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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-18 PRC MINSCity of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 p.m. January 18, 2007 Public Works Operations 1800 Maxwell Road CV Meeting called to order by Chair Rios at 6:45 p.m. Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation Shauna Stokes, Assistant Director of Recreation Rick Hopkins, Assistant Director of Public Works Operations Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager Larry Eliason, Parks and Open Space Manager John Stedman, Public Safety Analyst Richard Preuss, Police Community Relations Specialist Mary Radley, Landscape Architect Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III Guests: Bob Beverley, 129 Alvarado St, CV CA 91915 Bill Winters, 1945 Duke Street, CV Cristobal Medina, 365 Moss St #B- CV Ramos Roll Call /Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Perondi, Commissioner Rios, Members Absent: Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Cien- Mayer, Commissioner Searles MSC (Perondi /Salcido) to approve the absence Commissioners Cien- Mayer, Searles, and Chair Rios noted that presentation of plaque to Commissioner Weidner would be presented when she arrived. Approval of Minutes a. September 21, 2006 - MSC (Peron di /Salcido Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 with Ramos, Cien- Mayer, and Searles absent) to approve the minutes as presented out of necessity. b. November 16, 2006 - MSC (Salcido /Perondi Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 with Ramos, Cien- Mayer, and Searles absent) to approve the minutes as presented out of necessity. MSC (Perondi /Salcido Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 with Ramos, Cien- Mayer, and Searles absent) to move Item 3b out of order 3. b. Update on Alcohol Ban in Four Parks (John Stedman - Police Department) - Mr. John Stedman (Public Safety Analyst) provided an update on alcohol ban in four City of Chula Vista parks. He noted that Parks Operations, Public Works Operations, Recreation Department and Police Department met in regards to banning alcohol in 4 parks in Parks and Recreation Commission - January 18, 2007 Chula Vista with the most disorder problems due to alcohol consumption by users. The intent of having alcohol banned from the 4 parks was to reduce violent crime and disorder. Alcohol ban went into effect on I/ 1 /06 at Eucalyptus, Friendship, Lauderbach and Memorial Parks. It was also noted, that a permit to have alcohol at these parks was required. Mr. Stedman also provided an update on the types of service calls placed to the Police Department since the alcohol ban of these 4 parks went into effect. Of special note, there was a significant decrease in Violent Calls associated with these parks. Mr. Stedman also reviewed the number of Disorder Calls, Calls Involving Transients, and Alcohol - Related Arrests. Mr. Stedman noted that the Police Department continues to monitor all parks and conduct enforcement when appropriate, and the other departments continue to make physical improvements to the parks to make them more community friendly. Mr. Stedman also noted that Lauderbach Park in particular is an attractive area for transients to congregate because its vicinity is near free meals, recycling centers, and liquor stores. In addition, 41 citations have been issues this past year for drinking in Eucalypuus, Lauderbach, and Memorial Parks with out a permit. Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) reviewed improvements made to the 4 different parks. Improvements made are as follows: Lauderbach Park: had skate stoppers added, shrubbery removed and /or trimmed back, graffiti on fence painted over, new playground added for 5 -12 year olds, dumpster area cleaned out and locked, and fences repaired; Eucalyptus Park: Tennis & basketball courts re- surfaced, new pavilion, sod, volleyball area, tables and benches, dumpster enclosure, and gates. Please note that these items are added or have been replaced. Memorial Park: Wrought iron fencing was updated throughout the park, additional signs around museum were added, trash containers were moved to discourage skateboarding, and renovation started on Memorial Bowl arena. Mr. Richard Preuss (Police Community Relations Specialist) briefly discussed the Safe City Project. He explained that this is a project that is a Police- Business Crime Reduction Partnership in the vicinity of Eucalyptus Park, which also encompasses the northwest area of Chula Vista (including portions of National City). Commissioner Perondi asked if support was being provided by the City of National City. Mr. Preuss (Police Community Relations Specialist) responded that the City of National City does provide their support, and they attend meetings when held. In addition, there is discussion with National City to realign City limits. Commissioner Salcido asked if a skate park area could be added to Memorial Park. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) responded that a skate park could not be added to Memorial Park, as it is a considered a passive park. 2. c. Improvements to Enhance Public Health and Safety at Lauderbach Park - Mr. Rick Hopkins (Assistant Director of Public Works Operations) provided a brief overview of the Parks and Recreation Commission - January 18, 2007 Lauderbach Park Community Meeting held on December 6, 2006. Mr. Hopkins stated that improvements to the park would help in reducing the number of transients that congregate in front of the park, and on the north east side of the building. Of special note, proposed improvements to the park include: Leasing additional area to Boys and Girls Club (B &G Club), fencing around both playgrounds and front area of park (controlled by B &G Club), increase and /or improve existing lighting for legitimate park use at night (soccer practice), encourage field allocation to leagues through the Youth Sports Council (YSC), new playground for 2 -5 year olds, and the addition of park signs. A public restroom would be attached to the existing building (in back of building) and open only during park hours. Mr. Hopkins also informed the Commission that the B &G Club applied for a grant through KABOOM for upgrades to the play equipment and surface. Commissioner Salcido asked what would preclude the transients from congregating in the back of the park when the B &G Club shuts down the front area of park. Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Public Works Operations) responded that the problem with transients congregating in front of the building only occurs in the daytime. In addition, with having these improvements made to the park, the park will become more user friendly. Commissioner Salcido stated that currently Lauderbach Park field is not allocated by the YSC. Mr. Ted Nelson (Recreation Supervisor III) responded that this park is on the Field Allocation Matrix beginning in spring 2007. It is allocated to Clasico Soccer from February - July. Commissioner Scott asked about the current play surface area around the tot lot. Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Public Works Operations) responded that currently the surface around the play area is sand, and not wheelchair accessible. A rubberized surface will be installed to make it more accessible. Chair Rios asked if the B &G Club would be maintaining the front of the building and restrooms? Mr. Hopkins (Assistant Director of Public Works Operations) responded the City would maintain the external restrooms, while the B &G Club will maintain the new area in front, and the City will continue with maintaining the landscaping. Commissioner Perondi requested that the restroom area be highly lighted for security purposes for employee safety. Mr. Preuss (Police Community Relations Specialist) responded that the lighting portion of these improvements would be addressed through the Police Department Standards and would ensure that it is safe for maintenance employees. MSC (Scott / Salcido Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 with Ramos, Searles, and Cien -Mayer absent) to endorse staff recommendations as presented by their report for improvements of Lauderbach Park Parks and Recreation Commission - January 18, 2007 MSC (Scott /Perondi Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 with Ramos, Searles and Cien -Mayer absent) to move Item 9, Public Comments out of order Mr. Bill Winters informed the Commission about an organization, Big League Dreams Sports, that develops sports facilities in communities. Mr. Winters stated that there is a shortage of little league fields in Chula Vista. In addition, he informed the Commission about the benefits of partnering with this organization to develop a sports facility in Chula Vista. Mr. Winters covered the benefits of having a Big League Dreams Sports facility, and they include: additional recreations sports facilities to the community, the community is served, no city maintenance or operations costs, no taxpayer expense, revenue generated for the City, positive local economic impact, and large market visibility. He informed the Commission that Big League Dreams Sports facilities are currently located in Mira Loma, CA; Chino Hills, CA; Redding, CA; League City, TX; and other cities. Mr. Bob Beyerle informed the Commission that he recently visited Chino Hills CA., and played at a Big League Dreams Sports field. He was informed that the Big League Sports field brings in $1 M in revenue to the City of Chino Hills on a yearly basis. He highly recommended that City of Chula Vista research the benefits of having this type of sports facility, and consider a partnership with them. Commissioner Salcido asked if the mounds were portable. Mr. Beyerle responded that the mounds are portable, and can be moved; bases are pegged, and fields are also portable. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) informed Mr. Winters that the City of Chula Vista is cognizant of the shortage of fields, and that the City is constantly finding ways (resources and alternative land sites) to develop sports fields that would benefit all different sports, and not just little league. The Recreation Department is proactive in emphasizing to the Building and Planning Department staff that interacts with the developers, that they emphasize to the developers the importance and benefit of adding sports fields for all different sports, ensuring gender equity by including fields to serve both boys' and girls' sports. sports. Mr. Winters responded that he appreciates the City being proactive, and believes the developers are very supportive of this type of facility. The Commission thanked Mr. Winters and Mr. Beyerle for their time and presentation a. Alcohol Use in City Parks - Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) noted that banning alcohol at all parks in Chula Vista would not be considered. Presently, only four parks are under the alcohol ban restriction. C. Commission Letter to Port District Re: Bayfront Project - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) briefly discussed the letter to the Port District regarding the Bayfront Project. Mr. Rios (Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission) informed the Commission that he would stop by Recreation Administration and sign the letter. d. Cost of page in quarterly Recreation Department brochure - Mr. Cox (Principal Recreation Manger) stated that at the November 16, 2006 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Commissioner Salcido requested information on the Parks and Recreation Commission - January 18, 2007 possibility of including Youth Sports Council (YSC) contact information in future department quarterly brochures. Mr. Cox further stated that because of space constraints within the existing brochure, it is not feasible to add YSC information. Staff received information from the printers and stated that because of printing logistics, pages in increments of 2 could not be added, but would have to be 4 pages, which would be cost prohibitive. 45,000 copies of the brochure are printed each quarter, and the cost of adding additional pages would be $816.75 per season, or $3,267 for a full year. Mr. Cox also informed the Commission that beginning with Spring 2007 edition of the quarterly brochure, the Department would include brief information that will direct the public to the Recreation Department's section of the City's website where YSC contact information is currently available. The YSC also informed City staff that they do not want their personal phone numbers listed. Commissioner Salcido stated that he appreciates the information, and is concerned that the YSC information is difficult to locate on the Recreation Web page. Mr. Cox responded that he would ask staff to look into this and make it easier for people to locate YSC information. Commissioner Scott asked about distribution of brochures. Mr. Cox responded that the distribution is 45,000 brochures to schools in Chula Vista. In addition, added that in the future the Department is hopeful to be able to mail the brochure to the residents of Chula Vista. The cost of mailing brochures to all residents in Chula Vista is very expensive. Commissioner Scott asked if staff had considered an insert scenario and asked about the cost. Mr. Cox responded that the cost and logistics of providing an insert is always prohibitive. e. Posting closure of Open Space Gazebos in Sunbow II - Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) informed the Commission that a Chula Vista resident approached the City Council regarding security measures at Sunbow ll. Currently there are four shelters in the open space area in Sunbow II that overlook Olympic Parkway (by Paseo Ladera). Staff received a petition from the residents of Sunbow Il, and staff held a community meeting regarding concerns of lack of lighting and posting of hours at those shelters. Mr. Eliason stated that because these shelters are in a dedicated open space area, Public Works Operations Department would require permission from the City Council for posting shelter hours. The Department would be requesting permission from Council In February via a Council Report. In addition, to rectify the concern about lighting, the Department is inserting double lighting, which would shed light onto the street and gazebo. Chair Rios requested clarification on the residents' concerns. Parks and Recreation Commission - January 18, 2007 Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) responded that the residents requested increasing the lighting at the shelters, and decreasing the hours of usage at the shelters. 4. Unfinished Business: None 5. New Business: None 6. Written Communications: None Commission Comments: Commissioner Salcido asked about the type of grass in various parks, and asked about the watering schedule in the various parks in particular Discovery Park, Veterans Park, and Mountain Hawk Park. He stated that as he understands that Bermuda grass is planted at these parks for water saving measures. Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) responded that the City uses Bermuda grass, which is dormant in the winter, and watering stops in late September. Commissioner Salcido stated that AYSO # 116 is currently playing at Discovery Park on dead grass and muddy conditions, and asked what could be done to change the type of grass that is used in fields. He also stated that this park was closed for an extended period of time, and now the park users are playing on dead grass. This is a negative situation that these fields are in dormant during the prime playing time for soccer. Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) responded that Bermuda is utilized because it is drought tolerant, durable, repairs itself when damaged, and saves labor. If the City over - seeded with Rye (500 acres of parkland), then that would require additional watering and maintenance. Fescue does not repair itself, as Bermuda does. Commissioner Salcido responded that the conditions the fields are in are a disservice to the users by the Public Works Department, because of the type of grass used in the park, and asked that staff take into consideration adding an item to the Agenda for the February meeting regarding changing the type of grass used in parks to allow more usage. 8. Staff Comments - a. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) reviewed the monthly report to the Commission. b. Mr. Eliason (Parks and Open Space Manager) informed the Commission that the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and KaBOOM are looking for volunteers on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 to build a safe and accessible playground in 1 day for children in Chula Vista's Eucalyptus Park. In addition, volunteers are also needed on Saturday, February 10, 2007 for prep work. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. to February 15, 2007 Margarita Cellanof ���