HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2002/09/19City of Chula Vista
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes
Thursday — 6:30 p.m. September 19, 2002
Mercy Building 430 F Street CV
Meeting Called to Order by Chair Lauren Weidner at 6:35 p.m.
1. Roll Call /Motion to Excuse
Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Chair Weidner, Commissioner Rude, and
Commissioner Strahl
Members Absent: Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Perondi
MSC (Weidner /Rude) 4 -0 -0 -2 excuse Commissioner Ramos and Perondi
Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation
Dave Byers, Deputy Director /Public Works Operations
Jerry Foncerrada, Deputy Director — Parks
Sunny Shy, Assistant Recreation Director
Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager
Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager
Sid Morris, Assistant City Manager
Ernie Medina, Recreation Supervisor I
Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III
Guests: Jim Dunn, AYSO
2. Approval of Minutes of August 15, 2002 — MSC (Weidner /Strahl) to move the August
15, 2002 Meeting Minutes to October meeting. Vote: 4 -0 -0 -2 (Perondi /Ramos absent)
Chair Weidner inquired on information requested regarding the vacant Parks and
Recreation Commission seat.
Director Martin stated that the City Council have applications and are currently
reviewing them for consideration and appointment.
3. Information Items -
a. Sports Field Allocation — Mr. Cox (Principal Recreation Manager), talked about
the Sports Field Allocation process, and stated that the Recreation Department
strives to maintain a balance between all user groups. Charts were developed to
indicate degree of use between each group. In addition, the charts also show
revenue brought in by youth and adult leagues.
Commissioner Strahl asked about the horse rink in the eastern part of Rohr Park.
Ms. Shy (Assistant Recreation Director) responded that the horse rink has been an
issue for many years, and several attempts have been made to relocate the rink.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes — September 19, 2002 2
In addition, moving the rink to another location has been evaluated as part of the
Master Plan for Rohr Park.
Mr. Morris (Assistant City Manager) also stated that discussions have taken place
with Supervisor Greg Cox about relocating the rink to another facility, and the
community sent correspondence to the City opposing this venture. In addition, Mr.
Morris suggested that the commission make a recommendation to staff that they
return during the CIP process /development, (which is where this project would be
funded). Also recommend that staff prepare for the next CIP submittals for park
issues and that they include funding for the Master Planning (including the 3 -acre
and General Master Plan for Rohr Park) and bring to the commission for review
and support.
Commissioner Salcido recommended that a partnership be developed between
the City and sport group organizations to assist in the development of fields in
Rohr Park.
Discussion held on the development of the 3 -acre parcel next to the golf course,
redevelopment of the site, and relocating the entrance to the course.
MSC (Weidner /Strahl) that the Commission advises to the City Council that
the 3 -acre parcel adjacent to the golf course parking lot at Rohr Park, is an
extremely valuable resource for the community as an exclusive recreation
area, and strongly recommends to the City Council that serious
consideration is given to developing that 3 -acre parcel solely for the use of
parks and recreation. Vote: (4- 0 -0 -2) (Perondi and Ramos Absent)
MSC (Weidner /Strahl) request for the October meeting a report from LAD
regarding the status of the Master Plan for Rohr Park, and where on the
landscape schedule the Master Plan is, specifically, the eastern end of Rohr
Park because of the concern of future park and recreation usage for various
areas of Rohr Park. Vote: (4- 0 -0 -2) (Perondi and Ramos absent)
b. Renovation of Park Sites — Mr. Byers (Deputy Director of Public Works
Operations) talked about concerns discussed at the August meeting regarding the
closure and renovations of soccer fields during certain time of year. Mr. Byers
talked about the type of grass (Bermuda — warm season) that is used throughout
the park system, and stated that this type of grass holds up to heavy sports use.
Mr. Byers also stated that Bermuda — warm season grass only grows between mid
April and mid October, and is dormant the rest of the other months (green grass in
the summer only). This is advantageous to the department because it does not
require additional watering or mowing.
Mr. Byers also stated that Parks Division is short staffed, whereby they cannot
renovate all the fields at one time, because staff has to mow, aero rate, and
fertilize all the other parkland in the City. Mr. Byers further explained that staff
rests the fields in the summer months (July, August & September) when the
season is warm to promote good turf, and to get the fields back into proper shape.
Mr. Byers stated that the year -round soccer greatly affects the growth of turf and
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes — September 19, 2002 3
the fields are required to be closed and rested to rejuvenate to avoid further
damage, minimize safety hazards.
Commissioner Weidner recommended that staff seek volunteers form YSC
Organization for future maintenance needs of fields to minimize out -of- service
fields, and maximize field usage.
Commissioner Weidner also recommended that staff seek information from Risk
Management and the City Attorney on allowing YSC volunteers to maintain fields,
along with city staff.
Commission recommended to the Department to have most fields out of service in
June and July (per Jerry's recommendation) for August soccer.
C. Golf Course Deficiencies Status — Mr. Foncerrada (Deputy Director /Parks)
talked about the items considered by staff to be in non - compliance and the efforts
made by American Golf (AG) that include: Golf Carts and the placement of the
Bridge over the 12th Fairway. AG is currently working with State Fish and Game
agencies to obtain the necessary permits to construct the new bridge for crossing
from the twelfth hole. Security lights will be completed by the end of the month.
Commissioner Strahl stated that he was happy to see the evaluation report
for June, but asked about the report for July and August
Mr. Foncerrada responded that in August, Golf Course Independent Evaluator, Jim
Allen from Torrey Pines Golf Course conducted an evaluation of the course, and
sent the City the results of his evaluation.
Commissioner Strahl stated that he would like to see July, August, and September
evaluation reports at the October meeting. In addition, he would like to receive the
report that Jim Allen provided to the City as well. Commissioner Strahl thanked
Mr. Foncerrada for the significant improvement that has been shown at the course,
which is due to the monitoring that is being done. Commissioner Strahl also stated
that it is important that the monthly evaluations need to continue, based upon on
the revenue generated from the facility. In addition, the users of the course should
have the opportunity to provide feedback to the City as their perspective, for
example, developing a form and providing it to the men's and women's club.
Commissioner Strahl requested that an evaluation form is developed and made
available to the users of the course (ensure that it is developed before Mr.
Foncerrada's retirement) whereby they can provide feedback.
Mr. Foncerrada stated that this was a good idea of developing an evaluation form
to the users of the course and would ensure that it is developed before retirement.
MSC (Weidner / Strahl) that members of commission recommend to staff that
golf course inspections continue to be made on a monthly basis using the
check -list which was provided to the commission Vote: 4 -0 -1 -2
(Perondi /Ramos Absent) (Commissioner Salcido opposed because the
motion is premature and did not feel a motion was necessary until input is
received)
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Commissioner Rude stated that she agrees that the report received has been the
most in -depth report received regarding the golf course, and agrees that the
members of the course should be consulted and surveyed.
MSC (Weidner /Salcido) request staff provide a feedback form to golf course
participants, and that the form covers major elements of golf course
Vote 4 -0 -0 -2 (Perondi /Ramos Absent)
Chair Weidner requested history information on AG Course Restaurant.
Mr. Foncerrada provided background information on AG and the restaurant.
Mr. Morris also provided a synopsis of the negotiations that took place between
the City and AG. He stated that the City approached AG and they agreed to
oversee the operation of the course and restaurant. Part of the negotiations was
that they operate it, and they would guarantee the City minimum rent as a result of
the operation of the restaurant.
Discussion held on the contract with American Golf Course and operation of the
restaurant.
Commissioner Strahl stated that he was under the impression that AG was
supposed to have a PGA Class A Pro on staff.
Mr. Foncerrada responded that there was a PGA Pro but recently resigned his
position.
Mr. Morris stated that this issue could be added to the next correspondence that is
sent to them, and clarify with them if there is a PGA Class A Pro on staff.
d. Middle School Program — Mr. Hall (Principal Recreation Manager) talked about
the Middle School Recreation Program in conjunction with the Sweetwater Union
High School District that jointly funds the after school program. The program is
additionally funded by Grants, and collaborative partners include South Bay YMCA
and South Bay Community Services. Activities include sports, crafts, homework
help, games, special events, field trips, specialized classes, and much more. This
is a free program to all participants. Mr. Hall discussed the attendance.
Mr. Medina (Recreation Supervisor 1) provided background information on the
specific programs offered such as: Flag Football Team; Phat Fridays; Power
Fitness Team, Dog Pound Football Team, Co -Ed Basketball Team
6. Unfinished Business —None
7. NEW BUSINESS — None
8. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes — September 19, 2002 5
9. COMMISSION COMMENTS —
• Commissioner Salcido thanked staff for their efforts in the community.
• Commissioner Strahl thanked Mr. Foncerrada for his work with the Golf Course.
STAFF COMMENTS — Ms. Shy talked about the Parks and Recreation Commission
Agenda for October, and stated that staff was going to be presenting the Master Plan for
Sunbow Park, and a large audience was expected and suggested that a change in venue
and time would be best.
MSC (Weidner /Saicido) to move the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and hold it at the Public Works Center at 1800 Maxwell
Road. Vote: 4 -0 -0 -2 (Ramos /Perondi Absent)
11. Other — None
Adjournment at 9:15 p.m. to the scheduled meeting of October 17, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at the
Chula Vista Public Works Center located at 1800 Maxwell Road Chula Vista, CA 91911
Respectfully submitted
Margarita Cellano, Administrative Secretanj
Recreation Department