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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/1996 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D. 21865 Copley Drive FEBRUARY 22, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ruzicka called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Chairman Ruzicka. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Ruzicka, Vice Chairman' Goldenberg, Commissioners Tye, Finnerty, and Medina. Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rase Recreation Supervisor Chris Emeterio Absent: None MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of January 11, 1996 Special meeting - C/Tye moved, C/Finnerty seconded the motion to approve Minutes of January 11, 1996 Special meeting. Motion carried 40, VC/Goldenberg abstaining. 2. Minutes of January 25, 1996 Regular meeting - With consensus of the Commission, the minutes of January 25, 1996 will be reviewed at the March 28, 1996 meeting. 3. Amended Minutes of October 26, 1995 - C/Medina requested that the minutes be revised as follows: Page 2, paragraph 6, change the question to reflect: "C/Medina asked if the art in the park may be considered if the artist changes the subject matter of the sculptures and does not accept a fee for his work." February 22, 1996 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission C/Finnerty moved seconded by VC/Goldenberg to approve the Amended Minutes of October 26, 1995 as amended. Motion carried unanimously 5-o. OLD BUSINESS 4. Art in the Park - CH/Ruzicka drafted a memorandum to the City Council in order to clarify the Commission's recommendations on this matter. VC/Goldenberg moved, C/Tye seconded the motion to forward the memorandum as presented to the City Council. With regard to new members joining the Commission in March, C/Finnerty stated that this memorandum should be held until the new Commissioners review it. City Council understands the feelings of this Commission, but the City Council may want to know the opinion of the new Commission. ,She isnot in favor of forwarding this to the City Council. CH/Ruzicka stated that this subject has been'discussed for 3-4 months and 1has received a significant amount of public input. He does not feel that this subject should be delayed for the new commissioners' input. This Commission should go on record with their concerns. C/Tye supports the memorandum and the memorandum' needs to reflect the opinion of the body as it was when the issue was brought before the Commission. VC/Goldenberg supports the memorandum. Motion carried 4-1, C/Finnerty opposing. 5. Community Request to Perform the Musical "From Sea to Shining Sea" at,the 1996 Summer Concerts In The Park'- CSD/Rose updated the Commissioners in that the matter was originally referred by the City Council to a City Council sub committee, made up of Council Members Gary Werner and Clair Harmony. Both of the sub committee members believe that since the Commission'llast took action on this item based on the information in the script, it would be appropriate for the Commission to review and reconsider. The sub committee expressed concern that this play would be presented with recorded music and w wants to see some type of audition to see a sample of the presentation of the .A�,IA..,err-��M,,.a�,n�.n�t:.�n.w.ga , F a February 22, 1996 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission play. Valerie Chamberlain, 1641 Maple Hill Road, introduced herself. C/Finnerty asked if the music was going to be background music and will the vocals be a part of that. Valerie Chamberlain stated that the background music is on a CD and is used for rehearsals as well as the live performance. The CD is more effective and cost efficient. This performance will be opened to the community for their participation in the play. CH/Ruzicka asked how many cast members would be involved. Ms. Chamberlain stated approximately 100. C/Medina asked if the stage would accommodate that many cast members. CSD/Rose stated that in addition to the stage, there will be a need for risers to accommodate the cast members. All cast members will not be on stage at one time. Ms. Chamberlain advised that the play will be approximately one hour long and would accommodate other patriotic songs not included in the original script. CSD/Rose advised that the City Council sub committee wanted to see a community audition as soon as possible. Per Ms. Chamberlain, an audition is not possible until April. C/Finnerty stated that she believes that the auditions for parts in the play must be opened to all members of the community. VC/Goldenberg spoke in favor of this performance. The script has not been read by any of the City Council members or Commission members and this _ needs to be done. C/Tye expressed concern if this pre-recorded musical fits in with the Concerts in the Park venue. February 22, 1996 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commisslon Marilyn McOwen, 2464 Sunbright Drive, stated that the CD track is much more effective than a live band. Ms. Chamberlain stated that CSD/Rose's objection was that there were places in the play that referred to Christ and to religion. VC/Goldenberg stated that CSD/Rose has never said anything negative about this play. CH/Ruzicka referred back to this original discussion in that the City should not be afraid of presenting a Christian view and values of how this country was founded. The sub committee needs to review the script and advised that by getting a band to accompany this play would be extremely expensive and probably not possible. Ms. McOwen suggested that the narrator and one scene be brought in for the sub committee's review. CH/Ruzicka asked staff if a 15-20 minute audition would be sufficient for the City Council's purposes. CSD/Rose advised that the sub committee requested a sample of the music to demonstrate the quality, and a sample of the wardrobe that would give them the idea of the quality. CH/Ruzicka advised that the organization needs to answer the sub committee's and the City Council's questions with regard to the project. Ms. Chamberlain suggested that she could find a band that would be willing to accompany the play. C/Medina stated that the CD background music would be the best quality. Ms. Chamberlain stated that their organization is from the Church of Jesus Christ Later Day Saints. Ms. McOwen stated that the City Council stated that their church could not ll sponsor this play, however, if it was opened up to the entire community then the play could go on. This is being performed as a community service. d — - -_._ - - __`__ `_""-`_."""..._ _..-�..�.:.__—v:. ��>__:.-mss. .: ".. �.;Jl - s �=;Wl�Aa9. xe..nl�H.li✓I...Au .W.L..k,l -- -_ - - February 22, 1996 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission C/Tye again expressed concern if this is the correct venue for this play and asked why can't this play be done on another day. C/Finnerty asked where the rehearsals would take place. CSD/Rose stated that this play was originally represented to the City staff and the City Attorney as a co sponsored play between the church and the City. The City Attorney advised that this does not need to be a co sponsored event and the City can contract with any entity to provide entertainment generically. Rehearsals and auditions can be provided within their facility. The sub committee expressed concern that the format of this musical is different from past concepts and questioned whether it would be accepted by the residents. VC/Goldenberg asked if this production will be ready in four months. �. nn Ms. Chamberlain advised that they will have the community support and participation. The church has a large enough hall to support all of the practices, auditions, etc. C/Tye asked why this production could not be held in that "hall" and not the park. Ms. Chamberlain stated that this musical is being offered as a community service in -the park for the musical to be seen by hundreds of Diamond Bar residents. Debby O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, asked about this type of musical setting a precedence. CH/Ruzicka advised that City staff makes the decision of who performs in the concerts. C/Finnerty requested that all auditions be held in a neutral facility to show that this play is backed by community members. She suggested the high school for auditions and rehearsals. C/Finnerty moved, seconded by C/Medina to accept T the recommendation of the organization to present this progrim with the aforementioned modifications: 1) neutral location for auditions; 2) finished script with additions and deletions be presented to the City Council for their approval; and 3) the auditions for parts in the play must be open to the entire I,� February 22, 1996 community. Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission C/Tye again expressed concerns that he does not feel that this is the appropriate venue for this play. 'He asked for an explanation of the organization's purpose. Ms. Chamberlain stated that their purpose is to put on a patriotic production'for the community as a community service. This play would not work any other night but the July 3rd Concerts in the Park night. Ms. McOwen suggested that the City hold a fire works show after the production. CSD/Rose advised that the City of Diamond Bar has a lot of undeveloped land that is in a natural state. A fire works show requires a tremendous fall out zone to avoid a brush fire. The play would be advertised as a musical with a patriotic theme. VC/Goldenberg stated that a ninth concert has been added this year and since the July 3rd concert in the park is not the first one, the designation could possibly be changed. Motion carried 3-2, VC/Goldenberg and C/Tye opposing. NEW BUSINESS 6. Priorities for 1996/97 Fiscal Year Budget - VC/Goldenberg moved that this item be continued to the March 28, 1996 meeting for review and discussion by the new Commissioners. The motion died due to the lack of a second. CSD/Rose stated that by continuing this item, the Commission may lose, the opportunity to provide input for the budget process. C/Tye suggested that this type of ,issue be reviewed every two years when there might be a change in the Commission. With regard to item 6, Parks Master Plan title, CH/Ruzicka asked that this title be revised to include what the City is trying to accomplish, i.e., Youth Master Plan, Senior Citizen Master Plan. He commended C/Tye and C/Finnertyi for prioritizing the recommended issues. February 22, 1996 Page 7 Parks & Recreation Commission VC/Goldenberg expressed concern that the new Commission would not have any input on this budget. Ms. O'Connor asked if there was any consideration to working with Diamond Ranch High School and planning to do any budgeting with helping the school. CSD/Rose advised that the Pomona Unified School District has met with City staff in reference to the City funding improvements at the new high school. VC/Goldenberg stated that the other high schools that service our community have never received any funds from the City. C/Finnerty moved, C/Tye seconded the motion to accept the Priorities for 1996/97 Fiscal Year Budget as proposed. Motion carried unanimously 5-0. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 7. Recreational Program Up -date - a. Youth Sports - 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. Games continue through Saturday, March 16, at Maple Hill Park. The goal for the program is 160 participants (60/4 and 5 year olds; 100/6-8 year olds), and generating $8,800 in revenue. There are presently 170 children registered, generating $9,350. Staff is planning for the 1996 City -Wide Youth Track and Field Meet, which is scheduled for Diamond Bar High School track facilities on Saturday, March 16. Participant fee for this program is $5. The revenue goal for the contract year for youth sports is $41,440. To date, $36,765 has been generated from youth sports. b. Adult Sports - The Winter Adult Basketball League is underway at Diamond Bar High School. There are presently 14 teams participating in two divisions ($6,020 in revenue). The goal for the contract year (May 1, 1995 -April 30, 1996 ) is 48 teams and $20,64Gin revenue. To date, there are 37 teams and $16,050 in revenue. With one more league left to be implemented prior to the end of the contract (set to begin in March 1996), the revenue and team participation goals will be met and probably exceeded. �' 0 February 22, 1996 Page 8 Parks &Recreation Commission4i p,;„;,. a fi i. Staff is preparing for the next Adult Softball League that will begin in March. There will be one more season left to begin prior to the end of the contract. The goal of the program is to serve 72 teams and to generate $28,080 in revenue. The team goal for the next league is to register 18 teams. To date, there have been 44 teams registered for the present contract year, generating $16,517 in revenue. C. Adult Excursions The Laughlin Turnaround on January 30, 1996, was sold -out with 45 people and generating $225. The next excursion is a Whale Watching trip March 12. To date, there are 47 people registered, generating $1,401. The goal for the contract year is to serve 504 participants and generate $25,200 in revenue. To date, there have been 500 participants registered, generating $23,642 in revenue. There are three more excursions set for the next three months. d. Contract Classes 01” Attached to the up -date are the results of the 1995 Fall Evaluations of various classes. The evaluation was taken from a random sample of classes that were offered. Evaluations were mailed to participants with a self-addressed return address. The responses were positive and the overall ratings were high. Staff uses this information to improve existing programs while using the comments to develop future classes and programs. The more popular winter classes included Bugs and Other Buddies, Country Rag Rug, Cartoon Drawing, and How To Cash In With a Successful Home Business. The goal for the contract year is to serve 4,300 participants, while generating $130,000. Registration for the last of the four seasons began in January (Spring 95, Summer 95, Fall 95, and Winter 96). Approximately 3,900 customers have been served, while generating $127,858. e. 7th Anniversary Celebration The committee has met twice to begin the planning for the City's 7th Anniversary Celebration; which is scheduled for Sunday, April 14, at Peterson Park, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Staff is hoping to obtain participation from the many diverse and active groups that are found in our community. Last year -,�vj;� .�:171;�jjef I64«a„C;iL"t't�at,,,k"ri.`.�.'��� February 22, 1996 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission an estimated 1,200 people attended the event. Some of the activities are a one pitch softball tournament, children game booths, children's fun zone, and free moon bounce, petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting. Staff is working with Band Departments at both Diamond Bar and Ganesha High Schools to participate in the celebration. "Sounds of Diamond Bar' is a possible theme that may tie in with the participation of the local high school bands ANNOUNCEMENTS C/Medina thanked CH/Ruzicka and VC/Goldenberg for their service on the Commission. C/Finnerty announced that she has received feed back from the senior community that the senior excursions are too expensive compared to the City of Walnut. The Therapeutic Recreational Program would provide social events in the City of Diamond Bar for the mentally handicapped. C/Tye had no announcements. VC/Goldenberg stated that he enjoyed working with the Parks & Recreation Commission and thanked the Commissioners CSD/Rose and staff for their continued support. � pport. CH/Ruzicka stated that this Commission is very close to his heart and is very happy that he was a part of a Commission that could work well together and agree to disagree and still be able to resolve important issues. i ADJOURNMENT VC/Goldenberg moved, seconded by CCfye to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Ys u su miffed,e Secretary Attest: "Joe Rurka Chairman