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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/1992 PRC Minutes,1 CALL TO ORDER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: r- - ROLL CALL: APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 24, 1992 Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. at the AQMD, Room CC -3, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Vice Chairman Plunk. Commissioners: Medina, Whelan, Vice Chairman Plunk, and Chairman Ruzicka. Commissioner Schey was absent. Also present were Parks and Recreation Director Bob Rose, Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. Administrative Assistant Kellee Fritzal arrived at 7:40 p.m. July 23, 1992 Chair/Ruzicka requested that the minutes of July 23, 1992 be amended on page 4 to indicate "portable pitchers mounds". Motion was made by VC/Plunk, seconded by C/Medina and CARRIED to approve the Minutes of July 23, 1992, as amended. C/Whelan abstained. Aug. 27, 1992 Chair/Ruzicka requested that the minutes of August 27, 1992 be amended on page 4 to reflect the proper spelling of "secure". Motion was made by VC/Plunk, seconded by C/Whelan and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Minutes of August 27, 1992, as amended. Sept. 10, 1992 Motion was made by C/Whelan, seconded by VC/Plunk and CARRIED to approve the Minutes of September 10, 1992, as presented. C/Medina abstained. OLD BUSINESS: Parks Master Chair/Ruzicka stated that several tasks were Plan assigned to the Commissioners, at the September 10, 1992 meeting, in an effort to gather information for the development of a Parks Master Plan. VC/Plunk and C/Medina are working together to research the Inventory of Sites/Facilities. Pat Whelan is researching the Program Inventory, and C/Schey is researching the Parks Standards. In addition, staff has ordered several books on the guidelines and standards for park development. The Commissioners will provide a brief update to their assigned task. September 24, 1992 Page 2 VC/Plunk stated that the map, she received from Dave Meyer, indicates facilities outside the City. She requested further direction from the Commission as to whether the Commission would like to include colleges and universities, golf courses, parks, other points of interests (Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Anaheim Stadium, Movieland Wax Museum, etc), and shopping centers, as well as the breakdown for each area. The Commission concurred that each area should be included in the Inventory, with the following breakdown: o Shopping Centers - include specialized recreational facilities (such as theaters, ice skating/roller skating rinks, etc.) o Colleges and Universities - include swimming pools, auditoriums, cultural facilities, planetariums, and horse facilities. VC/Plunk inquired as to how far, outside the City limit, should these facilities be included. Shel also inquired how detailed the Commission would like the park inventory to be for facilities, ands., equipment, within the City. PRD/Rose distributed a handout, from the Recreational Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, indicating the suggested facility development standards. He stated that the inventory of equipment should be very detailed and include such items as the number of picnic tables, swings, drinking fountains, etc. C/Schey will make the recommendations based upon the standards and guidelines. VC/Plunk and C/Medina will outline what is existing. In response to C/Medina, he concurred that the list should include what is available for both private and public facilities. C/Medina suggested that dance studios be included. C/Whelan stated that he would be willing to talk with the Scouting Organization to see if they would be interested in doing an inventory for the parks within the City. VC/Plunk presented staff with a survey, To Dear California Parent: Children's Outdoor Recreation ' Survey, sent out by State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. She then explained that she and C/Medina plan on color coding the map, and numbering them, so they can be referenced by category, to include the subcategories as well. She thanked the Commission for their direction. September 24, 1992 Page 3 C/Whelan indicated that he has been in contact with the City of Anaheim and Walnut, and has received a lot of information regarding the surrounding areas of Anaheim, including Senior Citizens programs. Be is in the process of developing a matrix. Chair/Ruzicka stated that he, and PRD/Rose, have been working on contacting the Dean of Urban Development Department at Cal Poly Pomona. It is hoped that he will be able to attend one of the Commission meetings in the near future. PRD/Rose stated that he has received, from the National Recreation Park Association, a video tape called "Park Master Planning: A Participatory Process". He suggested that the Commission view the tape individually, or by committee. The Commission decided that VC/Plunk and C/Medina would view the tape first, then Chair/Ruzicka, C/Whelan, and C/Schey. PRD/Rose stated that the Recreational Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines book will be available at City Hall. It will be beneficial to eEW� C/Schey in establishing the community guidelines and standards. We will be able to compare our inventory, from those standards, and develop our goals. NEW BUSINESS: Athletic Facility A petition is being circulated in the community by Petition a local youth sports organization regarding the condition of athletic facilities in Diamond Bar, particularly Peterson Park. Staff has reviewed different strategies to improve athletic facilities in the parks. It is recommended that the Commission seek the input of local youth sports organizations regarding their concern with City park athletic facilities, and to direct staff as necessary. Chair/Ruzicka stated that the Commission welcomes comments and suggestions from the community. Charlene Goff, res!4ing at 3376 Falcon Ridge Rd., �T with F.C. Internp-ional Soccer, stated that the i input being received, from the people signing the petition, is tfifr concern of the condition of the parks in the community. Though the condition of Peterson Park, this year as compared to last year, has greatly improved, the park still needs a lot September 24, 1992 Page 4 more work. More playing fields throughout the community need to be made available. C/Whelan requested support from F.C. International Soccer, and the different sports organizations, in the community, to support the Safe Parks Act, to be on the November ballot, that will bring funding to the City so that fields can be put in Pantera Park, and so other facilities within the community can be upgraded or completed. The Commission is trying to be innovative to create more fields and upgrade existing parks. Input from the community is very much appreciated. Charlene Goff stated that they will include an article, regarding the Safe Parks Act, in their monthly newsletter. In response to Chair/Ruzicka, she explained that the competitive leagues review the field sizes and the field conditions that the soccer groups are playing on, and regulation size fields must be used. The organization has pushed to have the 65' x 100, field, currently being used at Peterson Park, be accepted by the league. A regulation size soccer field is 70, x 1101. John Luttrell, residing at 1469 Rolling Knoll Rd., with F.C. International Soccer, stated that the current fields are too small, which includes the, fields by the Little League fields, Maple Hill, and at Quail Summit. Chair/Ruzicka suggested that staff send a letter to all the sports organization soliciting their support to the Safe Parks Act, Proposition A, and' encouraging their input. If the bond is passed, $1.4 million dollars would be dedicated towards the; development of Pantera Park, and $540,000 will be' used as discretionary funds. John Luttrell stated that they are in desperate need of practice fields. Allocating some of the funds for lights would help towards the problem. C/Whelan explained that the Commission has prioritized items that are considered top priority, to be done when money becomes available. Lights are on that list. He then inquired if it would be feasible to cover unused asphalt areas with dirt and turf, as temporary fields. PRD/Rose indicated that it would be very costly to do so.. He stated that the City plans to increase the maintenance at Peterson Park by treating the clay to reduce run off, and aerate it so that more IL J -,., . ._, � s ,, .,,- ,: ,a � r. .,v .d-,;.� .✓.z,+..�:�;, �„tie?t�,�. �,�i�,k.�r�€�.��,�^9'4 September 24, 1992 OLID BUSINESS Page 5 water is absorbed. The plan is also to overseed with Bermuda grass. C/Plunk thanked the organization for their effort in voicing their concerns. The City plans on improving the facilities beyond their present condition. It would be helpful if F.C. International helped the Commission build support for whatever mechanism is determined to be appropriate. She stated that she has voter registration forms available, for the parents, if needed. John Murphy, residing at 171 N. Rock River Dr., with FC International Soccer, pointed out that there may be funds available through AYSO, though their interest is more at Pantera Park. C/Whelan inquired if it would be appropriate for the Commission to set up a table at some of the different shopping centers to give out information regarding Proposition A as a way to solicit support from the community. The Commission needs to show their support to Proposition A. AA/Fritzal explained that, because the Commission is not a political action committee, the Commission can not solicit votes. The subject can be discussed individually, but not collectively as a Commission. C/Medina suggested that there be a press release that indicates that Proposition A is being supported by the Commission, as well as the list of other groups supporting it. Chair/Ruzicka noted that the letter sent out to the sports organizations can be signed by the Commission, therefore showing support to Proposition A. PRD/Rose suggested that it could be possible for individual Commission members to become supporters of the "Yes on Proposition A" committee. Senior Staff met with the City Council Senior Citizen Sub -Committee Subcommittee to review action plans of the Park and Update Recreation subcommittee and to set goals to meet the mission of the subcommittees. Chair/Ruzicka requested an update from the Senior Citizen subcommittee of the Commission. September 24, 1992 NEW BUSINESS: Page 6 VC/Plunk reported that the subcommittee met, informally, with the residents of the Heritage Park Apartments, following the City Council subcommittee meeting. The residents had the following concerns: transportation difficulties; they desire to vote and would like either a polling place at the complex, or a shuttle to transport them off site; and, because of their fixed 'incomes, they inquired if the City would donate the emergency preparedness class to them. Mr. Gravdahl, of the TTC, suggested that the Commission boost the shuttle ridership for special events. PRD/Rose stated that the City Council subcommittee has indicated that they agree with the Commission's subcommittee's goals and their direction, and would like to set a meeting. However, staff must first meet with Commission's subcommittee, before meeting with the City Council subcommittee and the public. Concession Stand The policies, regulations, and procedures need to Use Policy be established in anticipation of the completion of the Peterson Park Concession stand. It is recommended that the Commission review and comment on the policies, regulation and procedures, and recommend adoption by the City Council. PRD/Rose, in response to C/Whelan's inquiry regarding individual usage of the facilities, stated that there is a provision that the primary user of the facilities will receive primary use of the concession stand. The possibility of other j uses would have to be negotiated with staff, and the user group subcommittee of the Commission. W C/Whelan indicated that the policy needs to address', how the concession stand use will be negotiated between the primary user and another group that comes in to use it intermittently. It also needs to address who is responsible for the equipment within the concession stand. AA/Fritzal explained that the City is responsible for the equipment it puts in, and the user groups are responsible for any equipment they bring in. VC/Plunk stated that the policy needs to specify I that the user groups would be responsible for the contents within the refrigerator/freezer, if it was "Co breakdown. September 24, 1992 Page 7 Chair/Ruzicka suggested that t st d word "use" be a the amended to "user" in 2.a. of the Policy. PRD/Rose, in response to C/Whelan, stated that staff will check with the Risk Manager to determine if there should be a restriction of age for those working in the concession stand. C/Whelan suggested that the user groups be requested to donate a percentage of their profit, to go towards the Park Enhancement Program. The user groups should also be asked to assure that the bathrooms are kept clean and well stocked. Chair/Ruzicka, in regards to C/Whelan's suggestion to request a donation, pointed out that City has ample opportunity to ask for that type of assistance in other ways. The City could enlist their support to raise a given amount of money for a particular need, as opposed to asking them to give from their small profits obtained from the concession stand. He stated that he is not opposed to the concept of raising capital, but rather the ?! requirement of making a donation for the use of the concession stand. A $5.00 or $10.00 donation is not a substantial amount towards $125,000 lights. C/Whelan suggested that the user groups be told that there is a fund set aside towards lights, or whatever facility, so that if they want to make a donation, they know where their donations would be going. VC/Plunk requested that the discussion, suggested the City Council match the donations given by the user groups, be put on the calendar. AA/Fritzal stated that the non profit groups put 50% of their profits, from the concession stand at the Concert in the Parks, into community projects. Chair/Ruzicka pointed out that these sports user groups put 100% of their profit back towards their community project. VC/Plunk suggested that the idea first be discussed with the user groups. The Commission concurred to table the item until the next meeting. Schedule of Staff recommended that the November 26th meeting Future Meetings and the December 24th meeting be rescheduled to November 19, 1992 and december 17, 1992. September 24, 1992 Page 8 Motion was made by VC/Plunk, seconded by C/Whelan fill and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to accept staff's recommendation. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Recreation UpdateRS/Pearlman presented the staff report. A report that summarizes the number of participants, revenues, and expenditures, for a three month period, will be made available at the next Commission meeting. The Fall Recreation Program registration is down from last year because the fliers went out late, but it is anticipated that enrollment will steadily increase. Fliers, advertising the program, have been distributed. through the elementary schools, and will also be distributed through local stores. Staff is currently working with Jones Intercable to develop a quality video regrading the recreation program. Information on the sports leagues and the recreation classes will also be distributed at the Ranch Festival. RS/Pearlman, in response to VC/Plunk, stated that ° the biggest concern, for the Heritage Park program, was the knowledge of the coaches, and the concern, for Sycamore Park, was the parking. VC/Plunk stated that she received some comments regarding the concern for the heat of the day during Saturday games, as well as how late thel games were running on Saturday nights. PRD/Rose distributed, to the Commission, thel results of the evaluation given at the last night' of the Concert in the Parks series. VC/Plunk suggested that there be more handicapped spaces, and a shuttle for the seniors. Shel inquired when Jones Intercable broadcasted thel concerts. PRD/Rose stated that perhaps staff will include, in the program, a date as to when the concert is scheduled to be broadcasted. I Chair/Ruzicka suggested that the Marine Corp Hand 1 be asked to play for the Fourth of July Concert series. C/Whelan suggested that a Holiday Concert, held during the day, be considered at Christmas time next year. i September 24, 1992 Page 9 Chair/Ruzicka suggested that, since the concert series are so popular, it may be a good idea to add a couple of more concerts to the series. Adopt -A -Park PRD/Rose reported that the employees of the Department of Corrections and Boy Scout Troop #737 are two groups that have expressed interest in the Adopt -A -Park program. VC/Plunk stated that Marie Gahm, with a neighborhood by Sycamore Park, is also interested in the program. PRD/Rose, in response to Chair/Ruzicka, stated that staff is currently developing a list of furniture needs. Once completed, it will be sent to the Diamond Bar Improvement Association (DBIA). Ranch Festival The theme of the 1992 Ranch Festival is "Festival Update of Friends". ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Whelan inquired if there will be a phone at the -„ Peterson Park concession stand. PRD/Rose stated that the phone will be in the concession stand, and the primary user group will have access to it. Chair/Ruzicka stated that he will be available to assist on any Parks Master Plan task. I ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by VC/Plunk, seconded by C/Medina and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m. Resp v Bob Rose Secretary Attest® i e ac Chair n ��I