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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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