HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC_2015-02-05_AgendaPacket
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
AGENDA
Thursday, February 5, 2015
7:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting
Atascadero City Hall Council Chambers
6500 Palma Ave.
Atascadero, California
REGULAR SESSION: 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
ROLL CALL: Chairperson: Jerel Seay
Vice-Chairperson: Susan Greenaway
Commissioner: Barbie Butz
Commissioner: Susan DeCarli
Commissioner: David May
Commissioner: Tom Zirk
Commissioner: Vacant
OATH OF OFFICE:
City Clerk Marcia McClure Torgerson will conduct the Oath of Office for the newly
appointed Commissioners.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REORGANIZATION:
1. Commission Appointment of Chairperson – The City Clerk Marcia Torgerson
will accept nominations from the Commission.
2. Commission Appointment of Vice-Chairperson – The Chairperson will accept
nominations from the Commission.
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 for the record before making your presentation. Comments made during
Community Forum will not be a subject of discussion. A maximum of 30 minutes will be
allowed for Community Forum, unless changed by the Commission. Any members of
the public who have questions or need information, may contact the Board Secretary
Bonnie Williams who is available during normal business hours at 470-3478, or
bwilliams@atascadero.org
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 – July 24, 2014
Staff Recommendation: Commission approve the Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting minutes of the July 24, 2014 meeting.
[Community Services]
B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS:
1. Zoo Park Master Plan Amendment – Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
Fiscal Impact: Nominal fiscal impact
Recommendation: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends:
1. The City Council approves a proposed amendment to the Charles
Paddock Zoo (Zoo Park) Master Plan to allow for construction of a new
Red Panda Exhibit, as well as, updating the Zoo Master Plan Drawing to
reflect completed additions.
2. The City Council enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the Donor(s) to fund the construction of the Thelma Vetter Red Panda
Exhibit.
C. COMMITTEE & LIAISON REPORTS: (The following represent standing
committees. Informative status reports will be given, as felt necessary.)
D. STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Mark your Calendar:
Father Daughter Dance on Friday, February 6th and Saturday, February 7th
E. ADJOURNMENT:
THE NEXT REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE
SCHEDULED AS NEEDED.
I, Bonnie Williams, Clerical Assistant III of the City of Atascadero, declare under the penalty of
perjury that the foregoing agenda for the February 5, 2015 Regular Session of the Atascadero
Parks and Recreation Commission was posted on Friday, January 30, 2015 at Atascadero City
Hall, 6500 Palma Ave. Atascadero, CA 93422 and was available for public review in the
Customer Service Center at that location.
Signed this 30th day of January, 2015 at Atascadero, California.
_______________________________________
Bonnie Williams, Clerical Assistant III
City of Atascadero
City of Atascadero
WELCOME TO THE ATASCADERO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
The Parks and Recreation Commission meet when scheduled, in the Atascadero City Hall, located at 6500 Palma
Avenue, 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 Recreation Division and are available for public inspection during City Hall Annex, 6500 Palma Avenue,
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 Recreation Division.
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 Recreation Division 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 Recreation Division 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 Recreation Division at City Hall
prior to the deadline.
ITEM NUMBER: A - 1
DATE: 2-5-15
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Thursday, July 24, 2014
7:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
6500 Palma, Atascadero, California
CALL TO ORDER - 7:03 PM
Chairperson Seay called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and Commissioner DeCarli led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Butz, DeCarli, May, Zirk, Vice Chairperson Greenaway,
Chairperson Seay
Absent:
Others Present: Recording Secretary Bonnie Williams
Staff Present: City Manager Rachelle Rickard, Recreation Division Director Jerel
Haley, Colony Park Community Center Supervisor Jennifer Fanning,
Community Development Director Warren Frace
SPECIAL PRESENTATION - None
COMMUNITY FORUM - None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: By Commissioner DeCarli and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Greenaway to approve the Agenda.
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Commissioner DeCarli stated that the California Transportation Commission will be providing
$500,000 for improvements to the trail on HWY 41 from Portola to San Gabriel. Additionally,
There has also been 3 million dollars approved for ADA improvements on HWY 41 from 101 to San
Gabriel.
SLO Cog is requesting to approve 2 hundred thousand dollars to study alternative improvements
on HWY 41.
Commissioner May commented on how he really enjoyed the Tuesday Nights in the Park and the
Saturday Concerts in the Park.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes – January 9th, 2014
Recommendation: Commission approves the Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting minutes of the January 9, 2014 meeting.
MOTION: By Commissioner May and seconded by Commissioner Zirk to approve
Consent Calendar
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
B. MANAGEMENT REPORTS:
1. Approval of Colony Park Inclusive Playground Design
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommendation: Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the City Council
approve the proposed design for the Colony Park inclusive playground, consistent
with the Colony Park Master Plan.
Recreation Division Director Jerel Haley – Jerel Haley provided a presentation on the project and
answered questions of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT – The following people spoke during public comment: Justin and Jennifer
(last name was not given)
MOTION: By Commissioner Zirk and seconded by Commissioner Butz to approve
the recommendations for the playground design
Motion passed 6:0 by a roll-call vote.
COMMITTEE & LIASON REPORTS –
The following people spoke during the public comment: Jenell Allen (founder of Parents for Joy),
Sarah Sullivan (co-founder of Parents for Joy) Tyler Careopoles (General Manager for Game
Time)
STAFF COMMENTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS –
Recreation Supervisor Jennifer Fanning informed the council about the events that are listed under
“Mark your Calendar” and that there will be changes to the Atascadero Magazine in the future.
Recreation Division Director Jerel Haley informed the council that there will be a recruitment for the
vacant chair on the Parks and Recreation Commission after the November City Council Election
and to watch for the upcoming zoo improvements.
1. Mark Your Calendar:
Tuesday, June 17th thru August 26th: Tuesday BBQs in the Park
Saturday, June 21st thru August 9th: Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 2nd thru August 23rd: Movies in the Garden
Friday, August 15th: Hot El Camino Cruise Night
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Seay adjourned the meeting at 8:36 pm.
MINUTES PREPARED BY:
_____________________________
Bonnie Williams, Clerical Assistant III
City of Atascadero
ITEM NUMBER: B-1
DATE: 02-05-15
Atascadero Parks and Recreation
Commission
Staff Report – Recreation Division
Zoo Master Plan Amendment – Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
RECOMMENDATION:
1. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council approval
of a proposed amendment to the Charles Paddock Zoo (Zoo Park) Master Plan
to allow for construction of a new Red Panda Exhibit.
2. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend the City Council enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the trustee of the estate of the late
Thelma Vetter to fund the construction of the Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
The City Council approved the Zoo Master Plan in 2004. This master plan provides
direction and guidance for plans to transform the zoo into a key destination point for
residents and visitors. The master plan, similar to the City’s General Plan or Downtown
Vision Plan, is to be completed in various phases as funding becomes available, versus
completion all at once. Initial master plan projects included the following:
Completion of a revamped zoo entry;
A permanent, ADA compliant restroom facility;
A new gift-shop area / food service area.
These upgrades were necessary to help keep the zoo accreditation through 2014, as
well as, upgrade the facility to be more inviting for visitors. These upgrades were
completed with City’s Redevelopment Agency (RDA) funds, however the RDA was
dissolved in 2013. In addition, RDA funding could not be used for upgrades to animal
exhibits, and other animal related upgrades. City Staff and zoo supporters understand
the need to for upgrading facilities for existing and future animals at the zoo. One of the
Zoo’s many supporters, the trust of the late Thelma Vetter, has graciously donated
funds for the design and construction of a new Red Panda exhibit.
Red Pandas are raccoon-sized animals native to the southern foothills of the Himalayan
Mountains. While red pandas are not related to the giant pandas, which are members of
the bear family, they do have several things in common such as an appetite for bamboo
and small thumb-like digit on their front paws that allows them to hold bamboo shoots
while they eat.
This new Red Panda exhibit would create the following:
1. Provide a new exhibit for the Red Pandas that is larger than its current one;
2. A habitat area that re-creates the animal’s natural habitat;
3. Three (3) new viewing areas for visitors to better understand and educate them
on the animals and their habitat;
4. Creation of a high quality exhibit that further strengthens the goals of creating an
“events center” at the Zoo, consistent with the City Council’s 2014-2015 strategic
planning goals.
The trustee of the donor’s estate has contracted with a local architecture firm to create a
preliminary design of the proposed exhibit. The trustee met with City Staff and
presented the preliminary design concept. Staff discussed issues such timing of
construction document preparation, construction coordination, and entering into a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) to completely fund the proposed new exhibit.
Staff is requesting the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) to review and provide
a recommendation to the City Council for modifications of the zoo master plan.
Analysis:
Zoo Master Plan Revisions
Currently the Red Pandas are located near the middle of the zoo. The approved zoo
master plan shows a different location for the Red Pandas as compared to where they
are shown in the current zoo layout.
Morro Rd / Highway 41 Approved Zoo Master Plan
Zoo Parking Lot
Existing Zoo Layout
Location of existing
Red Panda Exhibit
Approved 2004 Zoo Master Plan
Approved Master Plan
Red Panda Location Morro Rd / Highway 41 Proposed Master
Plan Red Panda
Location
2015 Existing Schematic Plan
The proposed new exhibit would be located at the current Picnic / Birthday Party area.
This area will be re-located just outside of the current flamingo exhibit in the existing
volleyball area. This volleyball area will be transitioned into an events area to host
birthday parties, after-hour social events, education classes and seminars, and other
zoo functions.
The former home of the Red Panda exhibit adjacent to bat-eared fox will be
reconfigured to accommodate additional animals once the new exhibit is completed.
The proposed Red-Panda Exhibit is generally in the location of the “Indo-Burma” area
as shown in the Zoo Master Plan. The proposed exhibit anticipates a future connection
to a new tiger exhibit that is shown in the master plan. This future connection is shown
in the proposed Red Panda Exhibit drawings. Staff is recommending that the master
plan be amended to reflect the change to the Red Panda exhibit, as well, as
modifications that accommodated the new gift shop, entry, and flamingo exhibit.
Red Panda Exhibit Concept
The focal point of the exhibit is a 900 +/- square foot (sf) habitat area. This habitat area
would mimic the Red Panda’s natural foraging area including trees such as bamboo,
shrubs, and other native plants from the Himalayan Mountains. To enhance the sounds
of the Panda’s natural habitat area, and provide an additional exhibit that matches the
theme of the new area, a proposed Asian Bird Aviary would also be constructed
between the ramps. The Bird Aviary would provide an additional exhibit that would draw
in and enhance the overall visitor experience. Three viewing platforms are proposed to
be constructed, with all ramps being ADA accessible.
Proposed Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
A new 910 sf enclosure would also be constructed. This enclosure would provide
additional shelter for the Pandas, as well as, serve as an area for treatment, care, and
feeding of the animals. This enclosure is substantially larger than its current enclosure
and provides the Pandas much needed space. The enclosure also contains a low
impact development (LID) feature to reduce storm water runoff in the form of a green
roof. This LID feature harnesses rainwater to provide a “green ” scene on the roof, while
assisting in keeping the enclosure cool during the summer.
An entry feature consisting of a wood trellis structure would identify the exhibit to
residents. The entry would include the name “Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit” as
tribute to the late Thelma Vetter. The entry may also include a plaque that honors or
describes the donor’s gift and provide a description of her association with the zoo. A
signage package will be submitted for Staff approval at a later date.
View of Exhibit Entry Feature
Viewing Areas
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the Pandas through three (3) view areas. Each
viewing platform is envisioned to provide a different experience when visiting the Red
Pandas. The Low Viewing Platform is not necessarily a “low” vantage point. This Low
Viewing Platform is proposed to be accessed from either an ADA ramp or a set of stairs.
The low viewing platform includes the following:
Consists of decorative wood decking;
Provide view of the habitat area, the green-roof of the proposed enclosure and
the Asian Bird Aviary;
Provide a connection to the high viewing platform.
The High Viewing Platform is raised in elevation when compared to the lower viewing
platform. This platform provides some of most sweeping views of the exhibit. Features
of the high viewing platform include:
“Birds eye” view of the entire habitat area and the Panda enclosure;
Decorative wood decking and shade structure;
Design schemes similar to structures found in the Himalayan region of East Asia,
consistent with the overall theme of the proposed exhibit, as well as the lower
viewing platform;
Provide a future bridge connection to the proposed future tiger exhibit as shown
in the Zoo Master Plan and Zoo Master Plan update.
The third viewing area is the viewing window. The viewing window is accessed from a
landscaped concrete path that is separate from the high and low viewing platforms. The
viewing window provides the following:
“On-the-ground” view of the red panda habitat area through viewing “windows”
and provide a more intimate experience with the pandas when they are in the
habitat area;
ADA accessibility through the use of the concrete ramp;
Landscape pathway leading to the viewing area;
Construction Time Frame and Funding
The trustee has already donated funds for the initial design scheme of the proposed
exhibit. The trustee anticipates that construction documents will be completed and
construction will begin upon execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
the City of Atascadero. The estate of Thelma Vetter will also take responsibility fo r
construction of the exhibit and anticipates construction to commence in spring after
building permit review and approval by City Staff. While a timetable has not been set for
the length of construction, Staff estimates approximately three (3) to six (6) months to
complete the project.
Summary:
The proposed Red Panda Exhibit is generally consistent with Master Plan. The
proposed exhibit will enhance the experience for visitors of the zoo. The exhibit not only
provides the red pandas a new home, but will provide a quality educational experience
through multiple viewing areas. This new exhibit is funded by the estate of the late
Thelma Vetter, with no City funds to be utilized for the design and construction of the
exhibit. Staff is recommending that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend
to the City Council approval of Zoo Master Plan amendments and enter into a MOU to
allow for construction of the proposed new exhibit.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be a small fiscal impact for completion of the proposed Red Panda exhibit.
City staff time will be utilized for building permit review and inspections. The City will
incur no costs for drafting of preliminary design schematic, construction documents, and
construction of the exhibit. Funding for these portions of the exhibit is provided by the
estate of Thelma Vetter.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The Commission may include modifications to the project with their
recommendation to City Council.
2. The Commission may determine that more information is needed on some
aspect of the project and may refer the item back to staff to develop the
additional information. The Commission should clearly state the type of
information that is required and move to continue the item to a future date.
3. The Commission may recommend denial of the project. The Commission must
specify the reasons for denial of the project and make an associated finding with
such action. This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Colony Park Master Plan Amendment 2015-1
2. Location Map
3. Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit Design Package
4. Draft PR Resolution 2015-A
Attachment 1: Zoo Park Master Plan Amendment 2015-1
Proposed Amendment
Area – Red Pandas
Attachment 2: Location Map / Aerial Photo
Proposed Amendment
Area – Red Pandas
Attachment 3: Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit Design Package
See Attachment
Attachment 4: Draft PR Resolution 2015-A
DRAFT
RESOLUTION NO. PR 2015-A
A RESOLUTION OF THE PARKS AND REREATION COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ATASCADERO RECOMMENDING
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
AMENDMEND 2014-1 TO SITE MASTER PLAN
FOR COLONY PARK LOCATED AT APN 028-361-033
(CITY OF ATASCADERO)
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero (6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero, CA 93422), is
proposing an amendment 2015-1 to the Site Master Plan to the Zoo Park Master Plan (Charles
Paddock Zoo); and,
WHEREAS, the previously approved Zoo Park Master Plan was amended by the City
Council on, 2010; and,
WHERAS, the City of Atascadero has recognized the need to develop new animal
exhibits as a part of the Zoo Master Plan adopted by the City Council in 2004; and,
WHERAS, the a donor, the estate of the late Thelma Vetter, has also recognized the need
to develop new animal exhibits and is donating funds for the design and construction of a new
Red Panda Exhibit; and,
WHEREAS, the existing flamingo exhibit was constructed in a location different than
originally identified in the Zoo Park Master Plan and a proposed Red Panda Exhibit will be
constructed in a location different from the originally identified Zoo Park Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the
proposed Zoo Master Plan Amendments on February 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. and considered
testimony and reports from staff and the public.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Atascadero
takes the following actions:
SECTION 1. Recommendation of Approval. The Parks and Recreation Commission of
the City of Atascadero, in a regular session assembled on February 5, 2015, resolved to
recommend the City Council approval Amendment 2015-1 to the Colony Park Master Plan,
subject to the following:
EXHIBIT A: Zoo Park Master Plan Amendment 2015-1
SECTION 2. Recommendation of Approval. The Parks and Recreation Commission of
the City of Atascadero, in a regular session assembled on February 5, 2015, resolved to
recommend the City Council Enter into an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
trustees of the estate of the late Thelma Vetter to provide funding for the design and construction
of the proposed Red Panda Exhibit subject to the following:
EXHIBIT B: Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
On motion by __________and seconded by _______, the foregoing resolution is hereby
adopted in its entirety by the following roll call vote:
AYES: (0)
NOES: (0)
ABSENT: (0)
ABSTAINED: (0)
ADOPTED:
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CA
_________________________________________
Parks and Recreation Chairperson
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Jerel Haley
Parks and Recreation Commission Secretary
EXHIBIT A: Zoo Park Master Plan Amendment – 2015-1
9305 Pismo Avenue
Proposed Amendment
Area – Red Pandas
EXHIBIT B: Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
Charles Paddock Zoo
EXHIBIT B: Thelma Vetter Red Panda Exhibit
Charles Paddock Zoo
Signage Program to be approved by City Staff