HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/23/1995 PRC MinutesF
I
X,
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D.
21865 Copley,Drive
FEBRUARY 23, 1995
I
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Goldenberg called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Vice Chairman Ruzicka.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Goldenberg, Vice Chairman Ruzicka, Commissioners Tye,
�. Medina and Finnerty.
Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose
Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman
With consensus of the Commission, Information Items, Items #7, #9 (a) & (b), and New
Business, Item #6 were presented.
7. 6th Anniversary Celebration - CSD/Rose reported that the Anniversary
Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 1995 at Peterson Park, 1:00 -
5:00 p.m. He also reported that the City of Diamond Bar is contracting with
the City of Brea to help with the activities for this day. CSD/Rose stated that the
City's goal was to schedule this event around other events in the City and to
make it a fun and inexpensive family day.
RS/Pearlman reported that an updated flyer will be handed out through the
schools both in Walnut and Pomona U.S.D., and store fronts. She also advised
that the theme of this event is "The Magic of Diamond Bar" and that there will
be magicians performing for both children and adults. She also reviewed
other events planned for the day.
r {' C/Medina advised that Green Bay Bakery will be donating 4 cakes for this
event.
E ��
February 23, 1995
Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission
CSD/Rose stated that the budget costs listed on the handouts are a combination
of the costs that were expended last year and what are projected to be spent
this year. He also advised that C/Medina will be working on getting
entertainment from the Community for this event. CSD/Rose advised that this
event could be extended an hour or so in order to provide additional activities
during the day.
RS/Pearlman also advised that the local schools are being contacted to provide
booths for fund raisers.
CSD/Rose advised that the Diamond Bar Improvement Association has
consented to co-sponsor this event with a $600.00 donation and will I be
operating a sole proprietorship beverage booth.
C/Medina stated that !hare %will be different community organizations involved
in this event and that [ho i ilil:ino American Association has confirmed that they
r
will provide entertainment which icludes their heritage dances.
VGRuzicka asked if the Chamber or any other organizations, i.e., Rotary Club
will be involved with this event.
CSD/Rose advised that this event does not require additional co-sponsors but
that participation by local organizations will definitely be sought.
C/Tye asked if this event will take up the entire park,
RS/Pearlman advised that the softball game will be where the Emergency
Preparedness Expo was located last year, and the remainder of the park will be
utilized as last year.
CH/Goldenberg asked what the expenditures for the softball event will
purchase and asked if the $344.00 was, a part of the Brea contract.
CSD/Rose answered yes, the $344.00 is a part of the Brea proposal, and it will
pay for officials; field preparation, awards and softballs.
9. Recreational Program Up -date
a. Contract Classes
..„ ...-I- .. 4 , -. 0 G'. - ."I I„ �.f'-..,.,..1r„1,.,i' s.,,.cn"' h..
February 23, 1995 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission
RS/Pearlman advised that the Winter Session of the Contract Class
Program is underway and will continue through the end of March. She
also advised that flyers for the Contract Classes will be going out to the
i
schools with a cover letter to the school principals asking for their
support of its distribution. She stated that Contract Classes have reached
78% of their revenue goals with 75% of the contract year completed.
b. Athletics
Youth Basketball - This program has moved temporarily, due to the
resurfacing of the basketball courts at Maple Hill, to Ronald Reagan for
games and to Heritage Park for practices.
City Wide Track Meet - The meet is in the process of being planned.
RS/Pearlman advised that she has spoken to "Key Club" members at
Diamond Bar High School and that they will be volunteering to help
i
run the track meet.
16. Rollerblade Hockey - CH/Goldenberg advised that the Commission received
a petition with approximately 366 names to request a rollerblade hockey
program.
Kevin House and Jason House, 2536 Harmony Hill Drive, stated that their
family has been involved in the Diamond Bar recreation programs. Kevin
House stated that there are a lot of kids involved in rollerblade hockey and
they are playing in the streets because there are no rinks available except for
Skate Express, Chino. He also advised that Skate Express is very expressive and
the times are not convenient. He stated that he would like to see the City put
together a roller blade hockey program.
CSD/Rose advised that in the Spring brochure, a rollerblade hockey program
will be offered in conjunction with Skate Express.
VC/Ruzicka asked Mr. House what kind of program, and facilities the City of
Covina provides.
Kevin House advised that a basketball court was fenced off for the rink and
marked appropriately for roller hockey on a concrete slab. He also stated that
Chapparel is starting a rollerblade hockey program for the students.
February 23, 1995 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission 9Pi
1
CH/Goldenberg asked who started the Petition.
Kevin House advised that his son, Jason House wrote the letter and received
the signatures for the rollerblade hockey petition.
CSD/Rose offered his congratulations to Jason House on his presentation to the
City Council. He also presented his staff report including that the City Council
directed staff to put together a rollerblade hockey program for the Summer
program. He stated that in the Commissioners' packets there is information on
the YMCA rollerblade hockey prograrn that will begin in March. The Walnut
Valley Unified School District has approved the use of Chaparral Middle
School for the YMCA for this league. CSD/Rose presented a pictureof a
portable rollerblade hockey rink constructed out of foam material.
CH/Goldenberg asked if he was correct in calculating the total cost of getting
involved in this sport at about' $200,.00 per player not including skates.
C/Tye asked Jason House how many games are played at Skate Express and the
cost at Skate Express.
Jason House advised that it costs 165.00 per player to play at Skate Express, ,not
including safety equipment, with 9 games and 9 practices.
CH/Goldenberg asked if the roller blade hockey flyer had been distributed', by
the YMCA.
CSD/Rose advised that the flyer was distributed last week. The program
requires that each participate become a YMCA member with the participants
providing their own equipment. He also advised that 25 people have already
signed up for the first Spring Season. CSD/Rose stated that if the City wants to
get involved with the Summer program, he advised that the City has the option
of working with the YMCA or developing their own program and adding it to
the mid -year budget adjustment. ; his would fund the start-up costs which will
include the capital and staff expenses necessary to get the roller blade hockey
summer program stated.
VC/Ruzicka asked the status of the mini -park at the end of Sunset Crossing.
CSD/Rose advised that this mini -park is still being considered.
I
f'
February 23,. 1995 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission
C/Finnerty asked how many kids on a team and how many play at once.
! Jason House advised that there are a maximum of 12 children per team and
that 5-6 play at one time per team.
CSD/Rose advised that for a program of 500 players, the teams will be set up
with 10 players per team, 6 players per team on the court at a time. He also
stated that to get a court ready for playing, it will cost $5,280.00 per court for
foam side boards. CSD/Rose advised that the cost would be $70.00 per player
with $500.00 being recouped for capital expenses each season. It would take
about 13 seasons or 4-5 years to recoup the capital expenses. He stated that
the rollerblade hockey market is untested in Diamond Bar and there is no way
of knowing what the demand for this program will be.
CH/Goldenberg asked what the benefits would be if Brea ran this program.
r, CSD/Rose advised that the fee with Brea is expected to be comparable to the
YMCA fee. He stated that the benefit of Brea running it would be that there
would be no membership fee and that they have a good reputation from
running the Diamond Bar recreation program.
Kevin House commented that he would like to see Brea run this program. He
has had nothing but good experiences with Brea running the Diamond Bar
recreational programs.
CH/Goldenberg asked if this program should be available to non-residents.
CSD/Rose advised that traditionally the City does registration with priority for
residents up to a certain date and after that date, non-residents can sign up in
order to fill rosters to make the program cost effective.
CH/Goldenberg stated that he would like to see a proposal sent to the Council
that would suggest that a roller rink be placed in Pantera Park in addition to
one at Chapparel.
C/Tye asked Jason House -where he collected the signatures and whether those
kids currently play rollerblade hockey.
Jason House advised that the signatures were collected at Evergreen and
Chapparel and that they represent players and non players.
February 23, 1995 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission
At this time, RS/Pearlman was excused from the meeting.
CH/Goldenberg introduced Annette Finnerty as the new Parks and Recreation
Commissioner and asked Annette Finnerty to talk about her past history with
respect to parks and recreation.
C/Finnerty stated that she was heavily involved with soccer and coaching. She
stated that she was on the AYSO Board and served as their Regional
Commissioner for two years. She commented on her strong commitment to
children and that she believes children need a safe place to play and grove.
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Bruce Flamenbaum commented that the City of Diamond Bar is charging a fee to Boy
Scout troop 737 for using Heritage Park Community Center. He advised that he spoke
with Mr. Rose to change the policy for the charge of the facilities. He expressed his
concern that either everyone be charged the same or not charged. He also advised
that the YMCA and AQMD do not charge the Boy Scouts for the use of their rooms.
He asked the Commission to change their policy so that groups like the Boy Scouts
could use Heritage Park for free, with perhaps some limitations on the amount of use
available.
CSD/Rose advised that the legal question raised by the Commission as to whether it
would be legal to have tiered -rates, ie: charge the adults but not the youth. He stated
that question has been held up until the new city attorney starts his position, He
commented that the current policy allows free use of the facility for all non-profit
organizations during regularly scheduled staff hours, however if the scheduled use is
outside regularly scheduled hours, the related staff costs, which- come from the
General Fund, would be recouped by charging the user of the facility.
VC/Ruzicka commented that he is in favor of not charging the non-profit organizations
for the use of the community buildings. He also commented that the City Council
appears to be behind an effort to allow more free use of the facilities than the current
policy allows.
CSD/Rose advised that staff will bring this issue back to the Commission after the new
City Attorney has the opportunity to review the proposed policy changes. CSD/Rose
also commented that the Sycamore Canyon park facility is available for "free" for non-
profit organizations because there are no staff costs involved in its use.
�,..,. y
5 �,r�� � "'Pk�: ,�u_-.P
February 23; 1995 Page 7 Parks & Recreation Commission
CH/Goldenberg commented that the whole issue is not the dollars involved, but that
the Commission is establishing policies that will allow staff to smoothly operate the
facilities without having to make exceptions to the rules. CH/Goldenberg asked that
this item be placed on the Agenda for the Commission's review.
Bruce Flamenbaum explained that the reason the $30.00 was given back was because
the Parks & Recreation Department staff had advised him that use of Heritage Park
Community Center would be free and when the event came up, he was advised that
$30.00 was needed to rent the facility. He advised that he did not go to the City
Council but rather to Bob Rose to discuss the policy and the changes he believed were
needed.
C/Tye advised that he would like to see the policy charge everyone the same fees.
f
i C/Medina moved to discuss this issue at the next Parks &Recreation Commission
meeting.
K T
CSD/Rose advised that since this is not an agendized item, it must be carried forward
to a future meeting. He also advised that the policy itself is very flexible and clear in
that if it is determined that the building is under normal operating hours, any non-
profit community based group can have free use of the facility without paying the staff
costs. He stated that staff will research the possibility of budgeting for nights to be
considered normal operating hours for non-profit groups use. CSD/Rose also advised
that it would cost the City $850.00 to keep one night per week open as normal
operating hours for the remainder of the fiscal year.
With consensus of the Commission, staff was requested to place this issue on the
agenda for the next Parks & Recreation meeting, March 23, 1995.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Minutes of January -26, 1995
VGRuzicka moved to approve the minutes, seconded by C/Medina and carried
3-0. Commissioner Tye was temporarily absent and Commissioner Finnerty
abstained.
3. Correspondence received by staff and transmitted to the Parks and Recreation
Commission
February 23, 1995 Page a
Parks & Recreation Commission
3.1 Letter from Diamond Point 1 regarding use of Swim and Racquet Club -
CSD/Rose advised that the letter received was a follow-up to aphone
call made where the homeowners association is exploring options for
the use of their facility. He advised that this facility can be used 'for
contract classes and other program needs. He also advised that he will
be touring the facility in the near future.
®LD BUSINESS
4. Parks and Recreation Commission Priorities for the 1995/96 Fiscal Year
(Includes Review and Adjustment of the Priorities Matrix)
CH/Goldenberg stated that Commissioner Tye and himself worked on this'ad
hoc committee in order to develop a prioritized list of projects and programs
to recommend to the City Council for funding for the 1995/96 fiscal year.
CSD/Rose stated that the budget process will include consideration of funding
the priorities that the Commission presents. He advised that the priority list is
divided into three lists: 1) short term (includes items that should be completed
during the 1995/96 year; 2) long term (includes items where a commitment for
funding is required during the coming fiscal year but may take more than a
fiscal year to complete)- and, 31 deveiopmenrai (project that aren't ready jfor
funding, but may require some research funding). CSD/Rose asked the
Commission to review lige iisr and provide feedback on the priorities.
With consensus of the Commission, it was requested that staff forward the
budget priority list to the City Council.
VC/Ruzicka commented that he spoke with and emphasized to Mayor Papen
that the City Council give the Commission all it's help and influence to the
school boards, both Pomona and Walnut Valley, to help the Commission arrive
at agreements whereby the public gets more use of the school facilities. He
also stated that the Mayor suggested that rather than seeking to acquire Site D,
that the Commission might want to change the wording to "acquiring 20 acres
of land for park use"
CH/Goldenberg disbanded the Ad Hoc committee due to the completion of its
assigned task.
5. R.F.P. For Recreation Service
9
February 23, 1995 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission
CH/Goldenberg advised that an Ad Hoc committee needs to be created in
order to work with staff on the proposed contract agreement for Recreation
Services between the City of Brea and the City of Diamond Bar.
VC/Ruzicka volunteered to serve on the Recreation Contract Ad Hoc
Committee, along with GFinnerty, who also volunteered.
INFORMATION ITEMS (continued)
8. Pantera Park C.U.P. Process - Status Report
CSD/Rose advised that the Pantera Park Conceptual Plan went before the
Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit to build the park. He
advised that the C.U.P. is a standard requirement for a park development in
Los Angeles County. He also advised and reported on the 10 issues that need
to be resolved to the Planning Commission's satisfaction: 1) pedestrian entry
on Bow Creek; 2) grading balanced on-site; 3) single entry into the parking lot;
4) additional information regarding athletic facility lighting; 5) conclusion of the
traffic evaluation; 6) investigation on possible shared use of planned elementary
school; 7) concerned that there are too many facilities planned for this site; 8)
concerned about the number of participants that may attempt to occupy the
park at one time; 9) cost benefit analysis of the water element; and 10)
biological issues on the site. CSD/Rose advised that staff has spent a
considerable amount of time and money to address these issues and reviewed
the reports already, submitted. He advised that once the Planning Commission
issues the C.U.P. in March, the City will move forward in developing
construction drawings. After City Council approval of construction drawings
and the selection of a contractor the park can be built beginning in
August/September 1995. The park should be completed by the Spring/Summer
of 1996.
CH/Goldenberg asked if there would be a lot of disappointed seniors because
of the decision to remove the Community Center building for consideration on
this site.
CSD/Rose advised that he met with the Board of Directors of the Diamond Bar
Seniors and they're aware that whether there is a community center on the
conceptual plan or not, there is no money to build a community center at
Pantera Park at this time. He also advised that without the community center,
y the park is will cost $2.3-2.5 million, not including the water element.
February 23, 1995:
Page 1"(}
Parks & Recreation Commission
Bruce Flamenbaum asked how important the water element is for the park.
C/Tye advised that to a few people at the committee meetings, the water
element was very important.
C/Finnerty asked what the water element consisted of.
Bruce Flamenbaum advised that it is basically a small area with maybe a
fountain and ducks.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
C/Medina announced that "Safe Community Week" will be celebrated the week of March
25, 1995. He also stated that the Walnut Sheriff Anti -gang Conference is scheduled for
March i, 1995 and the United Way Conference for Youth Federation is scheduled for May
3, 1995.
C/Tye welcomed Ms. Finnerty to the Parks & Recreation Commission.
CH/Goldenberg asked Mr. Rose to provide an update on Larkstone Park at the next
Commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:50 p.m., it was moved by C/Tye, seconded by C/Medina and carried unanimously to
adjourn the meeting.
Respectfull ubmitted,
Bob Se
Secretary
Attest:
Mike Goldenberg -
Chairman
_ ' .:u�F- .1..�_�.. r .., .__a "a. 1A l .,.II r ,_i gyp, ......L VI y i.". _u., .. ..n0 a w 11NI,IWM-�ru_..,r„n
