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Home My WebLink About101807 PR Comm MinutesCITY OF A TA SCA DERO PARKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M. Vice Chairperson Butz called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and Commissioner Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Chacon, Istenes, Marks, Mathews and Vice Chairperson Butz Student Representatives Buck -Moyer and Carden Absent: Commissioner Hatch (excused absence) Chairperson Sechrist (excused absence) Staff Present: Community Services Director Brady Cherry, Deputy Public Works Director — Operations Geoff English, Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard, Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning and Administrative Assistant Shannon Sims. COMMUNITY FORUM — None. PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 1 of 7 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: By Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Marks to move Management Item #3: Eagle Scout Project — Atascadero Lake Park Landscaping (Whitacker) to Management Item #1. Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. COMMISSION/ YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: Vice Chairperson Butz reminded everyone about the Colony Days festivities. PRESENTATION: 1. Presentation to Outstanding Community Services Department Volunteers Austin Miller and Dayn Mansfield. Community Services Director Brady Cherry presented the awards for Austin Miller and Dayn Mansfield to Jennifer Smith, a representative, in their absence. He spoke about their many contributions to the youth of the community. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes — September 20, 2007 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes of the September 20, 2007 meeting. [Community Services] MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Chacon to approve Item #A-1 with the exception that the tape be reviewed and if a vote was made after the Commission Norm's Item #13-4 it be noted on the September 20, 2007 Minutes. Motion passes 5:0 by a roll -call vote. B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: 3. Eagle Scout Project — Atascadero Lake Park Landscaping (Whitacker) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval of the proposed Eagle Scout project to landscape an area near the South end of Atascadero Lake. [Public Works] PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 2 of 7 Deputy Public Works Director — Operations Geoff English gave a brief overview of proposed project and introduced Eagle Scout Brendon Whitacker. Brendon Whitacker presented his plans to re -landscape the project area near the intersection of Santa Rosa Road and Lakeview Drive. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Chacon asked if he would be completing the project by himself. Brendon Whitacker responded that he will have some volunteer help from his Boyscout troop, as well as from a local landscape contractor. Commissioner Istenes inquired about the choice for the location; whether is was to make the picnic area more private or to beautify the corner. Brendon Whitacker's response was that he intended to beautify the corner and enable the sign to stand out more. Commissioner Mathews asked where he came up with the idea to plant native plants in that area. Brendon Whitacker stated he received recommendations from Tom Jamason, Parks Staff, and from a landscape contractor. He chose those particular plants because they conserve water and tend to do well in our environment. Commissioner Mathews commended his efforts and his choices of plants. Commissioner Chacon thanked him for his time and effort. He commented on how nice it is to see youth contributing to their Community and encouraged him to continue with his efforts. Commissioner Marks thanked him for the lasting, positive impression he will be leaving. Commissioner Istenes suggested that if it isn't already procedure, it be protocol to give all Boy Scouts a map when they start a project like this. She also commended his efforts. Vice Chairperson Butz commended him on his presentation to the Commission and his report. PUBLIC COMMENT — None. MOTION: By Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Istenes to approve Brendon Whitacker's project as proposed. Motion passed 5:0. PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 3 of 7 1. Atascadero Maaazine Advertisina Policies ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission review and comment on the advertising policies related to the Atascadero Magazine. [Community Services] Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning presented facts pertaining to the history of the City's recreation guides and how it has evolved into The Atascadero Magazine. Ms. Fanning asked for feedback from the Commission on additional policies that might be necessary. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Istenes suggested that the policy be amended to say "nor controversial projects." She suggested having more ad spaces so more local businesses could advertise. She also pointed out that WalMart was able to advertise even though they aren't local. Commissioner Chacon suggested putting a disclaimer statement on the front or the back end of the Magazine so that the City isn't placed in the position of supporting or not supporting something. He also suggested that in the section that says "Advertisements that promote alcohol, tobacco, adult-oriented or sexual content...." that "at the discretion of the Atascadero Magazine City of Atascadero Staff" be omitted. He felt it should be a policy period. He also expressed concern if we were to limit only businesses in Atascadero. Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning informed the Commission that there was a disclaimer added to the beginning of the current Magazine. Commissioner Istenes again expressed her opinion that the purpose of the magazine is to support Atascadero businesses only. Commissioner Marks inquired if the advertising opportunities were posted on the City's website. She thinks it's an excellent way for local businesses to advertise and to offset the City's costs. Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning said that the magazine is available to download or view on the website and that the advertising information is also posted for the public online. Commissioner Mathews shares Commissioner Istenes' concerns about the use of ad space by very controversial businesses. Commissioner Chacon mentioned the importance of being careful not to discriminate who can or can not advertise. PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 4 of 7 Vice Chairperson Butz commented that the Paso Robles Magazine is privately published so it's at the Publisher's discretion who advertises. She noted the difference between private and public publications. PUBLIC COMMENT: Atascadero resident, Lee Perkins, had a number of concerned people inquire about the full page WalMart ad after the magazine was published. She has concerns about this and believes that The Rottman Group and WalMart presence is very political in our community. She also mentioned the fact that the Oppose WalMart group was considered "controversial" and denied to walk in the Colony Days Parade. Vice Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment period. Commissioner Istenes again relayed her opinion about ads being limited to Atascadero businesses only. She suggested lowering the prices if there's difficulty filling the ad spaces. Community Services Director Brady Cherry agreed with Commissioner Chacon, that "at the discretion of Atascadero Magazine City of Atascadero Staff" be omitted and the sentence begin with "Advertisements that promote..." He also stressed the importance of being as specific as possible in the policies to avoid confusion. Commissioner Mathews asked what the current advertising rates are and how many advertisements are being purchased per issue. Community Services Director Brady Cherry said that the City's goal is to have no more than 25% of the Atascadero Magazine contain ads. He believes it looks cleaner and is less distracting that way. Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning said ad prices are as follows: Business Card Ad $150/issue Quarter Page Ad $250/issue Half Page Ad $475/issue Banner Ad $325/issue Full Page Ad $925/issue Inside Front Cover $2,000/issue Inside Back Cover $1,800/issue Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning also pointed out that there is a %15 discount if someone wants to advertise for the whole year (3 issues). She also relayed that these rates are high but fair considering this publication is produced in color, with glossy pages. Community Services Director Brady Cherry said total ad revenue annually is approximately $16,000.00. This is a significant amount of money to help defray printing costs. PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 5 of 7 Commissioner Marks referred to the policy that references advertisements for political candidates or political causes. She suggested changing the word "scheduled" to something slightly broader such as "proposed." Commissioner Chacon recommended that any changes or suggestions made by the Commission be reviewed by general counsel. Vice Chairperson Butz expressed concerned about legal issues as well. Commissioner Mathews suggested another bullet point to read something like "advertisements for for-profit businesses shall be limited to those business currently doing business in the City of Atascadero." Commissioner Istenes added a side note about advertisements. She inquired about the choices of pictures presented on the AGP video showcasing the best of Atascadero. She wants to see more pictures of parks and people. Community Services Director Brady Cherry said he believed the choice of pictures is made by the Tourism Committee. He will pass along the information to Marcia McClure Torgerson, the contact for the Committee. 2. Atascadero Municipal Budget Overview ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Informational item only. [Community Services] Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard gave an extensive presentation about the ongoing budget process. She elaborated on the six (6) current City Council goals, which are to: Enhance the City's Economic Base Continue Emphasis on Road Maintenance Program Repair Historic City Hall Continue to Enhance Public Safety Campaign Finance Reform Create Natural Resources Program Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Chacon asked why the City is projected to receive less money but will be spending more. Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard explained that the reason for this is it's an expenditure of funds that have accumulated over the years and the City now has enough funds to complete the projects. The accumulation of funds doesn't show in revenue, it flows through the fund balance. PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 6 of 7 Commissioner Mathews asked about the tree planting fund and why there is such a large increase in expenditures. Administrative Services Director Rachelle Rickard explained that in the 2007/2008 budget, as part of the natural resources program, the City will be a lot more aggressive on publishing brochures, planting trees, and property acquisition. Commissioner Marks mentioned that she hoped that some of the extra property tax revenue would be directed towards the trail project. PUBLIC COMMENT — None. C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force - Next meeting 11/06/07 — Internet Safety Presentation D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning informed the Commission of upcoming events and festivities. Deputy Public Works Director — Operations Geoff English gave a parks project update. Commissioner Istenes had some questions about trails and the BMX park. Community Service Director Brady Cherry gave the history and background information on the BMX park as well as the current status. E. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairperson Butz adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on November 15, 2007. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant PRC Minutes 10/18/07 Page 7 of 7