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HomeMy WebLinkAbout022003 PRC MinutesMINUTES ITEM: Al DATE: 2/20/03 CITY OF ATASCADERO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 20 2003 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Mathews led The Pledge of Allegiance CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hood called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 4th floor Rotunda Room ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Vice Chairperson Kudlac Commissioner Dempsey Commissioner Kock Commissioner Gobler Commissioner Mathews ABSENT: Commissioner Butz Chairman Hood Student Representative Wardlaw STAFF PRESENT: Brady Cherry, Assistant City Manager Geoff English, Deputy Community Services Director Ellen Perkins, Administrative Assistant COMMUNITY FORUM: Eric Greening informed the Commission that the plan and draft have become available for the El Pomar Estrella area (the area adjacent to the City, across river). He explained that despite the population within the area, the projected number of acres of parkland recreationally zoned is zero. Suggested mitigation for inadequate park facilities is a voter -approved tax, which would require a two-thirds majority and would not be in place when the county Supervisors approve the plan this coming summer. He explained that the plans should be meeting needs on a countywide regional basis and expressed his discontent with the plans current state. A public meeting of the Santa Margarita Advisory Committee will be held Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Santa Margarita Elementary School library. He spoke about the Anza Trail and said the draft long-range interpretive plan is available for viewing on the web at www.nPs.2ov/iuba. Comments can be made until April 1St. and anyone who wants a copy can contact David Smith at 510-817-1323. There will be a public meeting held on Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Vets Hall. Eric Gobler asked if the City comments on these things, in particular, the El Pomar Estrella area plan. Eric Greening responded that cities do comment often on adjacent area plans. Geoff English, Deputy Community Services Director, said that generally that kind of response would come from our Community Development Department and they may have made a response already. Mr. English said he would check with Warren Frace, Community Development Director, to see if he has reviewed and/or responded to that plan. . A. MINUTES 1. Minutes of January 16, 2003 stand approved as submitted Parks and Recreation Commission Page 1 of 7 B. COMMISSIONER/STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (On their own initiative, Commissioners may make a brief announcement or a brief report on their own activities. Commissioners 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 Commissioners may take action on items listed on the Agenda.) Commissioner Mathews informed the crowd that the Atascadero Native Tree Association, in conjunction with the City of Atascadero, has completed an inventory of all of our native tree resources. They had a flyover done and received the pictures back. It will allow us to map the native woodlands and be able to get baseline information giving us clues as to not only the health and condition of those resources but also identify critical habitat for future planning. Commissioner Mathews also brought to the Commission's attention that the Native Tree Ordinance is undergoing a review and an update of format. With the goal of improving enforcement, it will help to ensure that everyone knows exactly what's expected and required when impacting native trees during construction. C. COMMITTEE REPORTS: (The following represent standing committees necessary): Informative status reports will be given, as felt 1. Atascadero Recreation Center Committee — The next meeting for the Children's Day in the Park is Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at 5:00 p.m., City Hall, Room 102. 2. Atascadero Youth Task Force- Next meeting March 4, 2003, 7:00 a.m., Pavilion on the Lake, Boy Scout Room 3. Three Wood Nymphs Committee — chairman not present D. STAFF REPORTS Field Use Agreement with Atascadero Girls Softball Mr. English briefed the Commission regarding this item. He said he would like them to recommend to the City Council, that we enter into a contract with Atascadero Girls Softball, making them the primary user of the Traffic Way Softball Fields. He explained that there has been a 3 -year agreement which has been drawn up between the Atascadero Girls Softball and the City of Atascadero. Upon approval, Atascadero Girls Softball would be responsible for infield, dirt maintenance, custodial maintenance to the snack bar and storage room, removal of trash after games from the playing areas, enforce rules and policies, report damage to City if there was any, key distribution and promote the Youth Sportsmanship Proclamation. The terms of agreement would be from 2/1 through 9/1 each year. On Sundays, they will be managing the calendar from their web site (www.atascaderogirlssoftball.com) for reservations at Traffic Way Park, thus taking that responsibility off our hands. Chris Franklin, Board Member of Atascadero Girls Softball, said they want to make significant improvements to the park. He thanked Mr. English and Mr. Cherry for their help and cooperation. He stated that this agreement would formalize the handshake agreement that they'd had with the City for years. Atascadero Girls Softball greatly desires to improve the fields such as batting cages and bull pens. He also added that this allows them to spend the money for improvements knowing that they are ensured usage of the fields. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 7 Mr. English commented that this is the third agreement that we've had with a youth sports organization. Babe Ruth Baseball and Atascadero Little League are among the others we've had agreements with. He noted that the agreements have been very successful. The benefits will improve the fields and take some burden off of the taxpayer for maintaining the fields. Commissioner Mathews asked about the proposal of the new proposed skate park. Mr. English said that Girls Softball had no objection to having a skate park in the outfield. MOTION by Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Gobler to recommend approval to the City Council of an agreement with Atascadero Girls Softball for the use and upkeep at Traffic Way Park Field. 4 Ayes 0 No Passed 4:0 2. Traffic Way Park Master Plan — discussion & presentation Mr. English gave his power point presentation on the proposed Traffic Way Master Plan. He proposed some shade structures, batting cages, bull pen, homerun fences and skate park. Mr.English said he would bring back plans. Mr. English went on to say that n the general plan revisions that the City Council adopted recently, it called for a master plan for every Atascadero Park. We went through a process to develop a master plan for Atascadero Lake Park, came up with a pretty comprehensive document that will guide the long range development of Atascadero Lake Park for a number of years. We seek to do the same for every park. In the case of the lake park, we had $75,000 to help hire a consultant, develop nice graphics and maps, and do some surveys. We don't have that in the case of Traffic Way Park. We do have some funds that we will utilize to have some maps drawn up by a landscape architect, and do some surveys after we go through some processes to determine what some desirable options for that location are. And we also have some limitations on that particular site because of the fact that it's pretty much built out now. There's not a tremendous amount of space and if, in fact, we intend to maintain the softball fields that are there, then it dramatically limits what we can do at that site. There has been some discussion in the past about relocating the corporation yard out on to Sycamore or into an industrial area and expanding Traffic Way Park into the area where the corporation yard is currently. That is a desirable goal. It may or may not happen in the next 10-15 years. That is a pretty expensive proposition. There are some possibilities that that may happen, but it is an expensive proposition. When and if that happens we would come back to you with an extensive master plan for the entire site. I look forward to the day that we get to do that, but that's not the task that we have at hand. The task at hand is really to develop a mid-range, short-range, plan for improving Traffic Way Park or adding some features to Traffic Way Park that the community has expressed the desire and that the staff has as a desire. I'll go through a list here of those items. First of all, it's the skate park relocation. The City currently has a skate park. It's located on the grounds of the Masonic Temple Building. Because of a contractual relationship we have with the Atascadero Masonic Temple Association, the City may be required to return that facility. We may need to find and because the skate park is on that property, we may need to find a suitable location to re -locate the skate park and due to the fact that we have purchased the property adjacent to Traffic Way Park for the Recreation Center and that site will be serving a population that will need supervision and the skate park seems to dovetail very well with that facility, could very well fit on that site. We talked about this in the past. We had a couple meetings where we discussed the possibility of relocating it by putting in the 200 foot home run fences creates plenty of space in the outfield that a 10,000 square foot skate park could be located. Our skate park although it meets the needs and the children enjoy it, it's not as desirable as they would like and it gives us an opportunity to improve that facility. That is dependant on a number of issues. It's dependant on what happens with the Masonic Temple Building. It's dependant on funding. It's dependant on a number of factors. However, we do want to secure our relocation site in the event that that comes to fruition. Home run fences we talked about that. By installing home run fences in Traffic Way Park, it allows some of the outfield area to be used for purposes that have been stated. One, is it gives us a location where the girls could warm up before games. Right now they are warming up in the parking lot, they warm up between the two fields, they warm up next to the rest room, they're off and on cement, near spectators. There's just not a good situation. Girls softball desires an area for warm-ups. There's plenty of space in the outfield if we put those 200 -foot home run fences in and it would allow also the location for the Parks and Recreation Commission Page 3 of 7 skate park. Batting cages were mentioned. That's the desirable feature for girls softball. That would be something that would need to be put in at their expense and maintained by girls softball. Playground shade structure, I'll show you some diagrams in a few minutes. One of the things that has been expressed as a concern and is a concern, is the fact that the proximity of the tot lot between the two softball fields is right in line for foul balls and we're putting kids on that playground structure, I'm not aware of any child that has been hit in the 10 years that we've been using that facility, but the potential is there for a foul ball to hit a child that's on that play structure. There are some attractive shade structures that could go over that tot lot that would provide, not only shade, but also some protection from foul balls. I'll show some of those options in a few minutes. Relocating the youth sports storage sheds currently, they're right in between the two fields. They are somewhat unsightly and don't necessarily fit in that site. It's staffs' recommendation to have those moved. And finally, bull pins between the fields because often times at games kids again, the players are warming up between games, during the middle of a game between the two fields, they're often throwing in the area where spectators are and it's just not a safe situation. First of all, the skate park relocation would go in the outfield on Field #2. There is plenty of space. The two trees that are in that location, if you look on the screen, the two trees here, screen the rec center where the recreation center will be renovated. In this area, in the outfield is plenty of space for a skate park and you can see that on the diagram here. This area right here is about 12,000 square foot. There's an existing fence here that we would modify, actually bump out a little bit. Create a nice area for a skate park. The staff at the rec center could serve as the supervisors for the skate park. Kids could go into the rec center to get out of the heat or get out of the rain or whatever it may be. To get a soda or just spend time with friends. One of the challenges at the skate park now is that there aren't any outdoor restrooms. They have to go inside the Masonic Temple building that often is rented and go in through meetings. It's been a challenge for us. Parking is limited. It's a challenge there. It's worked but it is a challenge. So skate park relocation is a high priority for staff on this master plan. Home run fences, you can see here on this screen, this area right here in the outfield. If you look back at the map, the park is actually a rectangle right now. And so by drawing, and these are to scale, those 200 foot fences here and here, it creates large areas of play space which right now are not being utilized to their fullest extent. These areas here actually represent a soccer field. Youth soccer has actually been using them for their peewee soccer. And their field actually is about half that size and fits nicely right still in the outfield. So we could still continue to use that for other sports as well. So that purpose of having the home run fences does create a nice, useable space in the outfield. The batting cages would be recommended for being over in the corner here. I like the fact that they're there because they are somewhat tucked in next to the trees. Batting cages any way you dress them up are not the most attractive things in the world. They'll be screened on one side. We could do some additional screening with some vegetation in front. Next is a playground structure. This is the existing playground structure. This is right after it rained so it's full of water. That is between the two softball fields, and again, is subject to potential foul balls. What we've recommended are some type of a playground structure, a shade structure similar to these seen here. They are very common in parks, particularly in areas that are quite hot, which our area does get during the summer. Again, this would provide a nice place out of the sun and provide some protection against foul balls. We would also recommend raising the fence in that area, so if there were a line drive it would hit the fence as well. This seems like a colorful, attractive addition to the park that would be very suitable for that location. Bullpin areas, these are the two sheds that I mentioned earlier and it's our desire to get those out of that space and move them to the outfield and right in this area install two bull pin areas. Right now the kids who warm up are warming up in that spot between games, between innings and as you can see the spectator areas are at this end and right down here is the playground structure. So we've got targets on both sides that we would like to eliminate. The fences would essentially match the fencing that's there now and provide some safety for spectators and people who are using the tot lot. Again, here's a diagram, we mentioned the softball sheds would be moved out here and we would like to coordinate the paint on those. These are the batting cages tucked up against the trees here. The playground structure with the shade tarp and the bull pins, the home run fences and the skate park relocation. This would all be integrated with the new rec center over here with a nice pathway from that location. If these elements are agreeable to the commission what we will do is take this to a landscape architect, actually draw it up, bring back some nice to scale maps that you would endorse at a future date. With that I'll conclude my report and answer any questions from the commission before you open it to the public." Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Gobler asked about the fencing and whether they would be permanent or movable. Mr. English replied that either are possible, however, a permanent fence would be more likely because it would serve as a boundary for one side of the skate park. Commissioner Gobler then asked if, with the agreement proposed if it allows Girls Softball to carry out things the proposed improvements. Mr. English responded that that would be the intent. Upon approval Parks and Recreation Commission Page 4 of 7 the City would have some funding for different aspects of the proposed changes. The skate park would be a priority of the City. Girls Softball will pay for some of the improvements proposed. Commissioner Kock followed up by asking if the City would pay for the 200 feet of fencing. Mr. English responded that there is no funding at this point, as it is only a Master Plan. Commissioner Kock proceeded to ask if by doing these improvements, we are only making the park useable for softball. Mr. English said that they are doing their best to make it a multiple use facility and that the addition of the skate park will aide in this goal. He pointed out that neighborhood children playing on the play structure or on the grass already often use the park. The improvements won't change this. Mr. Kock asked if neighborhood in the general area been notified regarding these plans. Mr. English said a notice was sent out. Public Comment: Shawn Clair, (couldn't understand name) Girls Softball. Commented on the improvements. Likes the idea of incorporating the skate park. He spoke of the hazard of the children's playground area. There needs to be more fencing and shade structures would help with regard to the heat of summer. He is hoping to get all the help and input he can from the City. They would like to do the batting cages themselves, they aren't looking for any funds from the City for these. Eric Greening commented favorably about the Master Plan but stated some of his concerns. One, of which, is the concern of balls bouncing off the fence and coming into the playground from the side as well as foul balls from the air. He suggested possibly moving the playground to a different location. He also inquired on how Atascadero Youth soccer feels about the proposed changes, as they also utilized the fields. He suggested planting some deciduous trees near the skate park for shade as well as aesthetic purposes. A discussion ensued among the Commissioners. Mr. English said this item is for discussion only, no motion or recommendations needed. It will be taken and put into a better format, along with consideration of the comments that have been made, and be brought back next month. Challenge Cost Share Program so say Eric Greening, to help pay for some of the cost of creating a new park on the 6 acres of land that the City owns. 3. Pavilion Roof Replacement Mr. English addressed the 3 general questions that were asked at the previous meeting. The first was the possibility of using aluminum shake roofing material instead of the standard seam metal roofing. Mr. English explained that they found 3 different kinds of aluminum metal shake roofing material options. The options are aluminum, aluminized steel, and standard steel material. The benefit of aluminum is that you get a much more detailed mold than you would with a steel material. It's much more lightweight and pliable. However, it is a little more expensive than steel. Mr. English displayed samples on the table for the commissions' observation. He explained that metal shake will not only keep the "look" of the pavilion, it will provide the benefits of metal material, which include durability, long life, energy efficiency. Walking ability on this type of roofing is poor to good. Plans to put walkways around access vents to avoid contact with the material would be enacted. At this point Mr. English said staff didn't recommend any particular product, just the shake style of roofing. The second question asked was the energy efficiency of metals roofs in comparison with other roofing materials. Mr. English explained that basically, the metal roof reflects a lot of heat and doesn't absorb and maintain the heat in the manner that other organic materials such as the cement tile or the wood would do. It provides a lot less radiant heat as a result. Also, with some roofing material, insulation can be placed behind as well, so that it enhances the efficiency of the building. In terms of energy efficiency metal roofing is far better than other roofing materials. Finally, Mr. English addressed the third question regarding the cost comparisons between the various roofing materials. He displayed photos showing the proposed roofing as well as a comparison sheet involving a variety of materials. Metal does have medium to high insulation cost but the lifetime cost is low because of the durability and long life (20 — 50 years). It remains the most cost effective option. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 5 of 7 Mr. English asked the commission for approval of a metal material to replace the existing roof on the Pavilion on the Lake, and that it be the shake style. He said that he would continue researching which of the metal materials would be the best option. Commission Comment Commissioner Gobler said thank you to Frank and to staff for doing the research and making the options more visible for the commission. Commissioner ? asked Mr. English if the City Council actually make the final decision on the material or is that left to staff. Mr. English responded that they would actually go out to bid and bring back a contract to the City Council. So the project wouldn't start until the Council approved it so we would bring to them a bid package which would include cost of labor and installation and then they would have to improve the contract because it will be a project over $25,000. MOTION by Commissioner ? to recommend approval of the metal roofing material with shake style as proposed in the information that we've been provided. Commissioner Gobler recommended it not be red or orange. Mr. English said that they would do their best to pick a color as close to the existing roof as possible. Seconded by Commissioner ? Seconded by second by Commissioner Kock passed 4:0 Additional Item Geoff spoke of the three Par Course Stations on the Master Plan at Atascadero Lake Park. He informed the commission that the location that is being installed first is along the dam. Chris Main, Eagle Scout, is scheduled to begin work on that in the next month and will be done with this project by the middle of May 2003. This is an informational item only. Mr. English asked if the Commission had any comments before the project moved forward. A discussion ensued among commissioners. PRESENTATIONS F. STAFF COMMENT 1. Zoo Director's Report — Brady commented on this report and recommended that the Commission make a visit to the zoo to view the exciting changes. They are in the process of constructing some temporary exhibits, which will be on display beginning April 15, 2003, and running through July 15, 2003. Commission will be getting invitations to the grand opening of the Hoag Pavilion in early spring. The zoo looks great, in wonderful condition. Inspection from AZA accreditation team and there's been some really nice improvements that have taken place behind the scenes at the zoo. When the weather warms up, he suggested the commission take a tour of the zoo. 2. Youth Master Plan — Brady handed out copies of the Youth Master Plan summary. 3. CPRS Legislative Notes — Mr. Cherry explained that we're seeing a "budget watch" with the state of California. We're basically waiting to see what impacts the states' budget will have on local governments as well as all of the state agencies. 4. Status Report Rec Center Project - 5. Staff Assignments — Brady reported that Kate Kremke, the Pavilion Recreation Coordinator, has resigned and the different assignments and responsibilities are being given to current staff. 6. Commissioner Appointments — Brady briefed the Commission regarding terms and appointments. 7. Guidelines newsletter 8. Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Moving Wall comes to Atascadero — It will be here in April 17 — 23, 2003 over the Easter holiday. It's 253 feet long and will be set up in Sunken Gardens between the fountain and City Hall. There is a ceremony, Saturday, April 18t sometime around 9:30 am. We have received lots of support and volunteers from the community. Parks and Recreation Commission Page 6 of 7 G. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Attached Comments: Commissioner Matthews said he would help with plants for the Moving Wall. He brought up the Memorial tree and asked if it can be on the next agenda. Mr. English said that at the next meeting he would bring back two different items. One is the selected style of bench that would be placed around the lake. Second, he will bring back bench locations around the lake. He spoke of the bringing back some potential tree receiver sites so that the Commission would approve specific tree receiver sites in advance so that the process isn't so tedious. Commissioner Matthews agreed and recommended us having some pre -approved tree receiver sites. Eric Greening suggested planting memorial trees in the vicinity of the moved skate park. Also, Atascadero High School drama department, incorporating other youth of the community, is putting on a production entitled Fiddler on the Roof. It will run 2 weeks through mid March at the National Guard Armory. Mostly Thursdays through Sundays, with matinees on weekends and evening performances all four days. Frank asked if staff could bring back a price of the memorial benches to the next meeting. Mr. English said the quick concrete benches are about $700 and plaque that goes on the back is an additional $100, with slab in front it's somewhere in the neighborhood of a $900.00 project. Mr. English will bring better figures for the Commission at the next meeting. H. ADJOURNMENT — Chairperson Kudlac adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. THE NEXT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE A REGULAR SESSION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 20, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE 4Ta FLOOR ROTUNDA OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Department of Community Services at (805) 461-5001. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will assist staff in assuring that arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting. MEETING RECORDED AND PREPARED BY: Ellen M Perkins Administrative Assistant Department of Community Services Parks and Recreation Commission Page 7 of 7