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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022102 PRC MinutesMINUTES CITY OF ATASCADERO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 21, 2002 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Butz led The Pledge of Allegiance CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hood called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 4th floor Rotunda Room ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: COMMUNITY FORUM: Chairman Hood Commissioner Dempsey Commissioner Kock Commissioner Mathews Commissioner Gobler Commissioner Butz (late) Drew Wardlaw (Student Representative) Vice Chairperson Kudlac- excused absence Brady Cherry Director of Community Services Ellen Perkins, Administrative Assistant On behalf of the City of Atascadero staff and City Council, City Manager Wade McKinney presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with hats showing the new Community logo, to show their appreciation and to thank the Commission for their service, hard work and commitment to the community. Chairman Hood thanked Mr. McKinney, and the Commission put on their hats! PRESENTATIONS — Diana Bistagne Director of Community Services, Brady Cherry briefed the commission regarding the Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District VIII, an association of public agencies involved in the provision of recreation services throughout the Tri Counties which are San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. Each year, CPRS District VIII honors an outstanding person in each community, who has contributed to the quality of life in their community particularly through recreation and community services. Mr. Cherry then announced that this year's recipient was Diana Bistagne. Mr. Cherry started his Power Point Presentation and slide show viewing some of Diana's talents and elaborated on the many areas in which Diana is involved through her many hours donated to the community. He thanked her for being such an advocate for the youth of Atascadero; to include teaching young girls at the Jr. High School life skills and self-defense skills, making them more self aware and confident. Mr. Cherry also stated that Diana was, at one time, an instructor for the City of Atascadero, teaching Tae Kwon Do and now has her own school, the Tree of Life School of Tae Kwon Do as well as a graphics design business. Mr. Cherry also noted that Diana was a founding member of the Atascadero Youth Task Force and helped to develop and was the driving force behind the Youth Master Plan. Mr. Cherry continued by saying he felt that if not for Diana Bistagne there would not be a Youth Master Plan in Atascadero. Mr. Cherry then expressed his thanks to Diana on behalf of the City of Atascadero, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the community, for volunteering her services to the community. Chairman Hood presented Diana with a plaque of appreciation Diana Bistagne was very pleasantly surprised and thanked Mr. Cherry and the Commission for such an honor. She went on to say how much she loved what she does and that it was very community based and added that she would not have had her start without the City of Atascadero's Community Services, by providing a facility for her to get started in teaching Tae Kwon Do. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 1 of 6 MINUTES 1. Minutes of January 17, 2002 Chairman Hood announced that the minutes of January 17, 2002 are approved as submitted. C. STAFF REPORTS: 1. Atascadero Lake pathway improvement design plans Mr. Cherry briefed the Commission and public on the background of the pathway at the Atascadero Lake Park. He went on to say that staff is recommending that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council, approval of the draft Atascadero Lake Park Pathway. He reported that SLOCOG (San Luis Obispo Council of Governments) awarded the City of Atascadero $119,000 for improvements around Atascadero lake, and the City provided $42,900 in matching funds for a total of $162,000. Incorporated into this process was quite a bit of public input from the residents and the many users of Atascadero Lake, to give us some feedback on what they would like to see and the type of path that would be constructed around the lake. He also stated that the survey results indicated that the second highest response to what people valued and wanted was an improved path around Atascadero Lake. He then turned the meeting over to Casey Patterson, from CJP Productions, who conducted his Power Point presentation for the Commission and public. When Mr. Patterson was finished, a discussion ensued with questions from the Commission, which included decking material, traffic safety, existing oak tree, the boardwalk and boat launch. PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Greening, 7365 Valle Avenue, Atascadero, asked about an EIR (Environmental Impact Report) and wondered if there would be one, and if so, where are we in that process. He mentioned the safety of the pathway and pedestrians vs. vehicles. He liked the idea of using rocks to protect pedestrians. He commented that he would like to see the walkway go to the far side of the "hill" (single walkway between the hill and the water) and not put one on the roadway at all; it is redundant, and could cut down the cost of the grading. He wondered if the wood product mentioned had any toxic components. He thanked the Commission for their efforts, which they have put forth so far. Alan Thomas, 9520 Marchant Way, Atascadero, wondered how the EIR process worked. Mr. Cherry said that the Community Development Department notifies all agencies and assured Mr. Thomas that an environmental review would take place, initiated by the Community Development Department. Mr. Thomas also talked about grading and loss of vegetation. How do you keep the soil from running down? Casey said that there is erosion control and some seeding will be done. Mr. Thomas said he thinks soil additives are a bad idea. He went to Templeton and looked at one that had been recommended to Geoff English. It is lumpy, and over time it cannot be graded after its use, which results in potholes, pressures, bumps and lumps, and becomes semi -asphalt. Parking is an issue, and was concerned about a reduction. He likes the boardwalk; he thinks eight feet will do it, but thinks it will cost a lot more money than was mentioned. Barbara Combs, 9005 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, likes the path as it winds through the dam area and thought it would be more visually pleasing. She wants tree plantings on the dam to make it more attractive. She said safety on Lakeview is an issue, wants speed dots, which are more affective than lines. Lee Swam, 9065 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, says the proposed plan is good; however, he thinks the parking is an issue as well. How would parking be handled if the population grows in the future? The Yellow Rose ranch was a subject regarding fill -dirt purchase. How wide would Lakeview Drive be in each lane and what type of centerline will be used. He agreed with Barbara's suggestion of speed dots. What is the material on the boardwalk? How does decomposed granite hold up? Currently, people with strollers Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 6 move out to the street because the decomposed granite makes for a bumpy ride for the passenger in the stroller. Bicycles and tricycles also find it difficult to ride smoothly on the pathway. Older citizens walking on the pathway have trouble as well. Chairman Hood asked Mr. Cherry how these questions would be addressed in light of staff recommending that the Commission recommend approval of the draft plan to be sent to the City Council. Mr. Cherry said that some of questions require policy decisions and the Commission could make recommendations on specific issues to cover. Chairman Hood asked about resolving specific issues and getting more information on questions raised by the Commission and the public before taking action. Mr. Cherry suggested that staff could make a list of concerns and questions, and return at a future meeting with a staff report addressing each issue. Public comment was concluded. Commissioner Gobler asked how specific they were supposed to be on the action. Chairman Hood said he though they should keep recommendations simple. Commissioner Hood said he wanted to take longer to study this issue and all the points brought up by the Commission and public. Mr. Cherry said there was no hurry, and a decision did not have to be made tonight. He suggested they make a list of concerns and bring it back in a future report with some information on each issue, and questions with alternatives in order to make a more informed decision. Mr. Cherry thought that within the next two meetings would be a more realistic time frame. Commissioner Gobler would like to see Steve Kahn, the Public Works Director, participate in these discussions. Mr. Cherry said he would request that he appear at the next meeting when this information is presented. MOTION: by Commissioner Butz and seconded by Commissioner Gobler to continue our discussion on the Atascadero Lake pathway improvement plan at a time when the staff is able to come back with some answers to our questions that were raised tonight by the public and the Commission. 6 Ayes, 0 Nos Passed 6:0 There was a short recess and the meeting was brought back to order at 8:40 p.m. 2. Prohibition of gas powered model boats at Atascadero Lake Mr. Cherry briefed the Commission on the staff report that was prepared by Deputy Director of Community Services, Geoff English. Mr. Cherry spoke to the concerns of the noise level of the boats and that it is incumbent upon the City to do something about it if the noise is beyond legal limits. He spoke about the mufflers that are available for the boats, which make the noise level lower. Mr. Cherry said he spoke to some residents around the lake and they said they didn't mind the boats. He suggested doing a formal survey of people who live around the lake. He emphasized that enforcement of the current ordinance is very difficult. Police officers do not carry decibel meters and "approved mufflers" are not defined. The proposed ban on all fuel -powered boats does not account for boats that may be within acceptable noise limits, and do not pollute. He urged looking for alternatives and compromise before implementing a total ban. If some boats could be allowed, he suggested scheduling hours for acceptable boats. Chairman Hood asked for staff questions. Chairman Hood agreed with Mr. Cherry regarding the issues, to see both sides, and to find out exactly what the problem is. The Commission needs to work out a solution. Mr. Cherry directed the Commission's attention to a memo regarding use of gas powered boats in other lakes in the County and that three of the five do not allow them. Mr. Cherry then pointed out that those lakes in the county where they have banned the boats do not have residents, by in large, living around the lake, which may point us in the direction at looking at the pollution issue, and get more information on that issue. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 3 of 6 PUBLIC COMMENT: Lon Allan, 6815 Santa Lucia Avenue, Atascadero, is a model boater. He does not build gas boats, but does acknowledge that they are very noisy; his are electric or wind (sail). He thinks it's a good hobby and encouraged a compromise. He knows nothing about mufflers, but suggested looking on the Internet to find some information on them. There may be standards for use of mufflers that would help the situation. Lee Swam, 9065 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, said that just today at 4 p.m. he tried to go outside and sit on his porch, but the sound of the boats prevented him from enjoying that. He asked the Commission to think about why these boats have been banned at other lakes. He is not opposed to battery-operated boats. Nancy Carnes, an Atascadero resident, said last Sunday she saw some boaters chasing the ducks and racing from Lakeview to the Pavilion. She called the police, who said that they didn't have enough officers on duty to respond to her complaint. She is opposed to the boats as they are not compatible with the wildlife and solitude. Barbara Combs, 9005 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, spoke to the subject of outdoor activities at the Lake and the Pavilion on the Lake, specifically outdoor weddings. She also stated her concern about how the noise from the gas -powered boats would affect the popularity of using the Lake and Pavilion on the Lake for future outdoor events if the boats continued to run on the lake. Roger Combs, 9005 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, urged the Commission to follow the staff recommendation of Geoff English to rid the lake of the boats. Eric Greening, spoke to pollution, inconsistency between the operation of boats and the noise ordinance, as well as the noise element of the General Plan. He continued by saying that they are already illegal; our law just has an inconsistency. He also thought that any approach to water fowl be strictly illegal even as far as electric or sailboats are concerned. He said that most people come to enjoy peaceful, tranquil, passive recreation, and we should not ask the majority to tolerate the acts of a few. Russ James, 9470 Marchant Way, Atascadero, is concerned about the topography of the lake, which causes the noise of the boat motors to be amplified because of the hills. They could find another place to run the boats where there may not be a noise issue. Greg Ceisner, 1340 San Ramon Road, Atascadero, stated that he was a boat enthusiast, one of the "culprits" He brought one of his gas powered model boats and said he was against banning the boats on Atascadero Lake, because his did not pollute and was no louder than a weed eater. Alan Thomas, 9520 Marchant Way, Atascadero, said that it is a mistake to say that this issue is the residents vs. the boat owners, because it is an issue for anyone who spends any time at the lake. He suggested perhaps a registration system could be used for acceptable boats. Joe Schwartz, an Atascadero resident, was against the gas powered model boats at Atascadero Lake. Sandy Clarke, 9215 Lakeview Drive, Atascadero, spoke to the sound levels, which, after testing these levels, stated that they are usually above 70, which is the acceptable noise level for a residential area. Ms. Clark supports the staff recommendation. She also handed out a letter from 1989 that pertains to this issue. Chairman Hood then brought this issue back to the Commission. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 4 of 6 Commissioner Mathews told the Commission that he would like to see them act on this issue tonight. Commissioner Kock agreed. Commissioner Mathews is concerned about the pollution in the lake. He wants to go with the staff recommendation. MOTION: by Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Kock to revise the Municipal Code Ordinance 10-1.08 to read as follows: It is unlawful for any person to operate a boat of any size or type powered by gasoline or related fossil fuel. This Ordinance shall not apply to boats authorized by the City of Atascadero for emergency or maintenance purposes. 6 Ayes, 0 Nos Passed 6:0 DISCUSSON ON THE MOTION: Commissioner Gobler asked if there was any reason to consider having events, maybe two to three events a year, as a compromise. He realizes that it does not alleviate the noise pollution or pollution to the water but wondered if that could be a consideration. Commissioner Kock wanted to clarify why he seconded the Motion. He explained that the survey of 5 to 6 months ago, from 1400 residents in the area while the Lake Park Master Plan was being worked on clearly stated that close to 80% of the respondents of the Master Plan questionnaire were asked specifically what kind of a park they wanted. They answered that they wanted a passive, peaceful, calm area. 20% said they wanted more activities such as basketball courts, tennis courts and things of that nature. Commissioner Butz commented on Commissioner Gobler's idea of having events. If they were made to follow the rules, perhaps it could work. However, she asked someone in the audience if there were clubs around town and they responded that there was not. 3. Atascadero Lake boat rental concessions agreement extension Brady Cherry went over the staff report with staff's recommendation to approve the agreement with Lloyd Reeves, to extend his lease for another two years. He went on to say that Mr. Reeves has exceeded his revenue projections and this partnership is mutually beneficial to both parties. Mr. Reeves said that if the Agreement was approved, he intends to purchase four additional paddleboats, and remote control sailboats. MOTION: by Commissioner Gobler and seconded by Commissioner Dempsey to recommend to the City Council, approval of the Amendment extending the Atascadero Lake Boat Rental Concessions Agreement with Lloyd Reeves. 6 Ayes, 0 Nos Passed 6:0 D. COMMITTEE REPORTS: ATASCADERO RECREATION CENTER COMMITTEE Commissioner Butz reported that Brent Winget from the steering committee for the Boys and Girls Club is planning a meeting with the Paso Robles Board of the Boys and Girls Club. She went on to say that there is no confirmed date yet but will let Ellen know so a notice could be sent to get the word out to whoever is interested. 2. ATASCADERO YOUTH TASK FORCE The next Atascadero Youth Task Force meeting will be held March 5, 2002, at 7:00 a.m. in the Pavilion Boy Scout Room. Notice will be sent out, and that will be the future location for the Atascadero Youth Task Force meetings. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 5 of 6 3. ATASCADERO LAKE PARK MASTER PLAN ADVISORY TEAM Commissioner Kock said that the team met three weeks ago and went over some of the plans and worked on the Master Plan. However, this advisory team will be disbanded until more money is obtained for future phases. 4. THREE WOOD NYMPHS COMMITTEE Susan Beatie reported on the plaster event that she had and said she was successful at plastering Council member Ray Johnson, former Mayor George Highland and Lon Allan, Editor for the Atascadero News. Tony Cipolla from KSBY spent two hours watching the whole process. She also added that KSBY provided excellent coverage, with reports on the 5 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 11 o'clock news and again the next morning on the morning news. Ms. Beatie said the plaster people would be placed around town after the body parts are successfully put together. E. COMMISSIONER/STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Kock suggested moving this item to the beginning of the meeting, so the student representative has a chance to participate in the meeting. Chairman Hood asked Ellen to move that item just after the Community Forum. F. STAFF COMMENTS 1. Zoo Director's Report - attached 2. General Plan Land Use Element revisions update Brady Cherry reminded the Commission of the emails that Deputy Director of Community Services, Geoff English had sent informing them that there was more time to identify the issues and bring them forward. Commissioner Gobler asked if the March 7 meeting regarding the Parks and Recreation Element was still on and said he could not attend that meeting. He also said he was confused about Geoff's email with regard to rescheduling the meeting to review the draft General Plan Land Use document to the week of March 25-29. Brady Cherry said he would speak to Geoff, discuss this with him, and a determination would be made about the next meeting on the Element. Brady then informed the Commission that the next regular meeting on March 21, 2002, would be at the Pavilion on the Lake. It is the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Pavilion so there will be a special reception before the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and they would invite some of the people who were instrumental in getting the Pavilion built and have a special re- dedication. The reception will most likely be at 5:30, but a notice will be sent to the Commission. G. CALENDAR OF EVENTS — attached H. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Hood adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. until the next regular session scheduled for March 21, 2002, to be held at the Pavilion on the Lake. MEETING RECORDED BY ELLEN PERKINS AND PREPARED BY: Ellen M Perkins Administrative Assistant Department of Community Services /emp Parks and Recreation Commission Page 6 of 6