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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012000 PRC Minutes101 letel11 x.1 CITY OF ATASCADERO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 20, 2000 ITEM 1— CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Butz called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. ITEM 2 — ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Chairperson Butz Vice Chairperson Hood Commissioner Dempsey Commissioner Gobler Commissioner Kock Commissioner Kudlac Commissioner Mathews ABSENT: Student Representative Brian Potter (excused due to classes) STAFF PRESENT: Geoff English, Community Services Manager Ellen Perkins, Administrative Secretary Claudia Collier, Charles Paddock Zoo FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Mathews led the flag salute ITEM 3 — PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Greening, 6600 Lewis Avenue, Atascadero, briefed the board on the County Arts Council's update of the county cultural plan. Anyone interested in this process can write to the County Arts Council, P.O. Box 1710, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. Another announcement was the Anza Trail camp -out, trail ride and concert being held March 3th, 4th, and 5th, at Camp Roberts. For further information, contact Myra Douglas. A final topic was the Atascadero Lake and its lack of water. Eric voiced his concern about the pipeline repairs. Community Services Manager Geoff English informed the public that the pipeline is repaired and there is enough water in the creek to fill the lake and the pipeline is putting water into the lake at this time, and if the creek keeps running, it will help fill the lake. ITEM 4 — MINUTES: November 18, 1999 MOTION: by Commissioner Kudlac and seconded by Commissioner Kock to approve the November 18, 1999 minutes as distributed. Motion passed 7.0 ITEM 5 — PRESENTATION: Mr. English presented a plaque to Jim Ericson on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission for his outstanding job and efforts to build a trail at the Stadium Park. Chairperson Butz commended him on his hard work and expressed the Commission's appreciation. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 1 of 7 ITEM 6 — OLD BUSINESS: ITEM 6A — STADIUM PARK TRAIL NAMING AND REQUEST TO EXTEND THE EXISTING TRAIL: The Stadium Park Trail is complete. Mr. English stated that there will be more trails in the future, but this first trail had to be named. Staff recommended that the trail be named the Blue Oak Trail and asked the Commission to make the recommendation to the City Council to include construction of the final portion of the trail. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Gobler asked if a policy exists for naming public facilities. Chairperson Butz assured him that there is; and Mr. English informed the Commission that there may be a copy of the policy in the Parks and Recreation Handbooks that they received last year. If not, a copy will be distributed at the next Commission meeting. 19,113 010011]U 1011 of►I F Eric Greening said "Go for it" MOTION: By Vice Chairperson Hood, seconded by Commissioner Mathews, to name the trail the Blue Oak Trail and approve the proposed loop addition. Motion passed 7.0 ITEM 6B — STADIUM PARK FOCUS GROUP: Mr. English suggested that the Stadium Park Focus Group re -convene for at least one more meeting to discuss temporary improvements that may be made to SP to allow for public activities to take place in the near future. Specifically, the City has received three independent requests recently to use Stadium Park on a short-term basis for public events. One event is a Shakespeare Festival to be put on by Michael Austin; another request came from the Rotary Club to develop a Blue Grass Festival and to make it an annual event; and the final request came from the Atascadero High School Band to put on a concert. Some suggestions would be to require constructing a temporary stage, placing restroom facilities on the grounds, and improving the access road. Further issues would need to be discussed. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Dempsey asked when Cal Trans would be turning the entrance to the Stadium Pak back to the City. Mr. English said possibly within the next two to three months. Commissioner Mathews asked when the events were planned; and expressed concern about the fire hazard. Chairperson Butz pointed out that the fire hazard issue would have to be discussed at the Focus Group meeting. Commissioner Gobler asked if the Commission could just make recommendations concerning these issues rather than re -convening the focus group. Chairperson Butz stated that the focus group does need to meet and then bring it back to the Commission. Mr. English said staff thought the focus group had spent a considerable amount of time discussing the issue of temporary use of the Stadium Park and felt that the focus group should have the opportunity to discuss that issue before it goes before the City Council. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 7 Commissioner Dempsey pointed out that another issue to discuss at the focus group is finding the money to do the work to improve the Stadium Park. Mr. English said he hoped there would be only one or two Focus Group meetings, then bring the results back to the Commission by February and to the City Council by March. PUBLIC COMMENT: Suzanne Culver, Drama teacher at the Atascadero High School, indicated that the concert for the Atascadero High School would be in conjunction with the Band and Drama Departments. Ms. Culver said that she spoke to Michael Austin and he would like to use the Stadium Park for developing a Shakespeare Festival and also will be doing some film work locally. A performance is tentatively set for the end of July, using the high school students; including band members as well as Cuesta College and PCPA Theaterfest. Additionally, the Atascadero High School is having a band/drama concert on May 12`b and 13th, and would like to use the facility. Eric Greening, 6600 Lewis Avenue, Atascadero, indicated that he felt the focus group should re -convene and that the performing arts groups should be invited to attend. Marge Mackey also agreed that the focus group should re -convene. She felt that the first thing that needs to be done at Stadium Park is the grading, because the access to the bowl is impassable. MOTION: By Commissioner Kudlac, seconded by Vice Chairperson Hood to reconvene the focus group for the Stadium Park as soon as possible to include the performing arts groups. Motion passed 7.0 ITEM 6C — GYMNASIUM SITE SELECTION: Mr. English reminded the Commission that upon their recommendation, the City Council voted unanimously to focus efforts on the construction of a gymnasium. The City Council directed staff to come back with potential sites for the gymnasium. Staff intends to bring back a plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council to build on one of five presently owned city properties. A site plan will be drawn, funds will be solicited from the State legislators and a recommendation will go to the City council. The Commission was given a list of the five potential sites and Mr. English went over each of them. Each site was assessed and scored by each department at the City of Atascadero, and the results were provided to the Commission. The Traffic Way Park Corporation Yard ranked number one. Commissioner Dempsey asked about the parking situation at the Corporate Yard, relocation expenses for moving the Yard, and he asked if it would fall under the redevelopment planning. Mr. English answered by saying that parking would be an issue, there is no designated area at the present time for a new location but there are some options to consider; and third, it is in the redevelopment zone so it could be considered for funding. Commissioner Kock asked about the National Guard Armory and the possibility of relocating that building. Mr. English said that only if the City built a new facility for them, would they move, and the cost would be approximately six million dollars. Chairperson Butz noted that in Placerville, California, the Boys & Girls Club uses the National Guard Armory for their program. Commissioner Mathews passed along concerns from community members that he has been in contact with, that this facility not be called "gymnasium", as it will be used for other activities. Chairperson Butz agreed with Commissioner Mathews. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 3 of 7 11,11:3 010411)u 1011 DI►1 A Eric Greening agreed that the building should not be called a gymnasium but perhaps a youth center with athletic facilities. Mr. Greening continued to say that it is primarily a youth and community center. MOTION: By Rick Mathews, seconded by Commissioner Kudlac to recommend to the City Council approval of the Traffic Way Corporation Yard site for developing a Youth Youth Center for Atascadero. Motion passed 7.0 ITEM 7 — NEW BUSINESS: ITEM 7A — LAKE WALKWAY GRANT — INFORMATIONAL ONLY: Mr. English announced to the Commission that the City did secure $119,000 from SLOCOG for improvements to the Lake Park trail. The City must provide funding in the amount of $43,000, which is available from Transportation, according to the City Engineer. The total project will be approximately $162,000. There is no plan established currently, but when the plan is developed, the Commission will have an opportunity to review it and recommend changes. There will also be public input and staff will meet with the Lake Park neighborhood Association before a plan is drafted. The main goal is to improve the path that currently exists around the lake. This will be incorporated into the Master Plan that is currently being developed. ITEM 7B — RECREATIONAL FACILITY NEEDS PRIORITIZATION: Mr. English attended a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Directors for the county a few weeks ago. There was a discussion regarding a collaborative effort to get some funding to build facilities to share. This item is directly related to Items 7C and 7D. On March 4, 2000, Parks and Recreation Commissioners from all over the county will meet to discuss recreational facility needs, and Proposition 12, which if passed, will supply funds to city and county parks and recreation agencies for recreational purposes. This could possibly bring approximately $200,000 to the City of Atascadero for capital improvements. The Commission needs to make a recommendation on what facilities we need most in town and prioritize them. The Commission was given a list and Mr. English asked the Commission and the public to assist in expanding the list. These are only facilities that are available to the public. Commissioner Mathews wanted to add demonstration gardens with native plants and a botanical garden. Mr. English said there is a need for neighborhood or regional parks and that could be added. The Commission agreed to add a neighborhood or regional park. Commissioner Dempsey added a driving range. There needs to be a determination of strongest needs in Atascadero. The Commission and attending public each prioritized the list of recreation facilities needs for Atascadero to what they thought was the most important. This information will be put into a master priority list and brought back to the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Greening wanted to add an outdoor bandstand, picnic tables, benches with views, museum and historic exhibits. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 4 of 7 IIVNOT ft� 9 ZI]ZIRIVIIM I►MIaIM.1705 ETIIl[1] rlp[e]elaliq Mr. English informed the Commission and public attending that there will be a San Luis Obispo organizational meeting regarding the promotion of Proposition 12 on Thursday Jan 27, 2000 at Knickers Rest at noon. This will be the first of a series of organizational meetings that will take place regarding Prop 12, and ways in which the community can support it. Someone from the Community Services Department will be attending and it is open to the public. Mr. English said members of the Commission might want to attend. Mr. English said more information could be obtained by logging on to website www.safeparks.org regarding Prop 12. ITEM 7D — PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP — VERBAL: Chairperson Butz reminded the Commission that in the past, all seven Commissioners have always represented Atascadero at the annual workshop. Mr. English said this year the workshop would be held at the Dairy Creek Golf Course at the Knickers Restaurant. It is Saturday, March 4, 2000. ITEM 7E — PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION GOALS: Mr. English reviewed the goals from last year with the Commission, to check the progress and see if the Commission wanted to add some new goals for this year to bring back to the Commission for approval. The following is a brief summary of each goal and progress: 1. Pursue efforts to install a bridge at Paloma Creek Park: Funds have been secured through CDBG 2. Develop a Stadium Park Master Plan: Guidelines have been developed; going to City Council to request funds for architectural plans and drawings 3. Conduct a comprehensive City Parks tour: Complete 4. Prepare an inventory of all Public Parks, Recreation facilities and open space: Complete and in the Parks and Recreation Commissioners Handbook 5. Update the Parks and Recreation Element: Not done. Staff needs to develop 6. Assist in the development of a Youth Master Plan in cooperation with the Youth Task Force: Master Plan coordinator hired and it is underway 7. Continue efforts to develop a Youth Center in cooperation with ARCO: Going forward 8. Continue to pursue ADA improvements in City Parks and Recreation facilities: Continuing to do, got funds from CDBG. Phase I Priority One project done and seeking funds for Phase H Priority Two projects for next year 9. Review and revise the City's Facility Policies, Procedures and Fees: Done and has gone to Commission 10. Pursue efforts to improve the path around the lake: Have funds 11. Update the Charles Paddock Zoo Master Plan in cooperation with the Zoological Society of San Luis Obispo: Going forward 12. Develop a lighting plan for Atascadero lake Park: Done in cooperation with Rotary Club and has gone before the City Council and was approved The Commission decided to make a list of additional goals, and staff will bring back recommendations to the Commission. PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Greening wanted to add to the goals that the Commission assess and make a recommendation on opportunities for reforestation on public land in the city. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 5 of 7 ITEM 8 — COMMITTEE REPORTS: ITEM 8A — ARCO: The next meeting, January 27, 2000 at 6:30 p.m., at the Youth Center: Chairperson Butz said the Super Bowl Blowout would be held at the Atascadero Armory on January 30, 2000 from 2:00 p.m. until the game ends, about 5 or 5:30 p.m. Last year there were about 150 in attendance and they are expecting more this year. ITEM 811 —YOUTH TASK FORCE: The next meeting, February 1, 2000, 7:00 a.m. at the Youth Center: Chairperson Butz said the new facilitator Lisa Bruce is taking sign-ups for people who are interested in helping with the Youth Master Plan. Contact Geoff with anyone interested to pass on to Lisa. ITEM 9 — CORRESPONDENCE: None ITEM 10 — COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Commissioner Kock has had inquiries about the rules of the Lake Park, and specifically the signs regarding dogs on leashes. He asked if the leash law is now going to be enforced around the lake. Mr. English said the enforcement policies have not changed, however, the Public Works Superintendent has put up additional signs. Commissioner Mathews said skateboarders are getting tickets by the Police in the amount of $140 for skateboarding at the Skate Park after hours. He thought that was a heavy fine considering the City has discussed opening the Skate Park with no entrance fee. Mr. English said there is not a specific ordinance regarding the fine for hopping the fence at the Skate Park. The Police are enforcing trespassing, which is illegal, in hopes of discouraging after -hour skaters. Mr. English said he has asked the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance making it an offense to skate after hours, but with a lesser fine. The number of kids hopping the fence has declined. Chairperson Butz thanked Claudia for hosting the Christmas party. Commissioner Gobler said he has heard nothing but positive things about the Holiday Walk Around the Lake and thought we should encourage the organizers to make it annual event. ITEM 11— STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES COMMENTS: Not present. ITEM 12 — STAFF COMMENTS: ITEM 12A — ZOO CURATOR'S REPORT: General Curator, Claudia Collier asked the Commission for feedback and recommendations on what they would like to see on her report. She reported that David Bloomfield from Custom Waterfall Creations is donating his services for the African-Cresent Porcupine Exhibit; his donation is over $16,000. Commissioner Mathews suggested a plaque of appreciation for Mr. Bloomfield. ITEM 12B — CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO 1999 YEAR END REPORT: Included in the Agenda packet. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 6 of 7 ITEM 13 — CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Mr. English informed the Commission that the date for the Holiday Lighting Ceremony this year had been changed to the first weekend in December. Commissioner Mathews wanted to add the Festival of the Oaks on Saturday, April 15th at the Atascadero Lake Park. Commissioner Dempsey included the Zoo Boo, to be held on Saturday, October 28th ITEM 14 — ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: By Chairperson Butz and seconded by Commissioner Dempsey to adjourn the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting at 8:38 p.m. Motion passed 6:0 (Commissioner Kudlac not present for the vote) MEETING RECORDED AND MINUTES PREPARED BY: Ellen M Perkins Administrative Secretary Department of Community Services /emp Parks and Recreation Commission Page 7 of 7