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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/28/1995 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D. 21865 Copley Drive DECEMBER 28, 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 Vice Chairman Goldenberg. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Goldenberg, Commissioners Tye, ! Medina. �F} Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose Absent: Commissioner Finnerty Also Present: Ted Owens, Community Services Manager; Jan Stwertnik Class Specialist; Patrick Pastor, Instructor, City of Brea. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no matters from the audience at this meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR CH/Ruzicka requested the minutes of the November 16 meeting be corrected as follows Page 3, paragraph 2, add "5. the City's image." Regarding Page 5, Item 8., paragraph 2, add "on" to the sentence so that it reads: "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." With respect to Page 9, paragraph 5, delete the first sentence and change the second sentence to read: "CH/Ruzicka asked staff if there is training available to I the staff working the youth baseball program to resolve the concerns of the parents." VC/Goldenberg stated information regarding the "Art in the Park" letter to the City Council December 28, 1995 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission which was to be drafted by Commissioner Finnerty should be included on Page 3, Item 11 . CSD/Rose responded to CH/Ruzicka that Page 2 of Ms. Martinez letter was omitted in error from the staff report. He advised a copy would be sent to the Commissioners. VC/Goldenberg made a motion, seconded by C/Tye to accept the Consent Calendar with the amendments as noted. There being no objections, the motion was carried 3-0 with C/Medina abstaining. ®LD BUSINESS 5. Community Request for Skateboard Park in Diamond Bar CSD/Rose stated City Council allocated $7,500.00 to develop a site plan for the cul-de-sac skateboard park. The cul-de-sac will be located at the west end of Sunset Crossing Road. Development will begin at the YMCA driveway and continue west to the end of the cul-de-sac. Staff has requested a proposal for the site plan .footprint from PURKISS-ROSE/RSI. The footprint will be forwarded to Charles Abbott & Associates for incorporation of the skateboard park element into the Sunset Crossing cul-de-sac park site plan. The site plan will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and then to the City Council for approval. The presentation to City Council will include a request for funds to deveiop construction drawings and to proceed with the construction of the park. Staff requests thai the Parks and Recreation Commission assist in the development by establishing a committee of youth and adults that might be interested in assisting the City with the design of the skateboard element. CSD/Ruse referred the Commission to the letter from the director of the YMCA which states that the Board of Directors support '!the construction of the skateboard area and a roller hockey rink. The YMCA further indicated they would be interested in discussing the possibility of operating the facility. Staff recommends that the Parksand Recreation Commission add ',the construction of the skateboard park to its priority matrix as a major CIP project and recommend to the City Council the approval of the construction of a skateboard park at the west end of Sunset Crossing Road cul-de-sac. In addition, at the appropriate time. the Commission should form a committee of youth and adults to assist the architec-c with the design of the skateboard park. Staff further recommends that the Commission request staff to enter into ti December 28, 1995 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission negotiations with YMCA for the operation of the skateboard park. i C/Goldenberg asked how large the cul-de-sac area is at the west end of Sunset Crossing that is available for development? CSD/Rose responded that the skateboard park element is approximately 3000 square feet. Approximately 200 feet by 60 feet is designated for roller hockey and other elements in the area. The approximate cost for construction of the skateboard park is $75,000. Design for other elements will be determined at a later date. VC/Goldenberg suggested the source of funding should be determined prior to appointing a committee. CSD/Rose stated there are three possible sources for funding of the skateboard - park: Unallocated discretionary Proposition A funds; Unallocated Quimby funds; and the General Fund. C/Tye asked for clarification on the discretionary Proposition A "Safe Parks Act" funds. If we don't use the funds by the end of June, 1996 does the City lose them. CSD/Rose responded that with respect to Proposition A funds, the City must have a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Los Angeles County for allocation of funds to a discretionary project prior to June 30, 1996. If funds are not allocated and approved by that date, the money is returned to Los Angeles County for reallocation. CH/Ruzicka requested input from interested members of the audience Vicky Marcus, 530 Cameron Crest Drive stated she is pleased with the progress toward development of the skateboard park. She indicated she concurs with staff's recommended list of priorities. She referred the Commissioners to the local skateboard store and suggested the owner could offer advice toward the park's design and development. CSD/Rose responded to Ms. Cameron that the architect's proposal would be completed in approximately 30 days. December 2$, ,1995 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission�!�'I'°'� C/Tye made a motion, seconded by VC/Goldenberg to add the construction of a skateboard park to the priorities matrix of the Parks and Recreation Commission and that the Commission recommend that the City Council approve the project for construction at the Sunset Crossing Road location. The motion carried 4-0. 6. Petitions Requesting Change of Tennis Class Schedule at Maple Hill Park The City of Diamond Bar has been presented with two petitions, containing a total of twenty-four (24) different signatures, requesting that tennis classes at Maple Hill Park be scheduled after 12 noon, not earlier in the morning as they are now scheduled. CSD/Rose stated that a group of citizens use the Maple Hill Park tennis courts on a drop-in basis. Diamond Bar has contracted with the City of Brea to conduct classes during the morning hours. The morning .classes have been added to the class schedule due to increased demand by the citizens. In 1995, 17 tennis classes were conducted during the winter session. For the winter session of 1996 the number of tennis classes has increased to 49. The increase in the number, of classes has reduced the 'availability of the tennis courts for drop-in play. As a result, the petitions were presented to the city. At the time the petitions were received by the city, tennis lessons were scheduled five mornings per week at Maple Hill Park. Prior to printing the winter class schedule, the classes were changed to 3 mornings per week at Maple Hill Park. Staff believes the change presents a balance between the morning classes at Maple Hill Park and Ronald Reagan Park. It is the intent of the city to continue with a balance of classes between these two parks. CSD/Rose continued with a report from Ms. Swertnik which states that in 1995, 634 people participated in 115 scheduled tennis classes. There was, an increase from 17 classes in the winter of 1995 to 49 classes for the winter of 1996. He indicated that 90 percent of the tennis class participants are Diamond Bar residents and the revenue from the classes help off -set the costs of maintenance and operation of the tennis courts. CH/Ruzicka requested input from interested members of the audience, Aurelio Lopez, 1078 Longview Drive stated that he is one of the many Diamond Bar residents who regularly plays tennis at Maple Hill Park. He December 28, 1995 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission stated his concern regarding the change in scheduling of the tennis lessons from afternoon to morning hours. He indicated that a majority of residents who play tennis at the park work in the afternoon and evening. He requested that the city switch back to the prior schedule of afternoon tennis sessions. Robert Wood, 23625 Palomino Drive indicated that he sees the change in the tennis lesson schedule as a detriment to the 15 to 20 regular tennis players who use the courts in the morning hours. In his opinion, the majority of the players during the morning hours are drop-in players. Therefore, they are entitled to equal use of the courts. He requested the use of two of the three courts.for the drop-in players during the morning hours. Tau Lien, 24319 Rimford Place stated he has lived in Diamond Bar for 10 years and has been playing tennis at Maple Hill Park for approximately eight years. He requested to know when new tennis courts will be built to accommodate �- the increase in demand. He questioned the accuracy of the signs indicating the times for tennis classes and requested they be taken down or replaced if they are not correct. He further stated he often observes one instructor teaching one student and he feels this is not right. He asked about the scheduling of makeup classes. He asked if the tennis class could use the Chapparal School facilities or the Diamond Bar High School facilities. He indicated he would like the city to respect the community by surveying the community prior to changing the schedule. i Walter Shih, 24331 Rimford Place stated he has lived in Diamond Bar for eight years. He indicated he has enjoyed the ability to play tennis on Saturday and Sunday and now is unable to due to the new schedule. He stressed tennis is very important to his health and well-being. He stated that, in his opinion, the loss of taxpayer's dollars and health would be 10 to 20 times greater that the revenue income to the city from the tennis lessons. He stressed that only about one-third of the concerned citizens could be present for this meeting. CH/Ruzicka stressed the difficulties experienced by all citizens due to the lack of parks left to Diamond Bar by Los Angeles County. He .stated that all citizens of Diamond Bar are concerned about the lack of recreational facilities available. Use of facilities must be governed for the good of all citizens. The „ citizens must equally share the current facilities to benefit as many residents as possible. The facilities belong to all citizens and must be shared by all citizens. The city cannot and will not tolerate any type of intimidation or physical �,II�VI�i,f December 28, 1995 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission''" confrontation over the use of the park facilities. He requested the attendees assist the City in patrolling the park facilities. CSD/Rose responded that the city is -adding two tennis courts at Pantera Park. He indicated the signage at Maple Hill Park will be replaced. CSD/Rose continued that, as a result of inquiries from concerned citizens, the winter schedule was reduced from five mornings to three mornings per week at Maple Hill Park. Walnut Valley School District denied the city's request for use of school facilities for tennis classes during school hours. , The city's joint Use Agreement with the school aistricu precludes the city from use of school facilities during school hours. All classes offered by the city are group tennis lessons. The smallest group consists of six participants. The city and the i-nstructor have no control over the Number of participants who actually attend the class. If one person attends, that person is entitled to the lessons for whiich he/she has paid. CSD/Rose stated that the City of Diamond Bar does not arbitrarily schedule tennis classes_, the city responds to requests from the community and schedules i accordingly. CSD/Rose responded 'to C/Medina that the Walnut Valley Unified School District rents out its facilities on Saturdays. Chapparal School facilities are rented to a private business on Saturday and Sunday. He stated staff will inquire regarding Sunday use of the school facilities for tennis lessons. CH/Ruzicka stated the city will investigate various options and seek to meet the needs of as many citizens as possible. CSD/Rose responded to Mr. Lien.,that data could be investigated to determine the makeup of the tennis class participants.- The petition was received in early December and the process of gathering information has begun. Staff- will require additional time to gather all of the data and will present it, if necessary, at a future meeting. VC/Goldenberg stated he plays tennis three to four times per week. Although the tennis classes present an inconvenience for him, he begins searching for an available court in the early morning hours until he is able to play. He further stated that he has no difficulty finding a court open early Monday morning and ' "r when he leaves the court at about 6:30 a.m., the courts are empty. He pointed December 28, 1995 Page 7 Parks & Recreation Commission out that CSD/Rose and staff have made a best effort to modify the schedule to accommodate the drop-in players. Ms. Swertnik responded to C/Tye that there are a minimum of six students per class. The participation has increased since more classes are offered in the morning hours. In addition, the proximity of the tennis courts to the students homes is important. I CSD/Rose responded to C/Medina that at no time are more than two of three courts used for tennis lessons. Mr. Pastor stated that he has used two courts a maximum of three times during the Fall Session. The majority of time only one court is utilized for lessons in order to avoid -inconveniencing the drop-in players. There are times when the intermediate classes are learning doubles play and that two courts must be used. Beginning students occupy only one court. At no time do the lessons I occupy three courts. p _ Mr. Pastor responded to Mr. Lien that if only one student out of six registered students shows up for class the class must be taught. CSD/Rose explained that the new signs will advise the schedule of classes. He stated that it is illegal for a private instructor to conduct tennis classes for payment on a public court. He further stated that the city investigates all citizen complaints. Because staff cannot monitor the courts on a continuous basis, the city relies on citizens to monitor use of the tennis courts. CH/Ruzicka requested the concerned citizens monitor the parks for all kinds of illegal activities including vandalism and gang activity. CSD/Rose responded to CH/Ruzicka that the new schedule of classes is available to any concerned citizen. CH/Ruzicka suggested the formation of a drop-in user group. C/Tye reminded the Commission that the citizen's petition requested „,- availability of all courts for drop-in players seven days per week from 9:00 a.m. to12:00 noon.- December 28,A 995 Page 8 Parks &Recreation Commission CH/Ruzicka asked Mr. Lien to reconsider their request based upon the information presented during tonight's discussion. Mr. Lien responded that he is not a leader of the citizen's group. However,) he will pass the information along to as many people as possible. CSD/Rose suggested a special meeting be scheduled on Thursday, January 11, 1996 at Maple Hill Park at 10:OOa.m. for the Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Brea staff, city staff and concerned citizens. The Commissioners. concurred. CSD/Rose stated notices of the workshop will be posted at Maple Hill Park. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 7. Recreation Update - Ted Owens, Community Services Manager, City of Brea, presented a summary of the report for the record as follows: ;h a. Athletics Youth Basketball -The goal was 160 youth and there are currently over 170 youth enrolled. Adult Sports - Adult basketball is very popular and competitive. It is a very successful program and staff expects to meet all of the goals. Adult softball is struggling. Contributing factors may be the time of year and the weather. Complaints from players are being investigated and solutions will be proposed. Staff is considering different methods of marketing the program. Additional facilities for nighttime play may result in increased participation. Slow pitch is very popular for all age groups. Adult Excursions - The Parade of Lights was sold out. The Rose Parade is sold out. Thirty-eight people are registeredfor the Laughlin trip with a maximum potential of 4L. This excursion is expected to be sold out. Staff expects that all of the excursions will be sold out and all goals) of the -contract met. Contract Classes -This area has been very successful. Staff expects', to -a December 28, 1995 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission I meet and possibly exceed the revenue goal of $130,000. New scheduled classes include "Live Insects", "Making Puppets", "Edible Insect Snacks", and "How to Cash in with Successful Home Based Businesses". Staff has served in excess of 3,100 participants which have generated $112,000. The revenue goal of $130,000 will be reached during the Winter session of classes. Student evaluation forms are used to determine new classes and different programs. Teen Band Challenge - A meeting was held December 5, 1995 regarding the outdoor high school concert. Additional meetings will be held and bands are being contacted for participation. CSD/Rose stated the City of Diamond Bar Anniversary Celebration will be held Sunday, April 14, 1996 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at Peterson Park. r ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Medina reported that the grass at Summitridge Park is in excellent condition. He recommended a speed bump be installed on the down grade to prevent,roller blading. He reminded staff that there is no cover for the dumpster. He suggested expanding the second level 25 percent by cutting the grassy area. He stated there is an irrigation problem at the edge of the ball field. He recommended that the gazebo be placed on the upper level for a 360 degree view. C/Tye reminded the Commission that CH/Ruzicka had suggested the Parks and Recreation Commission be changed to Community Services. He asked about the posting of signs such as political signs and stated they are an eyesore and are not removed in a timely fashion. CSD/Rose responded to C/Tye there is a Property Maintenance Ordinance and a Sign Ordinance for the City of Diamond Bar. Both ordinances are enforced by the Planning Department's Code Enforcement Division. The Code Enforcement Officer, Al Flores reports to the Community Development Director, James DeStefano. He suggested that C/Tye contact Mr. Flores and indicated the signs are legal if posted within 30 days of the event and if the property owner has given permission to have the signs posted on their property. The city does not have jurisdiction over signs which are placed on privately owned utility poles. The poles are the private property of the utility F company. He indicated the fence surrounding the Diamond Bar Golf Course is owned and maintained by Los Angeles County. December 28, 1995 Page 10 Parks & Recreation Commission VC/Goldenbergthanked staff for their support and assistance in 1995 and wished pP everyone a happy new year. CH/Ruzicka stated a January 6, 1996 parade will be held to honor the Diamond Bar High School football team and their 14-0 record. The parade route will be south ;on Diamond Bar Boulevard from Mountain Laurel Way to Pathfinder Road and westerly on Pathfinder Road to the High School campus and then on to the football field. ADJOURNMENT VC/Goldenberg made a motion, seconded -by C/Tye to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. The motion was approved 4-0. Respectfully Submitted, Bob`kyse Secretary Attest: Jhe 81,14 kc Chairman