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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 5:30 P.M. January 18, 2007 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, Pacheco and Lyons, and George Absent:Commissioner Cooper Staff Members Present: Ken Price, Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent Judi Vincent, Management Analyst Mick Calarco, Recreation Area Manager, Carrillo Ranch Charles Balteria, Recreation Specialist Greg Clavier, Public Works Manager/General Services Gian Lauro, Recreation Area Manager Kathleen Shubin, Senior Office Specialist Michael Bliss, Public Works Supervisor Corporal David Douglas, Carlsbad Police Department ANNOUNCEMENTS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 8, 2006, were approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper INTRODUCTIONS None. PRESENTATIONS None. Parks and Recreation Commission -2- January 18,2007 PUBLIC OPEN FORUM None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Lyons, the Agenda for January 18, 2007 was approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper CONSENT CALENDAR Chairman Craig requested that Item #4 be pulled from the Consent Calendar and discussed separately. ACTION: On motion by Chairman Craig, to pull AB #0107-4 from the Consent Calendar. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper 1. AB 0107-1 SUMMARY REPORT To accept, approve and file the December 8, 2006 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Summary Report. 2. AB 0107-2 RECEIPT OF DONATION OF SOCCER GOAL NETTING FOR AVIARA COMMUNITY PARK To accept a donation of soccer goal netting for Aviara Community Park and recommend acceptance by the City Manager. 3. AB #0107-3 RECEIPT OF GENERAL DONATIONS TO THE LEO CARRILLO RANCH TRUST FUND To accept general cash donations to the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund and recommend acceptance by the City Council. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Hubbard, AB #0107-1, AB #0107-2, and AB #0107-3 of the Consent Calendar were approved. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper Parks and Recreation Commission -3- January 18,2007 4. AB #0107-4 RECEIPT OF DONATION TO THE LEO CARRILLO RANCH TRUST FUND FROM JOAN KINDLE To accept a cash donation to the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund from the proceeds of Joan Kindle's Craft Shoppe at the Holiday at the Rancho event and recommend acceptance by the City Council. Charles Balteria, Recreation Specialist, gave the staff presentation on this item. He explained that during this past holiday season the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park hosted the fourth annual Holiday at the Rancho event. He mentioned that a donation of $1,520 from the sale of Joan Kindle's crafts was made to be used for purposes related to the development, operation, and maintenance of Carrillo Ranch. He described what Ms. Kindle did and displayed photos of the crafts. Mr. Balteria pointed out that there were two separate newspaper articles which highlighted Ms. Kindle's talents and her passion for the Ranch. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, AB #0107-4, to receive the donation and recommend acceptance by City Council. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons, and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 5. AB #0107-5 REPORTED DISRUPTIVE BASKETBALL PLAY ON WEEKEND MORNINGS. AS RELATED TO THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE EXISTING LA COSTA CANYON PARK Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent, gave the staff presentation on this item. He mentioned that he would follow the agenda bill very closely. He stated that the item was in reference to reported disruptive basketball play on weekends as related to the conditional use permit for the existing La Costa Canyon Park. He described the background of what had occurred over the past two years, and displayed a slide showing where the site was located. He also displayed slides which included park amenities and pointed out where the basketball courts were located at the park. Mr. Lancaster referred to the Planning Department hearing and an email received from Linda Laspesa, an ad hoc representative of concerned residents near La Costa Canyon Park. He stated that Ms. Laspesa's email described problems associated with the basketball court and indicated that they were all related to a group of non-residents who filled the parking lot with cars on weekends and ignored pleas and warnings from both neighbors and Carlsbad police. Mr. Lancaster continued to describe the background, including the Planning Commission's approval of the Conditional Use Permit with an added condition that staff was to return in six months for a review of the situation. He added that in the item the neighbors were advised to contact the Carlsbad Police Department during any disruptive incidents on the basketball court at the park. Mr. Lancaster reviewed signs that were installed at the park and commented that during a period of over one year, complaints were minimal from the surrounding residents. He continued to explain the background of the park, all as contained in the commissioners' packets for the Parks and Recreation Commission -4- January 18,2007 evening. He provided the historical data for La Costa Canyon Park and explained that La Costa Canyon Park fell into the same Community Park classification as other City parks such as Stagecoach, Poinsettia and Aviara. He pointed out that each of the parks had residential neighbors either adjacent to or across the street from their various amenities and that Poinsettia and Calaveras Hills Community Parks both contained full basketball parks. Mr. Lancaster described the options in detail and provided staff's comments on each of the options. He ended by stating that staff was recommending that the Parks and Recreation Commission review the reports of disruptive basketball play on weekend mornings as related to the Conditional use Permit for the existing La Costa Canyon Park, consider the options available in response to those reports, and advise staff on the Commission's selection. Marcela Escobar-Eck, 7426 Solana Street, Carlsbad, explained that she lived adjacent to the Park. She said that she supported staff's recommendation to leave the basketball court as it was. She added that when she moved into the neighborhood, she was fully aware of the basketball court and felt that her neighbors also knew the basketball court was there when they moved into the area. She added that La Costa Canyon Park was not intended to be a park just for residents. Ms. Escobar-Eck added that her three children played there regularly. She mentioned that the basketball area was one of the few paved areas in the park so many children used it for their scooters and skateboards. She explained that she heard more noise from teenagers at nighttime and children playing. She suggested that neighbors ask the basketball players to knock it off or to call the Carlsbad non-emergency number. She added that the Commission should consider the need for the large community rather than just a few residents. Suzanne Rosser, 3012 Rana Court, Carlsbad, explained that when she purchased her house, she was fully aware of the basketball court but was not aware there were boisterous activities taking place in the park. She explained that even people who did not live close to the park were glad that she was involved in trying to remedy the problem at the basketball courts. Ms. Rosser stated that she felt there were more appropriate venues for this type of activity and that she would not get involved with those men who were loud and drank alcohol. Ms. Rosser explained that the CUP application gave the residents a chance to speak up. She stated that she wanted to keep the park with the original vision for everyone to enjoy, and described where she lived. She added that recently the basketball court was quiet, probably due to the holidays and bad weather. Linda Laspesa, 3014 Rana Court, Carlsbad, explained that her backyard backed up to the tot lot. She said that she disagreed with the historical data and added that she was one of the original owners in the area. She explained that this particular group of basketball players came in two to three years later. She stated that in the past ambulances had to be called in, there were fist fights, and that sometimes she herself called the police. Ms. Laspesa mentioned that she asked the players to quiet down once but they responded by using a profanity. She explained that there had been ongoing bad behavior including smoking other substances in cars near tot lots, and she was looking for a solution to the problem. She referred to a possible redesign of the park where the basketball court would be relocated but clarified that she did not want the court to be removed. Ms. Laspesa indicated that she just wanted a solution to the problem and recommended that the basketball group drive to another venue where courts were not 20-25 feet from houses or tot lots. Parks and Recreation Commission -5- January 18,2007 She added that she disagreed with comments about raising or lowering the basketball hoops and explained why. She said that she was grateful for the dialogue and added that two people who could not be here also objected to the players bringing dogs and tying them to a tree or letting them roam around free. Don Laspesa, 3014 Rana Court, Carlsbad, explained that he lived right next to the tot lot. He said that he would sit at the tot lot and listen to the children and hear the basketball players swearing. Then, he added, he would take his children home. He did mention that the basketball players had been behaving themselves lately and that only a few of the men were troublemakers. He indicated that he was looking for a solution for people with families and that the basketball players needed to play, relax, and have fun. Antonio Antunes, 3010 Rana Court, Carlsbad, stated that he had two children 4 and 7 and that he had lived in the neighborhood since 1995. He explained that the last 2-3 years were weird. He added that he used to take the children to the park on Sundays but did not anymore. Mr. Antunes explained that on one occasion he called 911 because a fight had broken out and there were beer bottles all over the parking lot. He said that now he tried to take the children there on Saturdays or during the week when it was much quieter. Mr. Antunes also mentioned that he disagreed with Mr. Lancaster's observations because if the basketball group were playing and a City truck showed up, he said that they would behave. He added that he wanted to reinforce what everyone was saying. He added that when the police showed up and put two of the group in a police car, he took his children home. He clarified that this happened over a year ago. Mr. Lancaster clarified that when he visited the park, he was in his personal vehicle on personal time and remained inconspicuous. He explained hat he toured the facilities, observed play for 15-20 minutes at a time, and occasionally heard an explicative or a single curse word or two when someone missed a shot, but said there was nothing to the point of fighting when he was there. He added that Ken Price, Recreation Director, and Gian Lauro, Recreation Area Manager, also observed basketball play at the park and neither gentleman made an overt indication that they were City employees. Mr. Lancaster explained that some of the players may have known them but they did not know him. Carole Freeman, 3107 Madera Court, Carlsbad, stated that she lived approximately two blocks from the park. She reiterated what the first speaker said and mentioned that she sent a letter to the Parks and Recreation Commission which was distributed to the Commissioners. She said that she was in favor of leaving the park as it was and that she only had positive experiences there. She added that she thought it was a mistake for a few people to ruin the park. Ms. Freeman suggested that the residents go to a private park. She stated that she did not want people to dictate what happened because they lived close to the park. She explained that she was a realtor and when people purchased homes, it was important for them to look at the neighborhood before they bought a house in the area. She pointed out that a lot of children played in the park. Cris Valle, 3016 Cielo Place, Carlsbad, said that she lived two blocks around the corner and was here to speak for the big children. She said it would be a shame to lose the facility. She added that she did not know if the people at the park knew they were being a problem and suggested that someone should speak to them and tell them to behave appropriately on Sunday mornings. Parks and Recreation Commission -6- January 18,2007 Mr. Lancaster explained that the police department spoke with the players and since Mr. Lauro knew some of the players, he also spoke to them about the neighbors' concerns, including the gentleman with the loud voice. He added that they have been self-policing themselves. Troy Paris, 3105 Madera Court, Carlsbad, explained that he did not live close enough to the park to hear the noises in the park but that he had a small child and there was nothing on Sunday mornings that would shy him away from the park. He said that he and his son liked to sit near the basketball court and watch the games. He added that there might be an occasional swear word but for the most part everyone was respectful. He said that he would hate to lose the basketball court for his son. Mr. Paris added that it was important to have open spaces and opportunities for children to run and get exercise. He told the Parks and Recreation Commission to keep the park as it was. He added that his house backed up to La Costa Avenue which was noisy but it was important to look at the bigger picture. Angela Drees, 3016 Pueblo Street, Carlsbad, explained that she lived two doors west of the park and thought it was a great park. She said she heard the noise and profanity and abuse of the basketball park consistently and felt it was a real problem. She stated that cars came in, radios were blasting, and the basketball players brought coolers and dogs (one big one was tied to a tree). She said the basketball court was too close to the tot lot. She added that she understood that the park was a public park and for all the community but she did not want her husband to have a confrontation with these particular basketball players. Erin Newton, 7517 Solano Street, Carlsbad, explained that she lived at the other end and did not hear the noise. She mentioned that she had two kids, and that her son used to go and play on the basketball court but this group of men would throw them off the court. She added that they would control the court for three solid hours. She stated that the other two parks mentioned with full courts had their basketball courts in the center away from tot lots. She said she would like to see the park opened at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Ms. Newton also described an incident where kids were playing at the tot lot and one child was hurt. She said that they could not find the father because he was on the basketball court. She was concerned that the basketball players did not pay enough attention to their children. She suggested having the group play from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sundays which would give the residents some family time. She stated that it was important to compromise and clarified that there were 20-30 men who rotated in and out of the game. The public testimony was closed. Mr. Lancaster addressed some of the points raised in the public testimony including the following issues: • Drinking was allowed at public parks as long as problems did not arise. • Smoking was prohibited within 25 feet of tot lots and was a violation of municipal code. If an illegal substance was involved, police officers could address it when it happened. • Corporal Douglas was going to address fighting at the park. • Gian Lauro approached the dog owners about dogs off leash and running free. The dogs were taken to their vehicle. Also the police would make them comply and if not complied, the officers could cite them. A resident was also observed with a dog off leash. • Although basketball courts were not near residents living near Poinsettia Park, baseball fields were. He was concerned about taking an action on the basketball courts which Parks and Recreation Commission - 7 - January 18, 2007 would spill over to the baseball fields at Poinsettia Park. He added that the proximity at Calavera Hills was similar to La Costa Canyon Park and explained why. • He explained the option which involved slam dunking at the basketball court. Corporal David Douglas spoke on other activities at the park. He described the detail that he was involved with about 1 to 11/2 years ago when the police received a call from one of the residents. He added that he made future inspections and there was a true issue with a certain group of people at an identified time of the day. He said that he would like to try to make the problem diminish but did not think it was fair to eliminate play during specific days of the week because of the problem. Corporal Douglas explained there were eight disturbances at the park and suggested that there should be a network between the Police Department, the affected neighbors, and Parks and Recreation staff. He offered to meet with concerned residents to facilitate a solution to the problem. Corporal Douglas explained that only 8 of 35 complaints were considered to be disturbing the peace. He suggested putting up signs referring to Penal Code 415 which explained what disturbing the peace meant. Mr. Lancaster clarified that the eight incidents from 1 to VA year period were not just on Sunday mornings but included various hours of the day and night. Questions and discussion included the following issues: • Concern about La Costa Canyon Park being a community park • Importance of creating a close relationship with neighbors, police, staff and the small group of basketball players • Advantages of living near a park • Assurance to the residents that they were being heard ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Comstock, AB #0107-5, to retain the current basketball court configuration at La Costa Canyon Park, post new signage referencing Penal Code 415, and advise neighbors to work with the Carlsbad Police Department. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper The Commissioners took a break from 7:10 to 7:20 p.m. 6. AB # 0107-6 APPEAL OF STAFF'S DECISION TO DENY A REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF TWO CITY STREET TREES AT 3354 SEACREST DRIVE Kyle Lancaster gave the staff presentation on this item. He explained that the item was an appeal of staffs decision to deny a request for the removal of two City Street Trees at 3354 Seacrest Drive and that staff was recommending a denial of the request for the removal of the trees. Mr. Lancaster provided the background of the item, and stated that a letter was received from Rex Wilson dated August 22, 2006 in which Mr. Wilson requested the removal of the two City trees. He mentioned that the two trees were the subject of a Hold Harmless Agreement Parks and Recreation Commission -8- January 18, 2007 between the City and Charles and Bonnie Mitchell. Mr. Lancaster described the background in detail, as contained in the Commissioners' packets for the evening, and explained that maintenance pruning had already been scheduled for the trees when staff received Mr. Wilson's letter. He displayed photos of the trees and emphasized that the trees were in good condition. He added that there was a concern that if some of the trees were removed on Seacrest, then there would be justification to remove other trees. Mr. Lancaster clarified that according to the Tree Policy and Ordinance, trees would be removed only as a last resort alternative. He responded to Mr. Mitchell's ground of appeal in detail and added that an arborist was available to speak on the subject. He displayed slides of before and after maintenance pruning and explained how the "star step" condition was rectified. Mr. Lancaster concluded the presentation by recommending that the request for the removal of City Street Trees at 3354 Seacrest Drove be denied. Rex Wilson, 3354 Seacrest Drive, Carlsbad, explained that he was confused with the definition of a desirable tree. He mentioned that he was concerned with the potential of what the trees could do to his foundation. He said that the City was maintaining the trees every four years and that combined with liability, maintaining the trees did not make any sense. Mr. Wilson added that the trees (tipuana tipus) not seem to be desirable due to what it could do to the streets. He said he had no problem with replacing the trees with the appropriate size and that he was concerned about what happening to the trees on the other parts of the street. Questions and discussion included the following issues: • Explanation that that the streets were repaired in 1999 prior to the Street Tree Ordinance. • Preservation of trees was the current trend even at a higher cost of making repairs to asphalt, root pruning as needed, installing root barriers, then repouring new concrete and asphalt whereas prior to the Ordinance the trend was to remove trees. • Clarification that the lifespan for tipuana tipus trees was 50-55 years and that the trees in question were probably 30-35 years old • No evidence of damage to the street at this time but what would be done at no cost to the homeowner should damage appear in the future • Explanation of why this species of trees were removed from the approved species list • Appeal of the trees due to their size and looks • Purpose of the Street Tree Ordinance ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Craig, AB #0107-6, to receive the appeal of staff's decision to deny a request for the removal of two City Street Trees at 3354 Seacrest Drive, and uphold staff's decision based on the City of Carlsbad's current Street Tree Policy and Ordinance. AYES: Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cooper Parks and Recreation Commission -9-January 18, 2007 COMMITTEE/COUNCIL REPORTS Chairman Craig gave an update on the Skateboarding Committee. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETING 1. C.I.P Update 2. Skateboarding 3. Citizen Presentation regarding Tobacco Control Ordinance ADJOURNMENT ACTION: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: On motion by Commissioner Hubbard to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:50 p.m. Chairperson Craig, Commissioners Hubbard, Comstock, Pacheco, Lyons and George None None Commissioner Cooper Respectfully submitted, Ruth Stark Minutes Clerk