HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/17/1994 PRC Minutes1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
DIAMOND BAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD ON THURSDAY MARCH 17, 1994 AT 7:00 P.M. IN
THE HERITAGE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Commissioner Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Ruzicka.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners, Tye, Goldenberg, Medina, Ruzicka,
Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose, Administrative Assistant Sandy
Barlow
Absent: Chairman Schey arrived at 7:45 p.m.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Oscar Law, representing the senior residents of Diamond Bar, expressed a need on behalf
of the Senior Citizens to find a room big enough to accommodate more people so that the
senior residents can all gather in one location..
C/Goldenberg responded that Council as well as the Commissioners are looking into a
Senior Center considering many factors including transportation and centralization.
Mr. Law would like TT/Commission and staff to consider a bus system that would pickup
and take the seniors to a central location.
BUSINESS OF STUDY SESSION
A. Announcement and Explanations of Study Group
CSD/Rose announced that this meeting would be the third of the series of
workshops to reach a consensus on the design for Pantera Park. At the first
meeting design was discussed and the basic input process was put in place. At the
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 17, 1994 Page 1 of 1
second meeting a consensus was reached by workshop participants for the
conceptual design labled "Alternative B" and given to the landscape architects,
R.J.M. Design Group, Inc. The basic concept of "B" seemed to bring together
program elements which mitigate the concerns of the neighborhood. Tonight's
intent is to reach a consensus on an Master Plan which would go before Planning
and City Council.
Bob Meuting of R.J.M. Design Group gave a brief overview of the last two
workshops and began the presentation of the refinements to "Alternative B" first
by showing a map of the site as presented originally and detailing the concerns
expressed by -those in atendance which included:
1. The area of the amphitheater was felt to be more appropriately used as a
naturalized area of water elements oriented towards wildlife use.
2. Concern about access driveways and access off Bowcreek.
3. Consolidation of multipurpose building and rest room/concession facility
and to flip the field areas for different areas of play.
4. There was a preference to locate the tot lot away from the school area to
another area.
Bob Meuting then went over the consensus reached at each table for program
elements to be included in the park which produced Plan B as the basic consensus.
Bob Meuting reported that Alternative B-1 is now being proposed which takes all
of the concerns into consideration. He noted that the tennis courts are in the same
location, though eliminated the two basketball courts and consolidated them into
an area of a multipurpose hardcourt with a seperate 1/2 court basketball element.
Also added was a group picnic facility and a nature walk element. He noted that
the field orientation of playing fields in daylight is north to north east considering
safety (sun in the eyes) and lighting orientation at night. Also, the drainage or
topography is to the outfield. Home runs are away from other park patrons.
Alternative B-2 was presented to the audience showing basically the same program
elements but having a different orientation as B-1, while pulling the field and
parking away from Bowcreek and nearby residential areas.
B. STUDY SESSION/WORKSHOP
Comment Sheets were passed out to the audience. The audience filled out the
comment sheets and then were broken into groups. Then from the input from those
groups, a consensus will be reached.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 17, 1994 Page 1 of 2
C. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
CSD/Rose explained that the Public workshop is set up for input for the
Commission's use. He questioned R.J.M. asking for a time line as to when an
updated conceptual drawing would be forthcoming.
Bob Meuting responded that incorporating an informal ball field at the northern
portion and making an enlarged water element into the conceptual drawing could
be done by the next meeting.
C/Schey responded he would be taking the meeting back with thanks to Mr.
Meuting and that with the level of consensus that was brought forth tonight, he
would like to have the revised plan back by the next meeting on March 24, 1994.
C/Medina consistency between the Public.
C/Schey stated that the B-1 plan seems to have consistent concurrence with the
public. The staff and consultants agree.
C/Ruzicka responded that this meeting was productive in meeting the concerns and
needs of the citizens living near the park's proximity as well as the other residents
of Diamond Bar who want areas for organized sports for the youth.
C/Goldenberg thanked the consultants for their efforts and that of the public. e
raised concern of safety, maintenance, and insect infestation with a large waterway
and the potential liability for the City.
106 C/Schey indicated that that something that any Consultant would have to consider
before implementing it to avoid any liability issue.
C/Tye wants to see the drawing and what the impact of a larger multipurpose
facility of approximately 7000 square feet.
CSD/Rose responded that the Pantera Park facility would be the second facility for
the City of Diamond Bar, and it is feasible that programs would be available at both
Heritage Park and Pantera Park. This would help to offset the needs for larger
facilities and to provide services to the Commission. C/Schey said there is no way
that Pantera Park will meet all of our needs. the Cityneed to sesearch other
facilities, a budget, but Pantera Park not the best place for it. CSD Rose
commented that the funding for Pantera Park is in part from grants by CDBG, a
federal grant. which helped to build Heritage. The Staff continuously looks for
grant funds and other facilities already able to meet the needs of the Commission.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 17, 1994 Page 1 of 3
C/Goldenberg moved, and it was seconded by Joe Ruzicka to refer matters to
R.J.M. Design Group for finalization of a B-1 version plan with the appropriate
exhibits and bring back to the Commission on March 24, 1994.
No motion to adjourn NO NOTATION OF TIME ! ! ! !
236
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 17, 1994 Page 1 of 4