Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-21 PRC MINS City of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday - 6:30 p.m. March 21, 2013 Public Services Building — 300 B129 276 4th Avenue Meeting called to order by Chair Guy Chambers at 6:30 pm. Staff Present: Kristi McClure, Assistant Director Recreation Richard Hopkins, Director of Public Works Iracsema Quilantan, Assistant Director of Public Works Agnes Bernardo, Parks Operations Manager Brian Cox, Principal Recreation Manager Guests: Sargent Christine Penwell, Chula Vista Police Department Sandy Duncan, Public Comment — Dog Park Sharon Floyd, Public Comment — Dog Park 1. Roll Call/Motion to Excuse Members Present: Commissioner Buddingh, Commissioner Vogel, Commissioner Gerace, Chair Chambers, Commissioner Garza, Commissioner Scott (arrived at 6:38 pm), Commissioner Boehm Members Absent: None 2. Oral Communications — Ms. Floyd requested an off-leash dog area at the west end of Eucalyptus Park (5th & C Streets). Ms. Floyd explained that this enhancement would be beneficial to the community and would deter the homeless, transients and gang members that congregate there. Mr. Hopkins (Public Works Director) explained that master plans would be required to be incorporated into the budget process. Mr. Hopkins also explained that CDBG monies could not be utilized for master planning a park. Ms. Agnes Bernardo shared that City of Chula Vista Landscape Architechts Gamble and Radly toured the area of the park with Ms. Floyd and discussed the enhancements that are being requested. Chair Chambers asked that this item be placed on a future agenda and a staff report be provided. 3. a. Approval of January 17, 2013 Meeting Minutes — MSC Garza/Boehm to approve meeting minutes and change "Chair Buddingh" to "Commissioner Buddingh". MSC Vogel/Garza to move items 4e, 4f and 4g Out of Order and be heard first. 4. e. AB5 Homeless Person's Bill of Rights & Fairness Act — Sargent Christine Penwell discussed new legislation that was introduced as AB5 Homeless Person's Bill Rights; she explained that this new legislation recognizes the homeless community as a protected class Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — March 21, 2013 2 and gives homeless individuals certain rights i.e., a place to shower, not have their items removed arbitrarily without notice, etc. Discussion held about the fiscal impact that this new legislation would have in the communities, and the numerous cities in the State of California that have written against this legislation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. 4. f. Report regarding Graffiti Tracking — Sargent Penwell discussed the graffiti tracking program that was started in January 2011, and shared that the Chula Vista Police Department utilizes a Graffiti Tracker database. A special camera is needed for photographs that are downloaded on to tracking database. Sargent Penwell explained that 30% of graffiti is gang-related & the other 70% is for artistic purposes. To date there have been 20 successful prosecutions; $90K in damage and only $17K in restitution. The Graffiti Tracker is a tool that helps with prosecution. The Chula Vista Police Department has liaisons with MTS and San Diego Police Department. Commissioner Boehm asked if a citizen could take a photograph of the graffiti and then e-mail to Chula Vista Police Department. Sargent Penwell responded that they should phone Chula Vista Police Department Call for Service for documentation and that her staff would take picture and enter into database. Commissioner Garza suggested that she also make a presentation at a future Youth Sports Council Meeting. 4. g. Police Department Calls For Service Report — Sargent Penwell reviewed the statistical report provided and explained the types of calls that are received. Sargent Penwell explained the challenges that are met at various parks throughout the City. The most challenging parks in the city are Lauderbach Park, Eucalyptus Park, Otay Park, and Harborside Park. Ms. McClure (Assistant Director of Recreation) shared an issue taking place at Heritage Park Center and the fact that Chula Vista Police Department was able to handle it quickly. 4. a. Citywide Strategic Plan Update - Mr. Hopkins (Director of Public Works) shared the Citywide Strategic Plan process. Mr. Hopkins explained that the Strategic Plan provides strategic direction for the City, by identifying activities to accomplish goals. The Strategic Plan Structure was also shared which identifies the Mission, Citywide Goals, Strategies, Initiatives, Objectives, Tasks, and Individual Tasks. Also discussed was the goal of the Strategic Plan and strategies of each goal: The Goals include: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong & Secure Neighborhoods, and a Connected Community. Mr. Hopkins shared that the Strategic Plan would be presented in coordination with the Fiscal year 2013-2014 budget. Commissioner Gerace asked that the Citywide Strategic Plan Update be e-mailed to the commission and shared that she would like to see more community outreach and receive their input Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — March 21, 2013 3 4b. Recreation Department Preliminary Budget Update — Ms. McClure (Assistant Director of Recreation) reviewed the preliminary budget power point. Commissioner Gerace asked about the budget to run the Therapeutics Program. Ms. McClure responded that it is approximately $32K to run the program. Chair Chambers requested an update from the Youth Sports Council at the next meeting. 4d. Public Works Preliminary Budget Update — Ms. Quilantan (Assistant Director of Public Works) reviewed the preliminary budget power point and explained that the water budget is over by $400K due to drier weather, fertilizing, and increased water rates. Public Works requested 2 additional gardeners and a park ranger. 5. Unfinished Business - None 6. New Business — None 7. Written Communications — 8. Staff Comments - Recreation (Kristi McClure) — Ms. McClure (Assistant Director of Recreation) reviewed various handouts and flyers and referred to the monthly department report. Public Works (Iracsema Quilantan)— None 9. Commissioner Comments — Commissioner Garza asked about the status relating to the letter Mr. Harwig submitted last year. Ms. McClure responded that a response had not been received and that this was discussed at the Youth Sports Council Meeting. 10. Items for Next Meeting - Ms. McClure reviewed the May Agenda: Youth Sports Council Update. MSC Buddingh/Boehm to adjourn meeting at 9:30 pm. to the next Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 1 6, 2013 Submitted:/41 ea cam,