HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2003/01/16City of Chula Vista
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes
Thursday - 6:30 p.m. January 16, 2003
Mercy Building 430 F Street CV
Meeting Called to Order by Chair Larry Perondi at 6:31 p.m.
Roll Call /Motion to Excuse
Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Rude, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner
Perondi, Commissioner Rios, Commissioner Weidner, and Commissioner Strahl
Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation
Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager
Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III
Mary Hofmockel, Principal Landscape Architect
John Krizan, Landscape Architect
Shauna Stokes, Administrative Services Manager
Dave Byers, Director of Public Works Operations
Larry Eliason, Acting Parks and Open Space Manager
Tom Class, Acting Senior Parks Supervisor
Andy Campbell, Director of Building and Park Construction
Joe Cargel, Chula Vista Police Department
Jeff Hobson, Chula Vista Police Department
Others Present: Bill Winters, Chula Vista Youth Sports Council
Jim Dunn, AYSO
Cheri Blatner- Pifer, KTU +A
Penny, KTU +A
Kurt Carlson, KTU +A
Sandy Gramley, Platt /Whitelaw
Guy Asaro, EastLake Company
2. Minutes
a. Approval of Minutes of December 19, 2002 -- MSC (Salcido /Rude) Approve the minutes of December 19,
2003 Vote: 6 -0 -0 -1 (Weidner late)
Chair Perondi stated that the Agenda would be taken out of order in order to make introductions of new
staff. MSC Rude /Salcido to move Item 10 - Other out of order (7- 0 -0 -0).
Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) introduced Shauna Stokes who will be the new Assistant Director of
Recreation beginning January 24, 2003.
Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) introduced Mr. Larry Eliason, Acting Parks and Open Space
Manager, and Mr. Tom Class, Acting Senior Park Supervisor.
b. Approval of Master Plan for the Community Park in Eastlake Trails
Mr. Krizan (Landscape Architect) talked about the public community park in EastLake Trails, and talked
about the location of the park, and acreage. Mr. Krizan introduced landscape architects KTU +A, Guy
Asaro of EastLake Company, and the architect for the recreation center, Platt /Whitelaw.
Mr. Kurt Carlson of KTU +A gave a brief presentation of the proposed park site. The park site is a 24 -acre
park site located in the EastLake Trails neighborhood south of Otay Lakes Road between the EastLake
Trails Subdivision and west of the EastLake Vistas Subdivision. Mr. Carlson stated the park was designed
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as a multi -use park. In addition, Mr. Carlson talked about the Workshop Process with the community;
the goals and objectives of the workshops that include: developing a distinct park theme; recognizing
and personalizing community identies; providing additional data to park design team, and proposing
possible park names. Findings from the workshop include: fields needed in the community; community
desires passive areas; maintain views; trail linkage; tennis courts and informal skate areas.
Mr. Carlson talked about the architecture of the park, and structures that simulate the character of the
"Old farm buildings ". The park has rolling terrain, and is landscaped with turf, shrubs, and
groundcovers.
Park Activities Program for the 24 -acre site includes:
- 20,000 s.f. gymnasium
- Two playfields for community team sports.
- Two tot lots - one for small children (2 -5) years and one for older children (5 -12) years of age.
- Picnic areas with shade structures (6) and 12 total
- Theme type bridges (3) for linking trail system for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicular
maintenance access
- Loop trail system that links to Greenbelt system with jogging trails and par course stations
- Sport Courts for outdoor basketball (2)
- Tennis Courts (2)
- Speed Soccer (1)
- Skate Area
- Natural Interpretive and Wetland mitigation areas
- Restroom facilities (3) that service the gym, teen center and fields.
Recreation Complex Activities Program
Ms. Sandy Gramley, of Platt /Whitelaw talked about the Recreation Complex Activities and Program.
Ms. Gramley stated that the facility is a 20,000 sq. ft recreation complex. The building will house a
gymnasium, weight room, teen annex and various support facilities. In addition, the building will be the
"focal point" of the park, and will designed to be highly visible in the park. This facility is designed
around a central courtyard, and will provide visibility and security of all building spaces. Ms. Gramley
further stated that the facility was designed to match the concept theme of early "California Ranch ".
The south side of the building faces the park, and has an overlook. Trellises were placed to
accommodate the seating area.
Ms. Gramley talked about the building material, and stated that the materials used are durable, and
are environmentally safe. Materials include: metal roof, stucco, stone veneer wall, gentle arches, wood
trellises with posts, etc. The building will include high and low louvers for natural ventilation.
Ms. Gramley talked about the comfort station, and described the materials used for the building, which
match the main facility. Louvers for natural ventilation, and skylights will also be used. The comfort
station is located mid -way through the park.
Ms. Cheri Blatner, Project Landscape Architect of KTU +A talked further about the park site,
programming, and the location of the park. In addition, Ms. Blatner stated that there is an approximate
58 -foot grade difference from the north side of the park (Otay Lakes Rd) to the south side of the park.
The park is tiered to 4 different levels to accommodate the grade change. The main vehicular access is
off of Otay Lakes Road, with two other entry nodes on the east side and west side.
Ms. Blatner talked about the circulation of the park and amenities, which include:
Salt -Creek corridor (runs through park is a major feature); Shade Structures /picnic areas (located
throughout the park); 3- bridges (pedestrian and vehicular access - across the creek); Active
areas are at the north end of the park; 2 Basketball courts at the east end; 2 Tennis Courts (north
side); Speed soccer; Informal Skate park; Multi - Purpose Recreation Field (lower level south of the
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recreation facility); Amphitheatre style seating to the east of multi - purpose field; 155 parking
spaces, 8 for physically disabled; 72 on- street (North Creekside Dr); 36 Oaknoll Ranch Rd. (237
total parking); Concrete Split rail fence runs along the frontage of Otay Lakes Rd; Fencing
through out the park; Swing Gate at entrance; Pedestrian Path through the park and center;
Entry monument sign with arbor; Children's Play area; Various Trash enclosures; Lighting at all
parking areas, recreation buildings, restroom facility, circulation areas, walkways, and ramps
(150 watt); Wetland mitigation located at the south end (interpretive theme); Windmill
representative of "rancho" theme; and Drinking fountains that are ADA and pet accessible
Chair Perondi asked that Commissioners provide their questions on the park and recreation facility one
at a time.
Commissioner Strahl asked why the multi - purpose field was not lit.
Mr. Krizan (Landscape Architect) responded that the response received from residents at the workshops
was not to have the lighted fields.
Commissioner Rude asked about amenities included that would consider this a passive park.
Ms. Blatner responded that benches are placed throughout the park, salt creek, boardwalk, and trails
on east and west sides of park.
Commissioner Weidner asked if the two restrooms attached to the recreation building were accessible
when the recreation facility is closed.
Ms. Gramley of Platt /Whitelaw responded that the restrooms are accessible, and locked separately.
Mr. Krizan also responded that the restrooms in the facility would be open during park hours.
Chair Perondi inquired about a controlled intersection at the entrance of the park.
Mr. Krizan responded that yes, Otay Lakes Rd (entrance of the park) would have signal light.
Commissioner Rios asked about the windmill size, and could that area be better utilized with a shade
structure. The concern is that the windmill could be used a climbing structure.
Mr. Carlson responded that the windmill is not large, but is large enough to see from afar, which
continues the theme. In addition, the team has looked at ways to not have this become climbing
structure.
Commissioner Salcido stated that he would like to see a small windmill placed on top of a shade picnic
structure.
Mr. Carlson responded that he thought this was a good idea.
Commissioner Salcido asked about the lights at multi- sports fields and light spillage affecting surrounding
homes. Is it cost effective to install underground wiring for future lighting, after planted trees (if any)
could grow and shade the lighting spillage.
Mr. Carlson stated that they responded to the need of the community.
Commissioner Rude stated that she feels that the community wasn't well represented and wants to see
the field lighted.
Commissioner Ramos stated she likes the idea of placing a small windmill structure on top of shade
structure.
Commissioner Weidner stated that if the multi -field is in a "valley ", why would lights be a problem with
spillage?
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Mr. Carlson responded that the lights are 65- 70 feet.
_ElI
Ms. Hofmockel (Principal Landscape Architect) responded that because the commission has the same
concerns that they had with lighting at Veteran's Park, and rather than going over the same concerns,
the commission should recommend to staff to explore efforts for lighting, and develop a strategy that
will accommodate issues with lighting (similar to Veteran's Park).
Commissioner Strahl would like to see the Skate area lit.
Commissioner Weidner stated that she does not want to see the Skate area lit.
MSC (Strahl /Weidner) (7- 0 -0 -0) approve the Draff Master Plan for the 24 -acre public community park
site in the EastLake Trails subdivision as presented, and direct staff to include lights at the multi- purpose
field, and include the requirement that lights are to be included (multi - purpose field) as part of the
design element process. In addition, staff will need to review the parking issue and windmill as a safety
issue.
MSC Perondi /Salcido (7- 0 -0 -0) to move item 4C Friendship Park Homeless Issue out order on the Agenda.
4c Friendship Park Homeless Issue - Police Agent Joe Cargel and Office Jeff Hobson talked about the
homeless issue at Friendship Park. Agent Cargel stated that their department has been tracking the
homeless from this park and other parks.
Officer Hobson stated that their department keeps statistics on the homeless population in the parks.
They have noticed that this type of unfavorable activity has declined in this park.
Two items that could help alleviate this problem, is changing the Municipal Code to no alcohol and also
implement a tot -lot in the park.
Chair Perondi stated that he would like this item placed on the Agenda for February for further
discussion.
2b Recommending a park name for the proposed public community park in EastLake Trails
Commissioner Salcido -
Rancho Chula Vista
Chair Perondi-
Salt Creek Park
Commissioner Rude -
Salt Creek Park
Commissioner Weidner -
SaltCreek Park
MSC Rude /Weidner (7- 0 -0 -0) to name the 24 -acre public community park site in the EastLake Trails
subdivision "Salt Creek Park"
2c Reconsider recommendation of park name for the 29 -acre community Park in Rolling Hills Ranch from
Montevalle Park to Creekside Park
Mr. Krizan (Landscape Architect) stated that staff was just made aware that the HOA facility adjacent
to the Salt Creek Community Park in EastLake is named Creekside.
Discussion held on the name "Montevalle" and Rancho Janal.
Commissioner Weidner - Monte Valle
Commissioner Rios - Montevalle
Commissioner Salcido - Rancho Jana[
Commissioner Strahl - either name is fine
Commissioner Rude - would like to receive other suggestions
Commissioner Ramos - Rancho Hills
Chair Perondi - Montevalle
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MSC Weidner /Ramos (5- 2 -0 -0) (Salcido and Rude Abstained) to keep the name Montevalle for the 29-
acre community park in Rolling Hills Ranch
3. Information Items
a. Chula Vista Fast Pitch (Brian Russo) - move to February. Mr. Russo was not at the Commission
meeting.
4. Unfinished Business
a. Lack of adequate fencing between the new Live Steamers Right -of -Way (ROW) and Golf Course
(Dave Byers)
Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) talked about the 4 -ft fence between the golf course and
Rohr Park (west end). Mr. Byers stated that the Live Steamers approached the Public Works Operations
Department and proposed to extend the train tracks along the western end of Rohr Park (close to the 4-
ft fence), and the Commission expressed concern about errant golf balls coming over the 4 -ft fence.
Mr. Byers further stated that Mr. Foncerrada (former Deputy Director of Parks) also expressed concern
about errant golf balls in this area, and as a result, proposed to install a 30 -foot fence. Mr. Byers also
stated that park users jump the 4 -ft fence and walk onto the golf course, and therefore, proposes that
an 8 -ft fence be installed in this area to keep park users from walking onto the golf course and to keep
errant golf balls from coming in contact with park users. The cost of the fence is $18,000 (4ft fence will
be removed and replaced with an 8 -ft fence).
Mr. Nelson (Recreation Supervisor III) commented that the new track will run by the tot lot, and adjacent
to the tot lot is a soccer field that is used. There is 15 -ft from train track to soccer field.
Mr. Byers stated that it was farther than 15 -feet.
Mr. Class (Acting Senior Park Supervisor) responded that the fencing would be moved back.
Commissioner Strahl expressed his concern with replacing the 4 -ft fence with a chain link fence, and the
cost associated with the fence. He stated that he did not see people hopping the 4 -ft fence as a
problem, and hoped that staff would look at replacing the chain link fence with natural barriers (such as
vegetation).
Mr. Class (Acting Senior Park Supervisor) responded that the main goal for installing a fence is due to
park users climbing over the 4 -ft fence. Another concern is the kids riding the train on weekends.
Commissioner Salcido asked if the fence had to be chain -link. He also suggested a green mesh netting.
Commissioner Salcido asked if softening this area with trees would be viable.
Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) responded that the problem with placing trees there is
that it won't prevent park patrons from going across the course, and it will block the whole view.
Commissioner Salcido stated that comments or survey from the golf course users, and golf course should
be taken as to what they see as a viable solution.
Commissioner Strahl stated he believes that that this issue could be addressed by planting foliage on
the golf course side.
Chair Perondi stated that he would like this topic placed on the agenda for February.
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4b. Status of security lighting at the golf Course Parking Lot
0
Mr. Class (Acting Senior Park Supervisor) stated that the he was informed that the lighting would be
complete by January 20, 2003 (paved parking lot in Bonita).
Commissioner Strahl expressed his concern with the lack of timeliness with replacing the lights in the
parking lot. He stated that he appeared before the City Council almost 10 months ago, and raised this
issue with them then. He went on to say that he is saddened with the bureaucracy and system when
items need replacing and upgrading at the golf course.
Chair Perondi stated that hopefully by the next meeting this problem will have been resolved.
New Business - None
Written Communications - None
7. Commission Comments -
8. Staff Comments - Buck talked about a phone call that he received from a resident requesting that a
tot -lot be placed at the Norman Park Center Park.
Chair Perondi stated that he would like this item placed on the Agenda for February.
9. Public Comments -
Mr. Jim Dunn of AYSO talked about field closures, and stated that he addressed the Commission a few
months back regarding the same subject. He was told that the growing season is July- August-
September for Bermuda, however the fields have been closed.
Chair Perondi stated that this is an equity issue.
Commissioner Weidner stated that the Commission went over this issue extensively, and stated that
there was an issue of equality, and baseball would have to give up fields. We recommended to staff
back then that there needs to be more equity with field usage.
Chair Perondi and Commissioner Weidner recommends that between now and the next meeting in
February that staff review the field closure with an intent to make a more equitable field allocation list,
and schedule a meeting with various representatives or entities. Report back in February of the out-
come.
Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) stated that staff would meet with the various entities and work with
the Athletics Division, Public Works, and facilitate this issue.
Commissioner Strahl requested a copy of the proposed reconfiguration of the intersection at Otay Lakes
Road and the new entrance to the golf course. He stated that he was told by the City Manager's
office that there are plans to create a new golf course entrance. He stated that he is concerned when
parkland is taken away.
Ms. Hofmockel asked whom Commissioner Strahl talked with regarding this.
Commissioner Strahl stated that it was the City Manager's Office who met with Chula Vista Men's Golf
Club.
Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) responded that staff would research this topic, and would return in
February with information from the City Manager's Office, or direction received pertaining this issue.
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Commissioner Rude attended a General Plan Workshop and stated that there is a large percentage of
public that want more pools built in the City, and are concerned with the pool closure for maintenance.
A group of citizens will most likely address the Commission pertaining to the pools.
Commissioner Weidner talked about Skate Board Park at Eucalyptus Park. She also stated that she is in
favor of a tot lot at Norman Park Center Park and this effort should be explored. Would like to address
this at the February meeting.
Ms. Hofmockel responded that staff is working on the Master Plan and Feasibility Study for Eucalyptus
Park.
Commissioner Rios will not be able to attend the February meeting due to work commitment.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. to the February 20, 2003.
Submitted Vii 0,tâ/
Margarita Cel no, Administrative Secretary
Recreation Department
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