2018/07/02 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, July 2, 2018
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date at City Hall,
130 Avram Avenue, City Council Chambers, Rohnert Park, for a special meeting to commence
at 5:30 p.m.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Black at 5:31 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call
Present: Chair Black, Vice-Chair Canterbury, Commissioners Borr and Griffin
Absent: Commissioner Bird
Staff Present Cindy Bagley, Community Services Manager
Item 2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Black.
Item 3. Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting
Community Services Manager Bagley 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—Approval of minutes for Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting on June 4, 2018
Action: Moved/second(Borr/Griffin)to approve the meeting minutes for Special Meeting of
June 4, 2018. Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-1 vote AYES: Black,
Canterbury, Borr, Griffin; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None; ABSENT: Bird
Item 6. Facility and Park Naming Policy and Memorial for Maurice Fredericks
a. Discussion
Manager Bagley made a presentation on development of a facility and parks naming
policy, and more specifically, about plans for a Maurice Fredericks memorial (one of
the co-founders of the City). Several requests have been made recently to name City
parks for individuals, but no policy exists to handle these requests. Currently a draft
policy exists for commemorative benches, plaques, etc., but this policy was never
formally adopted.
Most parks in Rohnert Park are named based on their geographic location to match
the letter of the section they are located in, and staffs preference is to continue with
this practice for residents' convenience. Manager Bagley went on to define what
"significant" contributions were that would justify the naming of a park after an
individual; financial gifts of 49% or more of the cost of the park/facility, public
service of 20 years or more(elected/appointed/volunteer), or someone deceased or
disabled in the line of duty.
Commissioner Borr asked that the policy specify that parks and facilities could be
named after someone either living or deceased (Section 3.1.3). He also asked that
Section 3.1.3.1 articulate more clearly the difference between individuals and
organizations under consideration. Commissioner Borr also asked for clarification of
the timeframe used to estimate a gift of 49% of the operating costs of a facility.
Manager Bagley stated the intended timeframe is the expected life of the
building/facility. Commissioner Borr suggested adding the phrase, "remaining
expected lifetime of the amenity"to the policy. He also suggested changing 49%to
"50% or more," as well as including plaques in buildings to the list of possible
amenities discussed in Section 3.2.
Commissioner Canterbury asked if Twin Creeks Park could be re-named to align with
the existing naming scheme in the City(to a name beginning with a K), and Manager
Bagley explained that there would be an application process, and would be possible in
the future. Commissioner Canterbury also questioned the feasibility of Section 3.2.5
in which those donating an amenity would also be asked to donate funds to cover
future maintenance of it. Manager Bagley answered that a fund would be created
where all of these payments would be held for future use.
Chair Black raised concerns about Section 3.1.3.1.1 and the phrase"capital cost to
operate" as it places an additional burden on staff to estimate said costs, and suggests
a relationship more of an ongoing sponsorship, rather than a one-time donation.
Manager Bagley clarified that the intention was to discuss capital costs of the creation
of the amenity, not the ongoing maintenance costs. Commissioner Borr raised a
concern about the possibility of developers having parks named after them because
the park land they donate is seen as a gift that makes them eligible under this policy.
Manger Bagley clarified that developers own the land until a park is turned over to
the City, making it ineligible for this naming policy. She will clarify this point with
City attorneys. Chair Black also asked that "in celebration of' and "in recognition of'
be added to the list of acceptable plaque phrases in Section 3.2.7. Vice-Chair
Canterbury asked that"or other language subject to Parks and Recreation
Commission approval"be added to Section 3.2.7 to allow more personal expressions.
Doug Fredericks spoke about his father Maurice and expressed appreciation for
consideration in the new policy and would love to have a park named after his father.
Manager Bagley presented her report on the late Maurice Fredericks, detailing his
many accomplishments and contributions to the City of Rohnert Park. She
demonstrated that he more than meets the proposed criteria for having a park or
facility named for him. Of many possible options discussed, staff and the Fredericks
family agreed that naming Gold Ridge Recreation Center or the(now unnamed) new
park in the south east corner of the City after Maurice Fredericks would be
appropriate.
Stephen Fredericks spoke briefly about his father and expressed appreciation for the
Commission's consideration.
The Commission came to agreement being in favor of naming the new park in the
south east corner of town after Maurice Fredericks.
b. Recommendation
Action: Moved/second (Borr/Canterbury) to recommend the Facility and Park Naming Policy
as amended by the changes suggested by Commissioners (an updated version to be
approved by email)be taken to the July 24th City Council Meeting for approval.
Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-1 vote AYES: Black, Canterbury, Borr,
Griffin; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None; ABSENT: Bird
Action: Moved/second(Canterbury/Griffin) to name the new south east park Maurice
Fredericks Park. Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-1 vote AYES: Black,
Canterbury, Borr, Griffin; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None; ABSENT: Bird
Item 7. Matters To and From Commissioners
a. Commission Liaison Reports
Commissioner Borr reported out for the Magical Bridge Sub-Committee that he and
Commissioner Griffin have been doing a great deal of research on inclusive parks. The
logistics of visiting one of these parks were discussed, as were some next steps. More
specific issues will be discussed in detail at the August Commission meeting.
b. Camp Registrations
Manager Bagley informed the Commission that July is Parks and Recreation month in the
state of California. The Community Services Department is proud to report that attendance
at Camp Burton and Teen Camp has doubled compared to last summer.
c. Senior Center
Manager Bagley reported that 568 purple flags were placed outside the Senior Center in
June representing the 568 reported cases of elder abuse in Rohnert Park in 2017. The
Community Voice interviewed Manager Bagley and Senior Center Coordinator Amanda
Foley for an upcoming story about elder abuse. Coordinator Foley is working to add new
programs to the Senior Center(like Sit and Be Fit). A new roof and bathrooms, as well as
refurbishment of many of the rooms is coming soon. Bingo revenues will help pay for
these building improvements.
d. Performing Arts Center—Youth in Arts
The Performing Arts Center Supervisor Sheri Lee Miller will come to present the
Spreckels 2018-2019 season at a Commission meeting in the next few months. A new
membership series will be coming soon to the Performing Arts Center. Youth in Arts is a
program they run producing theatrical productions with local kids in a camp-like
environment. Theater classes will also start this fall, for children and adults. Details will
be in the fall recreation guide, coming out next month.
e. HITS Tennis
Manager Bagley reported on the new kids tennis camp sponsored by USTA. It's very
similar to the Junior Giants program. The Rohnert Park Tennis Club is putting it on in
partnership with Community Services. The camp is free, and begins at the end of July.
During the school year, the program will continue with a small fee.
f. Other Business
Commissioner Canterbury asked what the timeline for bocce ball was, and Manager
Bagley let her know that the project still needs to go out to bid. She will add this to the
August meeting agenda and follow up on the timeline. The artificial turf field at Sunrise
Park is still in the planning and approval phase,but work should start in the next few
months.
Chair Black reported on seeing sports teams using Golis Park who she suspects had not
reserved the fields or paid to use them. Manager Bagley responded that the City has no
formal policy against groups using park space without reservation. She would like to
develop such a policy in the near future.
Manager Bagley reported that the Parks and Facilities Master Plan update was approved
by the City Council.
There being no further business, Chair Black adjourned the regular meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission at 7:00 p.m.
)4Aw01
Bonnie Black, Chair Aidan Humrich, Recording Secretary