phase of construction which includes: building a restroom, upgrading the tot -lot area which includes removing the sand and replacing it with surfacing, and adding a fence around the tot -lot area. In addition, the fencing between Most Precious Blood and Lauderbach will be taken down, and there will be shared cost of maintaining the shrubbery. Chair Searles stated that it is important that the park is safe and engaging the community to make the park useable and as friendly as possible is the goal. Mr. Hopkins also made the commission aware of the San Diego Community Housing Corporation. This organization provides youths between the ages of 18 and 24 training in construction. They approached the City about renovation projects that this group can take on. Examples of renovation projects include: Greg Rogers Park restroom, break -room at Rohr Park, public area in -front of Luaderbach (Boys & Girls Club) remove bench which used to be bus stop, but is now used by homeless individuals. 4. Unfinished Business: None 5. New Business: None 6. Written Communications: None 7. Commission Comments: Parks and Recreation Commission - April 17, 2008 Page 4 of 4 Commissioner Rios noted that he read in the San Diego Union Tribune that Recreation was now overseeing the Nature Center and thought it would be a great addition to the Department. Commissioner Garza asked that staff look at the pros and cons when making decisions that would affect the community. Chair Searles stated that he also thinks that the Nature Center is a great addition to the Recreation Department, and thought about having Nature Center staff attend the commission meetings and vice - versa. 8. Staff Comments - a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Hall informed the Commission that the City is streamlining board and commission functions. The recommendation is that the commissions will meet every other month with the ability to call a special meeting if needed. Currently the City has 22 boards and commission, and total yearly cost is $850K. Recreation's staff cost is $30K. Chair Searles made note of Mr. Hall receiving the Public Health Champion Award that he received on April 4th. b. Public Works Monthly Report - Mr. Class reported that 1 full -time park ranger was cut from the budget, however, the department was able to transfer him to the parks division as a gardener. Commissioner Cien -Mayer asked how many park rangers the city had. Mr. Class responded that there are 2 full -time park rangers, and 9 part -time rangers. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. to May 15, 2008