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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-21; Parks & Recreation Commission; MinutesMinutes of: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 5:30 P.M. Date of Meeting: March 21, 2022 Place of Meeting: Council Chamber CALL TO ORDER Chair Luna called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Luna, Vice Chair Martinez and Commissioners Allemann, Steketee, Sebahar and Winston Absent: Commissioner Thorp PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Luna introduced new Parks & Recreation Commissioner Robert Winston. Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster asked Commissioner Winston to say a few words about his background. Commissioner Winston mentioned his previous board experience, including Chairman of the Board of the International Mountain Biking Association, an organization that advocates for mountain bike use on a variety of trails. He also recently chaired the Citizens Law Review Board for the County of San Diego. Commissioner Winston stated he is excited to be involved with the Parks & Recreation Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ACTION: On motion by Vice Chair Martinez and a second by Commissioner Steketee, the minutes of the Jan. 24, 2022 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting were approved. AYES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Allemann, Steketee and Sebahar NOES: None ABSTAIN: Vice Chair Martinez and Commissioner Winston ABSENT: Commissioner Thorp PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR: None PUBLIC COMMENT Linda Schlesinger stated she is a Carlsbad resident and lives in district one. She thanked the Parks & Rec- reation Department for all of the wonderful things they did in particular with the pools that provided the public with access during the pandemic. Ms. Schlesinger also stated on Jan. 26, 2021 the City Council voted 1 of 9 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Minutes unanimously to expand and renovate the Monroe Street pool and to put it on the ballot in June 2022. She further stated, the City Council recently deferred it until the November 2022 ballot. Ms. Schlesinger asked the Parks & Recreation Commissioners to keep their eye on this project to make sure it gets on the No- vember 2022 ballot. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS 1.PARK OPPORTUNITIES ALONG SOUTH CARLSBAD’S COASTLINE Community Relations Manager Nikki Matosian presented an update on a project to create 60 acres of coastal space along Carlsbad’s southern coastline. Ms. Matosian presented a map of the area in the project’s scope of work and explained that the project spans three miles from Manzano Drive, just north of Palomar Airport Road, to the city border at La Costa Avenue. She further explained that Carls- bad Boulevard, or Highway 101, was originally designed to be the main north-south freeway in the state. Today, I-5 serves this purpose, creating an opportunity to reclaim the southern coastal corridor as a place for the community to enjoy. She presented a map of the project area, showing city-owned property and state-owned property and explained that for this project the focus is on improvements within the city-owned land. She further explained this is an opportunity to repurpose this space for the community and address long-term sea level rise and erosion. The proposal would move the south- bound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard to the east, opening up about 60 acres of city owned land along the coast. She further explained, by moving vehicle traffic to the eastern most lanes of Carlsbad Boule- vard would open land spanning three miles of coastline that could be freed up for parks, walking paths, bike lanes, parking, picnic areas, artwork and other uses the community would enjoy. Ms. Matosian explained when it comes to planning this area we are not starting from scratch. The city has explored improvements for this corridor for many years. General Plan Guiding Principles •Recreational, aesthetic and community gathering opportunities that equal the remarkable char- acter of the land •Community safety shall be a high priority •Public access and parking are keys to success •Preservation and enhancement of views shall be a high priority •Amenities, services and goods that attract a diversity of residents and visitors •Unique and vibrant coastal gathering spaces •Enhance connectivity between existing community and regional land uses •Environmentally sensitive design •Honor the coastline’s natural beauty. •Slow down and enjoy the scenery •Incorporate core community values of the Carlsbad Community Vision: •Multi-modal mobility including bikeways, pedestrian trails, and a traffic-calmed street •Social connectivity through creation of memorable public spaces; and •Economic vitality through a combination of visitor and local-serving commercial, civic, and recreational uses and services. Ms. Matosian explained another important General Plan policy approved in 2015 was the designa- tion of Carlsbad Boulevard as a “coastal street”. “Primary purpose is to move people along the city’s ocean waterfront and connect people to the beach, recreation, businesses and residences in close proximity to the waterfront. The street serves as a destination for people who seek to drive, walk and bicycle along the waterfront.” 2 of 9 She further explained this designation set the stage for the changes we are exploring today. The key elements of a coastal street are to enhance mobility for walkers and bicyclists, reduce speed and provide on street parking. Ms. Matosian explained even though we are seeking input on the entire three miles, the city has a grant of $500,000 to design a one-mile segment from Manzano to Island Way. The general timeline is two phases of input gathering and returning to the City Council in late summer for direction. PUBLIC COMMENT Lance Schulte stated he is a 35-year Carlsbad resident, a former city planner for Carlsbad, and a “People for Ponto” citizen. Mr. Schulte referenced an email he sent today to the commissioners along with three data files and one support letter. After 50 public record requests he is confident that the data is accurate. Mr. Schulte compared maps of the 2013 city study with sea level rise infor- mation. He believes there are certain constraints and the city would only be able to create three to ten acres of park space. Mr. Schulte mentioned that Carlsbad parks in comparison to other local cit- ies are not doing as well as we would like to believe in terms of the ratio of park acres per resident. Questions from commissioners: Commissioner Winston asked in the repurposing of the existing highway what is the concept for the number of lanes in each direction. Ms. Matosian explained the city would move the southbound lanes to the northbound lanes and conduct traffic studies to decide on whether there would be two lanes or four lanes. Commissioner Sebahar asked if it is considered a goal of this project to correct the lack of park space along the coastline in south Carlsbad? Mr. Lancaster explained it is a goal to add park space along the coastline. He further explained, this is considered opportunistic and is not required for our growth management plan parks acreage standards. Mr. Lancaster explained, if the city can achieve greater acreage in the south that is some- thing we want to explore. Commission Sebahar mentioned the citizens in the area where he lives have made it extremely clear they would like park space. He furthered explained there are close to 1,000 homes down there that do not have a park that they can walk to without crossing a highway or traveling a couple of miles. He stated he is interested in how the city can create park space where kids can kick a ball around. He stated that this project does not really feel like we are creating a park. Mr. Sebahar asked if the city is going with the presumption that there will be two lanes for the coast highway in this area. Mr. Lancaster reiterated the response from Ms. Matosian that the project will still be designed and considered either for two lane or four lane travel and the decision has not yet been made. Commissioner Sebahar asked if either two or four lanes would really impact how much land is availa- ble. Mr. Lancaster agreed that is correct. Commissioner Sebahar asked what the hopes for the grant funds and study are. Ms. Matosian explained the grant would look at the one-mile stretch. Some of the deliverables would be to create alternatives on how the road can be realigned and then the city would hear from the public on how they would like to use the open space that will be created. Commissioner Sebahar asked what the process for engaging the public would be and how would his 3 of 9 neighborhood in south Carlsbad be engaged in the study to create park space. Ms. Matosian answered that since the beginning of the year the city has engaged the coastal corridor as a part of the five-year strategic plan with the City Council. She further explained the city hosted a public input opportunity that was a virtual meeting with city staff and had a breakout room that was specific to what people wanted to share about the coastline and their priorities of how they would like to use that space. She explained the city also engaged in one on one meetings with communities that are directly impacted along Carlsbad Boulevard and worked through the property managers to get the word out about the meetings that were open to any resident in those communities. Commissioner Sebahar asked if there was a way to formally examine if the concerns brought by Mr. Schulte are valid concerns and have been addressed. Ms. Matosian explained when the item goes back to City Council in August and city staff will be bring- ing the two alternatives for the one-mile stretch to them and the secondary request to City Council will be to ask for further direction to pursue the rest of the three miles. She further explained that city staff would look to City Council on how they would like to pursue that area, given what the community has said what they are concerned about or what they would like to see. She explained that all public input will be shared with City Council. Mr. Lancaster mentioned if the city in fact moves to a further design phase, there would be an oppor- tunity to bring those preliminary designs back to the commission. He further stated this is a prelimi- nary exercise at this point with gathering input from commissions like the Parks & Recreation Com- mission, Traffic and Mobility Commission, Beach & Preservation Commission, along with various stakeholders that Ms. Matosian mentioned previously. Mr. Lancaster stated city staff will share Mr. Shulte’s information with the City Council. Commissioner Steketee stated she is familiar with this corridor and it is an exciting project for the Parks & Recreation department. She asked who owns the road. Ms. Matosian explained the city owned the road since it is in the city’s right of way. Commissioner Steketee continued to say with current erosion and climate change this is an exciting project and if Parks & Recreation can benefit that would be an added bonus. Mr. Lancaster mentioned it is currently a Transportation project as mentioned by Ms. Matosian. He further explained this has been considered for several years and has recent momentum. He also ex- plained that it was originally referred to as the Carlsbad Boulevard Realignment Project years ago and is in the Capital Improvement Program, but is not considered a Parks & Recreation led initiative. He is, however, part of the project team. Commissioner Allemann questioned if the city is spending $500,000 of a grant on the one-mile stretch for realignment, if that meant the remaining three miles would be relocated or would it be possible that the rest would be left alone. Ms. Matosian explained the grant would only produce the alternatives for that one-mile stretch. How- ever, the input will highlight what is important to the community for the whole three-mile stretch. Commissioner Allemann asked if the goal was to create more Parks & Recreation space not just park- ing for the area. Ms. Matosian replied that the city is getting input on how residents would like to use that space. Commissioner Allemann mentioned that having extra parking for access and more open space and not paving it all over is important. Mr. Lancaster commented that parking would be part of the project and the conceptual ideas cur- rently include pockets of parking, but still preserves open space and recreation areas. 4 of 9 Vice Chair Martinez stated she is excited about this project and received an email for this particular project as part of a huge public outreach. She stated she is looking forward to hearing the feedback from the community. Ms. Matosian explained they did a citywide survey with more than 3,000 responses and heard some really great things, but overall the city heard that less is more. Chair Luna asked for the timeline and if the city has looked proactively at any other funding sources outside of local funding that may be able to support the city to make more robust improvements or address other needs like erosion. He also asked what steps were being taken from a funding stand- point for the future. Ms. Matosian replied that she would get back to him on his questions. She further explained as the city gets further into studies of the project, that funding would be a necessary conversation. Chair Luna stated he would like to see trails as part of this project. 2.DOGS IN PARKS Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster explained that recently this commission and the City Council have received public comments either in written form or calls during meetings on the prohi- bition of dogs. He further explained that most of the communication was after someone had re- ceived a warning notice from a Park Ranger or a Police Officer. He explained that Park Rangers in Carlsbad are in the Police Department and are enforcement agents. He stated that some comment- ers said they were unaware of the prohibition of dogs in parks, but there are regulatory signs at all of the park entrances and the major pedestrian accesses. He explained the signs are in bullet point format indicating what the prohibited uses are and that dogs are one of those prohibited uses. He further explained that when the city receives complaints that they are mostly on the fact that peo- ple are violating the prohibition and are bringing dogs into the park. Mr. Lancaster stated it is esti- mated the city receives over one hundred total contacts citywide each year from residents con- cerned about the dogs. He explained the city is cognizant of the concerns from both sides. He fur- ther explained at the last commission meeting the commission passed a minute motion requesting staff bring back the history of the prohibition and the potential allowance of dogs in the park. He stated after gathering the information the City Manager wanted the City Council to be aware of the same information and it was put into a City Council memorandum and distributed on March 17, 2022. He stated the memorandum is in the commission packet. Special Projects Manager Mick Calarco reported that this has been a passionate issue on all sides. He further referenced the following under the City of Carlsbad municipal code section 11.32.0303 (11) Unlawful Acts, “Dogs are not allowed in Carlsbad’s parks or on Carlsbad’s beaches”. He further ex- plained that exceptions are made for service animals, law enforcement, authorized activities and designated dog parks. He stated this law applies to dogs on or off-leash if outside of the designated dog park area. He further explained that when looking back historically at the municipal code, one can go back to 1972 when the city formally added an ordinance to the municipal code prohibiting dogs in parks. He said the concerns have been damage to parks or natural areas and perhaps there is liability associated with having dogs in parks along with additional cleaning or extra staff. He further explained that in 1981 the City Council met again to resolve a conflict that was going on at that time in regard to leashes and there was a statement about dogs being allowed on-leash and dogs not be- ing allowed in parks at all. He explained that the conflict was resolved, and the distinction was made that dogs were not allowed on or off a leash with the exception of designated areas. He stated there were further questions in 1989 whether this ordinance extended to the beaches as well. He said if 5 of 9 you look at the Staff Report from that time the city and the state were on the same page in prohibit- ing dogs on the beaches at both state beaches as well as the section of beach where the city has an easement north of Pine Avenue. He explained that one of the things that has been consistent is the idea of dogs in parks was not necessarily a non-starter in total, rather it seemed preferable that dogs be allowed in designated dog park off-leash areas. He stated that preference was the driving force behind establishing an off-leash dog park at Larwin Park in 2000, that is the Ann D. L’Heureux park that was named in honor of a dog advocate and since that time dog parks have been consistently added. He stated it seems like each time the city revisits this topic city staff reiterates the city’s dedi- cation to having areas where people can go into parks with their pets. He further explained that there were many people on all sides of the issue that argued passionately for having an area for off- leash dogs in the parks. He provided the following overview of other off-leash areas for dogs: •Second dog park at Alga Norte Park (2013) •Third dog park soon to be at Poinsettia Park (2022) •Fourth dog park under design at Village H South •Leashed dogs permitted along city trail, including upper sea wall pathways. Mr. Lancaster discussed the study of the potential allowance of dogs in parks and if there was an in- terest by the City Council to allow leashed dogs in parks there would need to be an amendment to the Carlsbad Municipal Code. He further explained that City Council would also be acknowledging some degree of increased liability exposure and there would be an initial cost related to regulatory sign replacement and added dog waste stations with trash receptacles nearby. He further stated there would be an increase in maintenance costs including stocking dog waste bags and servicing of waste removal by contractors and frequent power washing of light standards, shade structure posts, waste receptacles and picnic facilities. He further stated landscape repair would need to be consid- ered and dog urine can stain grass and would need to be replaced. Mr. Lancaster provided the fol- lowing costs: •Estimated one-time costs: $50,000 •Estimated ongoing annual costs: $250,000 He stated these items are not currently accounted for in the park maintenance budget and the draft budget was recently submitted to the Finance Department for next fiscal year. He further explained city staff were actually asked to take a two percent reduction on budgets and therefore there is no cushion to absorb the additional quarter of a million dollars in maintenance costs. He explained these estimated costs could be further detailed should the City Council direct staff to pursue this al- lowance further. Mr. Lancaster explained a survey of other cities in the region was conducted regarding dogs in parks, and staff found each city, except Coronado, provides a designated off-leash area in parks. He ex- plained each city allows leashed dogs in parks, with certain exceptions in Coronado and Escondido and similar to Carlsbad all of the cities allow leashed dogs on city trails. He further explained the city has an extensive trail system with 67 miles in the current inventory. He stated the next steps would be for the Police Department to continue to enforce the current Carlsbad Municipal Code prohibi- tion of dogs in city parks, unless other direction is received from the City Council. Commissioner Sebahar asked how the rules are currently enforced. Mr. Lancaster explained that the Park Rangers do proactively patrol the parks and if they observe a violation they will stop and contact the patron, which is what caused some of the discussion. He ex- 6 of 9 plained that police officers may do the same if they are in the vicinity. He explained Parks & Recrea- tion Department staff will contact the police department when they receive complaints and will ask the Police Department to direct patrols to a particular park. Commissioner Sebahar asked if there was a way to quantify how many people are cited or how many encounters occur. Mr. Lancaster replied the number varies and the Police Department keeps a record of the contacts and would have a monthly tab. He stated to his knowledge they have not written citations for this offense and have just given verbal warnings. Commissioner Sebahar asked if there is some indication that the public would like to change the rule. Mr. Lancaster clarified over the past few months there were several comments to the City Council and a couple of written comments to the Parks & Recreation Commission. On Monday, Jan. 24, someone posted on nextdoor.com and according to Commissioner Thorp there were some 400 com- ments, but this was not verified. Mr. Calarco explained historically with the department’s master planning process, the comments from the public revolved around dog parks and are not necessarily around dogs in parks on a leash. Commissioner Steketee asked if we have a feel for how much more dog use would occur if there was a change Mr. Lancaster said he did not know of a way to quantify that until you actually instituted the amend- ment. He said it would have to be on a trial basis and then you could extrapolate the number over a year or longer. Commissioner Steketee wondered if a trial period would be a possibility. Mr. Lancaster explained you would still need to put measures in place by amending the municipal code and providing funding for the upfront costs and a portion of the maintenance costs. He stated there would also be the additional liability for the city even on a trial basis. 3.DEPARTMENT REPORT Recreation Services Manager Mike Pacheco and Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster reported on recently completed, ongoing and upcoming Parks & Recreation Department programs, events and park projects. Mr. Pacheco provided an update on the Monroe Street pool renovation project. He stated that on Feb. 22, 2022 the City Council decided to change the timing of when the voters will be asked whether to approve spending more than 1 million dollars in general fund money on the Monroe Street Pool renovations. He explained the original plan was to put this project on the ballot in June 2022 and the new plan is for the project to be considered by the City Council in time for placement on the ballot in November 2022. He further stated the deadline to put an item on the ballot for the Nov. 8, 2022 election is Aug. 11, 2022. Staff is working with the Facilities Division to correct some deferred mainte- nance items. Mr. Pacheco mentioned a new program called concerts in the courtyard at the Senior Center. He stated the program meets on the second Monday of every month at 12:30 p.m., and with COVID, that anything patrons can do outdoors is a benefit. 7 of 9 Mr. Pacheco mentioned the upcoming events, the Pirate Plunge this Saturday at Alga Norte Commu- nity Park and the Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 16. Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Lancaster provided an update on several of the following park pro- jects: Poinsettia Community Park Phase IV Improvements Mr. Lancaster stated the project includes an off-leash dog park, along with 37 space parking lot that includes 4 EV charging stations and a restroom facility. He said that currently under construction are the dog park amenities, including shaded entry plaza, separate areas for large and small dogs, dog agility equipment, and a natural grass surface and picnic tables. He stated this will be the city’s first natural grass dog park and that feature came from community input. Calavera Hills Community Park Gateway Project Mr. Lancaster stated this project came out of the department’s previous master planning process and the community wanted additional shade and picnic facilities. He stated the project will have outdoor exercise stations that are designed for teen level to adult level which includes a looping trail and will hopefully open in the next couple of weeks. He stated staff is very pleased with the results. Veterans Memorial Park Mr. Lancaster explained that this project is in the early design stage. He explained the city has gone through extensive public outreach over the last couple of years. With a total of 91.5 acres, 43.5 acres as preserve area and 48 acres that is developable, it will be the city’s largest community park. Project features: •Memorial plaza & gathering area •Family-oriented bike park •Inclusive playgrounds for all abilities•Rustic, nature-inspired playground •Pre-school playground •Outdoor exercise areas •Family picnic areas •Native and interpretive gardens •Trails and look-out points •Public art Mr. Lancaster stated the city has been working on the final master plan for this location. He ex- plained the environmental review document is currently out for public review and comment, online through April 11, 2022 and is intended to come back before this commission before going to the Planning Commission before approval of entitlement permits. He stated the intent will be to come back in May with themed comments from the public and the staff responses. The intent is to then go to City Council for approval of the master plan this summer. He stated the next steps would be to prepare the construction documents, which can take a year plus. He stated staff would then go through the public bidding process and award of a contract and ultimately lead to construction. Mr. Lancaster spoke about a recent trail volunteer events on Feb. 26, 2022. He stated the event was held at Rancho Carrillo East Trail and entailed staff and volunteers adding earthen water bars, clean- 8 of 9 9 of 9 ing drainage ditches and placing sandbags. He further stated the next event is planned for this Satur- day March 26 at the Hidden Canyon Trail that is near the Ann D. L'Heureux dog park. He said the commissioners are welcome to come to the event that will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mr, Lan- caster stated the city greatly appreciates all of the volunteer efforts. Chair Luna asked how recreation attendance was doing with the mask mandate lifted. Mr. Pacheco stated he anticipates the summer camps and classes to be sold out. He further stated there was similar success last summer with camps and some of the popu'iiir programs filled up the first day of registration, which is the first time that has happened, He also stated that aquatic summer camps are back this year. Commissioner Sebahar asked if there was any update on Hub Park. Mr. Lancaster mentioned that City Council directed staff to go back to see if there was greater flexi- bility with SDG&E and other organizations on reducing the constraints. He explained that SDG&E said they would be open to some conversations and they touched on the possibility of providing some parking near the strawberry fields. He stated that one of the largest issues was the reconfiguration of the trail and they have not provided flexibility on that issue. Chair Luna congratulated the team on moving forward with Veterans Memorial Park and the feedback he received for opening another park down the street has been great. Mr. Lancaster explained that the park is Buena Vista Reservoir Park and there was a ribbon cutting ceremony where Commissioner Steketee was able to join staff and the public. Commissioner Winston gave kudos to the Parks & Recreation Department and the city for the ambi- tious and wonderful Veterans Memorial Pc1rk project. He asked if the trails will be mixed use or sepa- rate hikers from bicyclists. He also asked if equestrians would be allowed on those trails and would ebike use on trails be addressed. Mr. Lancaster commented the trails will be mixed use and equestrians will not be allowed on those particular trails. He further stated ebikes are in the process of being addressed and they will be cov- ered at tomorrow night's City Council meeting, specific to ebikes on streets. This topic would be some- thing that needed to be introduced for an ordinance. Mr. ·Lancaster explained he also worked with the Police Chief and other staff to address ebikes on trails, He stated the city would continue to mon- itor the trail activity and that right now there was a provision in the proposed ordinance to dismount ebikes within SO feet of a pedestrian or equine on a trail of less than five feet, in order to minimize hazards. COMMITTEE/CITY COUNCIL REPORTS None AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETING None ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Minutes clerk