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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC_2009-11-19_AgendaPacketCITY OF A TA SCA DERO PARKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, November 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting Atascadero City Hall Council Chambers 6907 EI Camino Real Atascadero, California :1 *till W_1 N&I ***.I Is]► all LTA I PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: OATH OF OFFICE: Chairperson: Vice -Chairperson: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Student Representative Barbie Butz Daniel Chacon Christian Cooper Susan Greenaway Sorrel Marks Tom Zirk Vacant Matthew O'Connell 1. Administration of Oath of Office - Newly appointed Commissioner Bill Wachtel will be sworn in by City Clerk, Marcia McClure Torgerson. COMMUNITY FORUM: (This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wanting to address the Commission on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Please state your name and address for the record before making your presentation. The Commission may take action to direct the staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allowed for Community Forum, unless changed by the Commission.) APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Roll Call PRESENTATION: Presentation to Tom and Nancy Weatherman, in appreciation for their outstanding dedication to the community. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: (On their own initiative, Commission Members may make a brief announcement or a brief report on their own activities. Commission Members may ask a question for clarification, make a referral to staff or take action to have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda. The Commission may take action on items listed on the Agenda.) A. CONSENT CALENDAR: (All items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine and non -controversial by City staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Commission or public wishes to comment or ask questions. If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent calendar and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Commission concerning the item before action is taken.) 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - August 20, 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the August 20, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] 2. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - October 15, 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the October 15, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: 1. Tree Dedication Request at the Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove in Honor of Tom Bench (Russ James) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval to the City Council of a request by Russ James (on behalf of the Early Morning Walkers) to dedicate a memorial tree, to be planted at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove, site #13, in memory of Tom Bench. [Community Services] 2. Request to Evaluate the Meetinq Location and Schedule of the Parks and Recreation Commission (by Commissioner Zirk) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission continue to hold regular monthly meetings in the Council Chambers, with modifications, and cancel any regular meetings as may be necessary. [Community Services] 3. Request to Consider Re -Naming the Charles Paddock Zoo (by Commissioner Zirk) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission discuss options for re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. No recommendation for a course of action is recommended at this time. [Community Services] 4. Special Holidav Meetina in December 2009 ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Recommendation: Commission consider holding the annual Commission holiday potluck meeting on December 17th, 2009. [Community Services] C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: (The following represent standing committees. Informative status reports will be given, as felt necessary.): 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — 12/1/09 at 7:00 a.m., Atascadero High School. 13 +3r_1;11&60]►ailih14►11%'i/_1►III, [fill ► us] :ILTi l=1►11%'5 1. Mark Your Calendar: ■ Holiday Boutique — November 21St, 2009, 10:00am - 3:OOpm, Pavilion on the Lake ■ Holiday Lighting Ceremony - In conjunction with Atascadero Main Street's Art & Wine Tour, Friday, December 4th, 6:00 — 9:OOpm. ■ Zoo Holiday Magic — December 19th, 2009 ■ Commission Training — February 27th, 2010, 8:30am — 2:OOpm, Hearst Castle 2. Colony Park Community Center Update 3. Park Project Update E. ADJOURNMENT: THE NEXT REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 17, 2009 AT 7:00 P.M. I, Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant of the City of Atascadero, declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing agenda for the November 19, 2009 Regular Session of the Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission was posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 at Atascadero City Hall, 6907 EI Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 and was available for public review in the Customer Service Center at that location. Signed this 13h day of November, 2009 at Atascadero, California. Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant Citv of Atascadero City of Atascadero WELCOME TO THE ATASCADER0 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING The Parks and Recreation Commission meet in regular session on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., in the Atascadero City Hall, located at 6907 El Camino Real, Atascadero. The Parks and Recreation Commission consider matters in the order of the printed Agenda. Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the Agenda are on file in the Community Services Department and are available for public inspection during City Hall Annex, 6907 El Camino Real, during business hours at the Central Receptionist counter and on our website; www.atascadero.org. An agenda packet is also available for public review at the Atascadero Library, 6850 Morro Road. All documents submitted by the public during Parks and Recreation Commission meetings that are either read into the record or referred to in their statement will be noted in the minutes and available for review in the Community Services Department. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the Community Services Department at (805) 461- 5000. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed, will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service. TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEMS Members of the audience may speak on any item on the agenda. The Parks and Recreation Chairperson will identify the subject, staff will give their report, and the Commission will ask questions of staff. The Chairperson will announce when the public comment period is open and will request anyone interested to address the Commission regarding the matter being considered to step up to the lectern. If you wish to speak for, against or comment in any way: • You must approach the lectern and be recognized by the Chairperson • Give your name and address (not required) • Make your statement • All comments should be made to the Chairperson and Commission • All comments limited to 3 minutes (unless changed by the Commission) • No one may speak for a second time until everyone wishing to speak has had an opportunity to do so, and no one may speak more than twice on any item. The Chairperson will announce when the public comment period is closed, and thereafter, no further public comments will be heard by the Commission. TO SPEAK ON SUBJECTS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA Under Agenda item, "COMMUNITY FORUM", the Chairperson will call for anyone from the audience having business with the Parks and Recreation Commission to: Please approach the lectern and be recognized Give your name and address (not required) State the nature of your business This is the time items not on the Agenda may be brought to the Commission's attention. A maximum of 30 minutes will be allowed for Community Forum (unless changed by the Commission). TO HAVE ITEMS PLACED ON AGENDA All business matters to appear on the Agenda must be in the Office of the Community Services Department 14 days preceding the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Should you have a matter you wish to bring before the Commission, please mail or bring a written communication to the Community Services Department at City Hall prior to the deadline. ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 CITY OF A TA SCA DERO PA RKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES Thursday, August 20, 2009 REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M. Chairperson Butz called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. and Commissioner Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Chacon, Cooper, Greenaway, Hatch, Marks, Zirk and Chairperson Butz. Youth Representative O'Connell. Absent: None. Staff Present: Community Services Director Brady Cherry, Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English, Zoo Director Alan Baker, Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning and Administrative Assistant Shannon Sims. COMMUNITY FORUM — None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Chacon and seconded by Commissioner Cooper to approve the Agenda. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. Page 1 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 PRESENTATION: Presentation to Dick Gilbert, with Gilbert's Landscaping, in appreciation for volunteer grounds maintenance at the Veteran's Memorial site. Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English gave an overview of the contributions from Dick Gilbert, with Gilbert's Landscaping. Ann Hatch presented a plaque to Dick Gilbert and read a Certificate of Appreciation from the Veteran's Memorial Foundation. She thanked him for his contributions and the honor that he has showed veterans. Jimmy Quinonez spoke about the phenomenal job Mr. Gilbert is doing keeping the Memorial grounds a beautiful sight. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: Commissioner Chacon said that he believes that the character of a person is shown in how he/she gives. He commended Mr. Gilbert for his actions and offered his services if help is needed. Commissioner Hatch invited the community to attend the September 12th Veteran's Memorial Foundation Annual Poker Run and elaborated on the specifics of the event. Ms. Hatch thanked Ernie Porter, big supporter of the Veteran's Memorial, for being in attendance at the Commission meeting. Commissioner Cooper commented that he attended a skate demo with professionals at the A -Town Skate Park. He commended Kevin Campion for the great job his is doing. Mr. Cooper also encouraged Commissioners to visit Redding's website and view their wonderful pool facility and park area. Commissioner Butz said she attended the Muppet Movie, in the Sunken Gardens Movies in the Park series, and enjoyed it. She mentioned that the Atascadero Art and Wine Tour will be held on Friday, August 28th, and distributed an event flyer to the Commissioners. Commissioner Zirk commended the City Council for actions taken to place a smoking ban at City parks. He said that the San Luis Obispo Tobacco Coalition has offered to pay for the signage. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes — May 21, 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the May 21, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] Page 2 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Vice Chairperson Chacon to approve Consent Item A-1. Motion passed 4:0 by a roll -call vote. (Cooper, Hatch and Butz abstained) 2. Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meetina Minutes — June 4 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting minutes of the June 4, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Greenaway to approve Consent Item A-2. Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. (Zirk abstained) 3. Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meetina Minutes — June 18 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting minutes of the June 18, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] Commissioner Hatch asked that a correction be made on page 2 of Item A — 3, in the spelling of Jimmy Quinonez' last name. She asked that the "s" be omitted and replaced with a "z." MOTION: By Commissioner Hatch and seconded by Commissioner Marks to approve Consent Item A-3 with the correction to be made, on page 2, with the correct spelling of Mr. Quinonez' name. Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote. (Chacon abstained) 4. Parks and Recreation Commission Soecial Meetina Minutes — July 16 2009 ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting minutes of the July 16, 2009 meeting. [Community Services] Commissioner Marks requested that Fred Frank and Bruce Boniface's names be added to Item A — 4, since they were in attendance and gave their expertise. MOTION: By Commissioner Greenaway and seconded by Commissioner Marks to approve Consent Item A - 4 with the addition of Fred Frank and Bruce Boniface's names. Motion passed T-0 by a roll -call vote. Page 3 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 5. Memorial Tree Placement Reauest — Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove (Baganz) ■ Fiscal Impact: None. ■ Staff Recommendation: Commission recommend approval to the City Council of a request by Liddy M. Dye to dedicate a Memorial Tree to be planted at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove site #14, in memory of Margot Frieda Baganz. [Community Services] MOTION: By Commissioner Zirk and seconded by Commissioner Marks to approve Consent Item A-5. Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. ►yiL10V_1W 4 lyy1=111119N:Ia0l:ii•13 1. Revision of Site Master Plan for Colonv Park (Formerly Traffic Wa Park): An Examination of Spatial Needs and Relationships ■ Fiscal Impact: Revision process will be conducted by the Commission and City staff. Funding for David Volz, Inc., the current plan's original designer, to prepare new park conceptual design plans will be between $5,000 - $9,500, depending upon the scope and number of revisions necessary to finalize the plan. This funding may no longer be available due to the impacts of State "takes" of City revenues. ■ Recommendation: Commission review previous Colony Park Site Master Plan and the subsequent changes and begin the process of selecting and prioritizing additions and removals of new park improvements for the revision of the Plan. [Community Services] Community Services Director Brady Cherry gave the report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Jud Clark, San Luis Obispo resident and Director of the PUMA Aquatics, spoke of the benefits of aquatic programs and the important role a pool can play in a community, especially with tourism. Mr. Clark spoke of the benefits of defined programming and how a pool based on this can pay for itself. He said PUMA would be interested in renting a space if such a pool was to be built in Atascadero. Mr. Clark answered questions of the Commission. Ernie Porter, resident, said he thinks an Olympic -size pool should be built. He commented that he's lived in Atascadero his entire life and is sorry to say that Atascadero is the only City that doesn't have a community pool. Ellen Beraud, resident and swimmer, spoke about the U.S. Masters and the incredible swim complex in Clovis. She spoke of the need and benefits of a pool in Atascadero for all ages. Ms. Beraud commented that the Kennedy Club Fitness pool is too crowded Page 4 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 and not everyone can afford to join the gym in order to use the pool facilities. She spoke of public-private partnerships and said that she thinks Colony Park is the best location for a pool and should be reserved for this purpose. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment Period. Community Services Director Brady Cherry asked the Public and Commissioners to gather around the display in the center of the room. He reviewed park and space issues and answered questions of the Commission. Chairperson Butz recessed the meeting for a break at 9:06 p.m. Chairperson Butz called the meeting back to order at 9:12 p.m. 2. Atascadero Lake Park Frontage Project Design Plan ■ Fiscal Impact: The Lake Park Frontage Improvement Project is budgeted at $660,000 in Redevelopment Agency funds. ■ Recommendation: Commission recommend approval of the conceptual design plans for the Atascadero Lake Park and Zoo Frontage Improvement Project. [Public Works] Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English gave the report and answered questions from the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Maurice Wagner, consultant for the Veteran's Memorial Foundation, veteran and resident for 23 years, said he lives opposite the lake park. He said he designed the signage coming into the Memorial to create a quiet, sanctified atmosphere. Mr. Wagner thinks that the best concept for attracting people coming from Morro Bay is to put a sign down by the swale with an arrow or to put a regular road sign, along Hwy 41, down further in either direction. He also suggested exploring other materials, besides concrete, for the lake park main entrance sign, possibly a computer generated visual sign. Mr. Wagner answered questions of the Commission. Mark Greenaway, resident for 56 years and consultant for Veteran's Memorial Foundation, mentioned that the actual sign leading into the Memorial won't show quite as much of the arms as in the drawing before the Commission. He said it will be a little bit closer up for better viewing of the heads and faces of the soldiers. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment period. Community Services Director Brady Cherry answered questions of the Commission. A discussion of possible options ensued amongst the Commissioners. Page 5 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Chacon and seconded by Commissioner Hatch to approve Item B-2 with the following changes: 1. The main entrance sign will read, from top to bottom, "Lake Park, Zoo, Veteran's Memorial," 2. Add an additional sign for the Veteran's Memorial; and 3. Place a sign at the corner of Pismo that reads, from top to bottom, "Lake Park, Pavilion." Motion passed 7:0 by a roll -call vote. C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — 09/01/09 at 7:15 a.m., Atascadero High School. Community Services Director Brady Cherry said at the September meeting AYFL will be talking about the Colony Square Project and security issues in the Sunken Gardens, amongst other things. D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Mark Your Calendar: ■ Tuesday Night BBQ in the Park — Every Tuesday beginning June 16th — August 25th, Atascadero Lake Park ■ EI Camino Cruise Nite — Friday, August 21 st, 6:30pm — 8:30pm ■ Saturday Summer Concert Series — Every Saturday through September 5th, 6:30pm — 8:30pm, Atascadero Lake Park ■ Movies in the Park — Final showing Saturday, August 22nd, "Grease", 8:OOpm, Sunken Gardens Park ■ Youth Basketball Registration — Begins September 8th ■ Teen Night — September 18th, Colony Park Community Center 2. Colony Park Community Center Update 3. Park Project Update Community Services Director Brady Cherry reviewed upcoming events. Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning gave an update of the Colony Park Community Center. E. ADJOURNMENT: Chairperson Butz adjourned the meeting at 10:09 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant Page 6 of 6 ITEM NUMBER: A - 2 DATE: 11/19/09 CITY OF A TA SCA DERO PA RKS AND RECREA TION COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES Thursday, October 15, 2009 REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by Chairperson Butz and Commissioner Marks led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioner Cooper, Greenaway, Marks, Zirk and Chairperson Butz. Absent: Vice Chairperson Chacon and Youth Representative O'Connell. Staff Present: Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English, Recreation Supervisor Paula Anton and Administrative Assistant Shannon Sims. COMMUNITY FORUM — None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Greenaway to approve the Agenda. Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. Page 1 of 4 ITEM NUMBER: A - 2 DATE: 11/19/09 PRESENTATION: Presentation to Kevin Campion and Molly Morgan, in appreciation for outstanding community service. Chairperson Butz presented an award to Molly Morgan and said a few words about her contributions. Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English spoke about Kevin Campion's outstanding service to the community and presented him with an award. COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS: Commissioner Marks thanked City staff and the community for a very successful Creek Clean -Up Day event. Commissioner Cooper spoke of the privilege of being invited to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony for Conner Whiteford. Chairperson Butz mentioned that earlier in the evening was the retirement reception for George Dodge, Executive Director of the Community Link. She said he was presented with the Humanitarian Award. Commissioner Zirk requested that two items be placed on a future agenda. He requested that Commission meeting location and schedule be discussed, as well as re- naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. There was Commission consensus to place both of these items on a future agenda. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: None. B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: 1. Naming a City Park, Facility or Amenity in Memory of Marjorie Mackey ■ Fiscal Impact: Depending upon the option chosen, funding for an attractive and durable sign for the location could cost $300-$900. It is recommended that donations for the costs of this sign be solicited from the community. ■ Recommendation: Commission review the suggested locations for naming and recognizing the late Marjorie Mackey and make a recommendation to the City Council. [Community Services] Page 2 of 4 ITEM NUMBER: A - 2 DATE: 11/19/09 Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English gave report and answered questions of the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT Deborah Stafford, resident, stated that she knew Marjorie Mackey for quite a long time. She said that she agrees with Commissioner Butz and thinks that Marj would be very happy with having Stadium Park Bowl or surrounding area named in her memory. Chairperson Butz closed the Public Comment period. A discussion ensued amongst Commissioners. MOTION: By Commissioner Zirk and seconded by Commissioner Cooper to make a recommendation to the City Council that the "Marj Mackey Trail" and "Marj Mackey Meadow" be adopted in Stadium Park in memory of the late Marjorie Mackey. Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — 11/03/09 at 7:00 a.m., Atascadero High School. D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Mark Your Calendar: ■ Spring Atascadero Magazine Deadline — October 16th, 2009. ■ Zoo Boo — October 24t , 2009, 5:00 — 8:30pm, Charles Paddock Zoo ■ Youth Basketball — Registration ends October 22nd, 2009. Season to begin January 9th, 2010. ■ Colony Park Community Center Teen Halloween Night — October 30, 2009, 7:00 — 10:OOpm, Colony Park Community Center ■ Holiday Boutique — November 21, 2009, 10:00am — 3:00p, Pavilion on the Lake ■ Commission Training_— February 27th, 2010, 8:30am — 2:OOpm, Hearst Castle 2. Colony Park Community Center Update 3. Park Project Update Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English reviewed past and upcoming events and park projects with the Commission. Page 3 of 4 ITEM NUMBER: A - 2 DATE: 11/19/09 Commissioner Cooper relayed that the Atascadero Athletic Foundation is hosting a Hall of Fame induction dinner on October 17, 2009, at the Santa Margarita Ranch. He also relayed that the Foundation and Atascadero Main Street will be having their first annual "Bandstand Competition" during Colony Days. ,\1310111Ni!IIT, 14Zk Chairperson Butz adjourned the meeting at 8: 10 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED BY: Shannon Sims, Administrative Assistant Page 4 of 4 ITEM NUMBER: B - 1 DATE: 11/19/09 Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report — Community Services Department Tree Dedication Request at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove in Honor of Tom Bench (Russ James) RECOMMENDATION: Commission recommend approval to the City Council of a request by Russ James (on behalf of the Early Morning Walkers) to dedicate a memorial tree, to be planted at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove, site #13, in memory of Tom Bench. DISCUSSION: Background: Russ James submitted a request to plant a tree from family and friends in memory of Tom Bench in the Atascadero Lake Memorial Grove. Analysis: The Policy on the Naming of Public Buildings, Parks and Other Public Facilities includes a provision to be followed by staff for the recognition of individuals. SECTION II, E. "In addition to the naming of public facilities by using the criteria established above, the City can provide for the recognition of individuals, either deceased or living, by the placement of memorial objects (symbols); such as living trees, public benches, rocks, memorial flagpoles, sculptures, etc., in public facilities. The placement and identification of these recognition symbols will be at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council on a case-by-case basis. The attached request complies with previously established policies for the recognition of individuals at City park facilities and is consistent with the established plans for Atascadero Lake Park. Conclusion: Staff recommends approval to the City Council of a request by Russ James to dedicate a Big Leaf Maple memorial tree at Atascadero Lake Park Memorial Grove in memory of Tom Bench. ATTACHMENT: Letter of Request ITEM NUMBER: B - 2 DATE: 11/19/09 Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report — Community Services Department Request to Evaluate the Meeting Location and Schedule of the Parks and Recreation Commission (by Commissioner Zirk) RECOMMENDATION: Commission continue to hold regular monthly meetings in the Council Chambers, with modifications, and cancel any regular meetings as may be necessary. DISCUSSION: Background: At the October 15, 2009 Commission meeting, Commissioner Zirk requested that the Commission evaluate the current location of the Commission meetings, as well as the frequency of the meetings due to light business items for the agenda. The Parks and Recreation Commission has traditionally held its' meetings in the Council Chambers, both in the current building as well as the City Administration Building on Palma Ave. Attendance at the meetings is generally light, with only a handful of members of the public in the audience. Since the public does not normally attend in large numbers, the Chambers may not seem to be the best setting to conduct such meetings. However, one of the constraints of moving the meetings to another smaller room, is the need to have the ability to make audio recording of the meetings. The meeting recording requires a sound system, which is not available in another room. Another reason for desiring a different meeting location may be the desire to create a more intimate setting or format for the meetings. An option for achieving this "roundtable" effect in the Chambers could be by not sitting at the Council dias, rather setting up tables in the middle of the room with microphones to accommodate recording the proceedings. Additionally, chairs for the audience could be brought close to the Commission and staff table, creating a less formal and less intimidating setting for the public. Commissioner Zirk also requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission meet less frequently, possibly every other month. The current Commission meeting schedule is adopted by City ordinance in the Municipal Code. Staff does not recommend amending the Code, as the slowdown in business items is likely temporary due to the economy and other community factors. The staff and Commission can simply cancel meetings as necessary, and accomplish the same thing when there is not sufficient business. As the need for meetings is variable, staff will not "generate" agenda items simply to have a Commission meeting if it is not necessary. With staff and budget reductions, this is a luxury we cannot afford. While this "slow" period may last awhile, we are well served to leave the frequency of the meetings as they are, and adjust accordingly. Commissioner Zirk has brought both of these items forward and will provide his perspective on these issues. The Commission can discuss the relative merits of these issues and recommend the best course of action. FISCAL IMPACT: None with the staff recommendations presented. ITEM NUMBER: B - 3 DATE: 11/19/09 Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report — Community Services Department Request to Consider Re -Naming the Charles Paddock Zoo (By Commissioner Zirk) RECOMMENDATION: Commission discuss options for re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. No recommendation for a course of action is recommended at this time. DISCUSSION: Background: At the October 15, 2009 Commission meeting, Commissioner Zirk requested that the Commission consider an agenda item to discuss re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. Mr. Zirk may provide addition information or ideas with regards to this item. The Charles Paddock Zoo was named after Chuck Paddock, a San Luis Obispo County Parks Ranger, who was very well liked and admired within the community. Mr. Paddock is considered to be the founder of the Zoo, which was established in 1955. There is a desire, expressed by some, to have the Zoo become more of a community asset by increasing visitors and tourism in Atascadero and the surrounding area. The name, "Charles Paddock Zoo," is a limiting factor in marketing and in branding the Zoo because it is virtually unknown outside of Atascadero. Name recognition plays a huge part in advertising and promotion and bringing tourism into our area. So visitors know where the Zoo is located, most zoos and aquariums in California have converted to a name that includes the location, rather than a donor or sponsor. Examples of this would be the San Francisco Zoo, Santa Barbara Zoo, Sacramento Zoo, etc. Using names with the location also enable people utilizing internet searches to find Zoos more easily on the internet. In analyzing alternative name options, the name "Atascadero Zoo" is probably preferable to Charles Paddock Zoo from a marketing standpoint. However, Atascadero is not well known outside the tri -counties area and has some of the limitations that the Paddock name has. The Zoo is a regional facility that serves a regional area. As such, it would be easier to raise funds outside of Atascadero, if the Zoo had a regional name like the "Central Coast Zoo" or something to that effect. A name such as this would further the concept of the Zoo as a regional resource. If such a change were made, it would be imperative to continue to recognize Charles Paddock's important legacy in the Zoo in some appropriate manner. This could be done in a variety of ways, such as a permanent tribute to Mr. Paddock (e.g. exhibit, memorial statute, plaque, walkway/trail, etc. in the Zoo). Our non-profit partner, the Central Coast Zoo Society, has recently changed its' name to reflect the wider regional geographic region in which the Zoo is located. The Society plays an important role in helping to market and promote the Zoo. They have acknowledged that the current name has little marketing or branding appeal. Even within Atascadero, the Charles Paddock Zoo name has little marketing value. If the City were to change the name, the Society has suggested that a marketing/tourism plan be developed to go along with a name change. Simply changing the name may have some positive effect, but there must be a clear purpose, identity, direction and marketing plan to employ as well. It must also be noted that there will likely be some public resistance to such a name change from residents who knew Charles "Chuck" Paddock. The change must be handled sensitively and with continuing appropriate recognition of Mr. Paddock at the Zoo. The Commission can discuss options for re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. Staff has no recommendation for a course of action at this time. FISCAL IMPACT: No specific course of action is recommended, thus there are no fiscal impacts evaluated. ITEM NUMBER: B - 4 DATE: 11/19/09 Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report — Community Services Department Special Holiday Meeting in December 2009 RECOMMENDATION: Commission consider holding the annual Commission holiday potluck meeting on December 17th, 2009. DISCUSSION: Background: For the past several years, the Parks and Recreation Commission has traditionally held a special holiday potluck meeting in December. It is typically a light month for business items, and gives the Commission a chance to "look back" on the year's milestones and accomplishments. The meeting typically includes a potluck dinner, and spouses or a guest are invited. This year, since the Colony House is not available, we would propose having the special meeting at the Colony Park Community Center, starting at 6:OOpm. Staff requests that the Commission provide direction on how to schedule and notice the December meeting this year.