1996/02/06 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council
and
Parks and Recreation Commission
Joint Meeting Minutes
February 6, 1996
The Council of the City of Rohnert Park and the Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation
Commission held a joint meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 1996 at 6:00 p.m. at the
Dynasty Restaurant located at 6555 Hunter Drive, Rohnert Park, CA.
Mayor Armando Flores and Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Elizabeth
Desmond jointly called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Councilmembers present: (4) Eck, Reilly, Spiro, Mayor Flores
Absent: (1) Councilwoman Gallagher
Commissioners present: (4) Allred, Plaisted, Stevens, Chair Desmond
Absent: (1) Commissioner Griffin
Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Netter and
Recreation Director Pekkain.
Public Comment - Mayor Flores inquired if anyone from the public desired to speak.
There being none, Mayor Flores proceeded with the items for discussion.
Review of Community Swim Center - There was extensive discussion by the
Councilmembers and Commissioners on the 50 meter swim center proposal period and
considered the issues of an indoor versus an outdoor facility, smaller pool, location, etc. It
was the general consensus that the Parks and Recreation Commission should be looking at
a scaled -down version that was orginally proposed.
A general discussion included re- thinking of the prioritization of the capital projects with
an emphasis on what project would meet the needs of Rohnert Park. Extensive discussion
continued on the actual location for a proposed swim center, i.e. the Community Center
site, high school site, joint program with Sonoma State University, or possibly using the
Creekside Middle School site.
It was the consensus of the Council that the Parks and Recreation Commission should be
looking at various alternatives with readjustments to the proposal considering the funding
options. On the issue of funding a consultant to prepare an evaluation of this matter, the
City Council indicated this should be discussed in further detail at the upcoming 1996 -97
budget work sessions.
Recreation Facilities Priority List - City Manager Netter distributed the Recreation
Department's priority list that was previously approved by the City Council. There was
general discussion regarding the list, including a proposed skateboard park. City Manager
Netter indicated that recently the City's insurance carrier, REMIF, is re- evaluating the
insurance requirements for a skateboard park. We should have additional information in
April or May of this year. It was the consensus of the Council for the Parks and
Recreation Commission to re- evaluate the priorities list and make adjustments that may be
necessary to be presented during the 1996 -97 budget sessions.
Free Friday Night Program - An open discussion commenced on this program with
Recreation Director Jim Pekkain commenting that volunteers are becoming an issue. He
is in the process of developing a stronger outreach program for volunteers which will
include the original Board of Directors. Recreation Director Pekkain indicated that the
program has been tremendously successful but there is a great need in the development of
more programming for the youth. He also indicated there has been minor vandalism
around the site and additional volunteers are necessary as well as more periodic security
patrols, especially during the times when the program lets out.
How the quality of life is affected by recreational programs - There was a general
discussion by various members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City
Councilmembers on funding priorities as they relate in a global sense to recreational
programs versus other programs in Public Safety, Public Works, and other City
departments. City Manager Netter briefly explained the budgeting process and the nature
of the difficulties the City has had over the past three years. He indicated that reserves are
slowly being depleted with next year being another difficult year. Discussion continued on
the benefits of developing positive programs for youth which would reduce the cost of
policing and other enforcement issues.
Other matters for discussion - Councilmember Spiro brought up the Teen and Youth
Center concept and desired to see something completed in a cooperative mannger. She
indicated that the Sonoma County Associates for Youth Development (SCAYD) will be
constructing a Center on the Mountain Shadows Middle School site. It was her hope that
either through this partnership or through another means a Teen/Youth Center could be
completed. There was also discussion concerning the Southwest Boulevard facility with
the desire to convert the entire facility to the Boys and Girls Club. Some of the
Commissioners had concerns about developing programs for the teenagers without askinig
what they actually want.
There was general discussion concerning various other matters related to the Recreation
Department.
Adjournment - There being nothing further to report, Mayor Flores and Chairperson
Desmond adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m.
City Manager /Clerk
JDN:lr
2
Mayor