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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/27/2006 PRC Minutes1 1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION HEARING BOARD ROOM OF S.C.A.Q.M.D./THE GOVERNMENT CENTER 21865 Copley Drive J U LY 27, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Owens 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 Low led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Lew Herndon, Benny Liang, Ruth Low and Vice Chairman Ted Owens. Absent: Chairman Dave Grundy was excused. Staff Present: Bob Rose, Director of Community Services; Nancy Fong Community Development Director; Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent; Sara Somogyi West, Recreation Services Manager, and Marisa Somenzi, Senior Administrative Assistant. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None Offered. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: As Listed in the Agenda and reported by CSD/Rose. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR 1.1.1 Approval of Minutes for June 22, 2006 Regular Meeting. 1.1.2 Transmittal of Sports Complex Task Force Final Report to Commissioners— Adopted by the City Council on May 18, 2004. 1.1.3 Transmittal of updated Organization Spread Sheet from User Group Meeting for period of August 1 through December 31, 2006. C/Low moved, C/Herndon seconded to approve the Consent Calendar with C/Liang abstaining from approval of Consent Calendar Item 1.1.1. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Herndon, Liang, Low, VC/Owens None Chair/Grundy JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 2 P&R COMMISSION 2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.1 Recreation Program Report — MS/Somogyi West CSD/Rose responded to C/Lo h s t he du'eved the cost e to rental costsrforethel high celebration was slightly higheryear school stadium. However, it is possible that the sheriffs cost will be less than in previous years. The City intends to hold future celebrations at DBHS. C/Low suggested that lighting be installed in the gate area between the field and the parking lot. VC/Owens suggested the City ask the school district for a discount on the cost of using the facility and CSD/Rose said that although it was a good suggestion it was not likely to happen. 2.2 Diamond Bar Community Foundation Oral Report. CSD/Rose reported that the Foundation offered a $2000 donation to cover the cost of promotion banners for the Sunday at the Center Art Show on November 19, 2006. The matter will be considered for acceptance at the August 1 City Council meeting. 2.3 DB 4 Youth Report. CSD/Rose reported that the DB 4 Youth would participate in the Diamond Bar Day at the Los Angeles County Fair on Thursday, September 14. The middle school dance will be held on Friday, November 3 at the Diamond Bar Center. 2.4 Parks Report. PMS/Jordan reported on maintenance and repairs at the City's parks. C/Herndon stated that there was graffiti where the stream goes under the field in the gate area to the left of the wooden bulkhead at Sycamore Canyon Park. He asked about the City's plans for the slope damage in the Summitridge area. CSD/Rose responded that staff received the final remediation plans from Group Delta. As soon as the City's Building Official signs off the project will go out to bid with construction to take place prior to commencement of the rainy season. C/Herndon asked what kind of fix was planned and CSD/Rose responded that it involved taking away dirt and packing it back on at a cost of about $390,000 for the four areas. Most of the remediation cost will be borne by FEMA because it was declared a disaster area. C/Herendno d ahe if additional slope would b anage e repabe cked and ded and CSD/Rose respond , that landscaped as previously existed. PMS/Jordan responded to C/Liang that he had not received reports of JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 3 P&R COMMISSION unusual or increased snake activity in the parks. 2.5 CIP Program Report a. Sycamore Canyon Park ADA Retrofit — Phase III — CSD/Rose reported that replacement of the retaining wall and two tot lots is out to bid with bids due August 22 and construction slated to commence in the fall. 2.6 Lorbeer Middle School Agreement with PUSD. CSD/Rose stated that on July 18 the City Council approved the agreement and on July 25 the PUSD approved the agreement for Lorbeer Middle School field. Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance will commence upgraded maintenance similar to what is being done at Pantera Park. Once the irrigation system is working properly the field will be aerated, reseeded and fenced. At some point the middle field will be refurbished and if funding is available the upper field will be done. The agreement also allows user groups to use rest:rooms at Lorbeer Middle School. In addition, a staff member will be available to control the area and make certain that vehicles are not driven onto the fields. C/Herndon congratulated staff on a successful resolution in a long and detailed negotiation. 2.7 Larkstone Park Presentation CSD/Reported on the proposed Larkstone Park design plans. C/Herndon said he would like to see the two areas jointed together in some way such as steps similar to the steps at Sycamore Canyon Park that go up to Diamond Bar Boulevard and wondered if it would create a problem for handicapped access. Kurt Nelson, JCCL„ South Point West, talk about the proposed project and the purchase of the+ property and project will ultimately assist in fulfilling the school district's promise to the City. The site is challenging and suffered a significant landslide in 1995. The reason for the substantial grade separation is due in large part to the substantial grading necessary to stabilize the upper Ipad. He was not sure how to respond to the proposal to join the two properties and said he would have to discuss the matter with his engineers. Further, there may be some conflicts with respect to the Americans with Disability Act. Larry Ryan, RJM Landscape Architects explained the proposed project and talked about the significant challenges the current codes. From a pro -active standpoint the project should encourage equal opportunity play opportunities within the same environment. He felt there was an opportunity to incorporate a nice play environment at the upper pad area complete with a picnic area and restroom facilities with parking at both locations. He handed out exhibits showing existing parks in other communities that provided possible scenarios for the lower pad. JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 4 P&R COMMISSION C/Herndon asked if any of the City's parks are used for weddings and CSD/Rose said that the only area is at the Diamond Bar Center. C/Herndon felt the proposed park area could be a good area for weddings. MS/Somogyi West responded to C/Herndon that Mt. SAC provides a weekly gardening class to D.B. Seniors. C/Low said she loved the concept of a passive park for D.B. She liked bench seating for small groups and felt the design presented encouraged individuals to be friendly, would give them a sense of tranquility and intimacy and allow them to express happiness. She liked the designs and particularly liked the low walls with seating that included natural elements. She agreed with C/Herndon that there should be steps/connectivity if possible between the lower and upper levels to offer a sense of adventure. She referred to Lacy Park in San Marino that has areas of grass and walkways for bicycling and walking. She asked Kurt Nelson where he intended to place a piece of art in the park. Mr. Nelson said he needed additional input regarding the type of piece and where it should be located within the design — perhaps a piece of sculpture in a contemplative area. C/Low said she noticed work in tot lots that included art imbedded in walkways. Mr. Nelson said he would consider the suggestion. C/Liang asked if the design could include a water pond in the garden area. Mr. Nelson said that because of liability concerns he has had to eliminate very shallow fountains at project entryways. In addition, cities have concerns about water features attracting mosquitoes and West Nile virus and ultimately, additional maintenance. VC/Owens said he would like to see nice entryways into both the upper and lower levels; access between the lower and upper sites; concerns about the picnic area and only six parking spaces. CSD/Rose said he viewed the lower area as a very low-key area and the upper area being a more active area. VC/Owens agreed with C/Herndon that he believed the lower area would be conducive to weddings but felt there was inadequate parking. Mr. Nelson stated that the earliest the project would be before the City Council in December or January and could be delayed beyond that time. Assuming approval of a Tentative Map for the project the developer has six months to record the final map, process grading plans, etc. and it would most likely be a year before groundbreaking. CSD/Rose explained that Los Angeles County quit claimed 2.87 acres that are now used for South Point Middle School tennis courts. Because the use was other than park use it violates the grant deed and there has to be replacement land and the land being purchased by JCCL from WVUSD includes the deeding of the land that comes to the City as part of this turnkey park development. LA County has review responsibility for the park site and the land to make sure that it meets their criteria and that the drainage system will function properly for year-round use. JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 5 P&R COMMISSION Mr. Nelson responded to C/Low that public hearings would be held. CDD/Fong stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for approving the park design. The Planning Commission's responsibility is to approve the land use for the park. She further stated that a condition could be placed on the project that prior to final map approval, the Parks and Recreation Commission would approve the specific design of the park. C/Herndon said he: was concerned about the drainage and slope failure issues. Mr. Ryan explained that the buttress fill would be compacted to 90 percent to support the old landslide that occurred upslope from the site. C/Herndon said he was concerned about the excessive amount of runoff to the lower area and hoped there would be adequate drainage. CSD/Rose and CDD/Fong assured C/Herndon that there would be adequate drainage in the form of bench drains that would deliver the water offsite. 2.8 Lot Adjacent to Pantera Park CSD/Rose stated that a review of the pad above Pantera Park revealed that the City owns considerably more land than reported to the Sports Complex Task Force. What was originally thought to be a 35 -acre site is actually an 80 -acre City -owned site that covers land from Summitridge Drive past Pantera Park. Staff spoke with Jeff Scott of David Evans & Associates who devised a schematic depicting a facility occupying about 18 acres of the site with access from the secondary entrance to Pantera Park. The schematic also includes four soccer fields, an Aquatics Park with two parking lots and a tot lot with restroom and concession area in the middle. The estimated cost for grading is $10 million to 18 million with construction. Since the City owns the property there may be some grant funds available. Staff forwarded the information to the City Council for their information. The engineer believes that this site offers a better opportunity for a sports complex than other sites currently under consideration. C/Herndon wondered if it was feasible to get a developer to cooperate on a joint venture. CSD/Rose responded that David Evans & Associates did not offer that as an option for this site, only for Lots 1 and 61 because of the visibility opportunities. C/Herndon was suggesting that a portion of the property could be used for residential building if the developer could be persuaded to cooperate on the building of the sports complex. CDD/Fong responded to C/Herndon that she believed the property was zoned open space and included a deed restriction that would have to be changed by General Plan amendment. JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 6 P&R COMMISSION 2.9 2007 CPRS Conference in Sacramento CSD/RoseMarch 8 through h at the City intends to register all of the commissioners for the 10 2007 CPRS Conference and needs to know what Commissioners would not be available to attend. 3. OLD BUSINESS: 3.1 REVIEW OF DIAMOND BAR CENTER FACILITY USE POLICY. a) Revise candle permit process for DBC — Section Vlll, Number 4, Page 16). b) Revise Deposit verbiage for Sycamore, Oak, Willow, Pine and Maple Rooms use — Section VI, Number 2, Letter B, Items i and ii (Pg 10). c) Add "consecutive" to maximum hours of alcohol use — Section VIII, Number 1, Letter J (Pg. 15). d) Revise where animals are allowed at Diamond Bar Center and adjacent park — Section Vlll, Number 5 (Pg 16). e) Clarify cleanup responsibilities — Section VIII, Number 14 (Pg. 17). f) Revise Refund Policy to reduce amount of notice required for Sycamore, Oak, Willow, Pine and Maple Rooms — Section VI, Number 2, Letter C, Items I and ii (Pg. 10 and 11). RSM/Somogyi West reported that staff reviewed the Commission's recommendations and changed the policy wording accordingly. Staff recommends that the Commission review the changes and recommend approval to the City Council. C/Herndon moved, C/Low seconded to accept staff's recommendation with the addition of the name of the park under Section Vlll, Number 5 on Page 16. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 ART IN PUBLIC PLACES: CDD/Fong presented the concept of an Art in Public Places program to the City Council on July 18, 2006. Several months ago the Planning Commission directed staff to research other cities with such programs and present its findings to the Commission. Staff's report to the Planning Commission was included in tonight's packet. CDD/Fong said that the Planning Commission forwarded its findings to the City Council and City Council directed staff to present its findings to the Parks and Recreation Commissioners for their input. Council was concerned about the definition of "art," and where the art would be placed (public park, landscape median, within private property). For example, if Target were to provide a piece of art it would be on private property, privately owned and privately maintained. If the City wished to place the art only in public places, what areas would be designated? If the artwork were placed in a park for example, where would it JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 7 P&R COMMISSION be located within the park? And, who would maintain the art piece? How would the City procure art pieces? And, would the City acquire such pieces through donations From foundations and companies or require developers and business to pay for and maintain the art pieces. Other matters of consideration would include the value of the art pieces and whether to include items of lower quality and value and how it would affect the overall program. CDD/Fong read from the City of Oakland goals for their art program. She said she would provide a list of some of the goals for the Commission's consideration. C/Herndon asked if the Commission should plan a study session to discuss this item. C/Low thought it would be a good idea to include Commissioners and other individuals who were interested in the concept. She said she was unclear and frustrated about where the City was going with this. CDD/Fong stated that staff could compile a conceptual program for presentation to the Commission and upon consideration, could be forwarded to the City Council, CDD/Fong said that she would need to discuss the possibility of a General Plan amendment and Development Code amendment for specific design criteria with the Planning Commission. CDD/Fong responded to VC/Owens that the Planning Commission favors the art in public places program. In order to implement such a program the Planning Commission would have to create provisions within the code that would allow for such a program. The current code language "encourages, promotes and recommends" and the language would have to be specific and forceful in order for staff to be able to require a developer to provide the art pieces. C/Herndon noted that some cities impose developer fees for art in public places and wanted to know whether it was for the private sector as well as the public sector. CDD/Fong said that in Brea it was for both the private and public sector. Brea requires one percent of the development costs be allocated toward art and there is a ceiling on the dollar amount. Brea places art on private property as well as in public parks. Brea has a five -person art commission that includes two art dealers and they review the design, placement and location of the artwork. VC/Owens asked if it was possible to hold a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the matter and CDD/Fong responded in the affirmative. She also suggested forming a subcommittee comprised of two Planning Commissioners and two Parks and Recreation Commissioners. C/Low felt that the power of a governing body in a municipality la with its 9 9 Y p Y Y entitlements and what it gets from a developer and what drives a developer is their ability to make money. In her opinion there would have to be interplay between the two entities wherein if the City were offering something desirable the developer will pay because it is desirable and the developerwill JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 8 P&R COMMISSION make money from it. It requires fortitude to implement such a plan. CDD/Fong believes it is important that the Council buy -in to the program believing that art is good for the City. Perhaps the subcommittee should first look at the goals and purposes for the City having public art. C/Low said she did not see art pieces limited to public parks because in her opinion, a public place is anywhere the public has access and should not be limited to public parks. C/Herndon asked if staff could bring its recommendations to the subcommittee based on what other cities have found to be successful. C/Herndon and C/Low volunteered to serve on the subcommittee as representatives of the Parks and Recreation Commission. C/Low moved, C/Herndon seconded to appoint C/Herndon and C/Low to serve on the "Art in Public Places" subcommittee with direction to staff to procure two volunteers/appointees from the Planning Commission to also serve on the subcommittee. Once the Planning Commission subcommittee members are determined staff will schedule a subcommittee meeting and present a proposal for consideration and recommendation to the respective Commissions for adoption and recommendation to the City Council. Without objection, the motion was so ordered. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Low thanked staff and especially CDD/Fong for their presentations. She complimented staff on the marvelous Concerts in the Park series. She felt very fortunate to be able to attend and had a great time every Wednesday. The music is fabulous and the location is great. It is a wonderful free service that the community provides for its residents. She suggested that next year the City incorporate a "Movie Night at the Park." C/Herndon said he too had attended the Concerts in the Park and enjoyed them greatly. Staff does a great job and the community responds favorably. He said he noticed while driving through other cities that several have art in their entry areas that often include a billboard/sign announcing various activities in the city and he felt it would be great for D.B. to develop this type of entry reader board. CSD/Rose stated that just prior to leaving the City CM/Lowry was beginning an effort toward "branding" to create an entry statement for the City and the City has hired a consultant to assist in the process. VC/Owens concurred with his colleagues about the Concerts in the Park program, a very positive program that brings the community together in a fun -filled atmosphere and having food concessions available at that time of the evening is a bonus. JULY 27, 2006 PAGE 9 P&R COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT: Upon motion by C/Herndon seconded by C/Liang and with no further business before the Parks & Recreation Commission, VC/Owens adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Attest: ed Owens, Vice Chairman J 1 bmitted, se,'Secretary