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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101608 MinutesApproved 11/20/08 CITY OF A TA SCA DERO PARKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, October 16, 2008 REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M. Chairperson Sechrist called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and Commissioner Dunn led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Chacon, Dunn, Hatch, Istenes, Marks and Chairperson Sechrist Absent: Vice Chairperson Butz (excused) Others Present: Administrative Assistant Shannon Sims Staff Present: Community Services Director Brady Cherry, Acting Public Works Director Geoff English and Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning. COMMUNITY FORUM Jonalee Istenes, resident, asked that staff provide an update of the RCD Project. Chairperson Sechrist closed the Community Forum Period. Community Services Director Brady Cherry stated that, per the request of the Commission, staff would provide a status update on the RCD Project at the next meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: By Commissioner Dunn and seconded by Commissioner Marks to approve the agenda. Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: Commissioner Hatch thanked City staff and the community of Atascadero for supporting the upcoming dedication ceremony of the Veteran's Memorial on November 8t", at 10:00 a.m. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — July 17, 2008 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes of the July 17, 2008 meeting. [Community Services] 2. Parks and Recreation Commission Meetina Minutes — Seatember 18 2008 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes of the September 18, 2008 meeting. [Community Services] 3. Memorial Object Placement Request — Tree Dedication at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove (Holzer) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval to the City Council of a request by Norma Holzer to dedicate a Western Redbud Tree to be planted at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove Site #3 in memory of Edward Holzer. [Community Services] PUBLIC COMMENT - None MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Commissioner Chacon to approve Consent Items #1, 2 and 3. Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. B. PUBLIC HEARING: 1. Banning or Restricting Smoking in the City's Outdoor Recreation Areas, Parks and the Charles Paddock Zoo ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission gather public input to aide in the development of policy options and recommendations by the sub- committee regarding smoking in City outdoor recreation areas, parks and the zoo. Chairperson Sechrist gave an overview of the item and an update on the Commission's Sub -Committee and their progress. PUBLIC COMMENT Al Fonzi, resident, suggested that if the Commission does anything, that they limit the smoking ban to the area between the Pavilion on the Lake and the playground, including the playground itself and gazebo area to the drainage channel and the Zoo. He stressed that currently the public is not engaged in this issue and suggested the people who feel passionately about this issue go out and gather signatures. Howard Marohn, resident, thinks we all have read for years about the dangers of smoking and doesn't agree with having those dangers in the parks near children and babies. Christina LaFevre, Health Education Specialist with the San Luis Obispo County Tobacco Control Program, spoke of the dangers of smoking and that government intervention is warranted to protect the majority of the community's rights. She circulated handouts. (Exhibits A, B and C) Sally Joyce, Sessation Counselor for the San Luis Obispo County Tobacco Control Program and member of the Tobacco Coalition, thinks that a ban will inspire people to quit smoking. Lara Slaughter, Emergency Department Nurse and community member, spoke of the notion of the right to smoke in public places. She encouraged a full smoking ban. Roberta Fonzi, resident, doesn't support smoking but noted that she has never experienced a problem with smoke while visiting the local parks. She commented that this issue is not being raised by Atascadero residents. Ms. Fonzi suggested involving the public more and to really consider what enforcement of this ordinance would entail. Kathleen Miller, resident of Atascadero since 1981, said she understands health issues and doesn't smoke. She expressed concern about individual rights and thinks everyone should be welcome at the parks. Denise Crigo, resident and Atascadero High School student, supports non-smoking in the parks because of the dangers in having animals or children ingest cigarette butts that are left behind. Margaret Crigo, resident, stated she doesn't feel a smoking ban is taking personal liberties. In addition, she likes the idea of having disposal areas for cigarettes. Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment Period. Commissioner Dunn is concerned that she and other Commissioners, whose terms will be over at the end of the year, might not be able to vote on this issue. She expressed discontent that the process is taking too long. Ms. Dunn said she thinks the Commission should make the decision tonight to forward the issue on to the City Council. Community Services Director Brady Cherry stated that the pace is up to the Commission's sub -committee and they will decide when the issue comes back to the full Commission. Commissioner Istenes stressed that we need to get the word out better to the public and thinks the problems have more to do with liter than smoking. Commissioner Hatch believes there are many more high priority issues right now that the public is interested in. She suggested that the timing to hear and really consider this issue may not be appropriate. Commissioner Chacon stressed that input takes time and discouraged rushing through the issue. He believes the Commission should give the community more of an opportunity to participate and doesn't want to be accused of not listening. Commissioner Marks hopes that the next staff report will contain an overview of entire history of this proposal and summary of any other applicable "no smoking" zones that would impact our parks. She likes the idea of having agendas for the public hearings posted at parks. Ms. Marks would like to recognize Girl Scout Troop 30 and members Carrie Velie, Shaylee Gunther and Claire Phillips who spent considerable effort picking up cigarette butts. Commissioner Dunn inquired what the current tally is for the smoking survey. PUBLIC COMMENT Christina LeFevre, resident, wanted to clarify that the first time this topic was brought to the Commission was by Atascadero High School students in April during the Public Comment period. Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment Period. For the record, the stack of surveys submitted by Commissioner Hatch are not included in this evening's totals. Community Services Director Brady Cherry relayed what the current tally of surveys is. The Commission discussed distribution options for the survey, the public process and the purpose of the Commission's sub -committee. PUBLIC COMMENT Al Fonzi, resident and licensed hazardous materials specialist with the State of California Office of Emergency Services, spoke about his experience with the process of getting an issue before City Council. Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment Period. C��i�i/_1►I,[rl=h�ihl��i:��1�7:i�'ia 1. Public Request to Restrict Dogs from Access to the Lawn Areas at Atascadero Lake Park • Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission consider a request by Atascadero resident, Howard Marohn, to restrict dogs from access to the lawn area at Atascadero Lake Park and provide direction to staff regarding future action, if any, regarding this matter. [Community Services] Commissioner Istenes abstained from this item and dismissed herself to sit in the audience. Acting Public Works Director Geoff English gave the report and answered questions of the Commission. Mr. English introduced Howard Marohn. Howard Marohn, resident, elaborated on his request to restrict dogs at Atascadero Lake Park and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Jonalee Istenes, resident, has seen improvement with people trying to clean up after their dogs and inquired about the locations of the bag dispensers. Roberta Fonzi, resident, commented that the majority of people who frequent the lake park are responsible dog owners. She encouraged the Commission to consider the placement of the bags at the park. Al Fonzi, resident, suggested having the community service workers help with cleaning up after irresponsible dog owners and suggested having more bags available. Chairperson Sechrist closed the Public Comment Period. Commissioner Dunn asked that for the record it be noted that Mr. Marohn is not asking that dogs be banned from the park entirely, but to keep the dogs off the grass. A discussion ensued amongst Commissioners about public education and options for improvement. Acting Public Works Director Geoff English indicated that the cost of the doggy bags around the lake is presently running in excess of $2,000 year. Acting Public Works Director Geoff English said that staff will prepare an article to be placed in the Atascadero Magazine encouraging responsible pet ownership in the parks and will look into more signage and an education campaign. Mr. English mentioned staff is looking into the option of creating a dispenser and asking the public to donate plastic grocery bags to stock it. D. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — 11/04/08 at 7:15 a.m., Community Link. Community Services Director Brady Cherry mentioned that the Atascadero Youth Task Force has changed the meeting location and start time to 7:00 a.m., the first Tuesday of every month, at the Colony Park Community Center, starting November 4th. E. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Mark Your Calendar: ■ Colony Days Parade - Oct. 18th ■ Zoo Boo — October 30th & 31St ■ Colony Park Community Center Haunted House — October 31St ■ Youth Task Force, 7:OOam, Community Center ■ Veteran's Memorial Dedication - November 8th ■ Craft Faire - November 15th, Pavilion on the Lake ■ Adult Basketball Turkey Shoot Out — November 15t"_16th 2. Paloma Park Ballfield Lighting Project Update 3. Charles Paddock Zoo Project Update 4. City of Atascadero 30th Anniversary — 2009 5. Alvord Field Babe Ruth Building Project Update Community Services Director Brady Cherry reviewed staff comments and announcements. Commissioner Marks complimented staff on the Paloma Park Playground. Commissioner Istenes spoke about the Groundwater Guardian's Clean -Up of the Atascadero Creek beds and commented on the alarming number of cats in the creek. F. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Sechrist adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant