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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/11/1996 PRC Minutes - Special Meetingd, -, CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION ,., SPECIAL MEETING MAPLE HILL PARK TENNIS COURTS 1355 Maple Hill Road JANUARY 11, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chairman Ruzicka. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Commissioners Tye, Finnerty, and Medina. T Staff: Community Services Director, Bob Rose i, Recreation Supervisor, City of Brea, Chris Emeterio L Community Services Specialist, City of Brea, Jan Stwertnik, (Contract Classes) Recreation Class Tennis Instructor, Patrick Pastor Absent: Vice Chairman Goldenberg MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE None OLD BUSINESS 1. Petitions Requesting Change of Tennis Class Schedule at Maple Hill Park - CSD/Rose reported that this item was previously heard at the December 28, 1995 Commission meeting. He indicated that the petitions were received with respect to tennis classes scheduled by the City of Diamond Bar in the morning hours at Maple Hill Park. He further indicated that the casual tennis court users requested that two of the three tennis courts be left open for public use from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00noon. CSD/Rose advised that the tennis courts have been scheduled during the morning hour because of an increase in student participation in tennis classes. CSD/Rose advised that staff's proposal is to limit the use of courts to one of the three courts between 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. at Maple Hill Park, 7 days per week. He also advised that new signage has January 11, 1996 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission been ordered indicating the times and days that the courts will be reserved for tennis classes. CH/Ruzicka indicated that there is a problem with so many residents wanting to use this public facility and he advised that we all need to share this public facility. Justin Lin advised that he is a very serious tennis player and asked why the posted sign indicates one reserved time when the tennis classes are held at another time. Robert J. Wood requested that all of the tennis courts be open to the public in the morning hours due to the fact that a lot of the tennis playing residents work in the afternoon and evenings. Vikki Ramos indicated that she waits hours to get onto a tennis court. She requested that the City build more tennis courts in existing parks and asked that the Maple Hill Park tennis courts remain open in the morning hours for the residents' use. Dr. Bill Baker, III advised that both he and his wife play tennis regularly at the Maple Hill Park tennis courts. He advised that there is a family -like atmosphere among the Maple Hill Park tennis players. He further advised that most of the regular tennis players do work in the afternoon or evenings and the morning time is the only time they have available to play. He requested that these courts be left open during the morning hours and that lessons be moved to Ronald Reagan Park where there is less activity in the morning. Charlson Lien commented on the now incorrect wording on the tennis court signs and requested that the City chin ge these signs asssoon as possible so that the players can schedule their use of IIIV COUrls around the class schedule. Dan Sarmiento commented that he was very happy to see the City and the Parks & Recreation Commission taking this issue seriously and that he is interested in seeing this problem resolved. He also concurs with Dr. Baker's comments. 11 Leo Lopez asked if a poll was ever taken to indicate how many of the students who are taking tennis lessons during the morning hours are stay-at-home 's parents. He commented thatrit is not fair that the tennis instructor picks a day'': January 11, 1996 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission n� for a make-up class and the residents are not notified of this time. He requested that the City post any special make-up classes in order to notify the residents. Pablo Cruz commented that the tennis instructor has not been willing to work with the residents in the past and that the residents have had several bad experiences with this instructor. Abraham Perez commented that he has been a resident in Diamond Bar for 10 years and that the use of Maple Hill Park tennis courts has grown into a family type environment for tennis players. He further commented that at any given time a person could come alone to the courts and be asked to join another game. He stated that the tennis instructor and the City are treating this facility like it's their own private court and that sometimes there is only one player with the instructor. This situation could be considered a private lesson. He also advised that the Ronald Reagan Park tennis courts are rarely used in the morning and he requested that the lessons be moved to those courts. John Wang expressed his appreciation that the City is willing to listen to the residents' concerns with this problem. He indicated that he is also concerned that the signs say one reserved time and the classes are happening at another time. Judy Wang indicated that she has been a resident in Diamond Bar since 1986 and that she has always played at the Maple Hill Park tennis courts. She also indicated that this is a tight group of friends and they play here all of the time. She stated that she is concerned that the classes are interfering with this group's use of the courts and she requested that the classes be moved to other available locations. Wayne Munekiyo thanked the Commission for taking the time to discuss this matter. He also indicated that he has been a resident for 20 years and lives near Paul C. Grow Park. He further indicated that he tried to get the County to build tennis courts at Paul C. Grow Park when it was constructed. However, it was not done and therefore, he now has to play at Maple Hill Park. He also requested that the City keep the Maple Hill Park courts open during the morning hours for residents' use and move the classes to the tennis courts at Ronald Reagan Park. Beverly Spiers indicated that she is a student of Patrick Pastor and since taking .L - - __ ` — - . _,...,- - ---- ._ . _ _ _ ..___"". i 11 -i_ _--_ •,._ �,a...a .:_m mac_.-.-m�s+.p:»s -- ­ - _ i i I I. I I - ___I ­_ January 11, 1996 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission her lessons at Maple Hill Park she has observed that this group monopolizes the use of the courts. She commented that she, as a tax payer, has contributed to the construction and maintenance of these tennis courts and that she has also paid a fee for tennis lessons. Therefore she is entitled to morning lessons, which is not only convenient, but necessary for her. She stated that morning lessons are the only ones that she is available to participate in and she was very happy to see that the City accommodated, her needs, and other students needs, as well, by providing lessons during the morning. Charlotte Walker advised that she is also enrolled in the morning class with Patrick Pastor. She commented that she is also a tax payer and that she has as much right to be on those tennis courts as other residents. She further commented that some angry residents are taking up her class time by not leaving the courts when classes are scheduled to begin. She requested that the City please change the signage to indicate the correct class times. Ms. Walker commented that she is against, having only one out of the three tennis courts available for tennis classes. Jim Castillo, Chino Hills, requested that another tennis court be built at Maple Hill Park. In response to Mr. Castillo's comments, CHIRuzicka indicated that adding another tennis court is not the solution. He commented that the residents and the City need to work together to assure that everyone can share the use of the tennis courts equally. GTye commented that the signs currently posted are not unreasonable and that the City can schedule classes at any time that benefits the Community. The current signs�do not limit the class scheduling. He advised that the new signs will indicate the new reserved times. Patrick Pastor, Tennis Instructor, indicated that there have been many times that he has arrived at the Maple Hill Park tennis courts when all of the courts are filled with players. He indicated that he will let that party know that he is there for a tennis class and give them the courtesy of waiting until the point or game is completed. He advised that there have been many -arguments when he asks for the tennis court on which to conduct classes. He further stated that the argument usually interferes with the class starting on time. GTye commented that it seems that the residents who want to use the tennis r` January 11, 199b 2F Page 5 Parks& Recreation Commission courts are a close group of friends who do not want to be inconvenienced by the morning tennis classes. C/Finnerty commented that she believes there is an ownership problem over the use of the tennis courts. The tennis class schedule has been expanded and the residents who wish to use the courts find it an inconvenience to have the classes there. There may be a need for additional courts but it will take more time and money for them to be completed. C/Finnerty also stated that she was offended by the assumption that women who stay at home with their children are not working. Parents who stay at home with their children are definitely working. If a parent can only go out and do something, like take tennis lessons, in the morning while their children are in school, then this is their free time. This free time is just as important for the parent who stays home with their children as is the free time of a person who receives a stipend from an outside source for their work. C/Finnerty also stated that there needs to be more respect shown from both sides. Things have been said by individuals from both sides that shouldn't have been said. It's time to get over that. It's time for both sides to be reasonable. ClMedina commented that the current use of the Maple Hill Park tennis courts has created a country club -like atmosphere. He further commented that the City is trying to maintain a good atmosphere for the tennis lessons, without intimidation, as well as a good atmosphere for the residents. He asked staff to check with Diamond Bar High School to see if there was any way that the lessons could be moved to that facility. I CSD/Rose indicated that Diamond Bar High School has already been considered as an option and that the Walnut Valley Unified School District has another commitment for the use of the high school tennis courts that precludes that City's use. 11— Wayne Munekiyo commented that the sign currently posted at Maple Hill Park is the main problem. There wouldn't be a problem if the residents knew exactly when the courts were reserved for lessons. CSD/Rose advised that the current posted signs were put up in 1991 when the City only had 17 tennis classes. Now that the City is up to 49 tennis classes, January 11, 1996 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission new signs have been ordered indicating new reserved times for the tennis classes and which courts are be reserved. He further advised that 'staff considered purchasing new signs each time a new class session started. However, with the cost of the signs at approximately $800.00 per session, it could get expensive for the City to change signs each session. Staff has decided to order signs that indicate the intent of reserving tennis courts for classes, with a blank area that will be filled in each class session indicating the days, times, and courts reserved for that session. C_/Finnerty asked staff if this sign will have space on it to provide information on make-up classes. She also asked how far in advance does the instructor know the make-up class date and if there is lag time between sessions where make-up classes can be conducted on the regularly reserved days so that other days of the week are not interfered with. CSD/Rose indicated that the signs are flexible and that make-up class information can be posted on the signs. Patrick Pastor, Tennis Instructor indicated that the make-up class is normally held within a week of the missed class. C/Finnerty asked if a three days notice of the make-up date and time is reasonable. Patrick Pastor advised that three days notice would not be unreasonable. CH/Ruzicka reviewed the current tennis classes schedule as: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, 1 court reserved between 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Jan Stwertnik, City of Brea, advised that the current session of Sunday classes has been completed. She further advised that the Winter Session will begin January 28 and continue until March 3 and that the Spring Session will begin March 17 and continue until April 28. GMedina commented that the playing times included in the tennis courts rules are not adequate. He requested that singles be increased to one hour instead of 1/2 hour and doubles be increased to 1-1/2 hours. CSD/Rose reported that new signs are also being made to publicize the tennis court rules and time limits as approved at the November, 1995 Commission it January 11, 1996 Page, 7 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. He further advised that one of the rules prohibits the holding of any tennis courts by a single person. E Dr. Baker indicated that during his time spent at the_tennis courts, singles have always given up their court in favor of doubles play. C/Tye asked staff if the maintenance hours will remain on Wednesday mornings. CSD/Rose advised that he will verify if maintenance is still done on Wednesdays and/or if they have found a more appropriate time to clean the courts. Members of the audience responded that they have not seen a maintenance company clean the courts on Wednesday mornings. C/Tye responded that maintenance work would not normally be performed during prime playing time. lam' I A question was asked by a member of the audience whether there is any way to control the tennis balls that are hit by the students taking lessons onto the other tennis courts. Patrick Paster advised that it is difficult to control the tennis balls coming from the students taking lessons. For safety and courtesy purposes, it was determined that the instructor will announce when'tennis balls -are hit by students onto the other courts. A member of the audience asked if make-up tennis classes could be completed between normally scheduled class sessions. CSD/Rose advised that all make-up tennis classes are made up during the time between sessions on the same days and at the same times as the regularly scheduled tennis classes. Beverly Spearce advised that there has only been one cancelled class due to the weather. She commented that the other make up classes were due to players not giving up a court for the scheduled class. I January 11, 1996 Page 8 Parks & Recreation Commission Dr. Baker requested that when the City is setting up the lesson days and times that they keep it consistent each session so that the residents can plan their game days and times. CSD/Rose reported that during the Winter class schedule, tennis classes will be held three mornings per week at Ronald Reagan Park and three mornings per week at Maple Hill Park. He advised that the demand from the community is what determines the days and times that the classes are scheduled. He again advised that the Walnut Valley Unified School District will not allow the City of Diamond Bar to reserve their tennis courts due to their own use schedule. CSD/Rose further advised that Pantera Park is scheduled to have two tennis courts constructed and they should be completed within the year. C/Tye stated that it is easier for a resident to walk on and use a school court than it is for the City to get approved use of the same court. Charlotte Walker asked if the tennis courts will be numbered prior to the Winter Session of classes. CSD/Rose advised that court #1 is the primary court that will be used for the tennis classes and that the courts have already been numbered accordingly! Dr. Baker thanked the Commissioners again for taking time out of their busy schedule to handle this problem and advised the Commissioners that no single individual represents this tennis playing group as a whole. C/Tye moved, seconded by C/Fi,nnerty to maintain the current tennis class morning schedule as being 3 days per week for a total of 7 hours and I15 /minutes per week at Maple Hill Park. By unanimous vote, the motion carried `t-0. 1 CSD/Rose asked the Commission if they would consider an amendment to their motion to restrict the City's ability to increase the use of the courts for lessons, should demand for classes increase further. By consensus of the Commission, the motion will remain without the amendment suggested by CSD/Rose. C/Medina asked staff to remove the old signs as soon as possible. h"" ....,..,..,. ., .i. ..'^ 4A4,1 .14.,;....1 -1- w. _.... 1... r - _.„ . ....fi,,,0�. ,u *..., , ,d.. - _.... W r - January 11, 1996 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission Jan Stwertnik, City of Brea asked the Commission if the afternoon reserved times still remain in effect. CSD/Rose indicated that the motion only effects the morning lesson times and not the afternoon lesson times. C/Tye stated that his motion is only for the morning lesson times and will not affect the afternoon lesson times. CSD/Rose indicated that the new signs will be posted as soon as possible. ANNOUNCEMENTS None ADJOURNMENT C/Finnerty moved, seconded by C/Tye to adjourn the meeting at 11:45 a.m. Motion carried unanimously 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Bo6'Cse WO Secretary Attest: h 4J e Ruzic 6' Chairman -- - - - -- -- - - ---- -----r--T-- -- --- -- - - -