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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-03-16; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:00 P.M. Date of Meeting: MARCH 16, 1992 Place of Meeting: CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Castner called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairperson Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, and Ward. Absent: Commissioner Strayer Staff Members Present: David Bradstreet, Director, Parks and Recreation Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst Ken Price, Recreation Superintendent Mark Steyaert, Park Development Coordinator APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Finnila, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 24, 1992, were approved as amended. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Ward NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Strayer PUBLIC OPEN FORUM: There were no requests to address the Commission. PRESENTATIONS: There were no presentations made. Parks and Recreation Commission -2- March 16, 1992 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Finnila, the Agenda for March 16, 1992 was approved as printed. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Ward NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Strayer CONSENT CALENDAR: Chairman Castner requested Item #AB 392-3. Receipt of Donations, be removed from the Consent Calendar. WAIVER OF ORDINANCE TEXT READING: 1. AB #392-1 DIRECTOR'S REPORT (INFO) To accept and file Director's Report for December-January 1991-1992. 2. AB #392-2 SUMMARY REPORT (ACTION) ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman, Item AB #392-1 and Item AB #392-2 were approved as submitted. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Ward NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Strayer Commissioner Strayer arrived at 5:05 p.m. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 3. AB #392-3 RECEIPT OF DONATIONS (ACTION) Joan Kindle, 622 El Aquila Lane, Volunteer Curator of Carrillo Ranch, distributed brochures regarding Carrillo Ranch to the Commission and gave a historical view relating to the creation of the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund and stated that the Trust Fund was to be used only for the development, maintenance, and operation of the Ranch. She presented a check in the amount of $604.66 to the Commission, bringing the Fund balance to $9,232.98. Parks and Recreation Commission - 3 - March 16, 1992 ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Strayer, Item #392-3 was approved as submitted. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 4. AB #392-4 Levante Park Petition (Action) Ken Price, Recreation Superintendent, gave an overview and listed the problems as identified in the neighborhood petition received by staff: • Noise • Traffic parking problems • The number of spectator events at the site • Litter • Damage to property • Objects which land in their backyards • The need to post signs regarding rules of the park • Slope erosion Mr. Price stated that several meetings were held between the homeowners and administrative representatives of the sports organizations utilizing the park at which several of the issues were discussed. He informed the Commission that was planning more meetings in an effort to bring both the homeowners and the sports organization to a mutual agreement. Chairman Castner opened the meeting for public comment. John Mitchell, 3302 Venado Street, representing La Costa 35 Athletic Club, spoke of his involvement with the sports groups at Levante Park and informed the Commission that it was hoped that the goal of bringing a Pop Warner Football group to the area would be realized. Larry West, 3478 Sitio Baya, representing Leucadia/La Costa Soccer Club, stated that the sports groups could cooperate with residents. In an effort to work with homeowners who experience problems, the following points had been discussed: • A telephone hotline had been set up. __ Parks and Recreation Commission -4- March 16, 1992 • A newsletter would be issued to address the parking situation. • Coaches and team mothers were requested to be sensitive to the problems associated with sports groups at the park and had been requested to inform team members and parents of the concerns of the surrounding residents. • Saturday starting times could be changed to commence at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. • Regarding tournaments, there was the possibility of using Field No. 1 at Stagecoach Park to alleviate the activity at Levante Park for player Divisions 6 and 7; however, additional equipment would have to be purchased. Mr. West said that the regularly occurring tournaments could be moved to Stagecoach Park field No. 1 and that age group of the players participating in the tournament was 6-13 years. The soccer club was already using three other parks in the City. Scott Pieratt, 7201 Manzanita Street, President of the La Costa Youth Organization, stated that the trash problem could be addressed and acknowledged that it was a difficult situation. Coaches and team mothers had been asked to keep the players off the slopes and away from private property. Spectators were being requested to use the school parking lot as well as the residential side of the street to alleviate the traffic parking issue. Homeowners had been requested to hold on to all balls that land on private property until a representative of the organizations could pick up the sports equipment. With regard to damage caused by sports equipment, homeowners had been instructed to find out what sports organization was on the field, because it was the playing organization's responsibility to keep the damage to private property down to a minimum. The organizations were trying to get batting cages built. The possibility of contracting with the school district to use middle school ballfields was another option. Parks and Recreation Commission - 5 - March 16, 1992 Mr. Pieratt suggested that once the first phase of a development was done, the development of a park should be the next phase because there were too many new homes and not enough parks available to keep kids off the streets. As far as using a school site, the Jr. Hi would be ready in approximately two years and would have a regulation-size soccer field for league play. He would prefer parks that had regulation-size ballfields. He stated that the City had been very helpful in developing new fields for play. Andrew Frey, 3103 Levante Street, representing the Levante Park Neighborhood Association, expressed his concern that staff recommendations did not address the essence of the petition requests. Staff wanted to leave the negotiations to the organizations and the neighbors. Verbal agreements were not acceptable because of potential staff changes within the sports organizations. Games played at Levante Park create unendurable noise which lasts 7-8 hours. Neighbors do not have a single day on the weekends in which to invite friends to come and visit because of spectator events. Sometimes the events begin on Thursday and go on Friday and end on Saturday afternoon. Sports groups could cause any amount of havoc but with some recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Department residents could be left in peace during an allotted time. Members of the Parks and Recreation Department must encourage sports organizations to make every effort to have organizations correct the problems experienced by the residents to reduce time usage of the park. Mr. Frey stated that recreational areas were not a right but a privilege and he urged the Commission to extend those same rights to the residents of the Levante Park area. Mr. Frey said that recreational areas were not a right but a privilege and he urged the Commission to extend those same rights to the residents of the Levante Park area. The residents of the Levante Park area were eager to cooperate with the sports organizations, but emphasized that verbal agreements would not bring a lasting peace. Mr. Frey responded to Commissioner Lawson by stating that there was some level of progress being made by the City with the exception of the development of other parks. Commissioner Finnila inquired how long Mr. Frey had been at his current address and when did he notice the increase in park usage. Parks and Recreation Commission - 6 - March 16, 1992 Mr. Frey replied that he purchased his home in 1973 and that the residents had not been notified that the City had intentions to lease part of the school territory for a park. He felt that had residents been informed they would have insisted on more appropriate usage of the park. Walter Tysenn, 3036 Levante Street, representing petition signers, informed the Commission that he had resided across the street from the park for 2-1/2 years and would like to continue with the joint meetings. He recognized that development had occurred in the community and that sacrifices had been made by neighbors. Pro- active solutions had been adopted in other areas of the county that were not unreasonable. Mr. Tysenn requested an analysis of Levante Park fields to determine park usage and suggested the analysis include other fields in other parks and schools that were currently not in use. In order to utilize 100% of the available ball fields in the City, residents would be glad to assist sports groups in use agreement negotiations with the school district directly. Mr. Tysenn requested that the Commission be sensitive to the dangerous traffic situation and suggested that a 15 mph speed limit be implemented at La Costa Heights School to minimize the risk of a fatal accident. There had been a number of near accidents involving, children. Chairman Castner closed public comment. General discussion ensued regarding the following points: • providing recreational facilities to meet the needs of the communities • continued residential development was the main problem which created additional burdens on existing parks and neighborhoods • decibel readings could be taken in the area to see what the levels of noise are • parking illegal on the street creates problems • residents have trouble getting out of their own driveways during game times • notification of game times should be distributed to residents • wind carries noise of cheering spectators into the residential area • staff could be directed to interview residents who have not signed petition • possibility of additional fencing • NIMBY (not in my back yard) situation II' V' Parks and Recreation Commission - 7 - March 16, 1992 1 possible reduction in the speed limit 1 sports organizations could adopt a set of rules with penalties for those members not adhering to rules • penalties should be enforced ACTION: On Motion by Chairman Castner, staff was directed to continue to work cooperatively with the Levante Park Neighborhood Group and community sports organizations in an attempt to address and resolve the concerns of the residents who reside near the park. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None 5. AB #392-5 Larwin Park (Action) Dave Bradstreet, Director of Parks and Recreation, briefly reviewed the planning history of Larwin Park and referred to maps illustrating Plan A-Original Plan (prepared by Van Dyke Associates), Plan B-Original Plan less ballfields, and Plan C-Major modification (redesign alternative). The following were some concerns brought forward during the design development and park planning process in 1991: • Heightened public concern and expanded scientific research into possible health hazards of electro magnetic fields (EMF) • Biological report identifying sensitive coastal sage and a pair of gnatcatchers • Updated grading figures (indicating quantities in conflict with the Hillside Development Ordinance) • Updated cost estimates ($3.5 million or $0.7 million over current CIP Budget) During the August 1991 Commission meeting, the following points were expressed: COMMISSION COMMENTS • Cost concerns • Traffic • Ballfield replacement at another site • Site Inadequate for park purposes Parks and Recreation Commission - 8 - March 16, 1992 PUBLIC COMMENTS • EMF issues (some concerned, others not) • Additional tennis courts • Tennis courts (elevation and lighting) • Traffic concerns on Carlsbad Village Drive • Change park name • Cost • Parking adequacy • Add swimming pool • Relocate eastern tot lot • Use Lake Calavera for ballfields Mark Steyaert, Park Development Coordinator, stated that there were plans for an open space trail system, a parking lot to accommodate 30-45 vehicles, two tennis courts and basketball courts, a tot lot, and because of EMF concerns amenities would be moved away from power lines. Dave Bradstreet stated that developers were willing to work with staff to use park in- lieu of fees for land acquisition and that staff wanted to use half of the money to buy land and the other half to develop the parkland. When the economic environment is better, staff will work with the area developers to work out a dedication and development plan. Two petitions had been received: One from a group of people who would like a park and the other from people who wanted a toned down park. Staff was recommending the Commission proceed with Plan C and that staff be directed to work with the development community and the school district for further park land and amenities enhancement. Parks & Recreation element to mitigate amenities. Discussion ensued regarding: • the amount of in-lieu of funds available to purchase land • the possibility of utilizing the ballfields at the proposed Calavera Hills Jr. High School The Chairman opened the meeting to public comment. Arnold Mueller, 2641 Vancouver Street, stated that there had been great improvement in the plans since the park's plan inception. He suggested the use of bark chips rather than the large amount of turf planned because of the current drought. Parks and Recreation Commission - 9 - March 16, 1992 Lawrence Hicks, 3400 Santa Clara Way, suggested that the tennis courts be placed on the north side of the parking lot with the playing level dropped an additional five feet and that the trees not be planted too high because it would obstruct his view. He was also concerned that the traffic signal had not been installed. Miriam Lerner, 3355 Concord Street, stated her concerns with the integrity of the neighborhood, that commercial and developing interests were taking over the community, commented on the increased traffic and unnecessary speed as well as the added parking problems. She stated that six years ago Larwin Park was anticipated as being a passive park, but evidently those plans were now being replaced by an active park. Mrs. Lerner stated that $1.6 million was a lot of money to pay for ballfields and tennis courts and was helping decrease the amount of open space available. Anna Caples, 3117 Vista Rica, stated that she would go along with the plan submitted by staff so long as ballfields are placed in the Northeast Quadrant. Medians and speed bumps should be utilized to eliminate the danger to children crossing Carlsbad Village Drive. She submitted a petition from residents of Spinnaker Point who were in support of the proposed park. Arthur Wood, 2697 Vancouver, stated that Plan C for Larwin Park was a much better proposal and urged the Commission to approve it. He said that the Northeast Quadrant of the City contained no parks and that before developers are allowed to proceed with development, that a park should be in place and houses should be built around the park. Charles Macklin, 2740 Waterbury Way, urged staff to use creative approaches to secure fields which would meet old standards and the possible use of buffers. Paul Santy, 2693 Vancouver Street, stated that he had attended meetings for the past year and commented that staff was aware of the difficulty and frustration in developing an acceptable park plan. He informed the Commission of his support for Plan C. Tim Campbell, 2683 Waterbury Way, inquired if evening lights were planned for Larwin Park. Mr. Bradstreet stated that the parking lot and tennis courts would be lighted and that the park would close at 10:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission - 10 - March 16, 1992 speed of traffic. Residents were familiar with traffic problems but that visitors to the park would not be. He commented that if the park were for day use only, the City would encounter less opposition and would spend less money. Chairman Castner closed the public hearing. Commissioner Strayer stated that with growth comes other problems such as the placement of ballfields, more park facilities, and more traffic. He did not agree with the statements that the creation of a park would further residential growth. He felt that recreational facilities were not being addressed in the development of Larwin Park. Commissioner Ward suggested that there be vehicular access in the picnic and play areas otherwise the park would only be available for neighboring residents. She recommended that the City could work with neighbors regarding preservation of their views. Commissioner Ward stated that ballfields were always being requested and suggested that a major ballfield center be developed in the industrial area because the land was flat. This center would not be near residential areas, and the land could be leased by the City. Mr. Bradstreet stated that in the 70's Hub Park was planned to be the sports complex. However, out of 90 acres at the Hub Park site, only 20 acres were developable and was not large enough for a sports complex. Commissioner Heineman stated that the City was very much in need of passive park areas; however, the majority of people using the tennis courts are working young adults. Lighting was definitely a necessity in that the only time working people could play as in the evening. Perhaps low sodium vapor lights could be used to keep the glare down. Mr. Bradstreet stated that the latest lighting techniques would be installed and that possibly a park ranger program could be instituted. Commissioner Finnila stated that Plan C did not meet the need of the Northeast Quadrant and that the Plan meets the needs of the homeowners. She was opposed to the Plan because no ballfields were planned for Larwin Park. Chairman Castner stated that he would vote for Plan C if the Parks and Recreation Element to the General Plan was amended to specifically include that the ballfields deleted from the original Plan A be built in the Northeast Quadrant. He suggested that land should be dedicated up front from the developer or the City could borrow to purchase park land. He further stated that school sites should not be used to fulfill the City's responsibility to provide parks. Parks and Recreation Commission -11 -March 16, 1992 ACTION: On motion by Chairman Castner, to recommend to the City Council the adoption of Plan C, that the Parks and Recreation Element to the General Plan be amended to identify additional park enhancement opportunities in the Northeast Quadrant which would provide that the ballfields deleted from Plan A be included, that this additional park enhancement should be a piece of land of 20+ acres and should be owned and operated by the City, and that the joint use of a school site should not be considered as fulfillment of this requirement. Commissioners Heineman and Lawson requested that the motion be broken down into four separate motions. ACTION: On motion by Chairman Castner, to recommend to the City Council the adoption of Plan C for Larwin Park. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: Commissioner Finnila ACTION: On motion by Chairman Castner, to recommend to the City Council that the Parks and Recreation Element to the General Plan be amended to identify additional park enhancement opportunities in the Northeast Quadrant which would provide that the ballfields deleted from Plan A be included. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman, to recommend to the City Council to take immediate steps towards acquisition of additional park land thru park-in-lieu dedication or park-in-lieu of funds sufficient to site ballfields plus ancillary facilities needed such as rest rooms, parking and any other structures as necessary. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer NOES: Commissioner Ward ACTION: On motion by Chairman Castner, to recommend to the City Council that the joint use of a school site should not be considered as fulfillment of park requirements or ballfield standards. Parks and Recreation Commission - 12 - March 16, 1992 AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None RECESS: On order of the Chairman, the Parks and Recreation Commission recessed at 7:38 p.m. RECONVENED: On order of the Chairman, the Parks and Recreation Commission reconvened at 7:44 p.m. 6. AB #392-6 General Plan Survey Update (Action) Dave Bradstreet gave a general description of the results of the General Plan Survey Update. The Commission unanimously accepted the staff report. 7. AB #392-7 Lifeguard Issue (Action) Keith Beverly, Senior Management Analyst, reviewed the report which noted the cost to provide lifeguard service, alternatives in lieu of lifeguard services, and alternative methods for funding of this request. He commented that this had come about because a citizen had requested the City to establish lifeguard services. Chairman Castner opened the meeting to public comment. Lee Bohlmann, 5411 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, distributed copies of a letter addressed to Mr. Pete Biltchik. He was concerned with funding of items that would be necessary such as rest rooms, changing rooms, drinking fountains, and gate closures. Pete Biltchik, 352 Christensen Way, said he didn't want Carlsbad to be known as the only city on the coast not providing lifeguard service. He stated that a drowning had occurred four years ago. Commissioner Lawson inquired if Mr. Biltchik had spoken to property owners regarding the possibility of a special assessment to provide for lifeguard services. Parks and Recreation Commission - 13 - March 16, 1992 Mr. Biltchik responded that he had not spoken with property owners regarding a special assessment and was not in favor of using the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to fund lifeguard services. Chairman Castner closed the meeting for public comment. Commissioner Finnila stated that the solution for saving lives in the water was to have Jet Ski patrols because water safety was the No. 1 issue. She stated that Jet Ski patrol could be run by the police, department. Officers could be trained in the use of a Jet Ski. There were still problems being experienced with surf boarders mingling with swimmers. A shore patrol could only wait until the surfer comes out of the water to correct the situation. Commissioner Ward felt that a lifeguard would only create more problems to an already heavily impacted area and would require the need for rest rooms, showers, etc. She was not in favor of a Jet Ski patrol because it implied that the City was liable. Commissioner Strayer stated that water safety was very important and a Jet Ski patrol might be the beginning of the City taking responsibility for people using the beach. Commissioner Heineman suggested that the Jet Ski patrol be given citation powers. Chairman Castner stated that the City had a morale responsibility to provide a life saving service. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman, to recommend that plans be made immediately to fund a Jet Ski patrol [in conjunction with a vehicular patrol] with the idea that in the future, funds permitting, the City expand to lifeguard service on the beach. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Strayer NOES: Commissioners Lawson, Ward 8. AB #392-8 Committee Appointments (Action) ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Ward, to adopt the Parks and Recreation Commission appointments to various committee assignments. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None Parks and Recreation Commission -14 - March 16, 1992 f AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 1. Split Pavilion 2. Levante Park ADJOURNMENT: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman, to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:55 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting of March 18, 1992. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Frazier, Heineman, Lawson, Strayer, Ward NOES: None Respectfully submitted, - Isabelle Paulsen Minutes Clerk