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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/1995 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D. 21865 Copley Drive OCTOBER 26, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. I PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by C/Finnerty. i ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Goldenberg, Commissioners Tye, Finnerty, and Medina. Staff: Community Services Director, Bob Rose Recreation Supervisor, Chris Emeterio Parks and Maintenance Superintendent, Don Hensley I Absent: None MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approval of Minutes of September 28, 1995 meeting. VC/Goldenberg moved to approve the minutes, seconded by C/Medina and carried 4-0; C/Tye abstained. OLD BUSINESS 2. Parks Maintenance Up -date - Received and Filed. CSD/Rose advised that this item was placed on the agenda in response to concerns expressed by the Commission regarding the condition of our parks. These concerns included trash containers, enclosures and the park shelters. i October 26, 1995 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission Don Hensley, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent, advised that all damaged trash cans will be replaced and/or repainted. He also advised that the park shelters will be maintained per the parks maintenance specifications. In regards to trash enclosure area, bids are being accepted to cover all of the trash enclosure areas. CSD/Rose further explained that the material used to cover the trash enclosures is a chain link fence material and the low bid thus far is $1,655. Charles Fleming, Supervisor -Accurate Landscape & Maintenance Corporation, introduced himself and advised that he is in charge of the maintenance crews while assigned in the parks. David Chalukian, Operations Manager -Accurate Landscape & Maintenance Corporation, also introduced himself and stated that he wants to help the City of Diamond Bar improve and upgrade the parks. CSD/Rose reviewed Accurate Landscape's contract with the Commissioners and asked for any questions. He stated that the Accurate Landscape Management and the Community Services Department will meet together at each of the parks in order to walk thru the parks to check for any improvements that may be needed. It was recommended that a Commissioner be appointed to represent the Commission at these weekly park walk-thrus. In regard to Maple Hill Park tennis cour-r lighting, CSD/Rose advised that staff will seek a budget adjustment of $10,000 to reolace the existing light fixtures. CH/Ruzicka commented that he has seen rotted out trash can bottoms in',the City's parks. With regard to the trash enclosure covers, he asked how the City plans to enforce the illegal dumping'at the covered enclosures. CSD/Rose advised that the City will enforce the law that prohibits illegal dumping at the parks with the support of the Sheriff's Department and Community Volunteers. However, it is more difficult to enforce this without the secure trash enclosure areas. C/Tye inquired why the City needs to make the maintenance contractor aware of problems that they are required to maintain as part of their contract with the city. CSD/Rose advised that city staff and the Accurate Landscape and Maintenance October 26, 1995 Page 3 Parks'& Recreation Commission will work together to take a more proactive approach to maintaining the City's parks. David Chalukian stated that Accurate Landscape will be refocussing on the F contract and making sure that all contract provisions are fulfilled. With regard to the reservation policy, VC/Goldenberg asked if a clean-up clause is included. He requested that these policy rules be listed at the beginning of the contract. He also asked what the penalties are for infringing on another party's reservation. CSD/Rose stated that the City currently uses an honor system. In order to enforce the clean-up requirements of facility users, an increase in city staff would be needed to verify compliance with clean-up requirements. He also advised that the penalty for infringing on another reservation is considered an infraction and can result in a fine. Don Hensley advised that supervision of the Parks Maintenance contract is his �- responsibility and he will make sure that the contract requirements are abided by. He further advised that some of the items being discussed tonight were in the process of completion. CSD/Rose set the first park walk phru with C/Medina for November 2, 1995 at 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Park, He stated that Commissioners will be assigned to the park walk thru on a rotation basis, one meeting per week with a different Commissioner assigned weekly. NEW BUSINESS 3. Community Request For Skateboard Park in Diamond Bar - CSD/Rose stated F that on Tuesday, October 17, 1995 at the City Council meeting there was a request made by a number of citizens for the construction of a skateboard park for free public use in the City of Diamond Bar. He further advised that the City Council did direct that the Parks and Recreation Commission put this matter on the agenda to receive public input. He stated that staff concentrated on the following issues and asked the Commissioners to review them: 1) legal basis; 2) what does the law say; 3) liability issues; 4) transfer of the liability; 5) cost to design and construct; 6) an appropriate location; 7) where would this fit into the Commission's list of priorities. With regard to the above mentioned issues, CSD/Rose further explained each in detail. Regarding the liability issue, the October 26, 1995 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission City of Diamond Bar belongs to the Southern California Joint Powers Insurance Authority APIA) which includes other cities that pool their resources and agree to manage their risk. Each city pays a premium, based on different considerations. Each city has a deductible and co -payments when a claim is paid. CSD/Rose shared a letter of response from the JPIA which indicates that skateboarding is a high risk activity in which the participants may experience serious injuries. He also shared information from several cities that share their involvement' with skateboarding. With regard to the cost of building a skateboard park, he further advised that the City of Huntington Beach built a 2,000 square foot hard scape area for skateboarding with design work coning $12,000; the construction cost $72,000; and project management, plan check and inspection fees of $8,000; for a total cost of $92,000. CSD/Rose advised of some appropriate places where space is available for a skateboard park. Staff recommended that the Commission receive the input from the community and recommend action deemed appropriate by the Commission on this issue. CH/Ruzicka commented that he would like to see a skateboard park built' in the City of Diamond Bar. CH/Ruzicka opened for public comments. Ron Kosinski, 21033 Quail Run Drive, supports the skateboard park for this community and encourages a positive recommendation by the Commission. He also advised that a parents' committee has been formed to help the Commission and staff to gather any information needed for this park. C/Finnerty suggested that the parents' committee research if there is a national skateboard association and, if so, can they provide liability insurance for the operation of a skateboard park by the City. Richard Gray introduced himself as a skateboarder and shared a liability release form that will be used by a new skateboard park in the City of Whittier. Nathan Smith, 20791 Missionary Ridge Street, also introduced himself as a skateboarder and commented that the people of the community think that skateboarders are bad kids. He also commented that there is a great need for a skateboard park to get the kids off of private property and out of trouble with the Sheriff's Department; , Justin Chapman, 22713 `Happy Hollow Road; introduced himself as a " -1 ,4 October 26, 1995 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission skateboarder. He commented on local skateboard parks. Ruth Smith, 20791 Missionary Ridge Street, presented questions to the Commission and staff. She advised that there are parents supporting the skateboard riders and there is a parents' committee that has been formed to help promote the construction of a skateboard park. CH/Ruzicka suggested that a Commission sub -committee could be formed to research the questions that need to be answered. C/Tye asked where the skateboarders presently skate. Richard Gray advised that the local skateboarders skate wherever they can go without getting into trouble. He stated that the Huntington Beach park is too far to travel all of the time and would like to see a skateboard park in his own community. Sheriff's Deputy St. Amont, Walnut Sheriff Station, stated that the Sheriff's Department does not have a problem with skateboarders, however, there are calls that are received from private business owners complaining of their presence. He advised that he has recommended to the skateboarders that they obtain written permission from the landowners in order to skateboard on their property. CSD/Rose asked Deputy St. Amont if these property owners had any solutions to the skateboarding problem. Deputy St. Amont indicated that he has not personally spoken with the property owners. f C/Medina asked staff to look into having the privately owned businesses sponsor this program. CH/Ruzicka suggested that a committee be formed, with two Commissioners serving on it, to assist the citizens in moving this project forward. Vickie Christian, 530 Cameron Crest, stated that if a skateboard park is z constructed, there will be kids there to skate. .She also asked who makes the priorities for the city. She urged the Commission to place this issue on their 4 priority list to help give the children a safe place to skate. October 26, 1995 Page 6 Parks & Recreation,Commission CSD/Rose advised that the Commission recommends projects, however, the City Council makes the ultimate decision for priority. Richard Gray stated that skateboarding makes him feel good and helps him to relieve some of his frustrations. He stated that his parents are very strict with him and if his grades are not high, his skateboard gets taken away. Mrs. Gray supports her son's skateboarding and wants to see the City of Diamond support the skateboard park. VC/Goldenberg asked if this skateboard park had any other uses. CSD/Rose advised that during his visit to the Moreno Valley skateboard park, he observed several different activities going on at the same time, including skateboards, in-line skates and bicycles. In regards to forming a Commission sub -committee, CH/Ruzicka recommended that additional information is needed on the development of a skateboard park and that the citizen's questions need to be answered by staff and brought back to the next Commission meeting for, further discussion. VC/Goldenberg stated, that he would like to know the total dollar amount in liability claims paid out for each of the skateboard park locations for a particular period of time. C%ye stated that it is definitely too early for a Commission sub -committee until more information is heard. He stated that he will visit the Huntington Beach skateboard park before the next Commission meeting. C/Tye moved, to agendize the community request for a skateboard park in Diamond Bar to a future Commission meeting to give all parties more time to gather additional information. Motion seconded by VC/Goldenberg and carried unanimously 5- 0. CSD/Rose recommended that a citizens sub -committee be formed with a specific person as a contact to assist with the research needed for the Combustion to reach a decision. He also stated that letters of support are more effective than a petition. He 'urther advised that staff will make contact with the City Attorney, the City of Laguna Miguel, the YMCA and the private facility in Moreno Valley prior to the nex: Corn mission meeting. .; October 26, 1995 Page 7 Parks & Recreation Commission C/Tye thanked -all of the citizens who came and showed their support for the skateboard park. 4. Art in the Park CSD/Rose reported that the City Council referred this matter to the Parks & Recreation Commission for input on the integration of the sculptures into the park system. The Commission should discuss if these sculptures are appropriate or in what format would these sculptures be appropriate to integrate into the parks. He advised that any risk management or maintenance issues will be determined by staff and reported separately from the Commission to the City Council. CH/Ruzicka asked if these sculptures are being donated to the City as a gift. CSD/Rose confirmed that the sculptures will be a gift to the City. CH/Ruzicka asked if there is a City policy for the acceptance of gifts of this nature to the City and if there is, what is that policy. He commented on issues that need to be considered: 1) where do all of the donated gifts get stored once the City starts accepting these kinds of gifts; 2) if the City accepts the art in the ! park as a donation, will the City be forced to take other gifts; 3) has there been any quality standards for the types of gifts that the City will accept; and 4) the type of gifts that the City will display. He firmly stated that he does not want the City of Diamond Bar to be known as a"cow town USA" and the art may offend different cultures because there is a cow in one of our parks. CH/Ruzicka further stated that the risk management issue is a big part of not wanting the art in the park because of the potential for law suits. CSD/Rose advised that the City does not have a policy regarding the acceptance of gifts or donations. The City Council always has the choice whether to accept or deny a gift. With regard to risk management, liability, and maintenance issues, these will be studied further by staff. The artist is willing to work with the City on all of these considerations. CH/Ruzicka stated that the recommended action says that the Commission may either approve or deny this issue. VC/Goldenberg stated that he has been inundated with comments from the ti_a public. The citizens that viewed the display at the City Council meeting were October 26, 1995 Page 8 Parks & Recreation Commission id rjllf''' appalled with the subjects that were selected to be put on public display. With regard to the "Cricket" and the "Cow and Calf", he firmly stated that these are not the most ideal subjects to represent this community. Many monuments do represent this City and represent it well. He advised that there are over 80 names that he can give to staff who object to this art in the park. C/Tye stated that the policy for this issue needs to be investigated. C/Finnerty commented on the graffiti that will occur on the statues. CH/Ruzicka stated that if the City Council wants to go ahead with the art in the park, then they need to be aware that there is a 5-0 recommendation that they ,ice consider this art in the park. The Parks & Recreation Commission stands unanimous in its opposition to this project. CSD/Rose stated that a motion needs to be made stating the Commission's position. C/Medina asked if the art in the park may be considered of the artist changes the subject matter of the sculptures. CH/Ruzicka stated that the artist has already started the three major statues. VC/Goldenberg stated that the statues have not been started. The artist needs to raise $200,000 from private sources in order to start these statues. C/Tye asked if staff offered other suggestions for the statues to the artist. CSD/Rose advised that staff has not suggested alternative subjects to the artist. CH/Ruzicka stated that the same questions and concerns would remain with regard to risk management, liability and maintenance even if the statues were different. VC/Goldenberg advised that during the City Council meeting it was discussed that the artist will be collecting private funding from businesses, corporations and individuals with a goal of collecting approximately $200,000 to fund this project. The entire $200,000 will go to the artist and no money will go towards maintaining these sculptures. There has been no thought of amending the budget in order to maintain these sculptures or the risk factor. r—, October 26, 1995 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission C/Finnerty suggested that the Commission recommend to the City Council that at such time when the City gets a City Hall, that the artist and City staff agree on a statue that is right for this community. By having these statues in our parks, they are openly accessible at all hours and open to much more liability and damage problems than they would be at an alternative location such as a City Hall. With regard to C/Finnerty's suggestion, CSD/Rose stated that she provided the most positive alternative to just outright saying no to this issue. He further advised the Commissioners to keep in mind that the artist needs to raise $200,000 for these statues. If the artist is able to raise the $200,000 then the artist and the City can discuss this in more detail. VC/Goldenberg stated that these statues will not benefit the City. If this I $200,000 is raised, he commented that it would not bring one more business ` into this City, and it will not give any incentive to move to the City of Diamond Bar. ' p CH/Ruzicka moved to have staff relay the Commission's suggestion that the City Council table this issue until such time when the City has an appropriate office building as the City Hall. If the City remains interested in having this artist's sculpture that would enhance the beauty of that building, then at that time the City should contact him again and ask about his interest in putting a sculpture in front of that building. There will be more control over the site and less lability to the citizens and to the City. Motion seconded by C/Finnerty and carried 4-1, with VC/Goldenberg voting no. CH/Ruzicka further stated that staff needs to advise the City Council of the Commissions' grave misgivings with respect to this project and the manner in which its been forwarded. C/Tye made a motion for reconsideration of this item. With consensus of the Commission, the item was brought back for reconsideration. VC/Goldenberg requested that the minute secretary read back the motion. CSD/Rose stated that the motion included, "that this item be tabled until such time there is a City Hall building that the sculpture could be placed and at that time we would approach the artist and see if he remains interested in providing �y the City with a sculpture at that location." f October 26, 1995 Page 10 Parks & Recreation Commission With regard to CSD/Rose's statement, VC/Goldenberg stated that his statement was totally different than what he believed was moved by CH/Ruzicka. CSD/Rose stated that since this item was opened for reconsideration, therefore another motion and another vote will be required. CH/Ruzicka moved to have staff relay the Commission's suggestion that the City Council table this issue until such time when the City has an appropriate office building as the City 1-iall. If the City remains interested in having this artist's sculpture that would enhance the beauty of that building, then at that time the City should contact the artisr and ask about his interest in putting a sculpture in front of that building. There will be more control over the site and less liability to the citizens and to the City. The Commissioners also expressed concern with regard to: 1.) Future maintenance cost; 2.) Liability that the City may face with these in the park;, 3.) the subject of the sculptures and what they represent; 4.) Possible vandalism; and 5.) How the City's image will be affected. Motion seconded by C/Finnerty, and voted unanimously 5-0. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 5. Recreational Program Up -date a. Contract Classes -The Fall classes are currently underway, with many of the classes full or filling up quickly. Computer classes, as well as Tennis and Spanish classes, are very successful on a regular basis. Among the new classes that are being offered, the Rollerblading Clinic, Dinosaur class, and Country Rag Rugs class are very popular. Now with the holiday season upon us; the Holiday Workshop classes are being promoted and are expected to do well. b. Athletics Youth Basketball - Registration for boys and girls ages 4-8 will begin Saturday, November 4, with a'special one day walk-in registration to be held at Sycamore Canyon Park Portable Building from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Mail -in registration begins November 6 and continues until December 1, or until the leagues fill. Flyers were distributed October October 26, 1995 Page 11 Parks & Recreation Commission 19. Adult Sports - Adult Softball is currently ongoing every Sunday with 10 teams participating in leagues that will continue through the end of December. Adult Basketball on Sunday afternoons/evenings has 12 teams participating and will continue through November 5. Roller Hockey - Staff is currently working with Diamond Bar High School and Lorbeer Middle School investigating possible ideas for rollerblade hockey programs. The exact roles of the City and the schools are uncertain at this point. It is a goal to provide a community based program at one of these sites involving all age groups, (both boys and girls). C. Adult Excursions r: The "Gondola Gateway" excursion that was held on Saturday, ' September 30; was successful with 29 participants enjoying "a day in I Italy." Autumn Harvest in Oak Glen is the next excursion which is scheduled for Friday, October 27, and will include a down-home lunch on the farm, followed by a hayride through orchards for picking of the fresh fruit. d. Teen Band Challenge - Staff is in the process of compiling names and numbers of bands in the area. The goal is to find local bands that may be interested in an outdoor concert. It appears that this recruiting effort i will produce enough bands, but, if it doesn't an alternative program can 1 be further researched. Each school will be contacted and presented with an idea of partnering the school and the City of Diamond Bar in a concert/dance event. CH/Ruzicka asked if Council person Ansari has been given the teen band challenge updates. CSD/Rose indicated that Councilperson Ansari has not been provided with updated information, however, that the entire City Council will be informed when there is something more definite to report. In regard to the rollerblade r hockey program, CSD/Rose advised that Chaparral junior High/Walnut Unified School District has been contacted regarding cost estimates for the proposed w`._' roller blade hockey facility. WVUSD will forward this information to staff October 26, 1995 Page :12 Parks & Recreation Commission within .the next couple of weeks. ANNOUNCEMENTS C/Medina made no announcements. VC/Goldenberg stated that he was given the opportunity to watch a video of a project put on by the City of Anaheim. The project included the rehabilitation, painting and clean up of various homes in the community owned by seniors and disadvantaged persons. The event was supported by the community's churches, service clubs, local merchants and the City of Anaheim. He asked to share this video at the next Commission meeting and to get the Commission's reaction to the possibility of conducting a similar program in the City of Diamond Bar. CH/Ruzicka asked that this item be put on the Agenda for discussion at the November 116, 1995 Commission meeting. CSD/Rose indicated that the City is involved in a similar type of program that is funded through HUD. He stated that he will ask Kellee Fritzel to provide information on the City's housing rehab program. C/Tye inquired about the drainage and water problems at Peterson Park. CSD/Rose advised that the drainage problem project is budgeted and the City is accepting qualification statements from potential, consultants to complete the design work on both the drainage and the installation of ballfield lighting. The ADA retrofit, shade structure at the concession stand, and upgrades on the inside of the concession stand will also be completed at Peterson Park, but as separate projects. SI/Hensley reported that there has been an irrigation technician at Peterson Park a number of times checking the pipes for leaks, and has found none. Staff believes that the soggy conditions•are the result of bad drainage. CJTye also asked if construction for Pantera Park will begin in the Spring '96. CSD/Rose confirmed the construction time. The building issue and direction by the City Council is still being worked out. C/Finnerty made no announcements. 011 October 26, 1995 Page 13 Parks & Recreation Commission CH/Ruzicka thanked staff for plans to redo the tennis court lights at Maple Hill park. CSD/Rose announced that the construction of the monument signs is nearing completion. I With regard to the Maple Hill Park retro fit project, the City is having significant problems f with the contractor which is delaying the completion of the project. Significant amounts of re -work is having to be done. VC/Goldenberg asked if there was vandalism to the contractor's work. j CSD/Rose advised that he is not aware of any vandalism but that there was a significant amount of sub -standard work done by the contractor. t ADJOURNMENT i With no additional business, it was moved by C/Tye to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by C/Finnerty and carried unanimously 5-0. CH/Ruzicka adjourned the meeting _ at 9:55 p.m. E Respectfully submitted, Bob Rose Secretary t r Attest: r , I 1, a Ru ka Chairman