HomeMy WebLinkAbout092007 PR Comm MinutesCITY OF A TA SCA DERO
PA RKS AND RECREA TION
COMMISSION
MINUTES
Thursday, September 20, 2007 - 7:00 P.M.
REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M.
Chairperson Sechrist called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and Commissioner
Mathews led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Chacon, Hatch, Marks, Mathews, Butz and
Chairperson Sechrist
Student Representatives Buck -Moyer and Carden
Absent: Commissioner Istenes (joined the meeting at 7:06 p.m.)
Others Present: Recording Secretary Grace Pucci
Staff Present: Community Services Director Brady Cherry, Deputy Public Works
Director Geoff English, and Recreation Supervisor Jennifer
Fanning.
COMMUNITY FORUM:
None
PRC Minutes 09/20/07
Page 1 of 10
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Butz to approve the agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote.
COMMISSION/ YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS:
Vice Chairperson Butz announced an event to benefit the Women's Shelter on October
7t"; a local chef will do a demonstration at the new Idlers showroom in Paso Robles.
Commissioner Mathews asked about volunteer hours and how they are tracked.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry explained.
Commissioner Marks commended staff for another wonderful edition of the Atascadero
Magazine.
Commissioner Istenes joined the hearing at 7:06 p.m.
At Commissioner Istenes request, Chairperson Sechrist reopened the Community
Forum period.
COMMUNITY FORUM:
Eric Greening asked that the Commission agendize an item regarding the steps needed
to complete the Atascadero Creek Trail, and requested they recommend action on this
item to the City Council.
Chairperson Sechrist closed the Community Forum period.
There was Commission discussion regarding Mr. Greening's suggestion.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry explained the current status of the project
and the reasons why the Resource Conservation District has communicated to the city
that it cannot continue to be the lead agency on the project.
There was Commission consensus to have a brief report on the Atascadero Creek
Trail project at the next meeting.
PRESENTATIONS:
1. Presentation to Outstanding Community Services Department
Volunteers Mike Gil and Jerrie Dahlen
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 2 of 10
Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning presented Mike Gil with the Outstanding
Volunteer Award.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry recognized Jerrie Dahlen for her volunteer
efforts on behalf of the city of Atascadero.
A. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes — July 19, 2007
■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and
Recreation Commission minutes of the July 19, 2007 meeting.
[Community Services]
MOTION: By Commissioner Chacon and seconded by Commissioner
Hatch to approve Item #A-1.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS:
1. Par Course Exercise Stations — Atascadero Lake Park
■ Fiscal Impact: None. All future expenses related to this proposal
would be the responsibility of Atascadero Rotary Club.
■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval of a request by
the Atascadero Rotary Club to place two additional Par Course
exercise stations along the Atascadero Lake pathway. [Public Works]
Deputy Public Works Director Geoff English gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
David Main, representing Rotary, spoke about the request and explained Rotary's
participation in the project. Mr. Main answered questions of the Commission.
Eagle Scouts Marshall Nelson and Randy Oglesby explained how the work would be
divided between their teams, and answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Eric Greening stated he was happy to see this project, but questioned the timing of the
blocking off given it is in the Master Plan, and wanted to be sure that the bench at the
other location will remain.
Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment period.
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 3 of 10
Commissioner Istenes expressed concern that this is in a known pathway and would
restrict access to the bench. She stated as this area will not be used for parking in the
future, there is no need to put the project so close to the berm. She thought this
location might place the city at risk and proposed moving the project onto the flat area.
Additionally she was concerned about the drop off from the retaining wall.
There was Commission discussion regarding Commissioner Istenes' concerns.
Deputy Public Works Director English stated that through design it would be possible to
reorient the area to still maintain the path while shifting the facility a little so it is out of
the way.
There was Commission agreement that the project should maintain an accessway to
the top of the hill and be consistent with the Master Plan.
MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Butz and seconded by Commissioner
Marks to approve the request by the Atascadero Rotary Club
to place two additional Par Course exercise stations along the
Atascadero Lake Pathway with locations to be finally
determined by staff and the parties involved in doing the work.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
2. Chalk Mountain Golf Course Trail Access Letter
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: Commission recommend that the Chairperson
execute the draft letter to the San Luis Obispo County Parks
Department regarding trail access at Chalk Mountain Golf Course.
[Public Works]
Deputy Public Works Director Geoff English gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Eric Greening stated he approves of sending the letter and observed that historically
Chalk Mountain Golf Course has been run without taxpayer subsidies; however this
year General Fund money has been invested in the golf course, therefore they should
work with the city to make a good trail connection.
Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner
Chacon to recommend that the Chairperson execute the draft
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 4 of 10
letter to the County Parks Department regarding trail access at
Chalk Mountain Golf Course as written.
Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote.
Commissioner Marks volunteered to attend the meeting and represent the Commission.
Commissioner Istenes announced that County Planner Jan De Leo will be looking over
the area under question on October 29th and interested parties are invited to attend.
3. Temporary Holiday Lighting Display — City Administration Building
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
• Recommendation: Informational item only. [Public Works]
Deputy Public Works Director Geoff English presented the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
Commissioner Hatch reported on some of the comments she has heard within the
community. Many have stated they would prefer the city not do this, as it looks like a
commercial display, others stated they enjoy the ambiance the decorated trees give the
Sunken Gardens.
Vice Chairperson Butz commented that because this is temporary and is being done for
safety, she can live with it, and reported that Main Street has discussed having the
lighting done in a ceremony, possibly on the night of Wine and Wassail, November 30th
Commissioner Chacon stated he appreciated the safety and costs issues, particularly
as there would be several activities occurring in the gardens during the season and this
would add to the spirit.
4. Commission Norms and Procedures
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: Commission review the Draft Commissioner Norms
and Procedures and adopt or provide feedback to the City Council with
any amendments as desired by the Commission. [Community
Services]
Community Services Director Brady Cherry gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
Public Comment
Eric Greening recommended that a copy of the General Plan be given to every
Commissioner and Youth Representative upon taking office. He expressed concern for
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 5 of 10
preserving diversity of opinion and suggested Commission Values bullet #3 be changed
to read as follows: "Commission Members will subordinate political considerations to
the good of the entire community, while being straightforward about their philosophy
behind their decisions, with no hidden agendas."
Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment period.
After Commission discussion the following changes were made to the Commission
Norms:
GENERAL
• All Commission Members get receive the same information concerning upcoming
issues, training opportunities, etc.
• Return unwanted reports and documents to staff for distributing to the public or
for recycling.
• Commission chairs and vice -chairs meet quarterly with the Mayor and Mayor Pro
Tem to exchange feedback and be kept informed. The Council will receive
information and Drovide direction.
• Commission needs:
- To know Council vision, community vision, and General Plan 2025
- All commissioners should receive annual trainin
- Understanding of their roles and authority. (No change to this item, but the
Commission notes these are vet to be defined and clarified)
- To mew be knowledgeable of annual prioritized goals of the City Council.
• Criteria for commissioner for re -appointment (and in extreme cases, removal)
shall include:
- Issues of conflicts of interest.
- Attendance (Absence from 3 consecutive meetings, or from 4 meetings
during a calendar year without formal consent of the Commission or by the
Community Services Director). (This change to be added only if allowed by
the Municipal Code)
- Support of General Plan.
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 6 of 10
Treat staff and public with Rrespect. forsta#f/py
- Working forte, HURit the greater good of the community versus personal
purposes.
COMMISSION VALUES
• The Commission values active participation and open mindedness.
• Commission Members will have respect for each other as individuals.
•
Commission Members will be apelitiGal, and strainhtfePNarrd•e with no hirddeeR
e
agendas. Commission Members will subordinate political considerations to the
good of the entire community, while being straightforward about the philosophy
behind their decisions. with no hidden aaendas.
• The Commission Members value humor.
• Traditions are respected, but not binding.
COMMISSION INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION
them build „n. Commission Members are responsible for initiating the resolution
of problems as they arise.
• Commission Members will not direct personal attacks at each other during public
meetings, in the press, or any other place/time.
• Relationships should be professional and courteous [beware of impact on, and
perception of, public].
• Substantive Commission / Department Director items are to receive advance
notice and public notification.
COMMISSION INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF
Department Director
• Staff will provide essential information to all Commission Members. Staff will
support the Commission to make the best decision or recommendation possible.
Staff in General
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 7 of 10
The Commission and staff will not blind side eaGh other in p blir+• Whenever
possible if there is an issue or a question a Commission Member has on an
agenda item, that member W4 should contact staff prior to the meeting so staff
miaht be adeauately Dreaared to address such issues durina the Dublic meetina.
COMMISSION OPTIONS FOR KEEPING INFORMED
• Read Council Minutes in order to keep up to date on current issues facing the
City. (Available on City website)
• Commission Members will do their homework (Read ageR a paGkets prier t„
meetiRgs, Fnake site „icito etG.) bV reading the agenda packets prior to meetings
and making site visits when possible.
CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR SELECTION
Each Commission shall elect a Chair and Vice -Chair to serve a one-year term at
its first meeting in February.
CHAIRPERSON'S ROLE
• Each Chairperson is unique; the role is defined by the person, based on that
person's style.
• The Chairperson is the spokesperson for the Commission on actions approved
by the Commission as a whole. The Chairperson shall not share his or her
personal views while representing the Commission.
• The Chairperson shall ensure fairness, and strive to expedite the meetings in an
efficient and professional manner.
• The Commission Chairs, as representatives of the Commission, communicate
with the Mayor at quarterly meetings and at other times as necessary.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Department Director sets the Agenda for regular Commission meetings, with
direction from the City Manager including input from the Commission.
• Public comment shall be received on all action items.
• Any Commission Member can , aGe aR item OR the ageRda request in item be
placed on a future agenda under Commission Announcements and Reports. No
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 8 of 10
action will be taken on the item unless it is placed on a future agenda by a
majority of the Commission.
• Commission Members will treat everyone equally and with respect and courtesy.
• Corrections to minutes are passed to the Commission Secretary before the
meeting.
• Each Commission Member may share his/her views about the issue and the
reasons for his/her vote.
• Consent Calendar
- The Consent Calendar should be used for minutes, routine Commission
business, and items already approved in the budget.
- If a Commission Member has a PeFseRal question for clarification on a
Consent Calendar Item, they are advised to ask staff ahead of time, rather
+ha„ haVinn i+ unless they would rather have it pulled off for public discussion
during the meeting.
- Staff is prepared to report on every agenda item.
Chairperson Sechrist recessed the hearing at 10:15 p.m.
Chairperson Sechrist called the meeting back to order at 10:22 p.m.
l�d�]JiILTA 111i944F:"W/_1&*91ki1:7:11:191A115
1. Atascadero Youth Task Force - Next meeting 10/2/07 — Colony Park
Community Center Tour, 7:00 a.m.
Chairperson Sechrist reported on the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commission
Chairs and Vice -Chairs meeting, and stated that due to time constraints he was
unable to discuss all items on his list. Items that were reviewed included the
paddle wheeler, BMX Park, and other items currently before the Commission.
The Mayor would like strategic planning input from the Parks and Recreation
Commission in early November.
Vice Chairperson Butz suggested that the Commissions should rotate the
starting position for these meetings, as the Planning Commission issues took up
a significant amount of time. She reported that they were unable to discuss the
role of commissions and commissioners, and City Council goals and norms.
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 9 of 10
D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Community Services Director Brady Cherry, Deputy Public Works Director Geoff
English and Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning reported on the following items.
1. Mark Your Calendar:
■ 9/29/07 - Atascadero Creek Clean-up
■ 10/19/07 — 10/21/07 - Colony Days Parade & Events
• 11/29/07 - Colony Park Community Center Reception
■ 12/01/07 - Colony Park Community Center Grand Opening
• 12/21/07 - Ice Skating Rink returns to Atascadero for the Holidays
2. Paloma Creek Park Playground Planning Process
3. Correspondence in packet: Council staff report for 9/12/07 meeting
on "Triangle" Park Parcel
4. Atascadero Magazine/Recreation Guide Ad Policy in Development
5. Colony Park - Additional Site Improvements Planned to be Added to
Phase I Construction
6. Park Project Update
7. Creek Day, Saturday, September 29t"
There was Commission discussion regarding the Triangle Park Parcel and it was
suggested that it would be appreciated if Council would inform the Commission when
there is a park issue that is to be handled by the Council.
E. ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Sechrist adjourned the meeting at 10:54 p.m. to the next regularly
scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on October 18, 2007.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Grace Pucci, Recording Secretary
PRC Draft Minutes 09/20/07
Page 10 of 10