2015/07/06 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes (3)PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday July 6, 2015
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date at Rohnert Park
Community Center, 5401 Snyder Ln, Rohnert Park, for a special meeting to commence at 6:OOpm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bird 6:04 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call:
Present: Chair Bird, Vice Chair Griffin, Commissioners Black, Borr, Canterbury
Absent: None
Staff Present: Mitch Austin, Community Services Manager
Kimberly Roberts, Part -Time Administrative Assistant
Item 2. Pledge of Allegiance:
This item was skipped due to lack of flag.
Item 3. Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting:
Community Services Manager Austin acknowledged posting of the special meeting agenda in the
required public places per Brown Act requirements.
Item 4. Public Comment:
None.
Item 5. Parks Audit Tour Scope and Schedule:
a. Staff Report
Manager Austin submitted a revised Park Audit Tour schedule. The next tour is set for
Thursday July 30, 2015 with a start time of 4:OOpm. Manager Austin suggested the
Commissioners visit the mini parks at their leisure and the Commission as a collective will
focus on the larger parks. This will ensure all parks are audited in a timely manner. Manager
Austin also presented a draft spreadsheet consisting of a compilation of the Commissioners'
comments regarding the Park Audit Tour.
b. Discussion
The Commissioners expressed interest in booking another Park Audit Tour in addition to the
one scheduled on July 30, 2015. It was decided that Benicia Park, Colegio Vista Park, and
Caterpillar Park would be visited on Tuesday July 21, 2015. Dorotea, Eagle, Honeybee, and
Golis Park are scheduled to be visited on Thursday July 30, 2015. Sunrise, Ladybug, and Alicia
Parks are scheduled to be visited on Tuesday August 8, 2015. Staff will e-mail and/or mail out
the checklist paperwork so the Commissioners can complete the forms for the mini parks at
their leisure.
Item 6. Possible Grant Projects:
a. Staff Report
Manager Austin explained that Graton Rancheria and EcoMedia would like to do another grant
to the City of Rohnert Park. There are a few departments where the grant could go. The
potential grant will be in the amount of $80,000 to $90,000. EcoMedia has asked for a list of
potential items this grant could be used for in the areas of parks in Rohnert Park.
b. Discussion
Manager Austin presented a list of four potential uses for the grant that City staff came up with:
1.) Alicia Park pool area
2.) Resurface the basketball and tennis courts at Rainbow and Honeybee Parks
3.) A shade/picnic/climbing structure at Magnolia Pool
4.) Bocce courts
The Commissioners discussed these options and added more of their own:
5.) Volleyball court(s)
6.) Horseshoe pit(s)
7.) Par Course
8.) Pump Track (obstacle course for bikes)
9.) Skate Park/Skate Spot
10.) Standardized garbage and recycling cans
11.) Park Restroom renovations/reopening
After more discussion, it was decided that items 2, 10, and 11, are more maintenance related
and not necessarily the best use of potential grant funds. General consensus was bocce and
pump track were priority amenities for parks. Commissioner Canterbury commented that the
City parks lack diversity. There really isn't much for an individual to do if they don't
participate in basketball, baseball/softball, or soccer. Commissioner Black echoed this
comment by noting that the parks are geared to benefit organized youth sports, but there isn't
much for other groups, such as seniors, to do. Commissioner Canterbury suggested divvying
new amenities, i.e. adding horseshoe pits or bocce courts in two parks versus just one park.
Item 7. Matters to/from Commissioners
a. Facility and Parks Updates
Manager Austin shared some updates on City Facilities. Due to some work on water main lines,
the water was shut off to Sunrise, Rainbow, Magnolia, and Dorotea parks. The water should be
turned back on midweek. Magnolia Pool was having an issue with excessive calcium deposits
on the pool floor. The calcium deposits were rough and caused minor cuts to people's feet. A
new pool vacuum has been purchased and staff is vacuuming regularly to help mitigate this
issue. Manager Austin also updated the Commission that the City Manager is looking into
rescheduling the joint meeting between the Parks and Recreation Commission and City
Council.
Commissioner Griffin informed the Commission that there is a group of concerned citizens that
would like to come forward to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the floor
remodel at the Senior Center. Manager Austin will confirm if this is concern is best brought
before the Parks and Recreation Commission or City Council.
Manager Austin also shared that the Community Services Department is hiring more staff.
Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Bird adjourned the special meeting of the Parks
and Recreation C mmissioi) at 7:03 p.m.
Michael Bird, Cha Kimberly Roberts, Recording Secretary