Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/26/2004 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION HEARING BOARD ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D.ITHE GOVERNMENT CENTER 21865 Copley Drive AUGUST 26, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Grundy called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the SCAQMD/Government Center Building Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Torres led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Dave Grundy, and Commissioners Ling -Ling Chang, Benny Liang and Marty Torres. Vice Chairman Nancy Lyons was excused Staff: Bob Rose, Director of Community Services; Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance Supervisor; Teresa Arevalo, Senior Management Analyst; Ryan Wright, Recreation Supervisor and Marisa Somenzi, Administrative Assistant. PRESENTATION: 2004 CITY YOUTH BASEBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS — Ryan Wright presented the awards recognizing the team's outstanding efforts in good sportsmanship during the recently concluded youth baseball season. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None Offered. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: As presented in the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 1.1 Minutes for the May 27, 2004 Regular Meeting. C/Torres moved, C/Liang seconded, to approve the May 27, 2004 Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with VC/Lyons being absent. 2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.1 Youth Master Plan update — CSD/Rose AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 2 P&R COMMISSION 2.2 Recreation Program Report — RS/Wright RS/Wright responded to C/Torres that out of the 40 registrants about 30-35 participate in adult volleyball on two courts at South Pointe Middle School. Currently there is no other night available for play. 2.3 Diamond Bar Community Foundation Oral Report — C/Chang ClChang reported that the Foundation offered bylaws changes to the City Council for their consideration. She asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to provide the Foundation with a list of fundable activities. She stated that the Foundation has three funding sectors: Sports and Recreation, Arts and Social and Cultural Diversity and the Foundation wants to fund a band/orchestra shell for the "Concerts in the Park" series through the Arts sector. She also reported that the Foundation's fundraising dinner is slated for November 13, 2004 at the Diamond Bar Center. 2.4 C.I.P. Program Report — CSD/Rose CSD/Rose reported that the Sycamore Phase 111 ADA project was funded to include the Tot Lot, patio area, etc. It is possible that the portable building would be removed, a decision to be made by the City Council after considering the results of the Youth Master Plan survey. CSD/Rose reported that the City hired a consultant, Jeff Scott, David Evans & Associates to assist staff in moving the CIP projects forward. Projects proposed for completion by ,lune 2005 include the Pantera Park picnic shelters, the Summitridge Park restrooms and Tot Lot, the Sycamore Canyon ADA Phases 11 & III, the Starshine Park ADA retrofit and the Sycamore Canyon Park trails and trailhead. The final project to be completed is the Diamond Bar Center. He spoke about Greg Norman opening a golf course in Chino Hills. After looking at several facilities, the Greg Norman team decided to rent the Diamond Bar Center for their kickoff celebration and did so for a three day period to include setup and tear down at a cost of about $10,000. Chair/Grundy was pleased the Sycamore Canyon ADA project was moving forward. He asked if the Diamond Bar Center use fees were increased. CSD/Rose responded that the fees were increased and felt the increase had lead to an increase in demand for use of the upscale facility. 2.5 Library Task Force Update — Chair/Grundy and C/Torres Chair/Grundy reported that the concluding meeting was held in August. The mission of the task force and the reason for its formation was to look at various ways to improve the current library facility in the event the City were unsuccessful in obtaining state grant funds to build a new facility at Summitridge Park. The final report was presented to and accepted by the City Council at its August 17 meeting. He felt the task force was very focused and accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. 2.6 Parks Master Plan — 5 -year update report — CSD/ROSE AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 3 P&R COMMISSION 3. OLD BUSINESS: None 4. NEW BUSINESS: 4.1 Discussion of Batting Cages at Peterson Park — CSD/Rose. Staff's recommendation was to discuss and request staff action as deemed appropriate. Wayne Goodwin, Little League Board, stated he would find people within the organization to help build the cages and perhaps fund the chain link frame fencing. The payment for the netting would be discussed between Little League and the Girl's Softball organization. The Little League would gladly donate one of their pitching machines, if required. C/Torres felt there was a big need for batting cages. How would the City regulate usage? Mr. Goodwin felt the cages would be utilized by girl's softball during in -season time and not much usage by Little Leaguers. It would be open to public use as well. Many cities have public batting cages that are left open for public use. CSD/Rose said he would expect the batting cages to be regulated similarly to athletic facilities use. Leaving the cage open for public use without a pitching machine would make a lot of sense as well. Mr. Goodwin also offered that the Little League could provide additional chain link backstops in corners of very large fields at Pantera and Peterson Parks, for instance. Chair/Grundy thanked Mr. Goodwin for his presentation and said that he felt staff should pursue the feasibility and consider the groups' proposals for assistance. The Commissioners concurred to support the concept and recommended that the organizations present a specific proposal for consideration. 4.2 Discussion of donation offer — Stupa (Pagoda) World -Peace Monument to be located on the westerly parking lot "Meditation Area" adjacent to the Diamond Bar Center — CSD/Rose. Staff's recommendation was to discuss and request staff action as deemed appropriate. CSD/Rose stated that in an effort to adhere to the City's practice of separating church and state matters he asked the City Attorney for advise regarding the issue as it relates to this donation offer. Due to technical difficulties, CA/Jenkins was not able to respond in time for tonight's meeting. Alice Yang, 1215 Stovall Avenue, Hacienda Heights, said she may have mistakenly used the word "Stupa" and should have used the word "Pagoda" instead to describe the monument. If the City Attorney did not approve of the AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 4 P&R COMMISSION religious connotation she said she was willing to modify the monument to a "Washington" monument style that would be more acceptable to the general public. She and her friends were very affected by the events of 9111 and would like to participate in bringing about world peace through means other than war and that is why she wanted to donate the world peace monument to the City. C/Chang asked if the monument would include inscriptions as indicated. Ms. Yang said she would modify the monument to include local languages. Her only intent was to have the world peace translation of the monument. C/Torres asked if Ms. Yang was determined to place the monument at the Diamond Bar Center location or would she consider another location. Ms. Yang said she would prefer to place the monument at the Diamond Bar Center location because it is a beautiful site but that she would be willing to consider another location if she is advised of an alternative suitable location. Chair/Grundy appreciated the generous offer and wondered whether it would invite other groups to want to place their symbols. He said he would prefer that a monument, if feasible, would include all groups of individuals. C/Torres felt that extreme consideration should be given to such a public area as the Diamond Bar Center and was not sure any type of monument or symbolism would be acceptable in that particular location. Chair/Grundy acknowledged Ms. Yang's generosity and good intentions and in his opinion, the more open Ms. Yang was to the collective goal of how such a monument could be implemented the more successful it would be. C/Chang thanked Ms. Yang for her generosity and echoed similar concerns about not wanting to impose a religious background to the monument. She asked Ms. Yang if she would be willing to work with the City to create a symbol that was not offensive to any individual or group. Ms. Yang again stated she was open to other considerations. C/Liang thanked Ms. Yang for her proposal. He said he agreed with the other Commissioners and felt it would be advisable for the Commissioners to receive input from the City Attorney before proceeding. The Commission concurred to continue this matter to the September 23 meeting. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Liang asked if the restroom roof at Maple Hill Park had been fixed. CSD/Rose said it was budgeted and would be completed prior to the rainy season. PMS/Jordan indicated to C/Liang that he discussed the irrigation issue with the adjacent homeowner and believed the hose was removed. AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 5 P&R COMMISSION C[Torres was unable to attend any of the "Concerts in the Nark" tnis year Dui neara great feedback on a successful series. He thanked the City for the program. C/Chang requested that her Commission stipend be donated to the Diamond Bar Community Foundation. CSD/Rose explained that in order to do so, C/Chang must coliect the stipend and make her personal donation. Chair/Grundy reported that during the June user group meeting comments were raised about the group policy regarding residents versus non-residents and felt the ad-hoc committee would want to review the matter. The July 4th celebration was excellent, very enjoyable and very well managed. ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by C/Chang, seconded by C/Liang and there being no further business before the Parks & Recreation Commission, Chair/Grundy adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Respe II u miffed, Bo e, ecretary Attest: r Dave Gr&dy, CI i5llan CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION HEARING BOARD ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D.ITHE GOVERNMENT CENTER 21865 Copley Drive AUGUST 26, 2004 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Grundy called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the SCAQMD/Government Center Building Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Torres led the Pledge of Allegiance. 1. ROLL CALL: Present: Chairman Dave Grundy, and Commissioners Ling -Ling Chang, Benny Liang and Marty Torres. Vice Chairman Nancy Lyons was excused Staff: Bob Rose, Director of Community Services; Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance Supervisor; Teresa Arevalo, Senior Management Analyst; Ryan Wright, Recreation Supervisor and Marisa Somenzi, Administrative Assistant. PRESENTATION: 2004 CITY YOUTH BASEBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS - Ryan Wright presented the awards recognizing the team's outstanding efforts in good sportsmanship during the recently concluded youth baseball season. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None Offered. 2.1 Youth Master Plan update - CSD/Rose with VC/Lvons being absent. AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 2 P&R COMMISSION 2.2 Recreation Program Report - RS/Wright RS/Wright responded to C/Torres that out of the 40 registrants about 30-35 participate in adult volleyball on two courts at South Pointe Middle School. Currently there is no other night available for play. 2.3 Diamond Bar Community Foundation Oral Report - C/Chang C/Chang reported that the Foundation offered bylaws changes to the City Council for their consideration. She asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to provide the Foundation with a list of fundable activities. She stated that the Foundation has three funding sectors: Sports and Recreation, Arts and Social and Cultural Diversity and the Foundation wants to fund a band/orchestra shell for the "Concerts in the Park" series through the Arts sector. She also reported that the Foundation's fundraising dinner is slated for November 13, 2004 at the Diamond Bar 2.4 C.I.P. Program Report -CSD/Rose CSD/Rose reported that the Sycamore Phase III ADA project was funded to include the Tot Lot, patio area, etc. It is possible that the portable building would be removed, a decision to be made by the City Council after considering the results of the Youth Master Plan survey. CSD/Rose reported that the City hired a consultant, Jeff Scott, David Evans & Associates to assist staff in moving the CIP projects forward. Projects proposed for completion by June 2005 include the Pantera Park picnic shelters, the Summitridge Park restrooms and Tot Lot, the Sycamore Canyon ADA Phases II & III, the Starshine Park ADA retrofit and the Sycamore Canyon Park trails and trailhead. The final project to be completed is the Diamond Bar Center. He spoke about Greg Norman opening a golf course in Chino Hills. After looking at several facilities, the Greg Norman team decided to rent the Diamond Bar Center for their kickoff celebration and did so for a three day period to include setup and Chair/Grundy was pleased the Sycamore Canyon ADA project was moving forward. He asked if the Diamond Bar Center use fees were increased. CSD/Rose responded that the fees were increased and felt the increase had lead to an increase in demand for use of the upscale facility. 2.5 Library Task Force Update - Chair/Grundy and C/Torres Chair/Grundy reported that the concluding meeting was held in August. The mission of the task force and the reason for its formation was to look at various ways to improve the current library facility in the event the City were unsuccessful in obtaining state grant funds to build a new facility at Summitridge Park. The final report was presented to and accepted by the City Council at its August 17 meeting. He felt the task force was very focused and accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. 2.6 Parks Master Plan - 5 -year update report - CSD/ROSE AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 3 P&R COMMISSION 3. OLD BUSINESS: None 4. NEW BUSINESS: 4.1 Discussion of Batting Cages at Peterson Park - CSD/Rose. Staffs recommendation was to discuss and request staff action as deemed appropriate. Wayne Goodwin, Little League Board, stated he would find people within the organization to help build the cages and perhaps fund the chain link frame fencing. The payment for the netting would be discussed between Little League and the Girl's Softball organization. The Little League would gladly donate one of their pitching machines, if required. C/Torres felt there was a big need for batting cages. How would the City regulate usage? Mr. Goodwin felt the cages would be utilized by girl's softball during in -season time and not much usage by Little Leaguers. It would be open to public use as well. Many cities have public batting cages that are left open for public use. CSD/Rose said he would expect the batting cages to be regulated similarly to athletic facilities use. Leaving the Mr. Goodwin also offered that the Little League could provide additional chain link backstops in corners of very large fields at Pantera and Peterson Parks, for instance. Chair/Grundy thanked Mr. Goodwin for his presentation and said that he felt staff should pursue the feasibility and consider the groups' proposals for assistance. The Commissioners concurred to support the concept and recommended that the organizations present a specific proposal for consideration. 4.2 Discussion of donation offer - Stupa (Pagoda) World -Peace Monument to be located on the westerly parking lot "Meditation Area" adjacent to the Diamond Bar Center - CSD/Rose. Staffs recommendation was to discuss and request staff action as deemed appropriate. CSD/Rose stated that in an effort to adhere to the City's practice of separating church and state matters he asked the City Attorney for advise regarding the issue as it relates to this donation offer. Due to technical difficulties, CA/Jenkins was not able to respond in time for tonight's meeting. Alice Yang, 1215 Stovall Avenue, Hacienda Heights, said she may have mistakenly used the word "Stupa" and should have used the word "Pagoda" instead to describe the monument. If the City Attorney did not approve of the AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 4 P&R COMMISSION religious connotation she said she was willing to modify the monument to a "Washington" monument style that would be more acceptable to the general public. She and her friends were very affected by the events of 9/11 and would like to participate in bringing about world peace through means other than war and that is why she wanted to donate the world peace monument to the City. C/Chang asked if the monument would include inscriptions as indicated. Ms. Yang said she would modify the monument to include local languages. Her only intent was to have the world peace translation of the monument. C/Torres asked if Ms. Yang was determined to place the monument at the Diamond Bar Center location or would she consider another location. Ms. Yang said she would prefer to place the monument at the Diamond Bar Center location because it is a beautiful site but that she would be willing to consider another location if she is advised of an alternative suitable Chair/Grundy appreciated the generous offer and wondered whether it would invite other groups to want to place their symbols. He said he would prefer that a monument, if feasible, would include all groups of individuals. C/Torres felt that extreme consideration should be given to such a public area as the Diamond Bar Center and was not sure any type of monument or symbolism would be acceptable in that particular location. Chair/Grundy acknowledged Ms. Yang's generosity and good intentions and in his opinion, the more open Ms. Yang was to the collective goal of how such a monument could be implemented the more successful it would be. C/Chang thanked Ms. Yang for her generosity and echoed similar concerns about not wanting to impose a religious background to the monument. She asked Ms. Yang if she would be willing to work with the City to create a symbol that was not offensive to any individual or group. Ms. Yang again stated she was open to other considerations. C/Liang thanked Ms. Yang for her proposal. He said he agreed with the other Commissioners and felt it would be advisable for the Commissioners to receive input from the City Attorney before The Commission concurred to continue this matter to the September 23 meeting. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Liang asked if the restroom roof at Maple Hill Park had been fixed. CSD/Rose said it was budgeted and would be completed prior to the rainy season. PMS/Jordan indicated to C/Liang that he discussed the irrigation issue with the adjacent homeowner and believed the hose was removed. AUGUST 26, 2004 PAGE 5 P&R COMMISSION C/Torres was unable to attend any of the "Concerts in the Park" this year but heard great feedback on a successful series. He thanked the City for the program. C/Chang requested that her Commission stipend be donated to the Diamond Bar Community Foundation. CSD/Rose explained that in order to do so, C/Chang must collect the stipend and make her personal donation. Chair/Grundy reported that during the June user group meeting comments were raised about the group policy regarding residents versus non-residents and felt the ad-hoc committee would want to review the matter. The July 4th celebration was excellent, very enjoyable and very well managed. ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by C/Chang, seconded by C/Liang and there being no further business before the Parks & Recreation Commission, Chair/Grundy adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. IV- miffed, r" Bo e, ecretary