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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:00 P.M. Date of Meeting: October 19, 1992 Place of Meeting: CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Castner called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes, and Strayer Absent: Commissioner Lawson Staff Members Present: David Bradstreet, Director, Parks and Recreation Ken Price, Recreation Superintendent Gail Watts, Recreation Supervisor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 21, 1992, were approved as amended. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila. Heineman and Strayer NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioners Ward and Holmes ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson PRESENTATIONS: There were no presentations made. PUBLIC OPEN FORUM; There were no requests to address the Commission. 04 Parks and Recreation Commission - 2 - October 19,1992 APPROVAL OF AGENDA: ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Finnila, the Agenda for October 21, 1992 was approved as printed. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson CONSENT CALENDAR 1. AB #1092-1 DIRECTOR'S REPORT To accept and file Director's Report for October - November 1992. 2. AB #1092-2 SUMMARY REPORT To approve the Summary Report of the September Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Finnila, Item AB #1092-1 and AB #1092-2 of the Consent Calendar for October 19, 1992, were approved as printed. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: 3. AB #1092-3 RECEIPT OF DONATIONS Joan Kindle, Volunteer Curator, presented an update of the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund and recommended that the City Manager accept donations totaling $506.00. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Ward to accept donations of $506.00 to the Carrillo Ranch Trust Fund and recommend acceptance by the City Manager. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson - 05 Parks and Recreation Commission - 3 - October 19,1992 4. AB #1092-4 RECEIPT OF DONATION Joan Kindle, Volunteer Curator, discussed the donation of a gun once belonging to Leo Carrillo for inclusion into the City of Carlsbad's Carrillo Ranch archive collection. She recommended acceptance by the City Council. ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman to accept a donation to the Carrillo archives collection and recommend acceptance by the City Council. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson 5. AB # 1092-5 KRUGER HOUSE PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM Commissioner Heineman explained why he wanted this item back on the agenda. Dave Bradstreet, Director, Parks and Recreation, provided the following statistics for the Commission: 110 students are enrolled at Kruger House -76% are Carlsbad residents and 24% are non-residents. The commissioners asked staff for more details concerning the situation at Kruger House, including the following topics: • Size of class • Duration of classes • Amount of time children could be in the school under the grandfather clause adopted at last meeting The Chairman opened the meeting to public comments. Diana Bardin, 407 South Nevadast, Oceanside, explained that she was concerned about how a child would be affected. In response to questions from the Commission, she indicated that her children were 4 and 19 months old, and that she was willing to pay the extra fee for her children to attend the school. She indicated that Oceanside had a very transient society and that a similar program would be difficult to adapt there. Janet Correll, 2729 Forest Park Lane, Carlsbad, said that she was in favor of the restrictions for Carlsbad residents receiving preference. She indicated she had a problem with the grandfather clause since it could still allow non-resident students to go ahead of a non-resident for 2-4 years and stated she would like to see the grandfather clause abolished as soon as possible. She discussed why the morning class was preferable and pointed out that there were only six residents in the morning class. She expressed concern that these problems also existed with the gymnastics and ballet classes. In response to questions from the Commission, Ms. Parks and Recreation Commission - 4 - October 19,1992 Correll explained that even though she delivered two applications to the post office at the same time, her child was not in the morning class but the other child was. Tanis Duffy, 2415 Appian Road, Carlsbad, expressed concern about the morning class. She said that initially she found it acceptable that her child did not get into the class until she found out how many non-residents were in the class. Gabriele Shannon, 3525 Sierra Morena, Carlsbad, explained that the school was a community and that the proposal was tearing the community apart. She mentioned that her main concern was for the children and that it was important to leave the grandfather clause as it was. She stated that a Carlsbad resident had priority when the child first entered the program and also when on the waiting list. Kathy Miller, 1249 Alderney Court, Oceanside, discussed how much research she did to find a school acceptable for her child. She indicated that if she knew of the possibility of being bumped from the school, she would not have registered her child there. She stated that she believed that the school was self-sufficient, and if that was the case, then changes should be made next year and not in the middle of the year. In response to questions by the Commission, she indicated that one of the schools she researched was public whereas the others were private. Eleanor Inoue, 3548 Roselle Street, Oceanside, explained why her child was enrolled in the school and expressed concern that if she had another child, that the other child would not be able to attend Kruger House. Susan Frazee Kurner, 1247 Rue de la Mare, Oceanside, said that she had been a resident of Carlsbad for a long time, her father was a past mayor, and now she currently lived in Oceanside. She read a letter from her mother supporting the non- residents, and indicated that Carlsbad residents used Oceanside swimming facilities and were never turned away. Kristi Fordahl, 2155 Chestnut Avenue, Carlsbad, stated that she was against the new enrollment policy. She explained that Oceanside residents were also involved in fundraising and volunteer work for the school. She expressed concern that the issue was dividing the families. Janet Germain, 1446 Stewart Street, Oceanside, represented the teachers at the Kruger House. She explained her background and indicated that it was her professional opinion that the policy would not benefit the school and discussed why. She stated that this was a dividing issue. Commissioner Strayer pointed out that the grandfather clause was an effort to keep continuity at the school. Hortencia Wagner, 3608 Pontiac Drive, Carlsbad, explained why she was opposed to the changes as proposed. She was concerned that there was no continuity and was concerned that if she moved out of Carlsbad, her son could no longer attend Kruger House. 07 Parks and Recreation Commission - 5 - October 19,1992 Brenda Elg, 3615 Pontiac Drive, Carlsbad, represented Kruger House teachers. She explained that the school was started by a non-resident teacher and stated that the staff was dedicated because of the quality program at the school. She indicated that both residents and non-residents were involved in fundraising activities, and mentioned that excluding currently enrolled students would be detrimental to the program. In response to queries by the Commission, further discussion was held regarding the policy for the waiting list. Craig Correll, 2729 Forest Park, Carlsbad, expressed his belief that Carlsbad residents should be served and that the Commission should ensure that this school remained a Carlsbad program. Nancy Held Loucas, 2832 Cedarwood Way, Carlsbad, discussed her support of Carlsbad residents and mentioned she had letters from her Carlsbad neighbors who had similar problems with other programs. She said she would like to see this policy adopted for all Parks and Recreation programs and that it should be laid to rest as soon as possible. Susan Pynes, 3782 Portland Court, Carlsbad, described her background and indicated she was opposed to Carlsbad residents having more priority than they do and explained why. She discussed the issue of cooperation being an important factor at Kruger House, and said that she also opposed the grandfather clause. Ms. Pynes indicated that the staff was primarily from Oceanside. In response to a question by the Commission, she explained how the program could be destroyed. Cheryl Blaine, Carlsbad, expressed concern for the children. She indicated she thought that diversity was an important benefit at the school. Mary Essex, 3885 Nautical Drive, Carlsbad, explained that everyone was aware of the fact that they might not receive their first choice and that it was acceptable. She discussed the importance of consistency. Gwyneth Olse Kruger House and described her credentials. She expressed her concern about talking about residents vs. non-residents and explained what non- residents have done to enable the programs to work as well as they do at the school. She indicated that some of the Oceanside parents work in Carlsbad. Chairman Castner closed public comment at this time. RECESSED: On order of the Chairman, the Parks and Recreation Commission recessed at 6:30 p.m. 08 Parks and Recreation Commission -6- October 19,1992 RECONVENED: On order of the Chairman, the Parks and Recreation Commission reconvened at 6:40 p.m. Chairman Castner summarized that the Commission heard testimony from approximately 15 people. He mentioned that everyone agreed that it was a tremendous program. He stated that his personal feeling was that the first obligation of the Commission was for its constituents - the taxpayers of Carlsbad. He indicated that he would not keep the other people from other cities out of the school but would put a deadline for registering students for the people of Carlsbad first. He explained why he did not think moving a child from the school would have a harmful effect on the child and stated that he would leave everything the same as last time with the possible exception of the grandfather clause. Commissioner Ward indicated that she had seen this brewing for some time and that it was not just limited to Kruger House but to all of the programs in the Park and Recreation programs. She indicated that she felt the Commission's obligation was to Carlsbad residents and that she would like to see it go further to apply to other programs. She mentioned that she understood concerns about disruption and said that the City should change the term to a half-year term or a one-year term. Commissioner Ward indicated she would be in favor of eliminating the grandfather clause as of next fall at which time they should change the priority to Carlsbad residents. Commissioner Heineman agreed with Commissioners Ward and Chairman Caster. He indicated that he thought the grandfather clause should be changed and agreed that the enrollment should be by term rather than monthly. He said he was in favor of granting enrollment of those who are currently enrolled until the time when new enrollment began and added that the grandfather clause should end at that point. Ms. Watts verified that the school year began in September. Commissioner Finnila stated that the fees from the Kruger House were basically matching the cost of running the house and that there was no huge profit in running the school. She indicated that she felt that the registration terms could be lengthened as well and thought that once a year would suffice. Since affordability was a concern, she suggested that the money did not have to be paid up front but that a commitment should be made. Commissioner Finnila questioned the grandfather clause. She said that once any child was in the program, the child should not be forced out when the term was out. She was told that some classes existed because there were non-residents in the class. She indicated that by extending the term length it would help ensure that Carlsbad residents would stay in the program. 09 Parks and Recreation Commission -7- October 19,1992 Commissioner Ward indicated that the only problem she had was with the grandfather clause and that it would be difficult to meet the growing needs of Carlsbad residents. In response to a query from Commissioner Heineman, Ms. Watts explained why there were not enough Carlsbad residents to hold a particular class. Commissioner Heineman asked how staff felt about the possibility of enrolling students for six months or a year at a time, and Ms. Watts explained that it could be done. Commissioner Finnila suggested using a similar procedure to that of a security deposit for a rental unit where the first and last month was paid for. If the child stayed in the program for the year, the last months would be paid for. Ms. Watts discussed her concerns and Commissioner Heineman stated that he could not believe that the program could not be filled up with Carlsbad residents. Commissioner Holmes pointed out that this grandfather clause would phase itself out, and that Carlsbad residents should have the priority. Commissioner Strayer discussed the problem of creating a private quality pre- school in the public sector and indicated that Carlsbad residents should have priority. He mentioned that the grandfather clause came up because of the continuity issue and said that he felt it was needed as well as the need to change the pre-school from a private type pre-school to a public sector type pre-school. He asked for further clarification of whether there would be a problem in collecting fees if there was a change in the program, and Ms. Watts explained the current procedure at Harding. Mr. Bradstreet suggested that staff investigate the issue to see if it could be implemented. Commissioner Heineman pointed out that it would be on that one point and not the entire item. Ms. Watts also mentioned that staff was waiting for a decision to be made that evening so that the new brochure could be printed. Chairman Castner said that he agreed that Carlsbad residents should come first and that he still had some problems with the grandfather clause. He said that it was the only item that he would change since he did not realize that some children could be grandfathered for 3-5 years. He stated that he would agree to a grandfather clause if it expired at the end of the present term. Commissioner Heineman agreed with him. Commissioner Finnila explained that she did not think it was fair if a third year student could be bumped from the school. Commissioner Ward described the toddler and pre-school programs at the Kruger House, and Commissioner Finnila suggested that once a child was in Program A, they should be grandfathered until Program B, and once in Program B, they should be able to stay in the program. 10 Parks and Recreation Commission -8- October 19,1992 ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Heineman the prior system be enacted as last time with the proviso that the grandfathering have children currently enrolled and guaranteeing their place only until the end of this school term of June 1993. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: Commissioner Finnila ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson 6. AB #1092-6 CALAVERA AND STAGECOACH PARKS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM OPERATION Ken Price, Recreation Superintendent, explained that the preschool programs at the facilities were similar to the Kruger House program except for the type of facility and the number of children involved, and discussed details as outlined in the packet for that evening, including the registration policy. Staff responded to questions from the Commission with regard to: • waiting lists • instituting the new program at these two facilities • percentage of Carlsbad residents in the program ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Ward to implement the same policy for Calavera and Stagecoach pre-school and toddler programs as implemented for Kruger House. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: Commissioner Finnila ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson 7. AB #1092-7 OPEN SPACE/TRAILS FEASIBILITY STUDY Teresa Woods, staff liaison to the Open Space Committee, presented the Commission with an update of the Open Space/Trails Feasibility Study. She discussed the main components of the Open Space Plan, financing and the phasing of the financing. She answered questions from the Commission with regard to the following issues: • Prop H and the G.O. Bond • Concern about lost opportunities if they don't move forward ACTION: On motion by Commissioner Strayer to accept and file the status update of the Open Space/Trails Feasibility Study. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson 11 Parks and Recreation Commission -9- October 19,1992 COMMITTEE REPORT: 1. Carrillo Ranch Subcommittee Chairman Castner reported on the Carrillo Ranch Subcommittee, AGENDA ITEMS FOR NOVEMBER: None. ADJOURNMENT ACTION: On motion by Chairman Castner to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:55 p.m. to the City Council meeting of October 20, 1992. AYES: Chairman Castner, Commissioners Finnila, Heineman, Ward, Holmes and Strayer. NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Lawson Respectfully submitted, Tluth Stark Minutes Clerk 12