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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-15; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 530 P.M. Date of Meeting: November 15,1999 Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Davidson called the Regular Meeting to order at 534 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Bakel, Cox, Cunningham, Pacheco, and Pieratt Absent: Commissioner Schulberg Staff Members Present: Ken Price, Recreation Director Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst Doug Duncanson, General Services Manager Robin Bettin, Recreation Supervisor I1 Dave Miliken, Recreation Supervisor II Gail Watts, Recreation Supervisor II .- Gian Laurel, Recreation Supervisor ANNOUNCEMENTS Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst, introduced and welcomed Leo Pacheco, the newest Parks and Recreation commissioner. Commissioner Schulberg arrived at 535 p.m.. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Schulberg, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on October 18, 1999 were approved. AYES: Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg, Cox, Cunningham, and Pieratt NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Pacheco ABSENT: None PRESENTATIONS F None. PUBLIC OPEN FORUM None. -2- November 15,1999 Parks and Recreation Commission - APPROVAL OF AGENDA ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Pieratt, the Agenda for November 15, 1999 AYES: Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg Cox, NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None was approved. Cunningham, Pacheco, and Pieratt CONSFNT CALENDAR I. AB #I 199-1 COMMISSIONERS REPORT To accept and file the Commissioner's Report for November 1999. 2. AB #I 199-2 SUMMARY REPORT To approve, accept and file the Summary Report of the October 18,1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. 3. AB #I 199-3 CARLSBAD GOLF COURSE/STATUS SUMMARY The Commission will receive a status summary memo originally prepared for the Golf Course Steering Committee members from the Parks and Recreation Commission. /L 4. AB #I 199-4 RECEIPT OF TRIATHLON DONATIONS The Commission will receive donations from the 1999 Triathlon. 5. AB #I 199-5 RECEIPT OF BODYSURFING AND BODY BOARDING CHAMPIONSHIP CONTEST DONATIONS The Commission will receive donations in support of the Bodysurfing/Body Boarding Championship. 6. AB #I 199-6 LETTER TO CHRlSTlNlA BRAZIER Staff has responded on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission to a letter sent by Christina Brazier. c ACTION: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ACTION: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: On motion by Commissioner Cox, AB #I 199-1, AB #I 199-2, AB #I 199-3, AB #I 199-4, and AB #I 199-5 of the Consent Calendar for November 15, I999 were approved. Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg Cox, Cunningham, Pacheco, and Pieratt None None None On motion by Commissioner Cox, AB #I 199-6 of the Consent Calendar for November 15, 1999 was approved. Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg Cox, Cunningham, and Pieratt None Commissioner Pacheco None 05 Parks and Recreation Commission -3- November 15,1999 - PUBLIC HEARINGS None. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 7. AB #1199-7 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR CARLSBAD COMMUNITY GROUPS [RESIDENT VS. NON-RESIDENT STATUS) Robin Bettin, Recreation Supervisor II, explained that John Strayer requested that the residency requirement be changed from 70% to 51% for community groups in South Carlsbad to qualify as a resident organization. She described the current classifications in detail, as outlined in the commissioners’ packets for the evening. She mentioned that B category was the only one to have priority status (Resident non-profit organizations where 70% Carlsbad resident membership and non-paid management were required). Ms. Bettin outlined the changes and amendments that had been made in the past and stated that the South East Quadrant had difficulty meeting the 70% residency requirement. She added that the current situation was a result of population growth, increased demand for athletic fields, and expansion of youth sports programs to a year round calendar. Ms. Bettin mentioned several alternatives: To maintain the 70% residency requirement, to maintain 51% in the South East Quadrant and 70% in all others; to maintain 51% in all quadrants; or to maintain more than 70% residency in all quadrants. She added that the goal was to guarantee that Carlsbad resident organizations and their participants had priority use of fields. /L Ms. Bettin said that staffs recommendation was to continue supporting the existing City policy. Questions and discussions included the following issue: + Reasons for the changes in policy to 70%, including a change in the methodology that defined the percentage at the time of the change John Strayer, 2001 Cima Court, Carlsbad, explained that he was the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club. He stated that he was befuddled to find that any change had been made and requested more than five minutes to speak since he was the petitioner. Mr. Strayer distributed a handout which he referred to during his speech. He stated that the 70% residency requirement was causing a problem for three organizations and that he was looking for a solution to the 70% residency requirement. Mr. Strayer mentioned that he recently met with Mayor Lewis and Councilwoman Finilla who did not recall the change in the residency requirement. He felt that a mistake was made. He added that a change from 51 % to 70% was made in 1994 in an agenda bill but that there were no details anywhere of the change in the residency requirement. Mr. Strayer pointed out that the La Costa 35 Athletic Club had promoted membership of Carlsbad residents over Encinitas residents but that the new residency requirement created a major problem for his organization. He mentioned that a championship player from Oceanside _- may be asked to leave if the residency rules were not changed back to 51%. He referred to photos of activities of his organization, included with the handout that he distributed to the Commissioners as well as a newsletter describing what the organization did. He stated that the organization received awards from the City, and that it had been in existence for 20 years. As a result, Mr. Strayer said that he felt that the organization should not be treated 136 t Parks and Recreation Commission -4- November 15,1999 - the same as a new organization. He clarified that the problem was not the new fee since they were willing to pay the fee but that the organization could not afford to lose priority for scheduling Carlsbad fields. He added that he would have to tell approximately 35 Encinitas residents who were long time members that they could no longer participate in the organization. He added that a major problem was the overlapping of three school districts, and pointed out that Carlsbad teams played in Oceanside prior to the fields being constructed in Carlsbad. Mr. Strayer described the residency requirement of the neighboring cities and mentioned that many of the non-residents purchased items in Carlsbad, thereby paying sales taxes. He invited the Commissioners to visit with the La Costa 35 Athletic Club and see what the organization did. Carl Gehring, 6844 Adolphia Street, Carlsbad, mentioned that he received a memo in the mail. He indicated that he had been a member of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club for the last 4-5 years, and that he lived in Carlsbad and San Marcos over that period. He said that he would like to request that the Commission reconsider the 70% requirement. He wondered how the requirement could be enforced and stated that all the parks should be opened to all of the teams. He added that everyone was paying taxes, and suggested opening the schools since the parks were so crowded. In response to a query by Commissioner Schulberg, Mr. Gehring indicated that he was in favor of a system where there was no priority. Rick Fielden, 3729 Saddle Drive, Carlsbad, explained that he was a resident of Carlsbad for 20 years, and was also on the board of the Carlsbad Softball and Baseball organizations for two years. He referred to the fact that there was tremendous growth in the area which resulted in having to put limitations on registration. He added that the City did the best it could, and pointed out that there were many new homes under construction. Mr. Fielden added that he did not know where the children would play once all the homes under construction were completed. e He mentioned that three of his five children belonged to athletic organizations and stated that he did not think Carlsbad should provide youth programs for children from other cities. He said that the fields were not keeping up with growth and referred specifically to Calavera where more homes were being constructed. He ended by stating that 70% was probably too low and that Carlsbad youth should have priority. Len Giuffre, 3450 Corte Curva, Carlsbad, commented that he thought staff was great to work with. He mentioned that he was on La Costa Youth Organization’s board for 10 years and that the board voted unanimously to support the 51% residency rule. He indicated that there was no problem with scheduling in the spring but that the fall was when the group had problems with 70% compliancy. He clarified that this was due to the nature of the fall baseball schedule since other communities did not have baseball programs at that time of year. Mr. Giuffre added that the children attended the same schools and therefore special consideration should be given to them. He also recommended that groups involved with the City for 20 years should not be turned fighting among themselves because there were not enough fields. He emphasized that the focus should be on new fields for the City and not wording on the 51% residency requirement. He asked the Commission to consider keeping the residency requirement at 51 % for the South East Quadrant and explore adding fields for the entire City. - away. He explained that his organization built the fields and pointed out that the groups were 07 Parks and Recreation Commission -5- November 15,1999 P Commissioner Baker asked if there was a change in the priority status, would there still be a shortage of fields. Mr. Giuffre replied that he was concerned about keeping the 70% residency requirement and explained why. He added there would still not be enough fields with the new developments under construction. AI McGhee, 146 Glen Arbor Drive, Encinitas, stated that he was most impacted by the 70% residency requirement decision. He mentioned that he was an Encinitas resident for 25 years and that he started La Costa 35 Athletic Club with John Strayer in 1984. He described his activities in the organization, and said that the residency requirement was changed from 51 % to 70% during his administration with the organization. He pointed out that he never received notice of the change and that the organization was trying to keep compliant with the 51% rule. Mr. McGhee said that the change was unfair because the La Costa 35 Athletic Club began 10 years prior to the change in the residency requirement. He added that when advertising for new players, the organization always gave priority to Carlsbad residents, and that many of the participants stayed in the organization even if they moved out of the area. Mr. McGhee pointed out that the organization helped to develop Levante Field. Mr. Larry David, 6964 El Camino Real, #105-513, Carlsbad, distributed a letter to the Commissioners. He stated that he found it interesting that no one asked his opinion since he was a founder of AYSO La Costa. He stated that he did not think the 70% residency requirement should be reduced and that the amounts spent in sales taxes did not relate to the amounts paid in property taxes. He also referred to the school districts and mentioned that the c school districts had nothing to do with the current situation. Mr. David mentioned that there were a lot of new houses and children requiring sports facilities which would not be a good reason to reduce the residency requirement. Jim Comstock, 2755 Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Carlsbad, mentioned that he was a resident of Carlsbad for 18 years and was on the boards of the Carlsbad Youth Baseball and Carlsbad Soccer organizations. He explained that the fields were close to being maximized now. He stated that it was not just a south vs north issue, and pointed out that there was an overlapping of fields in the north and south. Mr. Comstock indicated that there was a constant issue of growth in Carlsbad since the developments were not required to construct sufficient fields. He stated that the fields would be maximized in two years and there would be no problem meeting the 70% residency requirement as a result of maximized fields. He added that he did not want the issue to divide the north and south quadrants but that the organizations should work out the issues among themselves. In response to Commissioner Schulberg's query on Mr. Comstock's preference regarding the residency requirement, Mr. Comstock responded that the percentage should be increased, not decreased. Joan Chinn, 6397 Ebb Tide Street, Carlsbad, explained that she was the president of Lightning - Soccer. She described the history of the club, explaining that the organization was in existence for over 20 years. She stated that the focus was on youth in Carlsbad and in the south and that the organization contributed over $40,000 in field development and maintenance over the years. She detailed information on contributions by Lightning Soccer including the collaboration with Encinitas for scholarship funds that supported Carlsbad youth. She explained that the children went to school with each other and that organized sports was an outlet for the children. Parks and Recreation Commission -6- November 15,1999 Ms Chinn stated that she was in support of lowering the residency requirement to 51% since leaving the requirement at 70% would require the organization to reduce the amount of outside residents from participating in the organization. She added that this was simply a symptom of the disease and it was important to develop more youth and adult fields in the City. Matt Petre, 4385 Yosemite Street, Carlsbad, explained that he was the current president of the Carlsbad Softball Association in which approximately 300 girls participated in the spring. He confirmed that other speakers raised many good points, particularly that the field space was extremely light when taking into account the amount of new construction in Carlsbad. He expressed the need for Carlsbad to provide space for anyone who wanted to play in an organized sport. Mr. Petre mentioned that the Carlsbad Softball Association was already at a breaking point and that he was concerned with allowing a lower percentage for residency Alan Nyheim, 1422 Valleda Lane, Encinitas, stated that he was the Vice President of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club. He indicated that he is a member of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club and that he lived in the community for 26 years. He explained that his two boys attended La Costa Canyon High School which was located approximately 200 yards from Stagecoach. He asked the Commission to re-evaluate the position and bring the residency requirement back to 51%. He added that the organization had enriched many lives and would require members to leave the organization if the residency requirement was left at 70%. Howard Kalogian, 3145 Calle Viento, Carlsbad, explained that he had little to add. He emphasized that keeping the residency requirement to 70% would be a mistake since the would no longer be members of the local organization and suggested that the commissioners come out and see what was going on in the community. - Commission was really considering it for the first time. He mentioned that members of his family Assemblyman Kalogian explained that this kind of rule could be artificially worked around, and stated that he would prefer to see 51% as it applied for the past five years, even though 70% was on the books. He added that there was not much public notice given regarding the changes. In response to Commissioner Schulberg’s question, Assemblyman Kalogian explained that a separate requirement could been made at the.district level for a particular quadrant if it warranted the difference, and added that local government was supposed to respond to local communities. Paul Shook, 7632 Galleon Way, Carlsbad, mentioned that the meeting was moot since it had not been determined when the 70% came into effect. He clarified that the biggest problem was lack of fields, particularly because fields could not lie dormant to rest. He also expressed concern about policing the 70% residency requirement. He added that due to new developments being constructed in Carlsbad, the organization could recruit only Carlsbad residents at the present time. Gary Endres, 2804 Atadero Court, Carlsbad, explained that he was a resident of Carlsbad since 1978. He added that he was a member and coach of the La Costa Youth Organization and the Club and that as a result he was familiar with the field situation. - La Costa 35 Athletic Club. He also mentioned that he was a past president of Lightning Soccer Mr. Endres stated that he agreed that the problem was space which created an additional problem: priority. He stated that the organizations tried to do their part in the community by helping to ease the space problem. He mentioned that his organization tried to adhere to the 09 Parks and Recreation Commission -7- November 15,1999 - 70% residency requirement but that it was difficult. He explained that the club was approaching 1,200 players and that he would be in favor of a date of tenure: how long the organization was in place. Mr. Endres described how his organization had raised scholarships that raised a net to the organization of $30,000-40,000 and that it was a non-profit organization. He clarified that the money went back to the players, fields, field improvements, and uniforms, as well as programs for players and coaching programs that developed the coaches. He emphasized that he was in favor of revisiting the fields and changing the residency requirement for the south to 51 % and keeping the north at 70%. Sid Lupu, 2160 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, explained that he has been a resident of Carlsbad for 20 years and he was a member of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club. He mentioned that there was a dichotomy between the northern area vs, the southern area. He stated that he understood the purpose was to limit the fields to residents but mentioned that the organization began a long time ago. He indicated 'that the La Costa 35 Athletic Club was a driving force in getting fields built in Carlsbad and that the City should lower the residency requirement to 51 % to allow the organization to exist. Mr. Lupu clarified that if the 70% residency requirement was enforced, it would cause the destruction of the most viable sources in the City, and added that government should be responsive to all the people. - Warren Diven, 1032 C Street, Olivenhain, explained that he was the Director of Registration for Lightning Soccer Club. He stated that there was a deficiency in the number of fields in Carlsbad but that it was not unique since other cities such as Encinitas had the same problem. He described his daughter who attended Carlsbad School and had a lot of friends who lived in Carlsbad. He indicated that his daughter's ability to play soccer was threatened as a result of the proposed residency requirement change to 70%. Mr. Diven expressed concern that his daughter would find it difficult not to be able to participate in games at the local regional park close to home, and that any club should be able to provide soccer for all children of all levels. He outlined the problems of finding participants in the highest levels if the 70% residency requirement was enforced. He pointed out that the southern area of Carlsbad was different from the northern portion since there were no vast open spaces, no 78 freeway, and that the boundary lines were blurred. John Mitchell, 3302 Venado Street, Carlsbad, explained that he participated in recreation in Carlsbad and that the La Costa Youth Organization began 19 years ago. He said that he was an original member of the La Costa 35 Athletic Club and that he founded touch football in the area. He also described other activities in Vista and San Marcos that he was a participant of and said that there should no be barriers with other communities. He stated that the Commission should lower the residency requirement to 51 %. Dean Goetz, 850 Morning Sun Drive, Encinitas, explained that he lived in Encinitas and. Carlsbad for 25 years and was a La Costa 35 Athletic Club member. He asked the Commission to reconsider the 70% rule since he felt that the San Dieguito community was important. He described the organizations that he was a participant in and mentioned that he was an attorney in Solana Beach and a business owner in La Costa Meadows. He clarified that he was active in many organizations in San Dieguito over the last 25 years and emphasized that the entire area was part of the San Dieguito community. Parks and Recreation Commission -8- November 15,1999 1 - Mr. Goetz pointed out that school boundaries went across city lines and reminded the Commission that the Encinitas Optimist Club found the field at Levante, and built Levante field with the cooperation of the City of Carlsbad. He added that the Club wanted to build a field for the children, regardless of where the field was located. He mentioned that members such as him would have to leave the organization if the 70% rule was enforced. He also mentioned a good neighbor policy and described a golf tournament that was held for the benefit of a deceased woman's children. We ended by stating that Encinitas residents should be counted as Carlsbad residents. In response to Commissioner's Schulberg's query about fields in Encinitas, Mr. Goetz described where there were fields. He emphasized that he did not feel that the city should be enforcing boundaries, particularly because he lived closer to the fields at Stagecoach fields than those in Encinitas. Jim Welsh, 3578 Camino Arena, Carlsbad, stated that he also coached for La Costa Youth Organization for three years and was a president of La Costa 35 Athletic Club. He mentioned that what was needed was more parks. He described how the Dare program raised money since the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad did not want to do it. He said that longevity should account for something and that the good neighbor policy was significant in the area, particularly because of the overlap of the school systems. Mr. Welsh mentioned that he started the Encinitas Educational Foundation where they raised $225,000. He added that one-third of the students at La Costa Canyon High School were and expressed his hope that the Commission would bring the residency requirement down to 51 %. The public hearing was closed at 7:lO p.m. Questions and discussions included the following issues: c Carlsbad residents. He emphasized the fact that the people in the area made up a community The shortage of fields due to huge growth in the area and the problems created as a result of the shortage of fields The lack of money to develop additional fields and who would be responsible for paying for new fields The lack of cooperation from the school districts that have fields that cannot be used The possibility of grandfathering older organizations or changing the residency requirement on a graduated scale, such as 70% over 4-5 years. No plans for new fields in Encinitas and Solana The change in percentage from the 51% to 70% residency requirement was possibly accomplished in an unusual way although it was pointed out that the change was made in an agenda bill The need to look at why the City Council amended the residency requirement The uniqueness of South Carlsbad The City Council request that Carlsbad residents have priority for fields that Carlsbad built. The Youth organizations are close to adhering to the 70% residency requirement whereas the adults were not but they were able to drive to other communities The concern that a different policy be established for one The fact that La Costa 35 Athletic Club could still play but would not get the times that they wanted and clarification of what would happen if an organization lost priority status Parks and Recreation Commission -9- November 15,1999 Commissioner Baker made a motion to continue to support the existing City policy for Facilities Use Regulations by keeping it at the 70% residency requirement. Further discussion included the following issues: c + + + + 8. Commissioner Schulberg asked Commissioner Baker if she would entertain changing the percentage over a period of years, and Commissioner Baker replied that she would not. Commissioner Cox asked if there would be any inclusion of grandfathering older organizations, and Commissioner Baker pointed how the difficult it would be to determine which organizations would be grandfathered. Commissioner Schulberg added that the rule was in effect since I994 and that the percentage was critical because of population growth in the city. He said that it was important to enforce the residency requirement at the present time since field allotment was so difficult. Commissioner Pieratt pointed out that by phasing in the 70% residency requirement, it would give the leagues time to prepare the children for the change. Commissioner Schulberg pointed out that the youth organizations struggled to make the percentage. Vice Chairman Davidson asked for clarification of the residency requirement change. Mr. Beverly explained in detail what happened, and indicated that it was included in the City Council Agenda Bill in 1994. He added that several public hearings were held on the rules, regulations and fees structure. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Baker, AB #I 199-7, to continue to support the existing City policy for Facilities Use Regulations by keeping it at the 70% residency requirement. and Pacheco AYES: Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg Cunningham, NOES: Commissioners Cox and Pieratt ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None AB #I 199-8 CARLSBAD RECREATION DEPARTMENT RISING TO THE CHALLENGES cEaQQ Ken Price, Recreation Director, explained that the item would take approximately 90 minutes to review and suggested the Commissioners participate in a workshop instead. He mentioned that it was necessary that ACTION: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: staff receive input from the Commission within the next 30 days. On motion by Commissioner Baker, AB #I 199-8, to table the item and adjourn to a workshop on November 29, 1999 to a location to be decided on at a later date Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg Schulberg, Cox, Cunningham, Pacheco, and Pieratt None None None COMMITTEE REPORTS None. Parks and Recreation Commission -10- November 15, 1999 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT COMMISSION MEETING 1. Election of Commission officers for 2000 2. Acknowledgement of appreciation for former Commissioner Bob Richards 3. Meeting times for future Commission meetings 4. Commission Holiday Dinner ADJOURNMENT ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Pieratt to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:OO p.m. to a workshop on November 29, 1999 at the new South Carlsbad Library, and to the Regular Meeting to be held at the Carlsbad Senior Center on December 13, 1999. Cunningham, Pacheco, and Pieratt AYES: Vice Chairman Davidson, Commissioners Baker, Schulberg, Cox, NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None Respectfully submitted, Minutes Clerk