HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC_2010-05-20_AgendaPacketCITY OF A TA SCA DERO
PARKS AND RECREA TION
COMMISSION
AGENDA
Thursday, May 20, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting
Atascadero City Hall Council Chambers
6907 EI Camino Real
Atascadero, California
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL:
Chairperson:
Vice -Chairperson:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Student Representative
Daniel Chacon
Tom Zirk
Barbie Butz
Christian Cooper
Susan Greenaway
Sorrel Marks
Bill Wachtel
Matthew O'Connell
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
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 — April 15, 2010
■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the April 15, 2010
meeting. [Community Services]
B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS:
1. Request to City Council for Direction: Consideration of Re -Naming
the Charles Paddock Zoo
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: Commission direct staff to prepare correspondence
seeking City Council direction prior to undertaking the consideration of
re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo. [Community Services]
2. Colony Park Community Center Update
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: This item is informational only. No action required.
[Community Services]
3. Commission Training Session — Meeting Issues
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: Commission discuss meeting preparation,
procedures, taking actions, and meeting follow-up. [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 — June 1st at 7:00 a.m., Atascadero High
School.
2. Atascadero Bicycle Transportation Plan Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Report — Commissioner Bill Wachtel
D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Mark Your Calendar:
■ June 15th: The Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday Nights in the Park
Series, will begin at the Atascadero Lake Park.
■ June 26th: Atascadero Wine Festival, from 4:00 — 8:00pm, at the
Atascadero Lake Park.
2. Park Project Update
E. ADJOURNMENT:
THE NEXT REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING IS
TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 17, 2010 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 May 20, 2010 Regular Session of the Atascadero Parks and
Recreation Commission was posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 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 14th day of May, 2010 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.
REGULAR SESSION:
ITEM NUMBER: A - 1
DATE: 05/20/10
CITY OF A TA SCA DERO
PARKS AND RECREA TION
COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Chairperson Chacon called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and Youth Representative
O'Connell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Absent:
Others Present:
Staff Present:
COMMUNITY FORUM - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners Butz, Cooper, Greenaway, Marks,
Wachtel and Chairperson Chacon.
Vice Chairperson Tom Zirk. (excused)
Recording Secretary Shannon Sims.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry and
Recreation Supervisor Jennifer.
COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS:
Commissioner Wachtel spoke about the Zoo's accreditation reception that took place
earlier in the evening and recognized staff for putting it together.
Commissioner Butz thanked staff on behalf of the Atascadero Wine Festival Committee
for the recognition award that was presented to them at the Zoo's accreditation
reception. She announced that the Wine Festival is raising money for the flamingo
exhibit this year.
Chairperson Chacon thanked Brady Cherry and Alan Baker for their work and the
leadership they provided in achieving the Zoo's accreditation. He commented on what
wonderful assets the Zoo, Lake, Park and Veteran's Memorial are.
111110Y-1101 4 111171-1 Z;
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - March 18, 2010
■ Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the March 18, 2010
meeting. [Community Services]
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
Chairperson Chacon asked that the following wording be added to Consent Item A-1,
the March 18, 2010 Minutes:
"Chairperson Chacon expressed his concern about the safety of the submarine."
MOTION: By Commissioner Wachtel and seconded by Commissioner
Butz to approve Consent Item A-1 with the additional wording,
"Chairperson Chacon expressed his concern about the safety
of the submarine."
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. (Marks abstained)
B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS:
1. Atascadero Bicvcle Transoortation Plan Develoament Process
■ Fiscal Impact: None.
■ Recommendation: Commission review and discuss the bike plan
development process for updating and enhancing the 2000 Draft
Atascadero Bicycle Transportation Plan. [Community Services]
Community Services Director Brady Cherry gave the staff report and answered
questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Len Colamarino, in his capacity as bicyclist, expressed interest in trying to get this plan
completed. He mentioned the positive benefits that would ensue with having a plan,
including enabling the community of Atascadero to qualify for grant funding. Mr.
Colamarino mentioned that in addition to already having a draft plan to work from, there
are other cities' plans in place that we can benefit from. He stated that the San Luis
Obispo County Bicycle Coalition is anxious to be involved in this process and that Dan
Page 2 of 6
Rivoire, President, had wanted to attend the meeting but has suffered an injury. Mr.
Colamarino referenced a recent letter from the Coalition, to the Commissioners, that
expresses their interest. He commented that staff time should be able to be minimized
because lots of people are anxious to help, including himself. Mr. Colamarino said the
four (4) areas that need to be covered are bicycle transportation within Atascadero,
inter -city bicycle transportation, recreational bicycling and bicycle tourism.
Ellen Beraud, Council Member, parent and cyclist, stated that she worked with Mr.
Colamarino at the City Council Strategic Planning to get endorsement to proceed with
this plan. She commented that the majority of the plan is completed, it just needs to be
brought up to date with the Council's goals. She said the County is currently focused on
the bicycle connection to Templeton, which involves 3 bridges, two of which have not
been built. She spoke about the opportunity of receiving grant funding, which would be
the majority of the funding for the project. She said the cost to the City for annual
maintenance would only be approximately $13,000/year. Ms. Beraud stated she likes
the timeline and strongly encouraged that it be completed by November, before
elections. She cautioned that the more people you have on a committee the slower the
process goes. Ms. Beraud encouraged the Commission to consider allowing a working
group, which would be focused around the bicycle coalition and local people who cycle,
and have them come back once a month to report to a Committee.
Doug Marks, resident and cyclist, stated that he has reviewed the draft bike plan and
thinks it's an excellent plan that just needs some updating. He said he agrees to the
recommendation of enlisting members of the public and cycling coalition to work on this.
Mr. Marks relayed that he authored the Bicycle Safety Report for the 2005-2006 Grand
Jury and has participated in the City process as a Planning Commissioner. He
volunteered his services to help update the plan.
Robin Schmidt, K -Man Cycling, mentioned that the draft plan talks about 3 different
types of Classes. She commented that Class 3 incorporates more of a multi -use with
walking, running and biking. As a runner, Ms. Schmidt stated that she thinks tourism
attracts both cyclists and runners to our beautiful City. She highly encouraged that the
plan would incorporate both pedestrians and runners into it.
Mike Zappas, resident and avid cyclist, talked about the economic impact and reasons
why we should proceed with the plan. He stated that lots of state/city agencies are in
trouble and thinks that tourism has become increasingly important. Mr. Zappas relayed
that he thinks our community has a lot to offer the outside world and lots of tourist
dollars to bring in. He encouraged the Commission, from an economic standpoint, to
move forward with the plan and the benefits it will bring to the City.
Chairperson Chacon closed the Public Comment Period.
Commissioner Butz stated that she was on the Commission when the prior plan was
drafted and wished they had been able to accomplish more than they did. She
commented that the draft plan is a good start and the timeline looks achievable.
Commissioner Marks stated she strongly supports the City adopting a formal plan. She
suggested, initially appointing a small committee to expand the draft, in a relatively short
Page 3 of 6
time frame, and then have the updated draft presented to a larger Committee, which
would include interest groups. She expressed concern about forming a group that is too
large.
Commissioner Wachtel expressed appreciation for public's remarks and their
willingness to participate in the process. He said he likes the idea of incorporating
running into the paths and supports Commissioner Marks idea of keeping the group
smaller in the beginning.
Commissioner Cooper expressed his support of the proposed timeline. He echoed
Commissioner Marks' comments and agreed that a smaller committee, reporting to a
bigger group would be a good idea. He said he likes the idea of multi -use paths and
would like to aim for the November deadline.
Youth Representative O'Connell encouraged multi -use paths and said that he thinks
that would be the best use for the money spent.
Chairperson Chacon encouraged keeping youth involved through the planning process.
He said he thinks the plan will be a good thing for the City of Atascadero and likes the
idea it promotes of recreation and health. Mr. Chacon expressed excitement to see
people wanting to jump in and help and suggested appointing a Chair from the
Commission to steer the committee.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry answered questions of the Commission.
Commissioner Wachtel inquired if the president of the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle
Coalition, Dan Rivoire, is in the position to work with committee and be able to bring in
the resources and expertise to aid in the process.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Len Colamarino, responded that he thought Dan Rivoire would be ready, able and
willing to involve himself on a very detailed level with the plan. He stated that Mr.
Rivoire has lots of experience with these things, including the political aspect of getting
them through the process in different cities.
Chairperson Chacon closed the Public Comment period.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner
Wachtel to approve the timeline presented, to be completed in
November of 2010.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote.
Discussion ensued amongst Commissioners.
Page 4 of 6
MOTION: By Commissioner Cooper and seconded by Commissioner
Butz to appoint Commissioner Wachtel to be the Chairperson
of the ad-hoc committee.
Motion passed 5:0 by a roll -call vote. (Wachtel abstained)
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner
Wachtel to appoint Commissioner Zirk as an additional
member of the ad-hoc committee.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll -call vote.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Cooper
to appoint Brady Cherry, Dan Rivoire, Len Colamarino and Doug
Marks to the ad-hoc committee.
Discussion ensued amongst Commissioners.
Commissioner Marks amended her Motion.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner Cooper
to appoint Brady Cherry, Dan Rivoire or an alternative
representative from the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition, Len
Colamarino and Doug Marks to the ad-hoc committee.
Discussion ensued amongst Commissioners.
Commissioner Marks amended her Motion.
MOTION: By Commissioner Marks and seconded by Commissioner
Cooper to appoint Brady Cherry, Dan Rivoire or an alternative
representative from the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition, Len
Colamarino and Doug Marks to the ad-hoc committee and Mike
Zappas to serve as an alternate.
Motion passed 6.0 by a roll -call vote.
C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS:
1. Atascadero Youth Task Force — April 6th at 7:00 a.m., Atascadero High
School.
Commissioner Cooper said student attendance was good at the last meeting. He
mentioned that there was a group of students participating in 30 -hour fast to
acknowledge poverty and hunger in our country and beyond. Mr. Cooper said that
there will be youth representatives with The Community Link and Friday Night Live at
the Children's Day in the Park, May 15th. He stated that the World Cafe event at the
high school was a huge success and was well supported by community. Mr. Cooper
said that concerns raised about underage smoking and unhealthy choices being made
in the tunnel, Sunken Gardens and surrounding areas has led to a once a month event
called, "Take back the Tunnel/Sunken Gardens Day." He said April 20th will be the first
Page 5 of 6
"take back" day and will consist of fun music, activities, and games, to encourage
healthy activities and to help make the location be a safe area for teens.
D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Mark Your Calendar:
■ April 15th: Zoo accreditation celebration and reception at the
Pavilion on the Lake, from 4:00 — 6:OOpm.
■ April 24th: Zoo's "Party for the Planet" event, Charles Paddock Zoo.
■ May 15th: Children's Day in the Park, Atascadero Lake Park.
2. Colony Park Community Center Update
3. Park Project Update
Chairperson Chacon expressed appreciation to Community Services Director Brady
Cherry for notifying Commissioners in advance, via e-mail, of upcoming agenda items.
He relayed that Community Services Director Brady Cherry will be breaking up the
Commission Norms and Procedures into sections and reviewing them with
Commissioners at the meetings.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry reviewed the Staff/Comments
Announcements.
Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning talked about the "Take Back the Sunken
Gardens" event and gave the Colony Park Community Center update.
Commissioner Marks commented that she is impressed with the bike path along San
Gabriel Road.
Commissioner Butz expressed concern with the "Taking Back the Sunken Gardens"
event with where the kids who normally hang out there will go. Commissioner Cooper
responded that the hopes were that by creating appositive environment, they may help
influence positive behaviors in these kids or encourage them to join in the healthy
activities.
Youth Representative O'Connell agreed that underage substance abuse is definitely an
issue for youth and confirmed that the Sunken Gardens and surrounding areas do have
that negative, unsafe stigma. He said he hopes the "take back" events will have a
positive effect on the youth who are making unhealthy choices.
E. ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Chacon adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
Shannon Sims, Recording Secretary
Page 6 of 6
ITEM NUMBER: B - 1
DATE: 05/20/10
Atascadero City Council
Staff Report — Community Services Department
Request to City Council for Direction:
Consideration of Re -Naming the Charles Paddock Zoo
(By Commissioner Zirk)
RECOMMENDATION:
Commission direct staff to prepare correspondence seeking City Council direction prior
to undertaking the consideration of re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo.
DISCUSSION:
Background: Chuck Paddock was a San Luis Obispo County Parks Ranger and is
considered to be the founder of the Zoo, established in 1955. As a result, the Zoo was
named the Charles Paddock Zoo after him. Mr. Paddock was very well liked and
admired by many in the community.
At the October 2009 Commission meeting, Commissioner Zirk requested that the
Commission consider an agenda item to discuss re -naming the Charles Paddock Zoo.
The requested item was brought before the Commission for a brief, general discussion
in November of 2009 and was tabled, to return to the Commission Spring 2010.
Regardless of whether the Zoo's name changes or not, staff has suggested that
appropriate recognition and preservation of Mr. Paddock's memory be extended at the
Zoo. In fact, Council Member Bob Kelley is leading an effort to install a memorial statute
of Mr. Paddock at the newly renovated front entrance of the Zoo. This proposed statue
is just the type of lasting tribute that we would like to have in order to educate visitors at
the Zoo who may have never known him. It is our utmost priority that his contributions
and legacy live on for future generations.
Due to the fact that a proposed name change may be a very emotional and
controversial proposal, especially to those who personally knew Mr. Paddock, staff
suggests that the Commission consult with the City Council, via correspondence, for
direction prior to undertaking this item.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ITEM NUMBER: B - 2
DATE: 05/20/10
Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff Report — Community Services
Colony Park Community Center Update
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is informational only. No action required.
DISCUSSION:
Background: The Colony Park Community Center (CPCC) opened in December 2007.
The facility has now been open for one year. Staff would like to report on the Center's
program of activities and the public's use of the facility to date.
A brief overview of the Colony Park Community Center for the Parks and Recreation
Commission, including activities, events, programs and classes.
ITEM NUMBER: B - 3
DATE: 05/20/10
Atascadero Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff Report — Community Services Department
Commission Training Session -
Meeting Issues
RECOMMENDATION:
Commission discuss meeting preparation, procedures, taking actions, and meeting
follow-up.
DISCUSSION:
At the Parks and Recreation Commission's regular meeting on May 20th, 2010, the
Commission will discuss the "Commission Meeting", to be led by Deputy Director of
Public Works — Operations Geoff English and Chairman Chacon.
Community Services Director Brady Cherry and Chairman Chacon have felt that
providing a short training session on Commission agendas, for Commission topics of
interest, would be beneficial. The topics will relate to how the Commission functions.
The goals are that the functions, procedures, roles, etc. can be better understood if they
were discussed amongst the Commissioners in a dialogue.
Attached to this brief report is "The Commission Meeting" handout which contains lots of
information about the Parks and Recreation Commission's functions. At the meeting
Deputy Director of Public Works — Operations Geoff English and Chairman Chacon will
start with the Commission meeting itself, on page one. Please be prepared to discuss
these items and ask any questions you may have at that time. The information
discussed at the meeting will be reviewed to keep the Commission current and
functioning effectively. As time goes on, the Commission may add other training topics
to be covered.
ATTACHMENT:
"The Commission Meeting" Handout
ITEM NUMBER: B - 3
DATE: 05/20/10
"Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is
not beyond our control. It is not fate or nature or
irresistible tides of history that will determine our
destiny, but instead it will be the work of our
hands and hearts matched with reason and
principle."
THE COMMISSION MEETING
The commission meeting is the time and place for information, decisions and actions. The
quality of those decisions, and the resultant impact upon the community, is the responsibility of
each commission member. Each has an obligation to prepare, discuss, evaluate, review, and
select the best possible alternatives. The following guidelines lead to constructive meetings:
I. Preparation for meeting
a. Staff prepares a meeting agenda which is given to all members prior to the meeting.
b. Agenda background information is provided as applicable.
c. Items are discussed with administrator for clarification, as needed.
d. Discuss with fellow commission members to clarify items but not to make decisions.
e. Prepare to handle sensitive matters in a positive manner.
II. The meeting procedure
a. Stick to agenda — avoid straying.
b. Observe rules of order.
c. Ascertain meeting records are kept.
d. Make sure of proper arrangements for public participation.
III. Meeting action
a. Recommendations in form of motion or resolution.
b. Other action included in meeting minutes.
c. Referral to committee, staff or consultant.
d. Establish procedures for discussion and for Public Comment during meeting.
e. Action may be delayed by referral; i.e., to committee, tabling, etc.
IV. Meeting follow-up
a. May be done through committee reports.
b. Minutes or reports to appointing authority.
c. Agenda item at subsequent meeting.
d. Personal feedback (individual) at commission or appointing authority meeting.
e. Distribution of minutes to others via normal channels, including City website.
ITEM NUMBER: B - 3
DATE: 05/20/10
"It is from the roughness and imperfect breaks
in man that you are able to lay hold of him. My
friends are not perfect — no more than I — and so
we suit each other admirably."
RELATIONSHIP WITH FELLOW COMMISSION MEMBERS
The association with fellow commission members will undoubtedly be your most
important relationship as you serve on the commission.
Before talking about relationships it may be well to point out a few facts about
commission members. Each of you come from various backgrounds — educational, occupational,
religious, social, economic, physical, and cultural — and we should be aware that these
differences do exist.
We must also recognize that the reason for serving on the commission will vary and
perhaps some will have a special interest. Each member will contribute in his own way and is an
important part of the decision process. We should not expect every commission member to give
of his time, his talent, his knowledge to the same degree. Some will give more and others will
give less, but in the end the community will benefit.
Bearing this in mind, the following relationships may serve as a guideline:
We must always respect the other individual's viewpoint even though it may be
opposite of our own.
2. We must allow the other individual to articulate his or her views and then attempt
to make an objective evaluation of those views, to the limit of our ability.
3. Evaluation of our fellow commission member's viewpoint should be based on
what is best for the total community and what is best for all concerned.
4. There will be times when political action among the commission is apparent and
we must strive to minimize that whenever possible.
We must be open and honest at all times, conduct commission business at public
meetings.
6. Each commission member has a responsibility to recognize new commission
members and see that they are made welcome, become oriented, and receive
necessary information about the commission's past actions.
ITEM NUMBER: B - 3
DATE: 05/20/10
"Individuals are important in that they are all
bound together in a universal relatedness which
transcends their own personal experience."
RELATIONSHIP WITH RECREATION & PARK STAFF
Misunderstandings and problems can develop in the relationship between the staff and
the commission if an enthusiastic member attempts to take aboard those duties which are not
within the framework of the commission action. Each commissioner must be alert to the
difference between advisory policy -setting and doing the work.
At times a commissioner may be asked to "do" the work as a volunteer. It is doubly
important that when this occurs the difference be recognized and be communicated to assure
there is no question about the role on the advisory body and the individual's volunteer
assignment.
With this in mind, the following commission role, supportive and advisory to staff and
agency objectives, may be used as a guideline:
1. Contacts should be with the agency staff member assigned to the commission rather
than to other staff people. The individual commissioner should feel free to make a
contact with the higher level supervision, such as the City Manager, and/or
appointing authority, providing the assigned staff person is also notified of this
contact.
2. Contacts with staff members should clearly be in the framework of the commission
assignment. Staff takes direction from the City Manager and City Council, not
individual commissioners.
3. It is important for commissioners to know the recreation facilities. A visitation
program both on an unscheduled and a scheduled basis will allow members to
become fully knowledgeable of the program, park areas, equipment, facility use,
etc.
4. Commissioners should not ask for individual reports, favors, or special
consideration. Staff is trained to support the commission as a whole.
5. Commissioners should realize the assigned staff person works with the commission
and reports directly to an agency supervisor. He is limited in scope of authority to
carry out recommendations.
ITEM NUMBER: B - 3
DATE: 05/20/10
"Man's collaborative decisions are the only
factors that are capable of transforming the
future, otherwise the future rolls on and we roll
with it, or under it, as the case may be."
INTRA -AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS
The success of the recreation and park effort in a community is directly proportional to
the level of priority it attains in the agency operation. Governing body and administrative
perceptions on the importance and contribution of recreation services to the community's quality
of life will inevitably influence decisions on budget, planning, manpower, land use, policies, and
procedures.
Therefore, the interdependence among agency departments/commissions cannot, nor
must not, be ignored or taken lightly.
The Advisory Commission is in a position to provide for significant positive
relationships that can contribute to an understanding of recreation and park services and its role
in contributing to a better quality of life.
Guidelines include:
1. Know relationship and role of various departments within agency.
2. Establish effective lines of communication between agency commissions to insure
liaison with other agency departments; i.e., planning, law, health, environmental,
parkway, etc.
3. Be willing to provide leadership for developing and maintaining a climate for
cooperation among various agency commissions.