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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/1994 PRC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DIAMOND BAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD ON THURSDAY MARCH 24, 1994 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE HERITAGE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Ruzicka. ROLL CALL Commissioner Ruzicka indicated that C/Schey would be late in arriving. Present: Commissioners, Tye, Goldberg, Medina, Ruzicka, Chirman Schey arrived at 8:45 p.m. Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose, Administrative Assistant Sandy Barlow, and Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None COMMISSION REORGANIZATION - Moved to the end of the Agenda OLD BUSINESS A. Design of Pantera Park CDS/Rose introduced Mr. Bob Meuting of R.J.M. Design Group to present the up- date on the conceptual master plan for Pantera Park as determined from the March 17, 1994 workshop which was held to attain a consensus for the design of Pantera Park. Bob Meuting of R.J.M. Design Group summarized the four tables of participants as follows: Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 Tables 1-3 in favor of Plan B-1 with the following modifications 1. Two informal fields 2. Move the parking to the south 3. The water feature to be 150' X 150' 4. One developed field and one undeveloped field 5. The southern field to have 300' outfield radius 6. Covered picnic area Table 4 in favor of Plan B-2 with the following modifications 1. Tot lot to be like Plan B-1 2. Move the parking to the south 3. Parking with 150 stalls 4. One formal field and one informal field 5. Paved trail 8 feet wide R.J.M. Design Group offered the following mitigative measures to answer the concerns raised and an inquiry by C/Schey regarding the concern of traffic and visibility of the parking across the street. The measures were designed allowing for the given draining conditions of the park's topography. 1. Moving the parking to the south as far as possible, creating a cul-de-sac at each end and allowing for a drop off area for the Community Center and the rest room facility. 2. Controlling the access of the park to one location. 3. Using a combination of berming and landscaping to screen cars. 4. The outfield is shown at 250 feet because of the slope conditions and proximity to the road and the encroachment to the parking area. If a 300 foot field were used then there would be concerns with grading and drainage. Also, fencing the fields for safety. 5. The soccer field was turned for better usage. 6. Water element designed as a passive element for aesthetics only using a retention area which also allows for lesser expense in regards to maintenance of the feature. 7. Fencing certain areas for liability. 8. Revised orientation for the court area, two tennis courts, multipurpose court and a dedicated basketball court to allow for optimal grading usage and drainage. 9. Picnic tables in canyon area. 10. Because of drop in elevation of Pantera Drive the landscaping was designed to provide a screen. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 R.J.M. remarked that certain considerations should be made including the fact that the retention area is in a Los Angeles County Flood Control easement, the expense of a retention pond, the field and light orientation and the possibility of hazard to passing motorists, the risk management issue regarding safety and liability with the water feature which has a 5 to 1 drop in elevation, the orientation of the tennis courts to take advantage of the optimal north/south orientation, and a chain link fence to separate the Tot -Lot area from the water element. At this point the Commission recessed for the Commissioners to review the exhibits of the consensus plans being presented. The Commission reconvened at 8:02 p.m. C/Ruzicka expressed a concern for safety pertaining to the water element in regards to unattended children and the cost of maintenance. C/Goldenberg requested the proposed size of the public facility. CSD/Rose explained thet it would be approxiamtely 7,500 square feet. 1,000 square feet of concession/restroom and 6,500 square feet of Community Center. PUBLIC COMMENTS Al Perez, 703 Pantera Drive, questioned the apparent concern for the safety of the water element versus the remaining park elements. Mr. Perez believes that all the elements carry with them a safety concern. C/Ruzicka indicated that he wanted to be on record as having a concern for safety regarding the water element. Candy Holden, 608 Shy Court, indicated that she likes the water feature with a perimeter fence and the backstops for the ballfields due to the issue of liability. She and her family will look forward to using the picnic area and enjoying the water element. Larry Holden, 608 Shy Court, stated that if the meetings were democratic we would have a natural park. Property values increase with a natural park. He wants the water feature. If one tennis court and one basketball court were removed the City would have enough money for maintenance. Peggy Stamboulian, 842 S. Pantera, wants to know when the issue of lights will be discussed. CSD/Rose stated that that would be part of the CUP process. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 Deborah Lee, 23710 Prospect Valley, indicated that she likes the park and the water element. She has been a Diamond Bar resident since 1963 and wants to see more sports facilities. Donovan Martinez, 635 Pantera Drive, requested that those in attendance be notified if the plan changes. CSD/Rose indicated that if there were major changes to the design they would be notified and also that comments would be welcomed at the Planning Commission and the City Council level. C/Schey added that the Planning Commission would be holding a public hearing so notice would be given to residents within 600 ft. of the park site. Lighting CSD/Rose stated that the hard court areas of parks are typically lit in addition to the standard security lighting placed on walkways throughout the park. Prior to discussing lighting the fields, a concern has been expressed regarding the orientation of the ballfields. As the plan was designed, the informal field is in the Northeast portion of the park. Community input at the public meetings placed it there because of the location of the house on the Northeast corner of the park and also because it places the formal field farther away from other houses on Pantera Drive. The Commission would like to move the formal field from the South to the Northeast for several reasons, including grade and optimum orientation for play. In order to mitigate the concerns expressed with the formal field positioned in the N.E. corner, the tot lot would be protected by fencing. In addition, the corner house is 375' from home plate. By comparison Peterson Park measures 360' from the home plate to the fence. Burt Stamboulian, 759 Bowcreek, indicated that he does not want lighted ball fields. Al Perez, 703 Pantera, does not want lighting due to the type of people a lighted field attracts. Deborah Lee, 23710 Prospect Valley, would like to see lighted fields to allow practice for youth programs which would terminate at 9:15 p.m. Donovan Martinez, 635 Pantera Drive, discussed the difference between a passive and fielded park. He does not want lights due to parks location inside a residential area. Candy Holden, 608 Shy Court, does not want lighted fields. Larry Holden, 608 Shy Court, if lights are installed, can the Sheriff's Department get to the park fast enough to prevent problems? CSD/Rose explained that the pathways in the park are large enough to drive a full size pick up Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 truck on and staff would allow access to emergency personnel. Peggy Stamboulian, 842 Pantera Drive, does not like the concept of a lighted facility because people will shoot out the lights and they could possibly miss and hit a window or house. CSD/Rose indicated that most people discussed the issue of ballfield lighting and now would like to know their opinions on lighting the hard court areas. Chair/Schey added that the parking lot, and park, and building would have security lighting, but what about the tennis and basketball areas. Paula De Mateo, 23477 Gold Nugget, agreed that the fields should not be lit because of the parks location in a residential area. It is not the right park to light at night. C/Ruzicka asked for input from the public on the positioning of the ballfields. Al Perez, 703 Pantera Drive, indicated that he questioned the flip flop of the fileds because of the tot lot, but if mitigation measures could be developed he would not mind. Bob Meuting of RJM Design Group, Inc. indicated that he could design a fence that would somewhat shield the tot lot from the ballfield. CSD/Rose asked if their was any opposition to flip flopping the ballfields, having lighted hard court areas, but not lighted ballfields. The audience indicated that lighting the hard court areas and not the ballfields would be acceptable. The motion was made by C/Schey to forward RJM's design, including the reorientated ballfields, an informal backstop placed on the second field, a fence around the tot lot, and the mitigative measures discussed by RJM prior to the public comments, to the Planning Commission, seconded by C/Tye. The Motion carried with the following vote: AYES: All NOES:O ABSTAIN: ABSENT: The Commission recessed at 9:00 p.m. to allow for those wishing to hear only the Pantera Park portion of the meeting to leave. The Commission reconvened at 9:15 p.m. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24. 1994 COMMISSION REORGANIZATION Moved by Raul Medina and seconded by Mike Goldenberg to nominate Mr. Ruzika as Chairman. The Motion failed with the following vote: AYES: 2 NOES: 3 ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Moved by Joe Ruzicka and seconded by David Schey to nominate Mr. Goldenberg as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Motion carried with the following vote: AYES: All NOES: 0 ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Moved by Mike Goldenberg and seconded by Steve Tye to nominate Mr. Ruzika as Vice Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Motion carried with the following vote: AYES: All NOES:O ABSTAIN: 0 ABSENT: Chair/Schey turned the meeting over to Chair/Goldenberg. Chair/Goldenberg commented that Chair/Schey and VC/Johnson were the best mentors he had ever had, and commended them on performance as commissioners. NEW BUSINESS CSD/Rose reported that effective April 1, 1994, the Brown Act will no longer allow standing sub -committees to be formed at the Commission level which act on a variety of subjects dealing with business throughout the year without proper noticing and the preparation of minutes. A sub -committee is normally two members of the commission, a staff member, and possibly members of the public and/or consultants. The sub - Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 committee then works on the subject doing research or other input and brings back issues to the Commission for the review of the entire Commission. The most conservative approach to the interpretation of the Brown Act would be having no sub -committees with staff handling all, with minor input. A middle ground approach to the formation of sub- committees is that the newly formed sub -committees be for specific projects and at the end of project they be dissolved. This type of sub -committee eliminates noticing requirements by staff. At this time staff recommends that sub -committees be formed for the (1) Fifth Anniversary Celebration and (2) The Maple Hill Park A.D.A. Retro -fit. VC/Ruzika commented that the standing user group sub -committee sends notices and does minutes of its work two times a year. Therefore, this standing sub -committee adds no more staff time than is already allocated. Chair/Goldenberg commented that there would be no disbanding of the standing sub- committees, but if they are maintained, then they must comply with the Brown Act standards. CSD/Rose responded that the intention was to disband all standing sub -committees and the only sub -committees established in their place would be the two recommended, Fifth Anniversary Celebration and The Maple Hill Park A.D.A Retro -fit. As issues come forward then other temporary sub -committees would be formed to deal with those issues. Chair/Goldenberg asked if this was consistent with City Council's sub -committees. CSD/Rose responded that the City Council has made no decision on this issue. Chair/Goldenberg asked if the City Manager, Mr. Belanger had made any recommendations to any other Commissions. CSD/Rose said he and CM/Belanger spoke regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission only and that the recommendations were as previously stated. As to C/Ruzika's recommendation that the user sub -committee be a standing sub -committee, CDS/Rose agreed that staff currently complies with the Brown Act requirements and only minor amounts of staff s time would be needed to comply with the remaining requirements. C/Schey asked if it was necessary to do noticing and minutes requirements on the temporary sub -committees forms. CSD/Rose responded that temporary sub -committees did not have these requirements. C/Ruzicka questioned the time length of sub -committees as to whether or not this was a Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 1 qualification as a sub -committee. CSD/Rose responded that with the spirit of the act, the scope of the sub -committee is being defined to a specific area. For instance, A.D.A. Retro -fit is defined to Maple Hills Park not a City-wide ADA Retro -fit so the connotation of the time frame is limited. As better definition and interpretation is obtained then adjustments can be made to comply. Chair/Goldenberg interjected that a revision to the revision is in the works right now. C/Schey asked what would happen if the Chairman assigned two Commissioners to meet with the User Groups and continually assigned the same two Ciommissioners. Would that be considered a sub -committee? CSD/Rose responded that with the current interpretation the sub -committee as described would not constitute a requirement for noticing as a sub -committee. As soon as the Commission sees that work needs to be done, then a new temporary committee should be formed that will dissolve at the end of its project. The scope of the project will be limited so it is defined to a specific task. C/Medina asked what if the task of the committee is a three year project. CSD/Rose responded that this is okay, as long as the task is defined. Chair/Goldenberg indicated that it is not a continuing task such as the user sub -committee, but a specific task or project. C/Medina wanted to add a user group sub committee to the staff recommendation. C/Ruzika commented that having the user group as a standing committee of which he would like to be the chairman so that continuity would be served for the City and the Community. CSD/Rose responded that the wording could be revised to establish the following ad-hoc committees, Fifth Anniversary Celebration and the Maple Hill Park A.D.A. Retro -fit, and to establish the following standing sub -committee which would be the user group sub- committee. The Commission could then assign members to those committees tonight. The user committee would then require the noticing and minutes according to the Brown Act. C/Schey indicated that he would like to be on the Maple Hill Park A.D.A. retrofit Committee. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 Chair/Goldenberg asked if the committees could be reviewed by staff and brought back before the Commission in April_ Moved by C/Schey, seconded by C/Ruzicka and carried unanimously to accept staff's recommendation to establish the Fifth Anniversary Celebration and the Maple Hill Park A.D.A. Retro -fit sub -committees and the standing committee for user groups and to have the Commission staff those committees at the direction of the Chairman. The Motion carried with the following vote: AYES: All NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None The sub -committees consist of the following appointments per Chair/Goldenberg: Fifth Anniversary Celebration C/Medina and Chair/Goldenberg Maple Hill Park A.D.A Retro -fit C/Schey and VC/Ruzika Standing Committee for the User Group C/Schey and VC/Ruzika C/Schey suggested that since he has been on GPAC he would like to continue to represent the Commission on that Committee. He would relinquish his appointment to the Maple Hill 'Park A.D.A. Retro -fit, but maintain the 'appointment for the Standing Committee for the User Group. Chair/Goldenberg suggested that C/Tye take the appointment of Maple Hill Park A.D.A Retro -fit and representative for GPAC Committee. With his concurrence the list of appointments were re -organized as follows: Fifth Anniversary Celebration C/Medina and Chair/Goldenberg Maple Hill Park A.D.A Retro -fit C/Tye and VC/Ruzika Standing Committee for the User Group Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 C/Schey and VC/Ruzika GPAC Committee Representatives C/Tye and C/Schey INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: COMMISSIONER HANDBOOKS C/Goldenberg requested that the handbooks be spiral bound and AA/Barlow agreed that a revised copy would be provided. ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION - March 13, 1994 CSD/Rose provided the following report: On March 13, 1994 an Arbor Day Celebration was held at Peterson Park where ninety five (95) fifteen gallon trees as well as one (1) twenty-four inch box tree were planted. In conjunction with that a group of volunteers, headed by Don Schad, planted approximately fifty (50) pine trees on the slope area. The large trees are part of the SR60 project and all planted trees are doing well at this time. Over fifty volunteers participated and a good time was had by all. FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - April 17, 1994 C/Medina reported that so far seven groups are participating including a Korean and Japanese group. The banners will be flown at the entrances to the city. Two places, Oak Tree Lanes and First Interstate Bank are sponsoring the banners. Burger King has also committed to sponsoring a banner. CSD/Rose reported that the event is scheduled for Sunday, April 17, 1994, at Peterson Park from, 1:00 p.m. until dusk, and is being presented as a muti-cultural event with entertainment signifying the various cultures performed on stage. Booths are being planned to provide either cultural information or possibly food as representation of the various cultures. AA/Barlow listed for the Commissioners a variety of activities which have been planned including: Children's Fun Zone with pony rides, petting zoo, moon bounce, and recreational activities organized by Recreation Staff such as three- legged races, balloon toss, tug-of-war, and face painting. Also, a cake cutting ceremony will be held in the afternoon and country -western music and dancing will be held in the evening. CSD/Rose commented that the Quail Summit School is having a Walk-a-Thon that Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 same day which ends at Peterson Park. Also, the next scheduled sub -committee meeting for the Fifth Anniversary Celebration is March 31 at 12:00 noon at City Hall. Diamond Bar Improvement Association has donated $600.00 for this event. RECREATION PROGRAM UP -DATE RS/Pearlman reported that the Recreation program for the winter will be completed soon. March 31 is the last day for most of the sessions. We have surpassed our goal by $185.00. Registration is still coming in for the Winter session. There has been a slight problem with the School District and the opening of facilities. The youth track and field meet is being planned for April 23, 1994, at Diamond Bar High School and many requests for information have been coming in from the various schools. Concessions are being planned by Diamond Bar High School as a fund raiser. Two volunteers from each school will be utilized to help run the event. Recruitment for staff to work the Youth Baseball Program ended March 23, 1994. Staff is in the process of going through the applications at this time. Regarding the Fifth Anniversary Celebration program, RS/Pearlman commented that she is hoping to get volunteers for the activities and has asked the Lorabeer Cheerleaders and students from St. Lucy's to participate in the face painting booths to help them earn volunteer hours. Staff shirts have been ordered. C/Goldenberg asked the start of the track meet and was told 9:00 a.m. CSD/Rose up -dated the Commission on the Tiny Tots Program commenting that recently a co-ordinator was hired, but she will be moving on at the end of the session. Staff is currently looking to hire a teaching aid to assist our instructor. The pay is hourly and ranges from $6.00 to $7.00. Enrollment is in process. AA/Barlow reported that the recent adult excursions included a trip to the International Orchid Show in Santa Barbara. It was a success and staff was requested to do it again next year. The next excursion goes to the Nixon Library which includes lunch and a bus trip. In May there is a Catalina trip and the trip scheduled for the third week in May journeys to the Temecula Wineries. The sign ups are proceeding very well. The senior program is going well and the center is filling up to capacity on Tuesday Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of March 24, 1994 meeting days, as well as the other days when classes are offered. Mt. San Antonio College should be getting their new schedule of classes to us soon. Their next session begins the end of May. Last Friday there was an Easter Hat Decorating Day. Local Merchants donated many supplies. The seniors will model their creations at the Easter luncheon where representatives of the City Council will be the judges. Lilian has been responsible for locating donors to provide prizes for the event. The Whole Enchilada will cater the event for free. C/Ruzicka asked if there was a membership requirement. AA/Barlow responded that there has been a hold placed on any new memberships because of size. C/Ruzicka asked if the organization provides other benefits than the Tuesday meeting if they are full. Chair/Goldenberg indicated that the whole concept of their program is meeting, providing socialization and being together. AA Barlow added that in terms of Tuesday, the Center is full, but other activities are being planned which will provide socialization for people who can come on days in addition to Tuesday. Those involved with the program, both community members and staff are looking into alternative locations that will provide for the whole group. CDS/Rose commented that the group of Seniors using Heritage Park currently is a private organization. They are working with staff to establish a public Senior Program for not only this group but new members as well. At this time we are applying for a grant for a nutrition program through the Area Agency on Aging. If we are awarded the grant, then funds would be available and a rotation of use would be feasible. CSD/Rose continued that staff is looking over many co-operative efforts including moving a nutrition program from this site to another facility part of the week. This program would be covered by the grant. Staff is looking into leasing space. Staff is open to suggestions. Chair/Goldenberg questioned the status of benches for Heritage Park. CSD/Rose responded that there is a possibility of DBIA making a donation. Chair/Goldenberg asked about the re -striping for additional parking. Parks & Recreation Cotmnission Minutes of March 24, 1994 L' CSD/Rose responded that he had contacted Public Works to study the area. C/Tye asked who provided the benches on Diamond Bar Blvd. CSD/Rose responded that those present on the street were provided by the bus company as a part of their contract. Since that time the company has gone through a re -organization and no additional benches will be donated. Additional benches would cost the City approximately $460.00 each. ANNOUNCEMENTS C/Tye commented that he was approached by a citizen who would like to see a neighborhood park in the vicinity of Washington at Lincoln and bordered by Cottonwood Lane across from the mobile home park. CSD/Rose agreed staff would look into the item. C/Medina commented that Burger King would like to put up a banner. CSD/Rose responded that this type of banner is called a spanner banner. Spanner banners have both a liability and are an aesthetics issue that must be considerd. The type the City uses are informational vertical banners. Community groups are welcomed to use the vertical banners for information purposes through the City. ADJOURNMENT 10:45 P.M. 1 Mike Goldenberg Chairman Respec, ly , ub ted, Bo s .' Secretary Parks & Recreation commission Minutes of March 24, 1994