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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-15; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:30 P.M. Date of Meeting: May 15, 2006 Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Craig called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George Absent: Commissioner Pacheco Staff Members Present: Ken Price, Recreation Director Mark Steyaert, Park Development Manager Sue Spickard, Recreation Services Manager Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent Connie Ashby, Administrative Secretary Kevin Granse, Recreation Supervisor Gian Lauro, Recreation Area Manager Bonnie Elliott, Recreation Area Manager Mick Calarco, Recreation Area Manager, Carrillo Ranch Lori Swenck, Recreation Area Manager Erin Letsch, Risk Manager Carl Pope, Aquatics Supervisor Kelly Mauser, Recreation Specialist Craddock Stropes, Recreation Community Coordinator Cynthia Haas, Economic Development Manager Rachael Shay, Recreation Supervisor for Special Events Lisa Hildebrand, Assistant City Manager Sandra Holder, Community Development Director ANNOUNCEMENTS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 17, 2006, were approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco Parks and Recreation Commission -2- May 15,2006 INTRODUCTIONS Bonnie Elliott, Recreation Area Manager, introduced Rachael Shay, the new Recreation Supervisor for Special Events and the Triathlon. PRESENTATIONS None. PUBLIC OPEN FORUM None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, the Agenda for May 15, 2006, was approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco CONSENT CALENDAR 1. AB #506-1 SUMMARY REPORT To accept, approve and file the April 17, 2006 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Summary Report ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, AB #506-1, of the Consent Calendar, was approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 2. AB #506-2 UPDATE ON CARLSBAD CIVIC CENTER - CONNECTING COMMUNITY. PLACE AND SPIRIT Sandra Holder, Community Development Director, discussed the importance of creating a vibrant city center and the specific program elements that produced such a vibrant center. She spoke about the importance of a multi-functional square and the need to rediscover art. She explained that the Goal team looked at the Farmers Insurance building which was acquired by the City and explained what was learned during a learning conference. Parks and Recreation Commission -3- May 15,2006 Ms. Holder described the initial research and summarized the aspects of a greater vision. She added that it was important for the group to visit various sites to get a feeling of some of the better models in Southern California. She distributed the Connecting Community, Place and Spirit Draft Guiding Principles to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Cynthia Haas, Economic Development Manager, explained that research was not enough; the group had to see what made those places special. She displayed slides of sites including Agoura Hills, Balboa Park, Beverly Hills, Cerritos library, Culver City City Hall, Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, Escondido Civic Center, Joan Kroc Center, Oceanside City Hall, Paramount, Poway Civic Center, San Marcos, The Grove in L.A., Thousand Oaks Performing Center and University Towne Center. She pointed out the good and bad features of each of these sites. Lisa Hildebrand, Assistant City Manager, described the common themes that were found, including sociality, variety of activities, accessibility, and comfort. She also discussed additional ingredients such as community identity, sustainable uses and attributes, and other enhancements. She talked about current trends multi-purpose technology, underground parking, interactive and passive water features. She added that outdoor eating places were very popular and entertainment was one way to get people into an area. Ms. Hildebrand clarified that size did not matter and explained why. Ms. Holder mentioned that they did not find one place with all the ideas and concepts. She described a drawing by Michael Freedman. She displayed European slides which showed areas where people congregated both during the day and in the evening. She also spoke about the Scottsdale City Mall in detail. Mark Steyaert, Parks Development Manager, described three Carlsbad site plan alternatives: the Legoland Drive site, the North Flower Fields site, and the South Lagoon site. He reviewed the group's desire to go to the next level: to determine what kind of physical form the concept should be in the City of Carlsbad. He described what the vision might look like and showed slides of the three sites, describing each site in detail. Questions and discussions included the following issues: • Clarification of what would be included • Possible time frame • Funds available in the CIP • Ocean views from the North Flower Fields site Gary Hill, 3289 Donna Drive, Carlsbad, said that if and when the civic center went forward that it would have to be a joint venture with the Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Historic Commission and other groups. He added that they could look at which aspects could be made for parks, partnering with culture and business commissions if the City wanted to include coffee shops, restaurants, and non-profit groups such as museums and churches. He indicated that they needed to figure out what Carlsbad should be. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, AB #506-2, to accept and file the staff report. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco Parks and Recreation Commission - 4 - May 15,2006 Chairman Craig called a 10 minute recess at 6:35 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Commission re-convened at 6:45 p.m. 3. AB #506-3 SPINNAKER HILL TOT LOT REPORT Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent, gave the staff report on this item. He explained the purpose of the item, and read the recommended action. He summarized events regarding the tot lot from July 1996 and added that there were considerable historical documents included with the agenda bill. He explained where the site was located and showed photographs of the site. He added that maps of the site were included in the Commissioners' packets for the evening. Mr. Lancaster reviewed conditions of the agreements. He mentioned that since 1991 and 1996, both Aviara and Poinsettia had tot lots constructed. He emphasized that traffic had changed considerably on Batiquitos since the item was originally approved. He clarified that today construction would not be considered for a tot lot through a busy street such as Batiquitos Drive. Mr. Lancaster explained that the tot lot was be installed and maintained at no cost to the city, and must comply with the City's park standards and guidelines. He addressed insurance issues, including the fact that insurance payments had been delinquent or lapsed in the past. He added that at the current time there was no insurance coverage for the tot lot and that the City was liable for full risk during lapses. Mr. Lancaster addressed the insurance issue further and explained that Ms. Brink was having difficulty obtaining insurance for the site. He mentioned that Ms. Brink wished to address the Parks and Recreation Commission directly in order to request the consideration of accepting the tot lot as a part of the City's Park inventory, thereby including it within the City's blanket insurance protection. He explained that a certified inspector was hired to inspect the site and found that the tot lot was not in compliance with conditions 4 and 5 of the agreement. He displayed photos and reviewed what should have been present in order to meet those conditions, as described in detail in the Commissioners' packets. Erin Letsch, Risk Manager, clarified that the City was self-insured and that the only insurance was excess coverage. She also explained the significance of self-insurance which included the City's responsibility to design public facilities that met standards and explained why. She described the importance of providing a safe environment and minimizing loss exposure. She said that because the site was supposed to be at no cost to the City, it was her opinion that the tot lot must be brought into compliance for safety and ADA requirements by the private group. Ms. Diane Brink, 7207 Azalea Place, Carlsbad, questioned whether the previous presentation regarding people meeting in an area would also have increased risks. She explained that 10 years ago the City allowed her to build a park on that land and that they were very adamant that everything be in compliance. She added that she was able to get insurance, and passed along a proposal to the commissioners. She said that she really wanted the tot lot to be safe. She added that she had two children and made sure the fence was built so that it was hard for them to go in the street. Ms. Brink stated that there was usually someone present to supervise the children. She emphasized that safety was important, that the total lot was in compliance but that rules had changed, which resulted in her changing the swings once. She said that she only knew about the changes from Mr. Lancaster for three days and that she was working to meet the Parks and Recreation Commission - 5 - May 15,2006 requirements. She added that they were relatively minor and that she would make the changes. She also described some other changes which could be made. Ms. Brink confirmed that she wanted the tot lot to comply with regulations and that she would do what it would take to bring it into compliance. She described the yearly fundraiser. She explained that insurance was another subject because it was difficult for her to get insurance. She clarified why a different market used Poinsettia Park. She proposed that the City help with insurance and she would take care of the rest of the issues. Bailey Noble, 5470 Los Robles Drive, Carlsbad, explained that he helped build Cannon Park and that the City took this park over. He described what occurred and said that the cost for insurance was horrible and the City stepped in to take the park. He asked the Commission to look back at the past history of the tot lot and help the group obtain insurance. Questions and discussions included the following issues: • Lack of people/children at the tot lot when several of the commissioners went by • Parking not available in the immediate area • Traffic and safety concerns • Clarification that the City owned the property as green space • Complexity of the City deeding the parcel to a homeowner's association due to the tot lot being part of a larger parcel • Problems with the City taking responsibility of insuring the tot lot • Concerns about the condition of the tot lot including the existence of an electrical box with stagnant water around it and dirty swings. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Hubbard, AB #506-3, to deny a citizen's (Diane Brink's) request to include the facility within the City's park inventory and liability insurance coverage. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco ACTION: On motion by Commissioner George, that the Spinnaker Hill Tot Lot closes until liability insurance is provided by the private party in a form acceptable to the City of Carlsbad. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco Questions and discussions included the following issues: • Steps that could be taken to publicize that the tot lot was closed • Liability issues • Suggestion that Ms. Brinks participate in monitoring the site • Importance of stipulating a time frame for compliance Parks and Recreation Commission -6- May 15,2006 ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Cooper, that by June 1, 2006, if the insurance is not provided by the private party, then the Spinnaker Hill Tot Lot will be dismantled. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Cooper, by July 1, 2006, if the insurance is brought up to speed, the Spinnaker Hill Tot Lot must be brought up to the City standards by July 1, 2006. If that is not taken care of, then the Spinnaker Hill Tot Lot will be dismantled. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco 4. AB #506-4 REVISIONS TO COUNCIL POLICY #28 - FEES: FACILITIES/AQUATICS/FIELDS Sue Spickard, Recreation Supervisor, and Bonnie Elliott, gave the staff presentation on this item. Ms. Spickard explained the goals of the Recreation Department's fees, as contained in the Commissioners' packets for the evening. Questions and discussion included the following issues: • Clarification of how many students swam in a lane for aquatics in other cities • Joint use agreement with the City and school district and when school use received priority • Concern that the fees proposed were below market • Areas where fees could be increased more such as aquatic and athletic field lights • Explanation of uncovered picnic rental fees • Increase of fees at Leo Carrillo Ranch Jeff Pease, 3805 Trees Drive, Carlsbad, explained that his group have been at the swim complex since 1982. He said that the increased fees would have the biggest impact on his group. He added that he was not asking for preferential treatment, but that he hoped that the Commission would consider the relationship his group had with the City. He mentioned that his dream was to have the Alga Norte pool built, and that he had a 12 month waiting list. He spoke about the North Coast Aquatics and the Aquatics Booster Club and asked that they could pay fees from the Booster Club and be considered a non-profit organization. Mr. Pease described the Booster Club and explained that his group provided scholarships to children who could not afford to swim. Further questions and discussions included the following issues: • Clarification of whether water polo also had a profit and non-profit group • Who provided services - North Coast Aquatics or the Booster Club • Block of times set aside for the school district Parks and Recreation Commission -7- May 15,2006 Chris Greene, Athletic Director, Carlsbad High School, asked that the Parks and Recreation Commission keep Carlsbad Unified School District completely separate from other groups. He explained that they could not generate funds and had a set budget. He suggested that the school fees be kept separate, where they were, and that the fees should be kept at the current dollar rate. He also asked for information regarding San Marcos and which schools they rent to. Further discussion included the following issue: • Possibility of continuing at the current rent for the school districts and increasing lighting fees at the ballfields for now and increasing school fees when funds were available A motion was made by Commissioner Hubbard, to approve staff's proposed fee changes and forward recommendations to the City Council in association with the budget review process as is with the exception of item #2, Athletic Field Lights, where fees for athletic field lights would be increased to $7 per hour for Classification "B" Users and everything else would remain the same. The motion was not seconded. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Cooper, AB #506-4, to approve staff's recommended fee changes except in the area of school use increases which will be kept at the current level for this year only, and that ballfield lighting be increased $2 to offset the costs. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco 5. AB #506-5 PROCESS OF SELECTING RECREATION ENRICHMENT CLASSES/CAMPS/INSTRUCTORS Lori Swenck, Recreation Supervisor, and Kelly Hauser, Recreation Specialist, gave the staff presentation on this item. Ms. Swenck discussed contract instructors, including the ratio and recruitment of contract instructors and what was involved. She also described the Instructional Services Agreement and what was required. Questions and discussions included the following issues: • Changes made if there were too many students in a class • Concern that there should be more physical aerobic classes • Scheduling challenges and surveys • Selection of instructors for pre-school ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, AB #506-5, to accept and file the staff report. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco Parks and Recreation Commission -8- May 15,2006 6. AB #506-6 SELECTION OF SUBCOMMITEE REPRESENTATIVE FOR NAMING OF THE CARLSBAD CITY GOLF COURSE Ken Price, Recreation Director, updated the Parks and Recreation Commission on the status of the golf course. He explained that the property was beginning to look like a golf course and added that a Consulting and Grow-in Agreement and a Management Agreement were approved with Kemper Sports Management Inc. He pointed out that Commissioner Comstock had volunteered to be the Parks and Recreation representative for naming of the golf course. ACTION: On motion by Chairperson Craig, AB #506-6, to select Commissioner Comstock as the Parks and Recreation Commission representative to serve on the Selection Committee for naming the Carlsbad City Golf Course. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco COMMITTEE/COUNCIL REPORTS None. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETING 1. Skateparks in Northwest Quadrant 2. Commission Committee Assignments 3. Acceptance of Donations - Carrillo Ranch 4. Triathlon Presentation 5. Name of Community Garden ADJOURNMENT ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:50 p.m. to the Official Public Dedication Ceremony of the Ann D. L'Heureux Memorial Dog Park on May 18, 2006, at 11:30 a.m. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Lyons, Cooper, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Pacheco Respectfully submitted, Ruth Stark Minutes Clerk