HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/1996 PRC Minutes- CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
BOARD HEARING ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D.
21865 Copley Drive
SEPTEMBER 26, 1996
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Tye called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by C/O'Connor.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Tye, Vice Chairman Finnerty, Commissioners Law, Medina,
O'Connor
I
Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose, and Community Services
r Supervisor Wendy Bowman
MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE- None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
11. Recreation Update.
CSS/Bowman presented the following update:
ADULT SPORTS
CSS/Bowman stated adult basketball league play began Sunday afternoon and
evenings on September 22. There are currently 10 paid teams participating in the
league. Six teams are registered for adult softball which began September 22. She
indicated the City is looking for indoor facilities for an adult volleyball league.
t CONTRACT CLASSES
The Summer session of contract classes has been completed and registration for the
Fall session began on September 3. Several new classes have been added for the
t
September 26, 1996 Page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission
r.
preschool age children including Fun With Your Toddler, Preschool Fun Club,'and
Mommy and Me Dance. New classes for youth are Native American Indian Living,
Ecology Mysteries and Starlab, a portable planetarium designed to surround students
with the universe. Starlab is taught by staff from Discovery Science Center. Twenty
eight people have registered for the Ballroom Dance class. Popular returning classes
are Kindermusik, Youth and Adult Tennis, Karate, Computer Classes, and Children's
Drawing.
YOUTH BASEBALL
Youth baseball ended August 24. Program and customer care evaluations were given
to all participants. A hand out was distributed to the Commission that shows'the
survey results.
DAY CAM P
Projected revenue for the 10 week camp, June 17 through August 23, was $35,600
with 400 campers registered. Summer revenue was $31,997 with 382 campers
attending. Revenue was projected at a 50-50 split for regular and extended day
schedules charging $79 and $99 respectively. In reviewing registration for this
summer, a more practical split would be 75% regular day and 25% extended day
which would reduce the projected revenue to a more realistic dollar amount. Seventy-
four public participants registered to attend the day camp excursions which generated
$1820 in revenue. Projected revenue was $1250 with 50 participants. Staff believes
the Day Camp program will continue to grow and a larger facility may be needed next
summer. The Commission was presented with a handout that shows the growth of the
Day Camp program from 1995 to 1996. Also, a copy of a letter to Brea Trophy
thanking them for their donation was provided to the Commission.
CSS/Bowman presented the customer care evaluation results. Suggestions were:
Ethnic diversity of counselors, financial aid for participants, earlier hours, sibling
discount, microwave, and a larger facility.
CSS/Bowman stated that the Recreation Services office will move to the Country Hills
Towne Center site on October 14.
CSS/Bowman responded to C/Law that the City will accept applications for Summer
Day Camp in March or April, 1997.
CSS/Bowman responded to VC/Finnerty that the new Recreation Services officewill 7
September 26, 1996 Page 3 Parks & Recreation Commission
be located at 21345 Cold Spring Lane #B in the Country Hills Towne Center between
Ralphs and AAA.
C/Medina thanked CSS/Bowman for including the Ballroom Dancing in the contract
class program. He asked if the City could include nutritional classes or seminars.
CSS/Bowman responded to C/O'Connor that most coaches are respectful to umpires
and participants. If there is a problem, coaches are asked to speak with umpires one
on one.
Chair/Tye asked where staff is looking to obtain a volleyball facility. CSS/Bowman
replied that staff will research Diamond Bar High, Lorbeer Junior High, Chaparral and
South Pointe middle schools. About half of the teams indicated they will consider
Sunday play.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1.1 Approval of Minutes of August 22,1996 Regular Meeting
VC/Finnerty made a motion, seconded by C -/O'Connor to approve the minutes
as submitted. The motion was approved 4-0-1 with C/Medina abstaining.
1.2 Transmittal of Information
1.2.1 League of California Cities Conference
1.2.2 C.A.P.R.C.B.M. 1996 Southern California Workshop
1.2.3 Letter dated September 19, 1996 from Walnut Valley Unified
School District regarding spores in wrestling room at Diamond
Bar High School.
E
OLD BUSINESS:
2. Request to Install Temporary Batting Cages at Peterson Park.
CSD/Rose presented staff's report. He indicated the Commission's ad hoc
^" committee met with staff and a Girls Softball representative at Peterson Park on
i. Wednesday, September 18. He reviewed the three proposed options for
, batting cage locations.
I
September 26, 1996 Page 4 Parks & Recreation Commission
C/Law stated his concern that batting cages, as a gift to the City, should be
available to all citizens.
VC/Finnerty responded to C/Law that temporary batting cages would be !the
sole property of Diamond Bar Girls Softball. If the batting cages 'are
permanent, the City retains possession and the facility would be available for
public use.
CSD/Rose responded to C/Law that if the batting cages are removed, the post
holes will be covered.
VC/Finnerty suggested changing the Park's master plan to move the basketball
court closer to the SR 60 to mitigate the noise potential at the condominium
complex across the street from the park.
CSD/Rose stated the City can run conduit to potential batting cage locations
when the park lighting is installed.
C/O Connor asked if it would be prudent to wait for completion of the Parks
Master Plan to consider this item.
CSD/Rose responded to C/O'Connor that temporary batting cages would not
conflict with the Parks Master Plan.
C/O'Connor stated she favors temporary batting cages. She reiterated her
concern about postponing this item until the Parks Master Plan is completed.
John Foy, 1st Vice President, Diamond Bar Girls Softball, stated the original
proposal was for construction of portable batting cages at Peterson Park. He
indicated he favors permanent cages with chain link fencing material covering
the top and tennis court screening, manufacturers concrete footings and red
brick dust at site option. #S. He indicated that he expects Diamond Bar Girls
Softball :enrollment ro `ncrease ar4maricaliy next year. Last year 49 teams
participated in the Girls SoftbaI! prograrr.. le anticipates that with lighted
ballfields accommodating evening play, 55 or more teams -will participate ,in
the 1997 season. Oermanc:nt batting, cages ,-von ld provide use to all in the
community.
Mr. Foy responded to Chair/Tye that if site option #3 is approved, teams will
be encouraged to use the batting cages. There is a 50-50 chance the cages will
September 26, 1996 Page 5 Parks & Recreation Commission
be used for warm-up pitching.
Responding to C/O'Connor, Mr. Foy indicated that it would be feasible -to
require the batting cages be used for pre -game warm-up. There are
approximately 465 Girls Softball participants currently with an additional 125
girls anticipated to play next year. He expects 55 Diamond Bar teams will
participate in the June, 1997 tournament.
Responding to CSD/Rose, Mr. Foy stated that instead of brick dust, sod and
grass could be used in a temporary facility.
Mr. Foy responded to Chair/Tye that the prefabricated concrete footings sit on
top of the ground and can be moved. He anticipates the batting cage
installation will cost approximately $7,500.
Mr. Foy indicated that due to the cost involved, he would need to obtain the
Girls Softball organization's board of directors approval for temporary batting
cages.
Following discussion, the Commission agreed to support the .concept of batting
cages at Peterson Park, and concurred that site option #3 is preferable and that
portable (not permanently installed) batting cages can be supported at this time.
The Commission continued the item to the October Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting for further consideration.
NEW BUSINESS:
4. Proposed Sunset Crossing Pocket -Park Conceptual Plan Presentation.
CSD/Rose stated that at its December 19, 1995 meeting, the City Council
awarded a contract to Charles Abbott Associates (C.A.A.) to design a conceptual
plan for a proposed pocket -park at the cul-de-sac of the western terminus of
Sunset Crossing Road.
CSD/Rose responded to VC/Finnerty that the City Council has the option to
postpone a decision on this item until the Parks Master Plan is completed.
Alan Fishman, Landscape Architect, presented three conceptual plans and cost
estimates for a proposed pocket -park at the cul-de-sac of the western terminus
of Sunset, Crossing Road. The plans vary significantly in activity level and
September 26, 1996 Page 6 Parks & Recreation Commission (
related development costs, All concepts involve demolishing the street and
replacing the 43 lost street parkins; spaces by converting the "Chtistmas Tree"
lot to a parking lot (42 spaces). All concepts maintain compatibility with 'the
existing and future YMCA facilities. Scheme #f incorporates a competition
level rollerhockey rink; a skateboard park, 42 parking spaces in the Christmas
Tree lot and 14 additional potential parking spaces (current driveway and
undeveloped portion of the existing io*.), Little League baseball field, restrooms
and concession stand. Scheme #1 construction costs are estimated to', be
approximately $900,000 which inciudes a 10 percent contingency.
CSD/Rose responded to C/Law that the State Code outlines procedures to
reduce or eliminate the City's liability with respect to the skateboard facility.
The City would Offer no supervision: and posted signs would require
participants to wear helmets, pads, etc. As a result of State Code enactment,
Huntington Beach, 110i example, has received no liability claims for its
skateboard park.
Mr. Fishman referred to Scheme #2 which eliminates the skateboard facility
and reduces the construction cost ro approximately .$600,000..- Scheme #3
proposes a Community Park wnicn eiimina.tes the skateboard and rollerhockey
facilities and includes a tot iot. Construction cost is estimated to be $450,000.
Mr. Fishman responded to VC/Finnerty that all three proposed plans are
relatively low mainionance concepts.
Responding to Chair/Tye, Mr. Fishman stated an epoxy resin can be applied to
the concrete in the park which allows graffiti (spray paint) to be washed away.
He indicated to VC/Finnerty that the application cost is relatively low and
would most likely be covered by the contingency.
Mr. Fishman responded to C/®'Connor that a tot lot could be included in
Scheme #2.
VC/Finnerty stated she favors Scheme #1 which incorporates facilities not
available in other City parks.
C/Law stated he favors Scheme #1 and asked how the City would -fund the
facility. CSD/Rose responded that effective ianuary 1, 1997,- Proposition A
funds will be made available for a discretionary reallocation grant program,for
which the City may submit proposals. CDGB cannot be used for this facility
h•.-,-,.., ... ,,..,,.1.r w.,. ... .. .. �r., A ,..-..;�.. _,; �, ,,.-. � "4��. �_'� _ _ 1 —1: pla v G �.. .l..,WZNYM J O7_:O5l-!�,;i.,,',A,4lt.ftn47 of.MM;ern.yrY�mLiu...n....
September 26, 1996 Page 7 Parks & Recreation Commission.
because it is an undeveloped area. Unallocated Quimby monies are available.
The City's General Fund reserve contains funds. If the new November ballot
Proposition A is passed, Diamond Bar will receive approximately $270,000.
CSD/Rose responded to Chair/Tye that the YMCA will donate land only for the
park.
VC/Finnerty moved, C/Law seconded, to recommend that the City Council
approve Scheme #1 as presented, with the addition of a tot lot. The motion
carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS - Continued
3. Parks Master Plan.
CSD/Rose stated that at its September 17 meeting, the City Council awarded a
' contract in the amount of $106,000 to Purkiss-Rose/RSI to complete the Parks
Master Plan for the City of Diamond Bar. The joint meeting with the City
Council and Parks and Recreation Commission will be held on Saturday,
November 2 at Heritage Park Community Center from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00
noon.
NEW BUSINESS - Continued
5. Citizen Complaint Regarding Ronald Reagan Park - The City received a written
letter of complaint regarding the operation of Ronald Reagan Park from a
resident who lives immediately adjacent to the park. The complaint is
generally with regard to 1) glare from lights, 2) noise from park activities and
maintenance operations.- Staff is receiving bids for light shields to block the
glare from tennis and basketball court lights. In addition, staff is considering
mitigation measures for three additional items of concern. Other suggestions
involve policy issues that'will affect the community's use, of the park.
Following discussion, the Commission concurred that no ad hoc committee
should be established. Further, the Commission requested staff to write a letter
to the resident addressing the items of concern indicating the changes that have
been made, the changes that are in progress, and explain the items of concern
that would require, changes in park use policies. v
iL 4d VI
September 26, 1996 Page 8 Parks & Recreation Commission
psi
6. Signage for Posting Rules in Parks.
CSD/Rose stated staff has received verbal requests from several residents the
past month asking that rules be posted in parks immediately adjacent to their
homes. The residents believe that this action would control park patrons.
CSD/Rose further stated he feels too many signs can detract from the ambiance
of the City's parks. He indicated that City Council approval may be required
for new rules that affeci the public's use of City parks.
The Commission requested staff to review park signage and posting in general
and submit information to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and
consideration at a future meeting.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - Continued
7. Maintenance of Natural Area of Sycamore Canyon Park.
CSD/Rose reported that the California Conservation Corps began maintenance
work on the natural area or Sycamore Canyon Park on Monday, September 23.
He outlined the Corps scope of work. On October 1, City Council will
consider a contract amendment for Accurate Landscape and Maintenance to
complete weekly maintenance of the park's natural area at a monthly cost of
$193.50.
8. New Office for Recreation Staff.
CSD/Rose reiterated that the City's recreation staff will be moving to 21345
Cold Spring Lane #B, Country Hills Towne Center on October 14.
9. 8th Anniversary Celebration Update.
CSD/Rose reported the City's 50's theme 8th Anniversary celebration will be
held April 20, 1997. The next committee meeting is scheduled for October 10,
1996 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall Conference Room.
10. Concerts in the Park.
CSD/Rose presented the written results of the Concerts in the Park evaluation.
C/O'Connor recommended that with the exception of seeing eye dogs, no dogs
September 26, 1996 Page 9 Parks & Recreation Commission
be allowed in the park during Concerts in the Park.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-
CSD/Rose responded to GO'Connor that Commissioners are welcome to assist in staffing the
City's Ranch Festival booth. Contact Wendy Bowman for details.
C/Medina announced that eleven senior citizen's teams participated in a special bowling
event at Oak Tree Lanes. The bowling alley proprietors have scheduled a banquet for the
participants.
CSD/Rose responded to Chair/Tye that the City Council will discuss the matter of donations
and gifts to the City in general at its October 1 meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
r' ADJOURNMENT:
VC/Finnerty made a motion, seconded by C/Law to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m. The
motion was carried 5-0.
E
Respectfully miffed,
Bob Rise
Secretary
Attest:
Steve Tye
Chairman