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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021909 - PR Comm MinutesApproved March 19, 2009 CITY OF A TA SCA DERO PA RKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, February 19, 2009 REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M. Chairperson Butz called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and Vice Chairperson Chacon led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Chacon, Cooper, Greenaway, Hatch, Marks, Zirk and Chairperson Butz. Absent: None. Others Present: Administrative Assistant Shannon Sims. Staff Present: Community Services Director Brady Cherry and Acting Public Works Director Geoff English. COMMUNITY FORUM Eric Greening, 7365 Via, encouraged Commissioners to visit the Historic Colony House Museum. He inquired if, now that the creek is flowing, the City would be able to draw water from it through the pipe to fill the Lake. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Commissioner Greenaway to approve the Agenda. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: Commissioner Cooper reported that the Atascadero Youth Task Force has many exciting things on the horizon. He said that the Task Force will be hosting the Chamber Mixer on March 19th at the Atascadero High School. Commissioner Hatch reported that the Veteran's Memorial Committee hopes to have the remainder of the bricks in place by the end of the month and will also be completing touch up work on the Memorial soon. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — January 15, 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the January 15, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] 2. Alvord Field Building Signage and Installation of a New Babe Ruth Batting Cage ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission approve Babe Ruth Baseball's request to install new building signage and a new batting cage beyond the left field fence at Alvord Field. [Community Services] 3. Veteran's Memorial Shed Placement ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission approve the location for the new utility/storage shed for the Atascadero Veteran's Memorial at Atascadero Lake Park, adjacent to Alvord Field. [Community Services] Eric Greening pulled Item A-1 and requested that under item B-3 Public Comment, the words "at the Estrada Adobe site" be added to what he said. MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Vice Chairperson Chacon to approve the consent calendar with the addition of the words, "at the Estrada Adobe site" to Item A — 1. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: 1. Eaale Scout Proiect — Atascadero Lake Park Landscaaina (Gerhardt ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval of a proposed project to landscape an area near the Charles Paddock Zoo Maintenance Building at Atascadero Lake Park. [Public Works] Page 2 of 9 Acting Public Works Director Geoff English introduced Eagle Scout Candidate, Jacob Gerhardt. Jacob Gerhardt, gave the presentation and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Eric Greening, thanked the applicant, particularly for noticing the neglected area at the Lake Park and zeroing in on the need. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment Period. MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Hatch to approve the proposed project. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. 2. Letter of Concern - Little Leaaue Plavaround ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission review letter of concern by Kip Meredith, President of Atascadero Little League, regarding safety concerns with the location of the Paloma Park Playground. [Community Services] Community Services Director Brady Cherry gave the report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT — None. Community Services Director Brady Cherry said he will contact Kip Meredith, President of Atascadero Little League to let him know the Commission has reviewed the letter. 3. Charles Paddock Zoo Front Entrance and Restroom Improvement Project ■ Fiscal Impact: $763,000 in budgeted funds. ■ Recommendation: Commission review and approve the new restroom design concept and location in the Charles Paddock Zoo. The Commission may also provide comment on the preliminary front entrance design. [Community Services] Community Services Director Brady Cherry gave the report and answered questions of the Commission. Zoo Director Alan Baker answered questions of the Commission. Page 3 of 9 PUBLIC COMMENT Eric Greening, said the project looks good. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment Period. MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Chacon and seconded by Commissioner Cooper to approve the new restroom design concept and location in the Charles Paddock Zoo. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. 4. Sub -Committee Recommendations — Proaosed Smokina Ban ■ Fiscal Impact: To be determined. ■ Recommendation: Commission review the wide range of options provided for consideration by the Commission Sub -Committee and make a recommendation to Council. [Community Services] Vice Chairperson Chacon thanked members of the Sub -Committee and gave the report. Mr. Chacon answered questions of the Commission. Commissioner Marks, read the following statement into the record: "The Staff Report for this item is incomplete and misleading. Proposals for restricting smoking in public parks have been brought before this Commission by Atascadero High School students, residents, public health specialists, and community service organizations on several occasions. During one of those earlier meetings a community member, speaking during the public comment period, indicated her belief that the issue had less merit since it had been brought to us from outsiders. I find this sort of xenophobia unfortunate from community members, and entirely unacceptable in City documents. I highlighted this problem as gently as I could during our October meeting, when I requested that the minutes accurately reflect the residential status of speakers on this topic and thanked the girl scouts for their related efforts. Furthermore, I specifically requested a summary of other agency smoking restrictions. The Staff Report's Observation No. 8: "state and federal laws do not currently ban use of tobacco products in all outdoor areas" does not address that request. What are the restrictions? Are there required setbacks from schools and children's play areas? If so, how far? Observation No. 7 says "it appears that people are generally more concerned about second-hand smoke in a confined area, rather than in an unrestricted outdoor environment." That may be a true statement if you are referring to people in general. But it is certainly not reflected by the 75% Page 4 of 9 of those surveyed who supported some restriction of smoking in parks and two- thirds supported restriction in all parks and public facilities. I don't believe a effort to evaluate reasonable alternatives and accurately report the findings has been adequately demonstrated, and 1 suggest we continue this item to a later date when such effort is made." Commissioner Zirk expressed that he shares Commissioner Marks' viewpoint. He commented that the real world is moving towards a smoking ban and he would like to see that continue. Commissioner Hatch said that the goal of the sub -committee was to be objective, gather as much information as possible and analyze the results. She said the Commission's job is to represent the public and it was obvious, by the lack of public comment, that the public did not find this to be a pressing issue. Ms. Hatch respectfully disagrees that the report is incomplete and thinks that maybe it's just not giving us the answer we want. Commissioner Greenaway asked for clarification on current restrictions pertaining to smoking. Community Services Director Brady Cherry responded that there are currently no City ordinances, however, the current State ordinances do apply. Vice Chairperson Chacon stated that the sub -committee tried to state the balance and be unbiased. He pointed out that the people who did turn out to speak during public comment for this item were fundamentally the same people. Mr. Chacon also commented that all Cities with smoking restrictions vary in the amount of restrictions; they are not all uniform. Upon speaking with many members of the public on the streets, he found people who smoked felt "demonized." He expressed how important it is to listen to everyone's perspective and relayed his appreciation the public who did come out and comment. PUBLIC COMMENT Eric Greening, spoke of smoking issues in Stadium Park and the possible fire hazards that could be created by it. He talked about the flammable environment and the close proximity of homes in Stadium Park and other City parks. Wayne Hanson, resident and Chairperson of San Luis Obispo County Smoking Coalition, said he's in attendance at this meeting as volunteer. He commended the sub- committee and expressed amazement at amount of work they did. Mr. Hanson announced that he was not happy with results or recommendations. He spoke about fire hazards related to smoking and reminded the Commission that the Community looks to them to make policy decisions. Page 5 of 9 Amber Aloin, Health Education Specialist with the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department Tobacco Control Program, thanked the sub -committee for their work. She pointed out that students are especially concerned about tobacco in the community. Ms. Aloin said that the Commission has an opportunity to be leaders for the community. Sandy Jack, resident, said he served on Commission during Stadium Park project. He commended the sub -committee's work. Mr. Jack stated that he is against continued erosion of individual rights and freedoms and doesn't want designated smoking areas or total bans. He encouraged the Commission to not add another law that the City can't enforce. Bill Hatch, resident, concurred with Mr. Jack's remarks about individual freedom and rights. He said that we don't want to create laws that divide the community and create confrontation amongst our citizens. Mr. Hatch encouraged the Commission to weigh this carefully. Al Fonzi, 7880 Sinaloa, suggested that gathering signatures of thousands of registered voters, then taking the issue to Council is the way to go. He said he is not in favor of a total ban in park areas, options one or two are the best choices in his opinion. Mr. Fonzi also expressed that the City does not have the police resources to try to enforce such a ban. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment Period. Community Services Director Brady Cherry clarified that the report in the packet is the work of the sub -committee, not City staff. He thanked all three of the sub -committee members for their hard work and dedication. Commissioner Marks thanked everyone for showing up and voicing their opinion. Commissioner Zirk inquired who was in charge of the phone survey regarding the smoking issue for which he received a phone call late last year and what were the results. Chairperson Butz re -opened the Public Comment Period. Christina Le Fevre, resident and Health Education Specialist with the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department Tobacco Control Program, stated that she is appearing before the Commission this evening on maternity leave, not as paid employee. She stated she has no knowledge of a phone survey being conducted in the City of Atascadero regarding the proposed smoking ban. Ms. Le Fevre answered questions of the Commission. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment Period. Page 6 of 9 Commissioner Hatch, said that if people are truly interested in something, they will show up. She commented that people had numerous chances to show up and speak and that few people actually attended. Ms. Hatch believes the Commission and sub- committee has done their due diligence with this issue. Commissioner Cooper thanked the sub -committee and public speakers. He said he has a strong opinion about this issue, especially being he's a Health Science teacher. He agreed that attendance was poor and that effort was made. Mr. Cooper agreed with Commissioner Marks to take no action at this time and possibly collect more information. He strongly encouraged a full ban. Commissioner Zirk commented that in his research 9 cities have banned tobacco products outright in all city parks and 2 cities banned it in designated areas. He expressed concern about setting an example for the young people. Youth Representative Matthew O'Connell said aside from all the health issues, visiting a park should be a pleasant outdoor experience. He personally feels that if he is in the area where smoker is, it does make him feel uncomfortable. Mr. O'Connell stated that it would be difficult to enforce but he wants to see a more pleasant environment. He said that restricted areas would be beneficial. Commissioner Hatch commended Commissioner Cooper on educating youth about health issues as a teacher. She stated that educating youth that they can make choices is important. With regards to cigarette litter, Ms. Hatch talked about other types of trash that are strewn about the parks. Commissioner Marks recommended that staff reports be filled with facts. Chairperson Butz said she talked to a lot of people and that they are really divided. She expressed concern about why the public didn't come out to comment on this issue when they were offered so many opportunities. She expressed worries about the costs involved with a total ban and the ability to enforce. Vice Chairperson Dan Chacon said he thinks there is a lot of personal and emotional attachment people have to this issue. He re-emphasized that the sub -committee really tried to take all of their emotions and personal feelings out of this issue. Mr. Chacon encouraged that we don't characterize other people by what they do. Commissioner Greenaway expressed that she could see banning smoking at the Zoo but not at a park. A discussion about possible Motions ensued amongst the Commissioners. Page 7 of 9 MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Commissioner Greenaway to implement the second options to recommend implementation of partial restrictions in such places as; 1. Zoo 2. Children's playground. (already State law) 3. Spectator areas at City parks (within 20 feet) in such places as; a. Concerts b. Movies c. Athletic Events d. Theatrical Events, etc. 4. For the above restricted areas, we recommend identifying designated smoking areas. Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. (Zirk abstained) C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — 3/3/09 at 7:15 a.m., Atascadero High School (Hosting Chamber Mixer in March). 2. Council/Chair Joint Meeting — 3/31/09 at 1:00 p.m. (March 16th agenda item deadline). Community Services Director Brady Cherry talked about quarterly Mayor/Mayor Pro - Tem and Chair/Vice-Chair meetings. He asked that if the Commission has any items to be discussed at this meeting, to relay them to Chairperson Butz or Vice Chairperson Chacon. Commissioner Hatch added the following items to the items list for the meeting: • The City promote use of Colony Park Community Center to be utilized more as money maker during the day (conventions, seminars, etc.) • Utilization of Stadium park • Increase efforts to utilize and promote Atascadero Lake Park more during the Holiday season Chairperson Butz suggested the following be added to the list: • Using Colony Park Community Center for more senior activities D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Mark Your Calendar: ■ T -Ball Opening Ceremonies ■ T -Ball Season Begins ■ 2009 Commissioner Workshop — Saturday, February 21St, Hearst Castle Page 8 of 9 2. Park Project Update 3. Quarterly Future Agenda Items List 4. Colony Park Community Center Update Community Services Director Brady Cherry talked about carpooling to the Commissioner Workshop. Acting Public Works Director Geoff English gave the parks project update. E. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant Page 9 of 9