2017/11/08 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date at the
Community Center Lounge, 5401 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, for a special meeting to
commence at 5:00 p.m.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Griffin at 5:06 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call
Present: Chair Griffin, Vice -Chair Black, Commissioners Borr, Canterbury
Absent: Commissioner Bird
Staff Present: John McArthur, Director of Public Works and Community Services
Cindy Bagley, Community Services Manager
Angela Beran, Public Works Management Analyst
Aidan Humrich, Community Services Senior Administrative Assistant
Item 2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Griffin.
Item 3. Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting
The notice for this special meeting was legally noticed on November 61h
Item 4. Public Comment
None.
Item 5. Approval of Minutes — Approval of minutes for Parks and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting October 23, 2017.
Action: Moved/second (Black/Canterbury) to approve the meeting minutes for Special Meeting
of October 23, 2017. Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-1 vote AYES: Griffin,
Black, Borr, Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None; ABSENT: Bird.
Item 6. Golis and Rainbow Parks
a. Staff Report
Manager Bagley presented the results of public comment at Golis and Rainbow
Parks, as well as the online survey results. Unfortunately, the in-person and online
surveys yielded opposing results. One concern with the online survey is that there is
no way to verify the person's age, residency, or if someone voted multiple times.
There was only a small turnout at the parks for public comment, but, after some
deliberation, it was decided to weigh these votes and opinions heavier than the online
survey input.
b. Discussion and Direction
After a brief discussion is was decided that the play structure with the shade awning
would be the most versatile for Rainbow Park, and the Train and "Dr. Suess" themed
play structures would be best for the two play areas in Golis Park. Manager Bagley
advised that these recommendations will be presented to the City Council at their
November 28"' meeting, so that an order can be placed with GameTime for a
December 31" delivery date.
Action: Moved/second (Borr/Canterbury) to recommend the purchase of the Train themed
playground for the Golis 2-5 year old tot lot. Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-
1 vote AYES: Griffin, Black, Borr, Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None;
ABSENT: Bird.
Action: Moved/second (Borr/Black) to recommend the purchase of the "Dr. Seuss" themed play
structure for the Golis 5-12 year old playground. Motion carried with the following 4-
0-0-1 vote AYES: Griffin, Black, Borr, Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None;
ABSENT: Bird.
Action: Moved/second (Borr/Canterbury) to recommend the purchase of the shaded play
structure for Rainbow Park. Motion carried with the following 4-0-0-1 vote AYES:
Griffin, Black, Borr, Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSTAINS: None; ABSENT: Bird.
Item 7. Skate Park
a. Staff Report
Director McArthur presented an analysis of possible construction types and locations
for a Rohnert Park skate park. The first option is a cast in place concrete park, which
is the most expensive to build ($750K -$1.2M), but would be most durable and require
the least maintenance. The second option would be pre -fabricated and modular, made
of metal, wood, plastic and concrete. This option is less expensive and more flexible,
as you can change the position and type of ramps over time. The downsides are a
shorter lifespan with higher maintenance costs, as well as sound concerns (hollow
structures make them noisy for nearby residents). Four possible locations were
discussed, but the empty lot in front of the Spreckels center is Director McArthur's
recommended location. He also recommends the cast in place structure. No funding
has yet been authorized for this project and it will be presented to Council November
14th
b. Discussion and Recommendation
After some discussion of the merits and drawbacks of the different locations and
materials, commission reached a concesus that they agreed with Director McArthur's
recommendations to Council.
Item 8. Bocce Courts
a. Staff Report
Manager Bagley presented an analysis of possible court materials and locations for
new bocce courts in Rohnert Park. The plan is to locate the bocce courts in the
Community Center Complex in one of four locations (Ia — in the northwest lawn
behind the Sports Center; lb — in the southwest lawn next to the Sports Center; I —
in the southwest lawn next to the Spreckels Center; and 1 d — in the central courtyard.
The three court surface options presented were oyster shell, decomposed granite and a
synthetic surface. Building a covering for the court was also discussed, although it
would increase the cost of construction considerably. Manager Bagley's staff
recommendation is for two uncovered courts with oyster shell in the northwest lawn,
with an estimated cost of $45-$65K. Space can be left next to these first two courts, if
they prove popular, to expand to four courts in the future.
b. Discussion and Recommendation
Comissioner Borr raised concerns about trees in the recommended location dropping
leaves and creating a maintenance issue. He suggested that if trees were taken out to
make room for the bocce courts, other trees should be planted elsewhere in the
complex to replace them. Manager Bagley advised that four courts are the minimum
required for tournament play. Comissioner Black suggested that benches should be
included in the development plan. Comissioner Canterbury asked if lighting could be
included as well, and Director McArthur confirmed that adding lighting on the west
exterior of the Sports Center was a possibility. Commission reached a concesus that
they agreed with Manager Bagley's recommendations to Council, and that she should
take forward the plan for two courts, designed with room for an additional two courts
to be added at a later date, along with benches and lighting.
Item 9. Matters to/from Commissioners
a. Commissioner Liaison Reports
Chair Griffin reported on the last Bike Pedestrian Committee meeting. There had
been some discussion about removing the crosswalk at Rosana Way and Snyder
Lane, but due to heavy use they have decided to keep the crosswalk and add lights.
b. Other Matters
Director McArthur gave an update on the Sunrise Park all-weather field. SOMO
Village develpers have paid the City for the field and designs are being reviewed.
Designs will be brought to the Commission in the next few months.
Manager Bagley advised that the aquatics report had been pulled from this agenda,
and may be presented in December or January.
Manager Bagley provided a brief update on the Joint Use Agreement with the school
district. Currently she is waiting for the disctric to follow up with her after conferring
with teachers about their individual needs. Commissioner Borr expressed his
frustration with the slow pace of progress, but complimented Manager Bagley on her
persistence.
Commissioner Black requested an update on the renaming of Five Oaks Park.
Manager Bagley advised that the current name is actually Oak Grove Park (so named
by resolution in 2014). She will take the renaming issue to Council November 14th for
discussion, but the renaming of a park may require public hearing. Manager Bagley is
conferring with the City attorney to determine next steps.
Commissioner Black reminded the Commission that the Holiday Arts & Crafts Faire
is taking place at the Community Center November 24th and 25th. Manager Bagley
added that a new feature of the faire this year is the Little Elves Workshop. Parents
will be able to drop their children off for crafts, games and writing letters to Santa
while they shop.
Commissioner Borr shared a disturbing interaction at Rohnert Bark Dog Park
recently, in which several dog owners got into a loud and abusive argument.
Commissioner Borr commented that perhaps guidelines for human behavior should
be posted in the park along with dog behavior.
There being no further business, Chair Griffin adjourned the special meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission at 7:01 p.m.
Gerald Griffin, Chair
� 1, -, 4!t" V —,
Aidan Humrich, Recording Secretary