Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2003/09/18City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 p.m. Public Works Center Meeting called to order by Chair Larry Perondi at 6:30p.m. Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation Dave Byers, Director of Public Works Operations Jack Griffin, Director of General Services Shauna Stokes, Assistant Director of Recreation Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager Mary Hofmockel, Principal Landscape Architect Larry Eliason, Parks and Open Space Manager John Krizan, Landscape Architect Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III Margarita Cellano, Recording Secretary Roll Call /Motion to Excuse September 18, 2003 1800 Maxwell Rd Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Strahl, Commissioner Rios, Commissioner Rude, and Chair Perondi Members Absent: Commissioner Ramos and Commissioner Weidner MSC (Strahl /Salcido) (Vote 5- 0 -0 -2) to excuse Commissioner Ramos and Weidner from tonight's meeting. 2a. Minutes of August 21, 2003 - MSC (Strahl /Salcido) approve minutes with the correction to show Commissioner Rude as an excused absence. MSC (Strahl /Rude Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Ramos absent) to move item 3a out of order on the Agenda. 3a. Library Site - Bonita - Mr. Griffin (Director of General Services) talked briefly about the memorandum regarding the Library Site in Bonita. Commissioner Strahl asked if any Boards or Commissions had reviewed this item. Mr. Griffin responded that this item was adopted and approved by the Chula Vista City Council on March 4, 2003. Commissioner Salcido stated that nothing could be done about the Library at this site, since there was a tentative agreement between the City and the County. Commissioner Strahl asked if Chula Vista residents had the some borrowing rights as county residents when it came to utilizing services from the Library. Ms. Stokes (Assistant Director of Recreation) responded that anyone could utilize Library services, in other words, a Chula Vista resident can utilize the library in the County of San Diego, and vice versa. Commissioner Salcido asked which entity was paying for environmental studies, traffic, and noise studies, and asked about the cost of staff time. J: \Parks & Rec \Parks and Recreation Commission \Minutes & Reports \2003 minutes and reports \MINUTES 2003 \PRC Minutes of 9 18 03.doc Prepared 9/19/03 Parks and Recreation Commission September 18, 2003 Page 2 Mr. Griffin responded that the County would be providing all studies, and that they would go through the same process as any other entity wishing to develop in the City of Chula Vista. Staff time would be reimbursed to the City. Commissioner Strahl expressed his concern and dissatisfaction with the Library site being placed on City of Chula Vista property. He stated that it was not right to set a County Library on Chula Vista Property, without the City receiving any public input or board and commission recommendations. He went on to say that this did not make sense, and was flabbergasted and saddened with the decision made. He also stated that he believes in partnerships, but does not believe in this partnership. Commissioner Strahl requested that this item is placed on the October Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda as an Action item for recommendation and input to the City Council that Chula Vista residents should be able give their input regarding this issue. Chair Perondi asked if the Council received public comment. Mr. Griffin responded that this item was placed on the Council Agenda, as any other item, and was reviewed and approved by them on March 4, 2003. MSC (Rude /Strahl) (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 Weidner and Ramos absent) to move Item 2c out of order. 2c. Removal of Sea Chanty in Friendship Park - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) informed the Commission that the artist of Sea Chanty signed the release paper permitting removal of Sea Chanty from Friendship Park. Mr. Byers also added that Sea Chanty was being removed for safety reasons. There would be a 30 -day Notice to the public, and then Public Works Operations crew would remove it. MSC (Strahl /Salcido) (Vote 5 -0 -0 -2 Ramos and Weidner absent) to approve removal of Sea Chanty from Friendship Park. 2b. Rohr Park Master Plan - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) provided background and staff's recommendation on the proposed Rohr Park Master Plan. In addition, he talked about the lack of funding, significant staff involvement, and timing issues for this project. Mr. Martin stated that the cost of this project was significant, and the fiscal outlook with the City and State did not look promising. For these reasons, it is recommended that this project be deferred to the next two -year CIP budget cycle beginning in FY 2005 -06. By then, staff will have had a chance to coordinate efforts with the County of San Diego and City of National City, and other departments in the City for development of a park plan. Commissioner Salcido expressed dissatisfaction concerning development of Bonita Library and recommends and approves that there is no development until Master Plan is done. He also stated that he agrees with the report by deferring this project for two fiscal years because of the fiscal impact, and again reiterated that he recommends not building the Library until the Rohr Park Master Plan is approved. Commissioner Strahl commented that if staff waits for collaboration with the County of San Diego, National City, and implementation of the Greenbelt, then Rohr would continue to be abated. This park gets used, and factors for park improvement need to be upgraded. $4 million or 15% from American Golf are deposited to the General Fund. in addition, requested a breakdown on park elements that would cost $300 -$500k for a revised Master Plan. Parks and Recreation Commission September 18, 2003 Page 3 Commissioner Strahl stated that he couldn't accept recommendation that staff brought forward. Needs options that give public input (what the public wants and needs at the park). Commissioner Rude stated that she agrees that public input is required for the Master Plan, and the park needs attention now and not in two years, when funds will maybe be available. Chair Perondi expressed his concern with the cost of upgrading the Master Plan. He understands that Rohr Park needs upgrading, however, is concerned with the fiscal outlook of the City and State. Commissioner Rios commented that he agrees with Commissioner Salcido comment in no development to the Rohr Park Recreational Area be made without an approved Master Plan. Chair Perondi opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Watry, representative of Crossroads II stated that, Rohr Park is a gem, and needs to be upgraded, and understands that the Master Plan costs a lot of money. In addition, Mr. Watry stated that it is important that public input is received for the Master Plan upgrade, and suggested that the City hold a public meeting, and hire a facilitator to generate information. Mr. Griffin (Director of General Services) informed the Commission that it costs money and staff time to conduct Master Plan surveys. If the Council directs staff to move forward, then staff will do so, but at this time, Council directed staff to implement other parks that are coming on -line. MSC (Strahl /Salcido) (Vote 4 -0 -1 -2 Perondi voted No, Weidner and Ramos absent) that Council is made aware of their dissatisfaction and dismay concerning the placement of the library and Bonita Historical Museum in Rohr Park Recreation Area without public input. MSC (Salcido /Strahl) (Vote 4 -0 -1 -2 Rios voted No, Weidner and Ramos absent) recommendation to have a public hearing within the next 3 months pertaining to the existing condition of Rohr Park Recreation Area and future of Rohr Park Recreation Area. 3b. Consolidation of morning lap swim at City Pools - Mr. Hall (Principal Recreation Manager) informed the Commission that the adult lap swim at Loma Verde Pool was eliminated, and consolidated to Parkway Pool. 4. Unfinished Business - None S. New Business - None Written Communication - None Commission Comments - a. Commissioner Strahl requested information regarding KOA soccer fields, and an update on the Golf Course. Thanked staff for park status report. b. Commissioner Rios thanked staff for park development information, and requested an update on the visit to the San Diego Recreation Centers. c. Commissioner Salcido requested information on the grand opening of the Skate Park. d. Commissioner Rude appreciates park status update and would like to see this information on the City's web page. Parks and Recreation Commission September 18, 2003 Page 4 e. Chair Perondi appreciated staff's work, and requested that the Commission and staff visit the various parks that are coming on -line. 8. Staff Comments - a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) reviewed the monthly report. b. Park Development Status (Jack Griffin) provided on status on various park development projects going on in the City, and recommended that the Commission visit Fire Station 7, C. Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) informed the Commission that park reservation system would now include November - February, and a change to the Master Fee Schedule would be submitted for approval by the City Council. 9. Public Comments - Mr. Watry, representative of Crossroads II talked about Landmark Park, and asked that the Commission place this item on future Agendas. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to the next meeting of October 16, 2003 at the John Lippitt Public Works Center Lunch Room @ 1800 Maxwell Road Recorded by: Margarita Cellano