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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2004/06/17City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 p.m. Public Works Operations Lunch Room Meeting called to order by Vice - Chair, Don Salcido at 6:31 Staff Present: Buck Martin, Director of Recreation Dave Byers, Director of Public Works Operations Ed Hall, Principal Recreation Manager Larry Eliason, Parks and Open Space Manager Ted Nelson, Recreation Supervisor III June 17, 2004 1800 Maxwell Road Guests: Veleria Fabisak, Chula Vista Resident Linda Carrington, Chula Vista Resident Mayor Kellejian, City of Solana Beach Pearl Smith, Recreation Supervisor, City of Solana Beach Roll Call /Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Salcido, Commissioner Ramos, Commissioner Strahl, and Commissioner Rios Members Absent: Chair Perondi, Commissioner Rude, and Commissioner Weidner MSC (Rios /Ramos Vote 4- 0 -0 -0) to excuse Commissioner Rude and Commissioner Weidner from tonight's meeting MSC (Rios /Ramos Vote 3 -0 -1 -0 Strahl opposed because it is frustrating to not have meetings because of not having a quorum, and if you volunteer for public service, then they should meet their obligations) to excuse Chair Perondi from tonight's meeting. MSC (Strahl /Ramos Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 Perondi, Rude, and Weidner absent) to move item 3a out of order 3. a. Solana Beach Ecology Camp Program (Mayor Kellejian and Pearl Smith, Recreation Supervisor) - Mayor Kellejian of Solana Beach talked briefly about the Ecology Camp Program in Solana Beach. Mayor Kellejian covered the following points: • Natural resources (i.e., parks, ocean, and lagoons) in Solana Beach were identified • A Summer Ecology Program was developed and implemented • This program allows young kids to understand, explore, and appreciate the environment and recycling program • Summer Ecology Program was endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Commission of Solana Beach • Each session has 65 kids enrolled and the cost is $85 • Full Cost Recovery Program • Ecology Auto Wrecking helps with funding for scholarships for this program Ms. Pearl Smith, Recreation Supervisor from Solana Beach discussed the Solana Beach Summer Ecology Camp Program: • The goal of the day is to develop the knowledge of the community and heighten children's awareness of the wealth of natural resources in Solana Beach • The program is successful with the combined expertise from educators and teachers • The curriculum presents a wide variety of ecological experiences J: \Parks & Rec \Parks and Recreation Commission \Minutes & Reports \2004 minutes and reports \2004 minutes \PRC Minutes of 6 17 04.doc Prepared 6/18/04 Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 Page 2 • Each day camp is 5 -days, and includes a field trip, variety of games, hikes, close up look at animals that inhabit the area • Interpretive walks to the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy are conducted, and campers are taught the importance of protecting the environment • The program is for children first grade through junior high school • The Ecology Summer Day Camp is successful through collaborative with other municipalities • Leader in Training Program offers work experience through the Summer Day Camp Program • This program is age appropriate for youths 13 to 15 years of age, and are provided with on- the -job training and learn positive work habits • Ms. Smith distributed information on the program for the Commissioners and staff Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) informed the Commission that the Department had been given direction to look into this program, and that staff would follow -up with Solana Beach to develop a program within the City. Mr. Martin further stated that he thought that this is a great opportunity for the City. The Commission thanked Mayor Kellijian and Ms. Smith for their presentation MSC (Strahl /Ramos 4 -0 -0 -0 Perondi, Rude, and Weidner absent) to move Item 9 Public Comment out of order 9. Public Comment Ms. Veleria Fabisak, a resident of Chula Vista presented a video entitled Shane's Inspiration, play equipment for parks for special needs kids. • Ms. Fabisak lives near EastLake Vistas Park • Would like to see this type of play equipment in Chula Vista parks • Chula Vista parks are ADA accessible, however, they do not have play equipment where kids with severe physical disabilities could utilize • Fund raiser on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 to raise funds for this type of play equipment • Shane's Inspiration is play equipment that kids with all abilities could use, and not just for kids with physical disabilities Commissioner Strahl thanked Ms. Fabisak for bringing it to the attention of the Commission that play equipment for physically challenged kids is needed in parks being built, and asked if it would be beneficial to the community to have one park with this type of equipment, or if numerous parks should have only 1 or 2 pieces of play equipment. In addition, Mr. Strahl encouraged Ms. Fabisak to apply to be a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Fabisak responded that it would be beneficial to the community to have one park or two parks that has this type of play equipment. For example two parks that would benefit the community with Shane's Inspiration play equipment are Greg Rogers Park, and Salt Creek Park. In addition, Ms. Fabisak encouraged the Commission and City to budget additional money for play equipment for physically challenged kids. Commissioner Strahl requested information on current ADA compliance accessible play equipment, and requested that information for the next meeting. Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) informed the Commission that he met with Ms. Linda Carrington to discuss the possibilities of enhancing park equipment that's in Greg Rogers Park. Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 Page 3 Ms. Linda Carrington talked to the Commission about Greg Rogers Elementary �)cnooi, and encouraged the Commission to endorse requests for play equipment for special needs children. Ms. Carrington also invited the Commission to visit Greg Rogers Elementary School. Action Items a. Approval of Minutes of March 18, 2004 - Table to July meeting. b. Commissioner Strahl's request that the City Council appoint a staff person to oversee golf course issues relating to the operation of the Chula Vista Golf Course MSC (Strahl /Rios Vote 2 -1 -1 -3 Rude, Weidner, and Perondi Absent; Ramos abstained because not enough information available to make a sound decision on this topic; Salcido opposed because he does not feel comfortable in the City allocating resources for this position) that while the Commission is aware of the very recent improvements in the condition and operation of the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course it has not forgotten the years and years of neglect, mismanagement, staff's failure to monitor and enforce the contract between American Golf and the City of Chula Vista, and the frustration of the users of this facility to bring these conditions to the attention of both American Golf and Chula Vista city staff. We believe that very recent improvements to the golf course should be supported by structural changes that better reflect specifically who is responsible for monitoring the contract between American Golf and the City of Chula Vista, and open ways for users of this facility to have input regarding current operations and future improvements and plans. We strongly believe that the current placement of the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course within the structure of City government is inappropriate and creates confusion and misunderstandings for both the users of this facility and the general public. Without these changes we believe that the very recent improvements will be temporary. Therefore, we recommend that Council direct the City Manager to designate one person responsible for monitoring all aspects of the contract between American Golf and the City. We request that his person be given a specific title and designation that reflects this position, i.e., Manager of Golf Course Operations, Director of Golf, etc., and that this person's responsibilities be clearly defined within the City's staff organizational structure. We also recommend that this person form an advisory group composed of the major stakeholders that use this facility and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, that that this group meet on a regularly scheduled bases to provide feedback and input into the current operation and future plans for this facility. Commissioner Rios asked what the major issue is now with regards to the Golf Course, or is this motion to prevent a major issue from arising. Commissioner Strahl responded that he believes that the horrible conditions that the golf course is in is due to the fact there wasn't one person in charge of the golf course. Also, information received regarding the golf course is received from the Recreation Department, Public Works Operations Department, the City Manager's Office, and the City Attorney's Office. In addition, he stated that wants to encourage the Council to take a look at this motion, and make a decision as to whether they want to follow this direction of appointing a staff person as the point of contact for all golf course issues. Commissioner Rios asked if the position in question was a full -time person or position, and wanted to confirm if that person would oversee the issues and /or questions that arise from the golf course. Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 Page 4 Commissioner Strahl responded that yes, this position would be a full -time position, and would be involved in golf course issues. In addition, that appointed staff person could be a staff member currently involved in the golf course issues. Commissioner Ramos asked about the ad -hoc committee this person would create for the golf course. Commissioner Strahl responded that he recommends that the staff person create a committee, much like the Youth Sports Council, that would advise the Commission on golf course issues. He further stated that there have been serious problems at the golf course for many years. In addition, he stated that he has been a member since 1970; president of the golf club, in 1982, 1983, and 1992, and served on the board of directors for 15 years; and was part of the ad -hoc committee that was formed to review the contract that was given to the City in 1985, and only until very recently, staff has been enforcing that contract, but for years, that contract was not being enforced. He also stated that he approached the Council on two occasions regarding this issue. Commissioner Salcido stated that his concern with appointing a staff person to oversee the golf course and develop a committee is that the committee will work if that staff member has strong coordination skills and positive work qualities. In addition, he stated that he does not see this action as a long -term remedy to the issues taking place with the golf course. Commissioner Strahl responded that this action is what the golf course needs and that the short -term issues are taken care of, and this position would be a positive attribute for the long -term issues facing the golf course. Currently, there is a great deal of confusion as to who to approach with regards to issues having to do with the golf course. Commissioner Saicido wanted to make it known that this motion was information to the City Council only. Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) referred to the Information Item given to the City Council and stated that the City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, and Public Works Operations Department are involved in ensuring that American Golf complies with the lease. Furthermore, he stated that currently, they are not in compliance with the lease. Mr. Byers went on to say that hopefully at some point when they are in compliance with the lease, then Public Works Operations would ensure that they comply with the lease. There are instances when, they are not complying, and the City Attorney's Office has to get involved because of legality issues. Commissioner Strahl asked how long there have been problems with the lease. Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) responded a long time. Commissioner Strahl commented that he has known that there have been problems with the lease and American Golf not being in compliance for a long time. In addition, Commissioner Strahl asked who from the City is going to stand up and say, "my department is responsible for the golf course." Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) responded that currently, his department is responsible to make sure that American Golf abides by the lease. However, without the City Attorney's advice, he cannot say that they are or are not in compliance. Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 Page 5 Commissioner Strahl stated he wants the Council to decide who will oversee the operation of the golf course. He also stated that he understands, that the Commission is an advisory group and therefore, the Parks and Recreation Commission are advising the City Council. Commissioner Strahl stated that because this motion did not pass, could it be brought back, Ms. Nora Smyth (Deputy City Attorney) responded that if could not be brought back because the item was voted down, and could only be brought back by someone who was not present, or voted opposite from Commissioner Strahl. In addition, Ms. Smyth stated that she would research this motion, and provide a response via a memorandum for the July meeting. C. Commissioner Strahl's request to establish a Golf Course Committee and report to Parks and Recreation Commission - Commissioner Strahl stated that he wanted to strike item 2c from tonight's agenda, and apologized to staff for misspeaking on this subject. He further stated that he is aware of his advisory capacity in the commission. In addition, by no means did he want to create a committee and have that committee report to the Commission, since it is far from the scope of work of the Commission. In addition, he wanted to go on record and make it clear, that he misspoke or misunderstood, when he requested a copy of the said report to come before the Commission, and wanted to clarify the issue. MSC (Strahl /Rios Vote 4 -0 -0 -3 Rude, Weidner, and Perondi Absent) to strike item 2c from the Agenda. 3. Information Items b. Parking Issues at Harborside Elementary/CV Little League - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) reported that staff has been working with the County of San Diego to alleviate parking issues for said subject. Staff came -up with the solution, working closely with the school district, County of San Diego Health and Human Services, and Greg Cox's office and, an agreement was developed for use of the parking lot by the CV Little League. c. Draft - Parks and Recreation Commission Year -end Report - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) provided the Commission with the Year -end Report to the City Council, and the Commission's note to Council. Commissioner Strahl requested that his item "Commissioner Strahl's request to establish a Golf Course Committee and report to Parks and Recreation Commission" be stricken from the report d. Chula Vista Community Park Field Closure - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) distributed pictures of work being done at Chula Vista Community Park fields. The park is being shut down for 4- months, to get the fields back into shape. e. Chula Vista Girls Fast Pitch Softball - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) briefly discussed the funding that was granted for the four Orange Avenue Ball Fields for the Youth Sports Council use. A list was developed and has been prioritized by staff on improvements that need to be done. f. Requests by American Golf Corporation for a Greens Fee Increase - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works) informed the Commission that staff was working on a Green Fees Increase request received from American Golf. Mr. Byers discussed the process Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 of the analysis that was conducted by staff i.e., comparisons to other goat courses on revenue, expenditures on maintenance, etc. Discussion held on American Golf increasing the level of maintenance at the golf course and spending more money for maintenance. Mr. Byers further stated that staff is recommending against the greens fee increase because there isn't any way of measuring the maintenance of the golf course to other golf courses. Commissioner Salcido expressed his concern with the Greens Fee Increase and to advise the City Council against the green fee increase unless American Golf is in compliance with their contract. Commissioner Strahl requested that any proposed rate increase be posted at the golf course for information before going to the Commission and going into effect. g. Chula Vista Live Steamers Expansion and donation increase - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) informed the Commission that a request was received from the Chula Live Steamers to increase the donation from $.25 to $.50 per ride. The increase request is necessary to offset the cost of increased liability insurance fees. Mr. Martin stated that he approved the increase. Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works) discussed the expansion of the railroad at Rohr Park. Previously, the expansion included moving and increasing the track size closer to the homes adjacent to the park. Subsequently, residents complained that neither public noticing nor an EIR had been done. Staff determined that the track should be moved away from the homes (100 - 110 ft away from the fence). 4. Unfinished Business - a. Commission Field Trip - Tentative date for the Commission Field trip is July 17, 2004. Margarita will coordinate this effort, and advise the other commission members. 5. New Business - a. Council Information Item dated April 27, 2004 - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works Operations) informed the Commission that the Information Item regarding Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course was an update sent to the Council. Commissioner Strahl asked that when the Assistant City Manager meets with the Men's and Women's Club, could a member of the Commission attend? Mr. Byers responded that he would investigate and get back to him. Commission Strahl asked about additional information items that have been submitted to the City Council regarding the golf course, and also asked for the most recent information item to council regarding the golf course, and asked how often these items are submitted to the Council. Mr. Byers responded that he did not know how often the information items are submitted, and that he would find out about the most recent information item to Council regarding the golf course. Commissioner Strahl stated and suggested that when the interior plans are ready for the Club House that the plans be presented to solicit public input or comment for color choices, etc. In addition, Mr. Strahl stated that the "Club House" isn't the right name for the building. Parks and Recreation Commission June 17, 2004 Page 7 Commissioner Strahl commented on the section of the information item titled "Course Supervision ", where it reads, the Manager's office had been actively engaged in overseeing a major lease compliance issue, and asked if it was only a single issue. Mr. Byers responded that he thought they were several issues (including maintenance), but would investigate. Commissioner Strahl asked for clarification under the section, Meeting with Men's /Women's Club Representatives, since the inception of the compliance process Mr. Byers responded that he believes that they refer to the detailed inspections that Mr. Tom Class conducts on a monthly basis. Commissioner Strahl asked if prior to the detailed inspections conducted by Mr. Tom Class if the inspections being conducted were compliance inspections or processes that were being followed. Mr. Byers responded that inspections were being conducted, but were not detailed in nature as they are now. Commissioner Strahl commented that the City was aware that the American Golf was not in compliance according to these inspections. Mr. Byers responded that he did not know who was or wasn't aware of the compliance issues. b. Written Communications - None Commission Comments - a. Commissioner Rios stated that he was moved by both presentations at tonight's meeting. b. Commissioner Strahl stated that he concurs with Commissioner Rios. 8. Staff Comments - a. Recreation Monthly Report - Mr. Martin (Director of Recreation) reviewed the monthly report, and stated that EastLake Middle School and Bonita Middle School will be participating in the Club TC program. b. Public Works Operations - Mr. Byers (Director of Public Works) stated that Mr. Eliason was promoted permanently to Parks and Open Space Manager on May 14. c. General Services - None Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to the next Commission meeting on July 15, 2004 Submitted by: Margarita Cellano, Recording Secretary