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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1995 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D. 21865 Copley Drive NOVEMBER 16, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Tye. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Goldenberg, Commissioners Tye, Finnerty. Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose Recreation Supervisor Chris Emeterio Absent: Commissioner Medina MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE Oscar Law, 21511 Pathfinder, updated the Commissioners of the square footage needed for a new senior citizen's building. C/Tye asked if a bid process is required to purchase equipment for the Senior Center? CSD/Rose advised that items costing more than $1,000 require a bid process. With regard to the construction of the building, VC/Goldenberg asked where the funds would come from. Oscar Law stated that through the Area Agency on Aging, which is federally funded, there are funds available for seniors. The building must be specifically used as a senior center to qualify for the funding, however, not 100% of the time. VC/Goldenberg asked who would maintain this building. Oscar Law advised that the building would need a staff of 1-2 full time employees. 4IuI� 1I November 16, 1995 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission CH/Ruzicka requested that Oscar Law make this report to the City Council and request that it be agendized for their discussion and direction. C/Finnerty asked what the restrictions are involved with receiving the money from the Area Agency on Aging. Oscar Law advised that the Area Agency on Aging requires that seniors use the building over 50% of the time. CSD/Rose advised that a site at Summit Ridge Park is being considered for study for this type of facility. The area under consideration is west of the of the tot lot and will require Ithe construction of an access road along the canyon area on the west side of the park leading to Grand Avenue. CONSENT CALENDAR VC/Goldenberg requested that item 1 be pulled for further discussion. VC/Goldenberg moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by C/Finnerty and carried 4-0. 2. Transmittal of two letters from Councilwoman Ansari to City of Claremlont regarding tour of Claremont's Youth Activity Center. 3. Transmittal of memo to Jan Stwertnik, Contract Classes Specialist regarding tennis classes in Diamond Bar. 4. Transmittal of letter from I. Scarlet Martinez regarding Maple Hill Park construction and the pay telephone. 5. Transmittal of C.P.R.S. annual conference information. 6. Transmittal of Community Services Department Responsibilities. Item pulled for further discussion: 1. Approval of Minutes of October 2,6, 1995 meeting - VC/Goldenberg expres�ed concern that discussed factors were not included in the minutes such as:, 1) maintenance costs required for the sculptures; 2) liability risks; 3) the subject of the sculptures and what they represent; 4) vandalism; and 5) the City's November 16, 1995 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission image. CSD/Rose advised -the Commission's concerns will be included in the minutes with regard to 1. Future maintenance cost, 2. Liability that the City may face with these in the park, 3. Subject matter, 4. Possible vandalism, 5. How the City's image will be affected. C/ Finnerty stated that she would write a letter to the City Council expressing these concerns. C/Tye moved to approve the amended Minutes of October 26, 1995, seconded by VC/Goldenberg, carried 4-0. OLD BUSINESS 7. Community Request for Skateboard Park in Diamond Bar Ruth Smith, 20791 Missionary Ridge Street, advised that the YMCA has a = skateboard park in San Diego. She also stated that the local skateboard parks have liability forms that must be completed. Mrs. Smith also presented information on the cost of admission into the parks, and contests that are sponsored by local retailers and conducted at the parks. She was in contact with Scott Miller, Assistant to the City Manager of Claremont. The City of Claremont is in the process of constructing a skateboard park adjacent to the community center near their high school. She advised that Claremont's City Attorney has approved their skateboard park. This skateboard park construction includes a Kids Committee that advises the Contractor on their needs for a quality skateboard park. The park is being built on City property using CDBG funds. Ruth Smith advised that the land next to the Sheriff's Department in the City of Walnut is owned by Shea Development Company. I Ron Kosinski, 21033 Quail Run Drive, advised that a parents committee has j been formed and have had several meetings to set their goals and to determine sources of information needed. He shared several rough draft letters that show the community interest in the skate board park. The parents committee will be speaking with the local YMCA. He also advised that local land will be looked into for site analysis. He thanked the Commission for their help and positive support. VC/Goldenberg thanked the parents and the kids for the work of getting the _ November 16, 1995 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission skateboard park project started. CSD/Rose advised that the City of Claremont is also a member of the JPIA and that the City of Claremont received the same letter from the JPIA opposing the skateboard park idea as did the City of Diamond Bar. He stated that the City of Claremont took into consideration what the community's needs were and the kids' needs, and decided to go ahead with the skateboard park. CSD/Rose stated that all information has been forwarded to Diamond Bar's City Attorney for review. It is expected that there will be reluc:lance at recommending to the City Council anything that goes against a recommendation by the JPIA. CSD/Rose advised that a "third party" approach has the best possibility of being acceptable. He stated that the Diamond Bar[Walnui YMCA has been contacted regarding this park and they are very interested. With regard to the cost to develop, CSD/Rose reviewed other parks and their cost to develop. With regard to the priority matrix issue, CSD/Rose recommended that the skateboard park project be added to the major CIP list. CSD/Rose introduced two videos on. local skateboard parks. CH/Ruzicka stated that the skateboard park is a great idea, however he is aware of the City's financial liability for this type of project. He would like to see this project go through the YMCA. He further stated that he doesn't feel that a Commission sub -committee is necessary at this time and that the citizen's committee is doing an excellent job.; C/Tye asked if this project was added to the priority matrix, could it be included in the community/civic center or does it need to stand alone. CSD/Rose stated that it depends on how the Commission wants to prioritize this project. CH/Ruzicka expressed concern that this is a male dominated sport, and asked if the City would run into any problems with discrimination at this park. CSD/Rose advised that there would not be any problems as long as the park was open to all members of the public. VC/Goldenberg asked the audience if there are any equipment height requirements for their skating needs. In response to VC/Goldenberg, they indicated that they just want a place to III i November 16, 1995 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission skate. In response to the videos, Ron Kosinski, 21033 Quail Run Drive, indicated that the Huntington Beach High School skateboard park draws even more participation on the weekends. He also indicated that the skateboard park should have safety equipment requirements posted. CSD/Rose suggested that it would be appropriate to get additional information from the YMCA as to how they would like to be involved. CH/Ruzicka moved to enter into more serious discussions with the YMCA in order to see their interest, to include the parents committee and possibly one Commissioner, and bring back for a formal recommendation to the Commision. Motion seconded by VC/Goldenberg, carried 3-0; C/Finnerty abstained. F— 8. Park Maintenance - Update CSD/Rose commented on how great the contractors are responding to the City's needs and commented that Don Hensley was very appreciative of the Commission's support. He further indicated that the contractor is very concerned with the Commission's needs and they want to provide good service. CSD/Rose thanked the Commissioners for their input and support. He advised that Don Hensley will report back to the Commission on a quarterly basis on the progress that the City is making on improvements at each park. VC/Goldenberg commented that an effort be made on behalf of the City to let the contractor and Don Hensley know how well things have come together and thank them. CH/Ruzicka suggested that a quarterly letter be sent to the contractors advising them what the City and the Commission think of their performance. CSD/Rose advised that he would like the park visits to be an ongoing project, with the Commissioners included. He also advised that when the contractor's contract is up for renewal that a recommendation from the Commission will be helpful. He reported that the next scheduled park walk through will be Wednesday, November 22 at Sycamore Canyon Park with C/Finnerty. NEW BUSINESS November 16, 1995 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission 9. Tennis Court Rules CH/Ruzicka advised that during the park walk-through the tennis court rules list "L.A. County". He asked that each Commissioner review the tennis court rules and suggested that these signs be changed to "City of Diamond Bar". VC/Goldenberg asked to move rule #3, section D, to section A. CSD/Rase advised that C/Medina made a suggestion that if people are waiting and no other courts are available, the rule should be: 30 minute limit for singles and an hour limit for doubles. C/Finnerty moved to accept the Tennis Court Rules, as amended, moving rule #3, section D to section A and changing the "L.A. County" portion of the sign to "City of Diamond Bar". Motion seconded by VC/Goldenberg, carried 4-0. 10. Pay Telephone in Parks CSD/Rose reported that the telephone in Maple Hill Park is close to Mrs. Martinez's residence and she would like to see that telephone taken out or moved to the rest room area foyer to be locked up at night. CH/Ruzicka stated that he has been in contact with neighbors that ,are concerned about the park telephone and construction during the holidays. iHe also requested that a 100' chain link fence be constructed along the wall between -the basketball court and the houses. CSD/Rose stated that staff had also received a request from a nearby residIbnt of Maple Hill Park regarding basketballs being thrown into their backyard. He stated that staff was looking into placing a chain link fence on top of the block wall that is adjacent the basketball court. C/Tye asked if any other City parks have pay telephones and whether vandalism has been a problem. CSD/Rose advised of the park telephones and the damages that have occurred CH/Ruzicka advised that it is the Commission's pleasure to go with staff's recommendation and that he will advise the Assistant Principal at Diamond Bar High School, who lives next to Maple Hill Park, of the plans for the new chain ''' November 16, 1995 Page 7 Parks' & Recreation Commission link fence. INFORMATION ITEMS 11. City of Anaheim's "Paint Your Heart Out" VC/Goldenberg presented a video of the City of Anaheim's "Paint Your Heart Out". He commented that he would like to see this type of project presented to the City Council as a proposed project that the City of Diamond Bar can sponsor with the help of our local businesses, residents, churches, etc. He feels j that this is a worth while project and stated that if the City can raise several hundred thousand dollars for art in the park, then why can't we to help the needy in our community. CSD/Rose advised that the City of Diamond Bar sponsors a single family home ! rehabilitation program. This program is available to any eligible resident F' whose property requires some rehabilitation. The program is limited to repair of code violations or repairs to make the dwelling more livable, safe and 4 sanitary in accordance with HUD's minimum property standards. Oscar Law, 2150 Pathfinder, stated that during the process to establish the Property Maintenance Ordinance, this type of program was planned to become a city wide volunteer program. CSD/Rose advised that the DBIA enforces the CC&R's of the City's neighborhoods and that they may be interested in being part of this type of { program. 12. Recreation Up -date - RS/Emeterio reported the following: a. Athletics Youth Basketball - This program is for boys and girls 4-8 years old. There are two divisions: 4 and 5 year olds, and 6 through 8 year olds. The walk-in registration was held Saturday, November 4, with 52 participants registered. In three hours, $2,860 in revenue was received. The goal for the program is 160 participants (60/4 and 5 year olds, ' F T 100/6-8 year olds), and $8,800 in revenue. Last year 154 children participated, producing $7,735. Staff understands that Maple Hill Park ­_,' is presently in a construction phase, and that there are plans for the �1'j;'il�'l'�Ili November 16, 1995 Page 8 Parks &Recreation Commission ��''�� �'I''9li'it, facility to be ready for the program to begin in mid-December. Last year the program was moved during the middle of the season to allow the court at Maple Hill Park to be resurfaced. This move was an inconvenience to the participants, parents, and staff. Youth Baseball - Reviewed the 1995 Youth Baseball program evaluation. It shows the results of Customer Care cards that were mailed to each participant. The information is used to improve the nlext year's program and to aid in the training of program staff. b. Adult Sports - The fall Adult Basketball League concluded on Sunday, November 4, at Diamond Bar High School. Twelve teams participated, generating $5;120. The 1994 Fall League had 10 teams and generated $4,115. The goal for4he contract year (May 1, 1995 -April 30, 19961) is 48 teams and $20,640 in revenue. To date, there have been 23 teams and $10,030 in revenue. C. Adult Excursions - The next excursion is the Palm Springs Follies''on November 18, and the trip is "sold -out" with 48 people registered. The Parade of Lights, December 22 and 23, has 85 participants enrolled. For the period of September 1, 1995 through January 30, 1996, there have been 255 people enrolled for excursions and $9,257 in revenue. The goal for Hie c onirac ! )-oar is 5045 participants and $25,206 in revenue. d. Contract Classes - The Fall session of contract classes is at the halfway point. Classes scheduled for the second half of the session are now under way. Since September 1, 1995, there has been $22,x30 generated. The goal for the contract year is to serve 4,300 participants, while generating $130,000. Some of the current classes that are popular are Karate, Country Western Dance, Yoga, and Tai Chi. Upon completion 'of the Fail session, Customer Care evaluations will 'be distributed to some of the classes for feedback. e. Teen Band Challenge - Staff has been in contact with three bands, one of which has contact with five additional bands. Once contact with these other bands is made, a meeting will be set with staff and band members to discuss the event. John McKitrick, President -Heritage Park Recreation Council, .""".�."..i�. 'I P...,,, �,A. ,....R7 I'4 '. ..1.. A'.�"�. _ ...... �.. , ... "4 l _i I .". ° � t., ._�.. s.. „. v. . e _, <.» 1­..­MlM commented that there is a problem advertising the athletic programs that is effecting participation. CH/Ruzicka advised that the recreational staff has advertised through Jones Intercable, local papers, etc. John McKitrick suggested that the City hold open enrollment at Sycamore Canyon Park so that people can come in at any time and ask questions and enroll. This may help to attract more participants. He advised that the Heritage Park Recreation Council will be getting more i involved with the youth sports program. Bill Wells, 1638 Kiowa Crest Drive, Diamond Bar, Baseball/Basketball Coach, commented that participation in the youth baseball league at Heritage Park is down. He also advised that parents do not know about the Heritage Park youth baseball program. He stated that the City programs should do more advertising. Mr. Wells expressed concern with the part-time staff's seemingly lack of interest in the development of the kids who participate in the youth baseball program. i CH/Ruzicka asked staff if there is training available to the part-time staff working the youth baseball program in order to resolve the concerns of the parents. Chris Emeterio advised that part-time staff does the officiating of the games, not the coaching. The coaching is done by adult volunteers. He f further advised that part-time staff receives training on customer service and first aid and on-the-job training on the sport itself. With regard to Mr. Wells' comments, Roy Tsuchiyama, youth baseball coach, agreed that there has been a problem with the part-time staff showing an interest in the children participating in the youth baseball program, and with providing instruction and having fun on the field. He further commented that the part-time staffing is made up primarily of Brea residents, and that more Diamond Bar residents should make up the part-time staff. n C/Tye asked if the City Council reviewed the possibility of an in-house recreation program last year during the budget process. He went on to r ask whether that even though the costs for contracting versus an in- I i Ifl�iiil; �� 1 November 16, 1995 Page 10 Parks & Recreation Commission house recreation program are similar, the City Council opted to contract for the recreation services? CSD/Rose responded yes to both questions. He also stated that Diamond Bar is a contract city and that it is the philosophy of the City Council to contract for services the community needs and desires. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Tye complimented CSD/Rose and staff for the great job on the new park monument signs. He asked that the next Parks and Recreation Commission' be rescheduled to December 21, 1995. C/Finnerty asked if the meeting could be rescheduled for December 14,1995 since she will not be available on the 21 st, With the consensus of the Commission, CSD/Rose will schedule, if necessary, a special meeting for December 14, 1995 to conduct any new business with regard to the skateboard park. Otherwise the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission will be January 25, 1996. ADJOURNMENT CH/Ruzicka moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:50p.m. Motion seconded by C/Finnelltty, carried 4-0. Respectfully mitted, e Bab Rosie Secretary Attest: I& Ruzicl:�al Chairman