2015/05/21 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes (3)PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday May 21, 2015
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 6:00pm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bird at 6:00 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call:
Present: Chair Bird, Vice -Chair Griffin, Commissioners Black, Borr
Absent: None
Staff Present: Mitch Austin, Community Services Manager
Tom Kelley, General Services Supervisor
Kimberly Roberts, Part -Time Administrative Assistant
Item 2. Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Bird
Item 3. Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting:
Community Services Manager Austin acknowledged posting of the regular meeting agenda the
required public places per Brown Act requirements.
Item 4. Public Comment:
None.
Item 5. Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Black noted near the end of the minutes that instead of "Chair Bird", the minutes state
"Chair Black", which is incorrect.
Action: With this change, moved/second (Black/Borr) to approve the April 16, 2015 regular meeting
minutes. Motion carried by the following 4-0-0 vote: AYES: Bird, Black, Borr, Griffin, NOS: None,
ABSENT: None
Item 6. Parks Update:
a. Staff Report
Supervisor Kelley came forward and presented a report on improvement updates in various
City parks: A new picnic area was added in Eagle Park that includes five picnic tables and two
grills. At Santa Dorotea Park the basketball courts have been sanded and resealed. Tennis nets
have been replaced at Golis Park. The softball fields at Magnolia and Sunrise parks were fixed
DRAFT
up in time for the summer. There is new signage regarding reclaimed water in parks. The City
is watering parks 2-3 times a week.
b. Discussion
Commissioner Griffin asked about how often the golf course is being watered. Supervisor
Kelley wasn't certain, but said it was more than twice a week. Commissioner Borr commented
that the new bar-b-que and picnic area at Eagle Park looks great and he has seen several
members of the public utilizing it. Commissioner Black asked for clarification which parks are
using potable water and which parks aren't. Supervisor Kelley said G, H, and L Parks are all on
potable water. The mini parks are currently not on reclaimed water, but the goal is to convert
the mini parks into drought resistant areas.
Item 7. Parks Audit Tour Scope and Schedule
a. Staff Report
Manager Austin referenced that per the workshop meeting on April 3, 2015, the Commission
would like to do a Park Audit tour. He presented a draft schedule for the tour. The vision is to
visit between six and seven parks at a time during a 1-1.5 hour period. The first projected set of
visits is tentatively set for the week of June 22, 2015, the second in July, and the third and final
set of visits the week of September 21, 2015.
b. Discussion
Several Commissioners have a conflict the week of September 21, 2015, so that will need to be
rescheduled. Manager Austin confirmed that the Commissioners will have a check list/form to
take notes as they visit the parks. The tour schedule will be revised and brought to each meeting
along with reports from Commissioners about the tour at Commission meetings.
Item 8. Review 2015 Agenda Plan:
a. Staff Report
Manager Austin presented the most recent draft agenda plan and noted some changes.
Memorials in Parks will not be discussed in June and be moved to another month. Instead, staff
will report on the budget process.
b. Discussion and Provide Feedback
Chair Bird asked if the joint meeting with City Council has been rescheduled yet. Manager
Austin confirmed that the joint meeting has not been rescheduled yet. Commissioner Borr
asked for clarification of when the joint meeting occurs, if the Commission will have its
regularly scheduled meeting as well that month. Manager Austin confirmed the Commission is
welcome to cancel their regularly scheduled meeting or hold both meetings, whatever they
prefer.
Item 9. Committee Reports:
a. Senior Center Committee
Commissioner Black reported on the most recent Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
meeting which met on 5/21/15. The Meals on Wheels program at the Senior Center is doing
very well and is the largest program in the county. There were also two programs recently that
assisted the public with income tax help and preparation. The biggest topic of discussion was
DRAFT
the new Coffee Bar. Unlimited refills with the current suggested donation price of $0.50 are
resulting in higher coffee use than anticipated. After discussion, it was decided to change the
suggested donation of $0.50 into a fee of $0.50 and limit the refills to one free refill. Other
highlights from the meeting are the Activity Room chairs, tables, and floors at the Senior
Center will be replaced. There were some samples of the potential new flooring and chairs for
review at the meeting. The Commission also welcomed three new Commissioners.
b. Bicycle Advisory Committee
No report, the Committee hasn't met.
Item 10. Matters to/from Commissioners:
a. Facility Improvement Projects, Sports Center, Benicia Pool, Senior Center
Manager Austin presented an update on various construction projects. Construction on Benicia
Pool has begun and is going well. There will be changes to the Sports Center locker room
project. The restrooms will not be renovated and there will not be any portable showers or
restrooms available during construction.
Chair Bird asked if there has been an issue with the general public using the Sports Center
restrooms. Manager Austin explained that there have been issues with people misusing the
restrooms and sneaking into the facility.
b. Foundation Status Update
Manager Austin was able to connect with Senior Analyst for the City Bryce Atkins to discuss
the Rohnert Park Foundation. The Foundation has been established and it can take donations, a
board has been appointed, but they are still working on bylaws for the funds.
c. Budget Workshop Update
Manager Austin shared some information from the City Council budget meeting that occurred
on May 12, 2015. The Council has given preliminary approval for a new heater and filter for
Honeybee Pool and the opening of restrooms in three of the City's parks. A full time
Community Services Supervisor for the Sports Center was also approved. Final budget
decisions will be made at the June 9th City Council meeting.
Commissioner Black asked if there have been any updates on the community garden project at Gold
Ridge Recreation Area. Manager Austin share that the City is still working on an agreement and some
other options with the group.
Commissioner Griffin shared that he's been following the "A Park Angels", a group of concerned
citizens that want to renovate Alicia Park. He shared that Public Works has been working with the
group on some improvements at Alicia Park and the park is looking better. The group is looking for
volunteers and he encourages his fellow Commissioners to sign-up.
Chair Bird would like to add signage for Dorotea Park to the Park Audit list.
Commissioner Griffin informed the Commission that Senate Bill 192, the mandatory helmet bill, has
been amended due to several complaints from the public.
Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Bird adjourned the regular meeting of the Parks
and Recreation Commission at 6:51 p.m.
DRAFT
A�
Michael Bird, air
Kimberly Roberts, Recording Secretary