Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/30/1993 PRC MinutesCITY of DTXV6Xb Ran MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 30, 1993 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. at the Heritage Park Community Center, 2900 Brea Canyon Road, Diamond Bar. PLEDGE OF The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by ALLEGIANCE: Chairman Schey. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Goldenberg, Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Johnson, and Chairman Schey. Commissioner Medina was absent (excused). Also present were Community Services Director Bob Rose, Administrative Assistant Kellee Fritzal, Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman, Administrative Assistant Sandy Barlow, Contract Secretary Liz Myers and Contract Secretary Selena Robles. MATTERS FROM Jonathan Whitehouse of 3271 Longview Drive, Diamond THE AUDIENCE: Bar, addressed the Commission regarding the possibility of beginning a Roller Hockey program. CSD/Rose reported that Jerry White, Diamond Bar/Walnut YMCA Branch Director, has indicated an interest in pursuing the idea of adding Roller Hockey to the YMCA program by November of 1993. A more definitive response should be received by October 6, 1993. The California Street Hockey Association is still in the process of negotiating an agreement with the Walnut Unified School District to setup equipment on the existing basketball courts, and to include Roller Hockey as part of the Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation program. Chair/Schey explained that the Commission did consider retrofitting existing City facilities for Roller Hockey, but, it was recommended that it was not appropriate at this time because of liability concerns. However, it was suggested that staff investigate the possibility of retrofitting Walnut Valley Unified School District facilities for Roller Hockey, as well as explore the possibility of including a design option for a special facility for the sport into Pantera Park's plan. VC/Johnson stated that the City should encourage and facilitate the use of the street in front of the YMCA, or the dedication of the street, for the Roller Hockey program. He then volunteered to communicate with the YMCA, as a representative of the Parks and Recreation Commission, to keep abreast of their progress, if the Commission so desires. September 30, 1993 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS: Parks Master CSD/Rose reported that the court ruled, on September 28, 1993, that the City Clerk must accept the petition referending the General Plan. However, it is staff's recommendation that the Commission continue to work on the Parks Master Plan and review and comment on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of a consultant to complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as developed by staff, per Commission's request at the August 26, 1993 meeting.' upon the recommendation, of the Commission, staff will forward the RFP to the City Council. The City Council will determine the appropriateness of placing the item on their agenda for discussion. AA/Fritzal explained that changes to the RFP are in bold type, with the exception of a few minor changes, such as adding the work "the" on page 4 of the document. C/Ruzicka expressed his concern that pursuing the Parks Master Plan, prior to the adoption of the General Plan, may actually delay the Plan's overall approval. Perhaps the Parks Master Plan may become an item of controversy if submitted too soon. VC/Johnson concurred that the Parks Master Plan is supposed to be in conjunction with the Master Plan developed for the City of Diamond Bar. Chair/Schey suggested that it would be appropriate for the Commission to finalize the format of 'the Parks Master Plan, and then wait further action until such time that a decision on the General Plan has been made. CSD/Rose pointed out that there are many improvements to be recommended for the parks. The Parks Master Plan usually supports the needs for those improvements. C/Goldenberg stated that there is a possibility that the General Plan will go to ballot. Perhaps it would be advisable to continue developing the Parks Master Plan so if and when the General Plan is adopted, .the Commission is prepared to move forward quickly. VC/Johnson stated that the Commission has identified many deficits in the Parks and September 30, 1993 Page -3 Recreation facilities and programming. The Commission is within the scope of its authority if the Commission continues to act in that process. CSD/Rose pointed out that it is not unusual for the Parks Master Plan to be completed concurrently with the General Plan. VC/Johnson suggested that it may not be prudent at this time to submit the Parks Master Plan until it is known when the General Plan is to be adopted. CSD/Rose explained that staff's recommendation is to forward the RFP to the city Council prior to their meeting for their recommendation whether to add the item to their agenda for discussion. The areas that would become elements of the Parks Master Plan are not the controversial areas of the General Plan. Chair/schey stated that he is comfortable with the format'of the RFP. He suggested that the document be placed on disk for easy modification. The Commission concurred to request staff to forward the RFP to the City Council with a recommendation for review and placement on their agenda. The Parks and Recreation Commission then concurred to review the RFP document, as presented. C/Ruzicka questioned if the random telephone survey of 500 resident, as indicated on page 2, of the RFP, phase I, item D, is an adequate study since it only surveys about 10% of the population. VC/Johnson suggested that the survey be conducted in a more systematic approach, geographically across the community, rather than random sampling that might only be focused in one area. It may be appropriate to request a preproposal meeting to determine the random survey criteria. CSD/Rose stated that there are many ways that a random survey can be conducted. He stated that it may be important to specifically indicate the data to be used to represent the population geographically. C/Ruzicka pointed out that the vendor will make September 30, 1993 Page 4 recommendations regarding -appropriate techniques for surveying, and these recommendations can be easily amended by the Commission if necessary. He then suggested that a specific completion date be added to page 8 of the document. CSD/Rose noted that the vendor will propose a time line for completion, as indicated on page 7, item C. of the RFP document. C/Schey suggested adding the phrase "...and my _ include criteria for geographical and/or demographical representation" to the end of phase I, item D, after the verbiage "... 500 residents...", thus adding specific criteria to the statement. The Parks and Recreation Commission concurred. Motion was made by C/Ruzicka, second by VC/Johnson, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the AFP document, as amended, and to request staff to submit it to the City Council with the recommendation for review and placement on their agenda. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Recreation - RS/Pearlman presented the staff report on Contract Update: Classes and.Athletics. There is a need to look for a better picture vendor for the Youth Baseball Contract Classes Program, and to hire more umpires to create a back up system for emergencies. The employment of Diamond Bar teenage residents to fill umpire positions, has been considered. They would also help prepare the playing fields. CSD/Rose explained that participants were asked -to rate the program from 1 to 10, (whereas 9 = excellent; 8 = very good; 7= needs improvement; etc.) Youth Baseball received an overall evaluation of. 8.7 at Sycamore Park and 8.3 at Heritage Park. RS/Pearlman reported that the response from the residents to the Diamond Bar Ranch Festival Business Expo Booth was very good. VC/Johnson, noting the poor rating regarding bowling lane fees, questioned the Bowling League September 30, 1993 Page, 5, activities pertaining to fees and prices. RS/Pearlman stated that there is $15.00 registration fee plus a $2.50 per session fee for bowling, with classes offered 6 to 8 weeks, which is not usually considered an unreasonable rate. There are also some classes that are free, such as the Stop Smoking classes. VC/Johnson suggested Diamond Bar/ Walnut Heart Association staff contact Dr. Hockwalt for information.regarding free health screening. Youth CSD/Rose reported that staff attended the Youth Baseball Baseball Evaluation Meeting held September 8, 1993. Program Coaches and umpires were present to represent each separate youth age group. It was very informative and many suggestions were received to improve the program. There was discussion of separating the Youth Baseball Program. The concern of the subcommittee was to come up with more proposals for the program, as well as keeping costs down to a minimum. Chair/Schey recommended that the evaluation and suggestions be passed on to Brea for - implementation. The Parks and Recreation'tommission concurred. Tiny Tots/ AA/Fritzal reported that all three tiny tots classes - Adult Excursions are filled to capacity. The classes will be moved to Heritage Park when the water main is completed. AA/Barlow reported that the joint overnight trip to Laughlin with Chino was a success. She noted that the Oak Glen excursion and the Harbor Cruise were filled. The Huntington Harbor and Newport Harbor cruises are anticipated to be successful as well. Also, there are two buses still open for the rose Parade. In response to VC/Johnson, AA/Barlow stated that joint overnight trips, with residents from another City, seem to be more successful than single trips. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Goldenberg stated that members of the Historical Society have indicated a- desire to store their paraphenelia at the Heritage Community Center. He then expressed a concern regarding vagrants in the September 30, 1993, Page 6 park C/Goldenberg then presented staff with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts involved in the Heritage Community Center. C/Ruzicka expressed a concern from two businesses and owners with the decrease in attendance at the Ranch Festival. Perhaps a sign.can be hung across Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Avenue to better advertise City events. Chair/Schey commented on the appearance and possible hazards of the guard rails installed on Grand Avenue and Summit Ridge. It would be difficult to open a car door if one had to make an emergency stop on the side of the street. CSD/Rose, in response to Chair/Schey, stated that staff will give an update on the status of the design for Pantera Park as soon as possible. Staff is reviewing the options regarding the Historical Society's request for'more storage space and work space. VC/Johnson suggested the Historical Society use the library meeting room since the nature of their business is appropriate to such a facility. CSD/Rose, in response to C/Goldenberg's concern regarding parks, stated that City Parks close at sunset. The Sheriff Department can be asked to patrol the parks more frequently. CSD/Rose, reported that City Entrance Signs have been installed at four locations within Diamond Bar, with a fifth sign to be installed at the Golden Springs west entry. The Entrance Signs also have a support bar that can be utilized to hang banners to advertise City events. ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by C/Ruzicka, seconded by VC/Johnson and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. to October 28, 1993 at the Heritage Park Community Center. The Commission then concluded with a tour of the Heritage Park facility. September 30, 1993 Page 7 1