Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/1993 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR ,MINUTES OF THE,FARKS AND, RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 28, 1993 SWEARING IN: Newly appointed Commissioner, Steve Johnson, was sworn in, by City Clerk Lynda Burgess, to fill the seat vacated by Lydia Plunk.. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. at the AQMD, Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Johnson. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Medina, Johnson, and Chairman Ruzicka. Commissioner Schey arrived at 7:16, Commissioner Whelan was absent (excused). Also present were Community Services Director Bob Rose, Administrative Assistant Kellee Fritzal, Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman, and Contract Secretary Liz Myers. NEW BUSINESS: City's Fourth A citizen's committee is making plans to celebrate Birthday the fourth anniversary of incorporation by having a -,, Celebration community birthday party. It is recommended that the Commission appoint a sub -committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission to assist with the �= organization of the City's Fourth Birthday Party. Don Gravdahl, a member of the Historical Society, stated that they have begun their preparations for the Fourth Anniversary Birthday Party scheduled for Sunday, April 18th at Peterson Park, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. It will have a 50's theme, to include,a 50's band, an antique car parade, entertainment from local school groups, community sponsored game and food booths, and the cutting of the cake. Funding for this event is coming from the Diamond Bar Improvement Association, the Diamond Bar Historical Society, and the JayCees. CSD/Rose stated that cars will be located on one of the fields at Peterson Park, the booths on the otherside of the field, and band will be located on the northeast corner, by the left field of the east softball diamond. The Diamond Bar Girls Softball has also expressed an, interest to help with the celebration. C/Medina volunteered to be on the sub -committee to assist the citizen's committee with organizing the City's Fourth Birthday Party. The President of the Chinese Association has expressed an interest in helping. January 28, 1993 Page 2 Chair/Ruzicka'requested staff to correspond to the Sports Organizations informing them of the event, and soliciting their, input in regards to their organizations participation. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Dec. 17, 1992 C/Schey corrected the Minutes on page 3 to accurately reflect C/Whelan, not Chair/Whelan. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Medina and CARRIED to approve the Minutes of December 17, 1992, as amended. C/Johnson abstained. I OLD BUSINESS: k Parks Master The Commission and staff are presently gathering Plan Update information for the development of a Parks Master Plan. A brief update will be provided by the Commissioners on the task assigned. CSD/Rose reported that the parks inventory was completed by Den 1 of the Webelos, Pack 730. He noted the following two corrections on the inventory for Paul C. Grow Park: the basketball court, adjacent to the park, is actually owned by -the school; and there are two baseball fields, not �I one. C/Schey stated that the recreational facilities at school sites should also be included in the inventory as available facilities. He inquired how j softball fields, baseball fields, and softball/baseball fields were differentiated. AA/Fritzal noted that the matrix was developed from the information gathered on Park Standards. I it Chair/Ruzicka suggested that the length of the baseline or the length of the foul line be used as the criteria to differentiate between the fields. C/Schey inquired how a surplus or deficiency as related to park facilities was determined. AA/Fritzal explained that staff used the NRPA standards, which bases their standards onl population. January 28, 1993 Page 3 I C/Schey suggested that the Commission review the inventory supplied by staff, compare it with the information gathered previously, and come up with a recommendation for an appropriate standard for Diamond Bar at the next meeting. In response to CSD/Rose, he stated that the standards for the City can be accomplished first, and then include the inventory for the school facilities as a means for determining how far away we are to meeting those standards. r- CSD/Rose, in response to C/Johnson, explained that staff is in the early stages of developing a study to determine how much of the City's parks are active and how much is passive. C/Johnson volunteered to serve on the Inventory of Sites/Facilities sub -committee. The Commission concurred to continue the matter to the next meeting, allowing the Commission time to consider an appropriate standard, for the City, on these various items. Priorities Staff is currently preparing for the budget Matrix preparation process for the 1993-94 fiscal year. To assist staff in this process, it would be helpful if the Commission prioritized its goals for funding. C/Schey requested staff to include the estimated costs for each of the items so that the Commission has a general idea of the magnitude of costs that are associated with the project, as it relates to the budget. CSD/Rose reviewed each item listed in the Priorities Matrix, as indicated in the staff report. He noted that items 1 through 8 are from the Commission's Priority Matrix, and items 9 through 25 are a list of items brought to staff's attention by a citizen, Councilmember, etc.. The following is a summarization of the costs, and/or grants, associated with each item: 1. Parks Master Plan - estimated cost is between $20,000 to $30,000. 2. Pantera Park - 1.47 million dollar grant. 3. Senior Citizens Program -at Heritage Park - possible $8-12,000 grant for programming. 4. Joint Use Agreement with PUSD - timeline item. 5. Ballfield Lights at Peterson Park - estimated cost of $125,000 to be attained from either Quimby fees or $575,000 discretionary funds. January 28, 1993 Page 4 I 6. Park Maintenance Contract Enhancement bid will be similar to the current costs. 7. Ballfield Lights at Heritage Park - estimated - cost of $2,400. 8. Mitigate Turf Condition at Peterson Park - City Council allocated $9,000 for the current fiscal year. C/Medina requested staff to include, in the matrix, information as to how an item could be funded, such as it's eligibility for a grant, or a possible donation from a.service group. CSD/Rose continued with his summary. The following items were given a cost estimate: 10. Tree Nursery `at Sycamore Canyon Park - estimated cost is $10-15,000 dollars. Southern California Edison (SCE) will donate saplings to the City. 12. Retro fit irrigation heads at Heritage Park - estimated cost is $180 for each irrigation head. 15. Install pay phones at City Parks - cost is approximately $57/month to maintain a pay j phone. 16. Replace Flag pole at heritage Park - estimated cost is about $2,000. 17. Purchase 'stage for Concert in the Parks - ! estimated cost is between $2,000 and $20,000. 19. Purchase Slats for Chain Link Fence at Sycamore Canyon Park - estimated cost is $4,000. 21. Re -locate Drinking Fountain at Heritage Park - estimated cost is $400 to $500. 22. Replace Playground equipment at Maple Hill Park - can be part of ADA retro fit. 24. Replace Mercury Vapor Lights at Maple Hill Tennis Courts - estimated cost is $7,000, which includes fixtures. C/Schey requested that, in conjunction with item 18, add sand to playground areas, include maintaining and upgrading the drainage in the tot lots. i C/Schey requested that the South Pointe Master Plan' assessment also be identified in the Priorities' Matrix. �, , January 28, 1993 NEW BUSINESSs Page 5 Chair/Ruzicka, noting that the metal counter on the concession stand at Peterson Park faces the sun and will get quite hot in the summertime, suggested that the Priorities Matrix also include some sort of a decking to offer shade for that counter. CSD/Rose stated that there is a pop up canopy, presently at Peterson Park, that could be used as a temporary measure by the Diamond Bar Girls Softball. AA/Fritzal stated that the shade cover for the Peterson Park concession stand will be included in the Priorities Matrix under minor CIP, and the South Pointe Master Plan will be put under both Acquisition and major GIP. Staff will also include a column, to the matrix, that will indicate a possible funding source, a dollar amount, or both, if available. Chair/Ruzicka stated that the Commission will prioritize the list, as recommended by staff, for the next meeting. C/Schey indicated that his goal in trying to establish a suggested priority will be to create a priority for items that will expand the usability for our facilities, and enhance the safety of our facilities. Vice Chairman C/Medina nominated C/Schey to be Vice Chairman. Selection C/Johnson seconded the nomination. CSD/Rose, in response to C/Schey, confirmed that the position is to serve the balance of Ms. Plunk's term. The Commission voted upon the nomination for C/Schey as Vice Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The nomination CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commission Following discussion, the following individuals now Sub -committee serve as members of the following sub -committees: o User Groups Ruzicka, Schey o Master Plan Ruzicka Inventory Johnson, Medina Park Standards Schey Program Inventory Whelan, Johnson o Senior Citizens Medina, Johnson o Adopt a Park Whelan, Johnson 0 Birthday Event Medina January 28, 1993 Page 6 ADA Staff has completed a self evaluation of parks and recreation programs and facilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and has noted 48 existing, deficiencies. It is recommended that the Commission appoint a sub -committee to work with staff to prioritize the order and the manner by which deficiencies are to be resolved, and to assist in obtaining public comments on the self evaluation. CSD/Rose reported that Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used to address the accessibility of public facilities to meet ADA standards. There needs to be a good faith effort by the City in attempting to accomplish these goals within the scope of the budget available. C/Medina suggested that staff look into the availability of other federal grants that could be used to retrofit the City's park equipment. CSD/Rose, in response to C/Schey, stated that any ' park equipment installed after January 26, 1992 must comply with ADA requirements, which would include those playgrounds funded by Landscape and Maintenance Districts. In response to C/Medina, he stated that the Heritage Park'Building will comply with ADA standards. C/Johnson inquired if the Commission will need to be concerned with Title 1, of ADA, regarding employment of the recreation staff. CSD/Rose stated that the contract, with the City of Brea, will have to be rewritten to include a notation that Brea agrees to meet with ADA requirements in regards to employment. ADA compliance will be a responsibility of the Personnel Division. i C/Johnson and Chair/Ruzicka volunteered to be onl' the ADA Sub -committee. C/Johnson inquired if there are standards that the Commission follows to determine the makeup of an advisory board to that sub -committee. It may bel appropriate that the advisory board, dealing with ADA requirements, consist of consumers that reside, in Diamond Bar. I 1� January 28, 1993 Page 7 VC/Schey suggested that, since dealing with ADA requirements impacts the City in such a far reaching manner, it might be appropriate to suggest to the City Council the formation of an adhoc committee on ADA compliance, to consist of members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, the Traffic and Transportation Commission, User Groups, constituents, and the City Council. Motion was made by C/Schey, seconded by C/Johnson and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to establish a sub- committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission, consisting of C/Johnson and Chair/Ruzicka, and to request staff to recommend to the City Council the formation of an adhoc group of the community, to deal with ADA requirements, to include representation from all the Commissions of the City. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Pantera Park/ Staff intends to send out an RFP seeking the Proposition services of a Landscape Architect to complete the "A" Update plans and specifications for a "phased" development of Pantera Park, leaving the $570,000 in discretionary Prop "A" funds for other Commission priorities in Diamond Bar Parks. It is recommended that the Commission comment on the planned "phasing" of the development of Pantera Park and make suggestions on the use of Proposition "A" funds. VC/Schey inquired if the Opinion of Probable Construction Costs, estimated by Forma Design, Inc., was based upon a particular design established. AA/Fritzal explained that a maximum development design was submitted when applying for the LA County Parks and Recreation grant, with the intent of obtaining as much funds as possible. Once the funds are received, then the park will be designed in a manner desired. CSD/Rose stated that the intent is to spend the 1.47 million dollars on Pantera Park, and use the $570,000 in discretionary funding for a variety of other directions. It would be helpful to staff if the Commission could provide input as to how the $570,000 should be used, such as to remedy the turf problem at Peterson Park, or if it should be used for further amenities during the first phase of January 28, 1993 Page 8 Pantera Park. CSD/Rose then indicated that there appears to be some errors in the numbers indicated in the Schematic Pian that will need to be reviewed. VC/Schey stated that it is important that Pantera Park include such amenities as fields, play areas, lighting, bathrooms, and hard'scaping so as to get maximum usage. A community center does not need to be done at this time, and perhaps tennis courts could wait as well. Hei then suggested that the site be d'es'igned with these amenities in mind, to be prioritized ,by the Commission, and that it be bid in such a way that the items can be deleted. The park can ibe designed to include all the amenities that! have been deemed appropriate, .and phased in as necessary, based upon a Master Plan, with a, budget 1.47 million dollars. The $570,000 could be used for capital improvements on the other parks sites in the City. The Commission concurred that the funds be used to develop Pantera Park with facilities that will increase usage, and that the $570,000 be spent on capital improvements to upgrade existing parks. Recreation PS/Pearlman gave an update on the Contract Classes Update and Registration, Youth Basketball, Adult Athletics, and Track and Field Meet, as presented [w in the staff report. She reported that the contract classes, in the last two weeks, has processed about $18,000 dollars, and the athletic program has processed $1,244 dollars. AA/Fritzal reported that the Tiny Tots program is doing well. ' The City received a donation for cabinetry for the portable building at Sycamore Park. Staff attended a Concert in the Parks meeting to discuss possible bands, and new programming ideas for the upcoming year. Also, there still are some adult excursions that have openings if there is anyone interested. C/Johnson suggested that a wrestling class be considered as one of the contract classes. ! ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Medina noted that there are many seniors that have not received a Senior Survey. Perhaps the -- survey should be mailed to all residents. January 28, 1993 Page -9 �-a I CSD/Rose stated that staff is aware that the mailing list is not completely accurate, and, because of our limited budget, it would be too expensive to mail a survey to each household. If there is an individual who would like a survey, they,should contact the City and it will be mailed to that address. Staff has received back three hundred surveys so far, as well as quite a few phone calls from people offering assistance. C/Johnson reported that the City's Anniversary pin has just been designed. VC/Scheylstated that he is pursuing the possibility that the City may be able to install pay phones at the parks, at the cost of the County. VC/Schey stated that he will submit, to staff, an outline of potential mechanisms, regarding the planning process_ of the recreation areas of the South Pointe Master Plan, to upgrade it to a community park to benefit the entire community. The City is not in need of another neighborhood park. He requested that this matter be placed as an agenda item for discussion and Commission input. s Furthermore, another issue, that should also be placed as an agenda item, is the potential for the development of a golf course within the vacant Bramalea property, located generally between the southridge area and Diamond Bar Boulevard. We may have the ability, through the development of a golf course on that site, to also expand the usable area of Summitridge Park into a true community size park, creating some developable lots, near the golf course, that might generate revenue for the City, as well as grade off 10 to 15 acres for a civic center site. CSD/Rose pointed out that there is a sizeable area in the South Pointe Master Plan, that is being discussed as an economical development area. The Commission should also be aware of the possibility, in terms of long range planning, of being able to use that area as a revenue provider for purchasing Site D land, located on the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Brea Canyon Road. VC/Schey requested staff to provide information regarding financing, through the use of the Landscaping Maintenance Districts, for park -" facilities, as well as other available type funding. January 28, 1993 Page 10 Chair/Ruzicka reported 1 that there will be a special User Group sub -committee meeting on Monday, February 1, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the South Pointe Master Plana He also reported that the DBIA has elected ,a sub -committee to help combat graffiti, a growing problem in the City. He then reported that there were many citizens who attended the Planning Commission's South Pointe Master Plan public hearing to express their concerns. It is important that the public be kept informed h regarding the mitigation measure for the various concerns expressed. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Medina, seconded by VC/Schey and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 p.m. Respectively, /A 0b Rose Secretary Atte j IS RLi CKai ii .. n � - 4 U mAny4, `lI'm 4.C, 411-011"4 � $