HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2003/05/15City of Chula Vista
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes
Thursday - 6:30 p.m. May 15, 2003
Public Works Center 1800 Maxwell Rd
Meeting called to order by Chair Larry Perondi at 6:30 p.m.
Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation
Dave Byers, Director of Public Works Operations
Shauna Stokes, Assistant Director of Recreation
Jack Griffin, Assistant Director of Building and Parks Construction
Mary Hofmockel, Principal Landscape Architect
Duane Bazzel, Principal Planner
Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager
Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager
Joe Gamble, Landscape Planner II
Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III
Margarita Cellano, Recording Secretary
Guests: John Willett, C.V. Resident, Representative, Otay Valley Regional Park
Janeen Reed, Trails in Open Space
Mark Kukucher, Horse Trails
Jon Rilling, Otay Land Company
Peter Watry, Chula Vista Resident, Crossroads II Representative
Susan Watry, Chula Vista Resident
Cynthia Drake, Chula Vista Resident
Olsie Owens, Chula Vista Resident
Don Ross, Project Manager, The Otay Ranch Company
Patrick Caughey, Wimmer, Yamada and Coughey Landscape Architects
Brad Hilliker, Landscape Architect, Wimmer Yamada and Caughey
Peggy Gentry, Chapin Land Management, Inc.
Roll Call /Motion to Excuse
Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner
Perondi, Commissioner Strahl, Commissioner Rios
Members Absent: Commissioner Weidner, Commissioner Rude
MSC (Rios /Ramos) to excuse Commissioner Weidner and Commissioner Rude from
tonight's meeting
2. Public Comments - Mr. Watry and Ms. Reed informed the Commission that they would
address the Commission when their item of interest comes up on the Agenda.
3. Action Items
a. Minutes of April 9, 2003 Special Meeting - MSC (Strahl /Rios) (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2
Weidner and Rude absent) to move this item to the June 2003 Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting.
b. Minutes of April 17, 2003 - MSC (Rios / Salcido) (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Rude
absent) to approve the minutes as presented
J: \Parks & Rec \Parks and Recreation Commission \Minutes & Reports \2003 minutes and reports \MINUTES 2003 \PRC 5 15 03 Meeting.doc Prepared 5/15/03
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May 15, 2003
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C. Otay Ranch Neighborhood Park Village 1 West - Mr. Patrick Coughey of
Weimer, Yamada, and Coughey discussed the park elements and
programming of Otay Ranch Neighborhood Park. Items discussed include:
park is 5.7 acres and is located on East Palomar Street and a soon to be
constructed cul -de -sac that will serve an upcoming Elementary school and
park.
Elements and programming include: one softball field with an overlaid multi-
purpose turf area, children's play area with accessible play equipment, picnic
facilities, basketball court (not lighted), pedestrian walkways and paths,
comfort station, on -site parking (25 spaces), and pedestrian and security
lighting. Additional feature in the park includes a council ring that serves as a
gathering area for informal socializing. Poetry phrases are embedded within
the concrete circles to serve as a discussion and focal point.
The comfort station is located within proximity to the tot lot and picnic areas.
The floor plan design takes into consideration the architectural vernacular of
the modernized agrarian theme. Construction materials include, stone
accents, painted stucco, and galvanized gates.
Commissioner Strahl asked if the walk- way /path went around the park, and if
provisions for dog deposit stations were strategically placed and accessible.
Mr. Caughey responded that the path /walk way did go around the
parameter of the park, and dog deposit stations were placed throughout the
park. These items are standard in all parks.
Commissioner Salcido asked if secondary lighting was a provision in the park
for security purposes.
Mr. Gamble (Landscape Planner II) responded that security lighting was a
provision along the concrete pathways.
Commissioner Strahl commented that he would like to see the basketball
courts lit.
Ms. Hofmockel (Principal Landscape Architect) responded that discussion on
lighting program elements in parks would be discussed at the June meeting,
or whenever the lighting policy is placed on the agenda.
The Commission discussed the proposed name "Horizon Park ", and decided
that it would fit the park well.
MSC (Salcido /Rios) (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Rude absent) to approve the
proposed Park Master Plan in Otay Ranch Village 1 West as presented with the
caveat that lights to the basketball court be stubbed underground, and
approve the proposed name of the park as "Horizon Park."
d. Proposed Greenbelt Master Plan - Mr. Duane Bazzel (Principal Planner)
introduced himself and the consultant, Peggy Gentry. Mr. Bazzel also
informed the commission on the intent and purpose of the Greenbelt Master
Plan, which is intended to link existing and future parks that occur within the
City and surrounding municipalities. A Power Point Presentation was provided
to commission on the Greenbelt Master Plan, and briefly discussed key
elements that include: General Plan Concept, Goals, Specific Segment Issues
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May 15, 2003
Page 3
and Recommendations, and Implementation and Management. This Master
Plan is tentatively scheduled for presentation to the Planning Commission on
May 28. Mr. Bazzel discussed specific segments, issues, and recommendation
related to each element.
Commissioner Rios asked if the Greenbelt was considered a park.
Mr. Bazzel explained that the Greenbelt was not entirely owned by the City of
Chula Vista, but other jurisdictions owned much of the open space.
Commissioner Salcido stated that the equestrian rink in Rohr Park should be
changed to a more functional park since Rohr Park is not equestrian oriented.
Chair Perondi commented that this was a well thought out planned concept,
and he could see the strong cooperation between all municipalities.
Chair Perondi opened the floor for comments by the public.
Mr. Peter Watry, representative of Crossroads II talked briefly about the
presentation. Mr. Watry stated that he was an enthusiastic supporter of the
Greenbelt concept when it was developed 15 -years ago, and that over the
years, the concept was changed without public input. He also stated that
that the original concept of the Greenbelt was an open space separation,
and asked when the Greenbelt changed from open space to a trails plan?
He also informed the Commission that he submitted his Greenbelt concerns
and changes to the Planning Department earlier in the day for consideration.
He asked that the Commission, and city staff change their culture in decision
making to include public input. In addition, Mr. Watry requested that the
Parks and Recreation Commission not take action on the Greenbelt Master
Plan, until they have sufficient time to review all the information from the
public.
Ms. Janeen Reed serves as a volunteer patrol and representative of Bonita
Trails Organization. She talked briefly about the open space trails, and
greenbelt areas and stated that these areas are all important in the concept.
She stated that the community needs the Rohr Park equestrian rink, because
there are no public horse arenas. She went on to say that the area in Rohr
Park is integral to the history of the region, and that the number 1 request
made by kids in the National City area is to ride a horse. She also stated that
with the construction of SR 125, there would be a reduction in the equestrian
area at Summit Park. In addition, trails are used not only be equestrians, but
bicyclists, walkers, and bikers, and their use evolves over time. She asked that
the Commission not move the horse rink from it's present location in Rohr Park
because currently, this is the last public horse arena in the area.
Commissioner Strahl stated that before he takes action on the Greenbelt
Master Plan, he would like to receive more information that includes the
Planning Department's comments and public comments.
MSC (Strahl /Rios) (Vote: 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Rude Absent) that the Parks and
Recreation Commission approves the Master Plan in a conceptual way with its
many positive attributes, but cannot approve it until they receive more public
input and Planning Commission input. It is requested that Mr. Bazzel returns in
June with comments from the Planning Commission.
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e. Rohr Park Master Plan Existing Conditions - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works
Operations) presented a map of the current Rohr Park conditions.
Commissioner Strahl informed the Commission that he would like them to
consider and recommend to the City Council that the Master Plan be
updated and include Rohr Recreation area, golf course, 3 -acres of land, and
the land by Central Avenue. He went on to say that public input is needed
on how they see this recreation area.
Discussion took place as to whether the City of Chula Vista is allowed to utilize
the three -acres adjacent to the golf course for purposes not related to the
golf course or City use. The Commission raised the question as to how the
property was acquired and whether that acquisition and its associated
financing allowed the lease of the property to the County of San Diego for a
library or other uses or purposes.
Mr. Griffin (Assistant Director of Building and Park Construction) stated that he
would talk with the City Attorney's office, and will report back to the
Commission as soon as he has an answer.
MSC (Strahl /Salcido) (Vote: 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Rude Absent) that the Chula
Vista City Council support the Parks and Recreation Commission's
recommendation that an updated Rohr Park Master Plan be developed for
the Rohr Park Recreational Area to include community and stakeholder input
defined as Rohr Park, the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course, and yet to
developed land adjacent to the golf course, (i.e., 3- acreas west of the South
Bay Banquet Center and 2 triangle parcels along Bonita Road and
Sweetwater /Central Avenue.
Ms. Stokes (Assistant Recreation Director) stated that this item could be
presented to the City Council under Boards and Commissions, and that a
report would be developed, and could possibly be presented at either the
June or July meeting.
Commissioner Strahl stated that he would like to address the City Council
when this item is brought forward to them.
4. Information Items
a. Consideration of Proposed Recreation Strategic Plan Initiatives and Goals - Mr.
Martin (Director of Recreation) discussed the proposed Recreation Strategic Plan
Initiatives and Goals, and briefly discussed the Strategic Plan process. He also
went on to say that this Strategic Plan would be reviewed on a quarterly basis,
and serves as a guide for the Recreation Department.
The Commission endorsed the Recreation Department's Proposed Five Year
Recreation Strategic Plan Initiatives and Goals and the mission, vision, and values
statements.
b. Capital Improvement Project Program - Mr. Griffin (Assistant Director of Building
and Park Construction) informed the Commission of the Chula Vista Five -Year CIP
Projections. Mr. Griffin informed the Commission that this item would be
presented to the City Council on May 20, 2003. In addition, Mr. Griffin discussed
the Western Chula Vista Infrastructure Financing Program, and the main objective
is to focus resources in the western portion of the City.
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Page 5
C. Veteran's Park Status - Mr. Griffin (Assistant Director of Building and Park
Construction) discussed status of Veteran's Park. He informed the Commission
that it is anticipated that the park would be completed by August 2005. Mr.
Griffin briefly talked about the Design Build process for this project.
d. Design Build Status - Mr. Griffin (Assistant Director of Building and Park
Construction) informed the Commission that the City has pre- approved lists for
design build contractors. He talked about the process of creating a new list of
design builders for libraries, parks, etc. and stated that an RFQ was sent out. In
addition, he stated that his department received information on 12 contractors,
and that interviews would be conducted the following week. He also stated that
this information would be going to Council in June for approval. Mr. Griffin
discussed the process and intent of the Design Build process.
e. Rohr Park Ballfield #18 Update - Mr. Cox (Principal Recreation Manager) provided
an update on Ballfield # 18. Mr. Cox stated that Recreation staff met with Bonita
Rebels Soccer regarding concerns with the Department's allocation of Rohr Ball
Field #18. Through discussion, the department has agreed to release one
additional evening per week for utilization by YSC organizations through the
twice - yearly allocation process.
f. Otay Park Master Plan - Ms. Hof mockel (Principal Landscape Architect) provided
a copy of the Otay Park Master Plan for information.
5. Unfinished Business - None
6. New Business - None
7. Written Communications - None
8. Commission Comments -
Commissioner Perondi asked to be excused from the June 19, 2003 Commission Meeting.
9. Staff Comments -
a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) discussed the
May monthly Recreation Report.
b. Jim Thomas, Recreation Supervisor II Retirement - Retirement party on
Wednesday, 5/21/03 at the Woman's Club from 4 -7 p.m. RSVP to Margarita
Cellano at 409 -5979.
10. Other - None
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. to next meeting of June 19, 2003, which will be held at the
Public Works Center at 6:30 p.m.
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Margarita Cellano
Recording Secretary