2016/08/18 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes (3)PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 18, 2016
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date at Rohnert park
City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, for a regular meeting to commence at 6:0Opm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Borr at 6:02 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call
Present: Chair Borr, Vice-Chair Griffin, Commissioners Bird, Black, Canterbury
Absent: None
Staff Present: Mitch Austin, Community Services Manager
Tom Kelley, General Services Supervisor
Renée Eger, Administrative Assistant
Item2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bon.
Item 3. Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda posting
Community Services Manager Austin acknowledged posting of the regular meeting agenda in
the required public places per Brown Act requirements.
Item 4. Public Comment
None.
Item 5. Approval of Minutes
Action: Moved/Second (Bird/Griffrn) to approve, as amended to include corrections to
Item 6.b. to state Vice-Chair Griffin's request to be on subcommittee. Motion canied by
the following 4-0-l vote: AYES: Borr, Griffin, Bird, canterbury; Nos:None;
ABSTAIN: Black.
Item 6. Parks Update
^. Staff Report
General Services Supervisor Kelley provided the Commission with an overview of
recent City Park improvements. Supervisor Kelley also detailed both planned and in-
progress park improvements that are not yet complete, but will be in the coming
weeks.
b. Review and Discuss
Commissioner Canterbury requested the status on removal of high weeds along paths
at Copeland Creek. Supervisor Kelley advised that the path and surroundin g area
would be addressed in the coming week. Commissioner Black advised she had
attended the Dorotea Park event and extended thanks to General Services crews for
their work in the area. Commissioner Bird requested clarification regarding the
concrete borders being added to fitness trail equipment. Supervisor Kelley advised
Item 7.
il.
b.
Item 8.
a.
b.
they would be created as a mowing strip. Vice-chair Griffin expressed appreciation
for General Services crews and requested clarification if work is done in conjunction
with Sonoma county water Agency. Supervisor Kelley advised that work is
communicated and coordinated.
Summer Program Review
Staff Report
Community Services Manager Austin provided the Commission with a summary
review of summer program registration and overview. Highlights include: Aquatics
program had a lower registration cost and increased participation which led to
substantial increased registration and a net increase in revenue; Camps had several
new programs including extended care, LEGO camp, and gymnastics saw an
increase.
Review and Discuss
Vice-Chair Griffrn asked whether the Myles Ahead program was included; Manager
Austin advised the program was not included. Commissioner Bird asked how the
l2Yo increase in swimming participation affected the bottom line. Manager Austin
advised he did not have those numbers readily available. Commissioner Black
commented that the increase in participation improves the community with the
benefit of increased water safety. Commissioner Canterbury asked whether the
summary numbers factor in costs of the program. Manager Austin responded that
direct costs are covered and an improved analysis would be provided with the coming
Community Benefit Methodology. Chair Borr advised that many line items show
increases and asked whether the difference between the \Yo increase in participation
arÅ3%o increase in revenue are not at the same rate due to cost. Manager Austin
agreed and advised that 110 participant increase was in Aquatics which ûopped2}Yo
in registration fee.
Youth Advisory Work Plan
Staff Report
Community Services Manager Austin requested the Commission consider need,
structure, scope, and vision regarding a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) in order
to begin development of a work plan.
Review and Discuss
The Commission discussed development of a work plan during a workshop setting
with all Commissioners prior to the Commission's Regular September 2016 meeting.
Future creation of a focused subcommittee might be helpful. Chair Borr stated that
the need for YAC was evidenced in the Master Plan update and contribution towards
youth activities and events aimed to engage youth requires both energy and funding.
Manager Austin suggested that an annual Youth Summit to collaborate with similar
service groups might be one way to start the process. Commissioners discussed
collaborating with Rotary that already engages youth through Interact, previous
Friday night events at the Community Center with food provided things to do, an
open facility or center, asking youth what their needs are, reaching kids that aren't
already involved, and start with high schools and possibly junior high schools. The
Commission requested having a Parks and Recreation Commission Workshop and
inviting members from Rotary to attend to determine next steps. Chair Borr stated he
would contact Rotary regarding their youth programs and involvement and report
back to the Commission.
Item 9. Cultural Arts Scope of Responsibilities Overview
This item was deferred to the September Regular Meeting Agenda.
Item 10. Parks and Recreation 2016 Agenda plan Review
Commissioners reviewed the updated 2016 Agenda Plan presented. Chair Borr asked whether
Bylaws for the Commission are curent. Manager Austin advised they are part of the Ordinance
but are not a separate document. The Commission determined that the discussion of Bylaws
should be included in the retreat agenda, likely to occur in January.
Item 11. Matters tolfrom Commissioners
^. Fall Aquatics Schedule
Manager Austin advised that Benicia Pool will remain open on weekends and
summer staff is continuing into fall.
b. Community Center Parking Lot Repaving
Manager Austin advised the repaving at the Community Center will start next week,
split in half. A planned power outage will affect the Sports Center and the
Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday the 24rh.Thepoint of contact
for staff during the outage will be the Senior Center.
Community Services Manager Austin announced his last day with the City of Rohnert park will
be September 6th; recruitment for Community Services Manager has gone out and Nelle Herman
will be the interim Community Services Manager. Chair Borr and the Commission extended
appreciation and good luck to Manager Austin commending him for his service and
contributions as an engaged leader.
c. Commissioner Liaison Reports
Commissioner Canterbury asked whether Honeybee Pool was always "no public
swim." Manager Austin advised participation in August is always down and Benicia
Pool is designed as recreation pool whereas Honeybee Pool is more for competitive
usage.
Commissioner Black advised she had attended the ribbon cutting event and
presentation at Dorotea Park and the recent dog agility event on the fields at the
community center and extended appreciation for the volunteers.
commissioner Bird commented on the 3"x12" benches along the creek.
Vice-Chair Griffin advised the Bicycle Advisory Committee meets on Monday;
requested whether there was an update on the Gold Ridge garden. Manager Austin
stated there is no plan at this time.
Chair Borr stated he enjoyed working with Manager Austin during his time with the
Commission.
Item 11. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Bon adjourned the regular meeting of the parks and
Recreation Commissio n at 7 :20 p.m.
Chair