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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2003/04/17City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 p.m. April 17, 2003 Mercy Building 430 F Street Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Don Salcido at 6:30 p.m. Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation Dave Byers, Director of Public Works Operations Andy Campbell, Director of Building and Park Construction Shauna Stokes, Assistant Director of Recreation Nora Smyth, Deputy City Attorney Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager Larry Eliason, Parks and Open Space Manager Mary Hofmockel, Principal Landscape Architect John Krizan, Landscape Architect Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III Guests: Bill Karrach, Architects RNP Gayle Crocenzi - ORC Tim Jacklewski, Principal - Van Dyke LLP Ling Chan, Van Dyke LLP Peter Watry, Chula Vista Resident 1. Roll Call /Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Rude, Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Ramos (Arrived at 6:40 p.m.), Commissioner Stroh], Commissioner Rios, Commissioner Perondi Members Absent: Commissioner Weidner Chair Perondi informed the Commission that Item 3a would be taken out of order after the approval of the minutes of March 20, 2003. 2. ACTION ITEMS a. Approval of Minutes of March 20, 2003 - MSC (Rude /Salcido) (5- 1 -0 -1) (Weidner absent, Ramos late) to approve the minutes 3. a. Brown Act Update - Ms. Nora Smyth (Deputy City Attorney) discussed the Ralph M. Brown Act and its purpose. Ms. Smyth stated that the Commission is a legislative body, and any decisions made by the Commission, is open to the public. Ms. Smyth also talked about how the Brown Act defines meetings. She also went on to say that if a majority of members are in the same room and merely listening to a discussion of agency business it is a Brown Act meeting, and must be noticed to the public. Ms. Smyth discussed Open Meeting process, definition of Legislative Bodies, Exceptions to rules, purpose of having an Agenda, Miscellaneous Procedural Matters, Penalties for not noticing the meeting, Special Meetings, Closed Session, and Serial Meetings. Ms. Smyth defined Serial Meetings and stated that they are prohibited, which means that individual contacts between members of the board or commission to discuss ideas or exchange information on a subject is prohibited. In addition, staff is prohibited from individually contacting members to share ideas among the majority. J: \Parks & Rec \Parks and Recreation Commission \Minutes & Reports \2003 minutes and reports \MINUTES 2003 \PRC 4 20 03 Meeting.doc Prepared 4/21 /03 Parks and Recreation Commission April 17, 2003 Page 2 Commissioner Salcido asked if three or two members could meet and discuss an item. Ms. Smyth responded that this would be a violation of the Act because the Act prohibits appointed members from gathering and discussing Commission or Board items. However, if the Commission appoints members of the Commission to serve on an ad -hoc Committee then this would be approved, because those Commission members would then have to report back to the Commission (i.e., Strategic Plan Committee). Commissioner Salcido stated that a few Commission members wanted to visit one of the park developments, and discuss issues pertaining to the park development. Ms. Smyth responded that this would be a violation of the Brown Act. However, field trips are allowed, but must be properly noticed to the public. Ms. Smyth stated that the Chair is allowed to discuss the Agenda with staff, because that is routine administrative work. Chair Perondi asked for clarification on change of venue of a meeting. Ms. Smyth responded that a 72 -hour notice would be required. However, if a meeting is properly noticed, and at that meeting it is determined that a larger venue is required, then, the Chair must post signs stating the new location of the meeting. Commissioner Rios asked if Commissioners could attend Public Workshops that would affect the Commission directly? Ms. Smyth stated that commissioners could attend, but should not discuss Recreation Commission business. Chair Perondi asked if the Commission could develop a sub - committee and attend meetings and report back to the Commission (i.e., Bayfront Meetings)? Ms. Smyth responded that she thought they could attend, but would get back to the Commission. 2. b. Master Plan for Village 6 Neighborhood Park and name of the park - Mr. Krizan (Landscape Architect) briefly discussed the location of the Village 6 Neighborhood Park, and stated this is a 7 -acre public neighborhood park site in the Otay Ranch Village Six subdivision. In addition, this park is being developed as a turnkey park, built by the Otay Ranch Company for the City of Chula Vista. Mr. Krizan introduced Mr. Tim Jachlewski, of Van Dyke LLP to discuss the Master Plan in detail, and Bill Karrach of Architect RNP to discuss the design of the Comfort Station. Mr. Jachlewski (Principal of Van Dyke LLP) informed the Commission that the park site is surrounded by multi -use site to the north and future trolley station, and future elementary school to the south. The design elements include: Basketball Courts (2), Children's Play Areas (2), Circulation (paved pathway looping the park), Comfort Station, Lawn Terraces (overlook area), Low maintenance landscape design, Field (1), Parking (36 on -site spaces), Picnic areas groups (2), Picnic facilities individual (7), Softball field (l), Storage, Skateboard and Roller -skate Play area, and Tennis Court (1). Then entrance of the park has an alley of trees to meet the SPA specifications to keep with the French flair. The Park is divided into two type of use Parks and Recreation Commission April 17, 2003 Page 3 categories 1) upper portion of the park where the tot -lot and picnic areas are located, and 2) lower portion of the park for sports play. The park also has wind chimes to give the park, sound. Small seating area has lawn treads that give character to the park; in addition, the treads are compatible with the City's maintenance equipment. Sun garden is a quiet area with benches and foliage. Park is compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Coble style walls, pavers, and slate walls will be utilized to keep with the French flair. Low plant water usage will be utilized. Park lighting will include, courts, pathways, and parking lots. Cost of the park is within the budget. Mr. Karrach discussed the Comfort Station, and stated the building design is to keep with Country French flair with stone veneer /slate materials. It will have steeper roof, utilize composite material for natural light and promote natural ventilation. Commissioner Rude asked if kids would be able to climb the wind- chime. Mr. Jachlewski responded that the chimes would be built so that kids would not be able to climb them. Commissioner Rude asked if there was a jogging /walking trail and benches /seating in the park. Mr. Jachlewski responded that there was a trail around the park, and benches were placed throughout the park. Commissioner Salcido inquired if picnic facilities were available, and if off - street parking was also allowed. Mr. Jachlewski responded that there were 2 large picnic areas, and 7 single areas. Mr. Krizan responded that off - street parking was available on View Parkway and Magdalena Avenue. Commissioner Salcido asked about lighting for the softball fields and open playfields. Mr. Krizan (Landscape Architect) responded that the courts are lit, and the fields are not lit per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (MP) that designates that neighborhood parks that are not programmed for league use are not required to be lit. Commissioner Strahl asked if there were dog deposit stations throughout the park, and stated that he is concerned with the wind - chimes and kids using them as a climbing apparatus. In addition, is also concerned with the fields not being lit, and feels this will attract undesirable activity to the park. Mr. Jachlewski responded that 3 dog deposit components were in place, and lighting is in place along the pathways. Discussion held on not enough lighting throughout the park, in the tree -line area and baseball fields, and the need for lighting for security purposes to keep undesirable activity out of the park (all night). Ms. Hofmockel (Principal Landscape Architect) informed the Commission that the Crime Prevention Specialist of the Police Department was given an opportunity to review the Master Plan, and he felt that sufficient lighting was in place in the park. Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) informed the Commission that parks are not lit all night. Lights are turned off at 10:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission April 17, 2003 Page 4 MSC (Ramos /Rios) (4- 1 -1 -1) (Weidner absent, Strahl opposed, and Salcido abstained) to approve the Master Plan for Village 6 Neighborhood Park to include security lighting in center of park and ensure lighting is well thought -out to prevent potential problems and wind - chimes should be vandal proof or consider removing. MSC (Rios /Rude) (6- 0 -0 -1) (Weidner absent) to name Village 6 Neighborhood Park "Magdalena Park ". Chair Perondi stated that he is pleased with the park design and the informal skate component of the park, and appreciates staff's efforts. Commissioner Strahl stated that he is hopeful that in the future, more lighted facilities will be built (for kids in the community, particularly in multi - family dwellings), and maybe downscaling the landscape to accommodate lighting. Ms. Hofmockel (Principal Landscape Architect) responded that in order to accommodate additional lighting, tennis and basketball court elements would be removed. Mr. Byers informed the Commission that every field that is lit is usually programmed. He further stated that there is going to be a need to facilitate or patrol fields that are lit that are not programmed for play. Chair Perondi requested that for the May meeting, lighting policy discussion would need to take place, and also requested that this topic is placed on the agenda. He also requested that future master plans include park alternatives with lighting and with out lighting, and the cost associated with this. 2. C. Consideration of proposed Parks and Recreation Commission Budget for FY 03/04. Ms. Stokes (Assistant Director of Recreation) discussed the Parks and Recreation Commission budget, and discussed each item in detail. 3 b. Consideration of changes to hours of operations of Recreation Facilities FY 03 / 04 Ms. Stokes (Assistant Director of Recreation) informed the Commission about the proposed changes to hours of operations at Recreation Facilities. Ms. Stokes stated that due to the State's budget cuts; all City departments were asked to look at revenue enhancements and /or expenditure reductions for the upcoming FY 2003 -04 budget. The proposed FY 2003 -04 budget for the Recreation Department is $4,2456.445. Through proposed new classes and rentals, proposed increases in fees for classes, and athletics, the department would be able to meet a target figure of $245,523. Ms. Stokes also discussed current hours of operations for the facilities. Currently, all of the Recreation facilities are open seven days per week, with varying times depending on the day and season and facility. All of the facilities are closed on major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Christmas, etc. Ms. Stokes discussed the proposals for Otay Recreation Center, Heritage Center, Parkway Gymnasium, Norman Park Center, Loma Verde Center, and the Youth Center. Otay, Heritage Park Center, Norman Park Center, Loma Verde Center, Youth Center would close during the Thanksgiving weekend due to low attendance during this time frame. Parks and Recreation Commission April 17, 2003 Page 5 Heritage Park Center, Loma Verde Center, and Youth Center would close during the winter holidays (December 24 - January 4, for FY 03 - 04) due to lack of attendance. Norman Park Center would be open on a reduced schedule during this time frame. Loma Verde Pool will eliminate morning lap to accommodate high school swim or water polo teams based on high demand for pool time. Parkway Pool will keep only one morning lap swim. 4. Unfinished Business - Commissioner Strahl requested that Rohr Park Master Plan update that he requested be placed on the May Agenda as an Action Item so that the Commission can relay a recommendation to the City Council. 5. New Business - None Written Communication - None Commission Comments - Commissioner Ramos requested a status update on the Master Plan for Otay Park that includes the replacement of the restrooms and BBQs. Mr. Campbell (Director of Building and Park Construction) responded that the City is out to bid for the replacement of the restrooms. Commissioner Strahl informed the Commission that the General Plan Update meetings that he was nominated to attend are held on the 3,d Thursday of the month, so he has been unable to attend those meetings. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) stated that he would contact Ed Batchelder of the Planning Department. Chair Perondi stated that he would like to know the Commission's and or the Recreation Department's role in the Bayfront Development process, and requested an update from staff on the Bayfront Project. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) responded that he does not have information on the process. Commissioner Salcido requested a status update Otay Valley Regional Park, and requested a copy of the concept plan. Ms. Hofmockel (Principal Landscape Architect) responded that she is currently part of the team and briefly discussed the conceptual plan document and the joint effort between the City, County, and City of San Diego. Ms. Hofmockel stated that she would provide at the May meeting, a copy of the conceptual plan for information purposes. 8. Staff Comments - a. Recreation Monthly Reports - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) informed the Commission that he would include in future packets, a monthly Recreation Department staff report. Parks and Recreation Commission April 17, 2003 Page 6 Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) informed the Commission that Public Works Operations crew resurfaced Parkway Gym parking lot, re- sealed and re- striped Discovery Park parking lot, and Loma Verde Center parking lot, which was overlaid because it was in deplorable shape. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to next the meeting of May 15, 2003 in the Mercy Conference Room. Submitted by: JP,4 0J,/ Margarita Cellano Recreation Department