2016/01/21 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, January 21, 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 6:00pm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bird at 6:03 p.m.
Item 1. Roll Call:
Present:Chair Bird, Vice-Chair Griffin, Commissioners Black, Borr, Canterbury
None.Absent:
StaffPresent: Mitch Austin, Community Services Manager
Don Schwartz, Assistant City Manager
Mary Grace Pawson, Director of Development Services
Bryce Atkins, Senior Analyst
Jessica Adams, Community Services Specialist
Renée Eger, 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 in the
required public places per Brown Act requirements.
Item 4. Public Comment:
Community Services Manager Austin announced Vice Chair Griffin has been selected to receive the
"Champion of the Community" Award from the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS). The
statewide award recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed efforts and influence to
improve the quality of their communities by means of Parks and Recreation. Vice Chair Griffin has been
acknowledged for over 20 years of service on the Parks and Recreation Commission as well as
contributing thousands of hours to support the community in coaching, scorekeeping, and serving on
community boards and commissions. Installation will occur at the CPRS Annual Conference in Long
Beach in March.
Item 5. Approval of Minutes:
Action: Moved/Second (Black/Canterbury) to approve the meeting minutes from Regular Meeting
December 17 , 2015 . Motion carried by the following 5-0-0 vote: AYES: Bird, Griffin, Black, Borr,
Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSENT: None.
Action: Moved/Second (Griffin/Black) to approve the meeting minutes from Special Meeting January 8,
2016. Motion carried by the following 5-0-0 vote: AYES: Bird, Griffin, Black, Borr, Canterbury; NOS:
None; ABSENT:None.
Item 6. Preliminary Review of the Size, Layout, and Confîguration of New Park areas within the
Proposed Rohnert Crossings Planned Development
a. Staff Report
Development Services Director Pawson introduced an illustrative PowerPoint presentation of the
preliminary phase of the proposed Rohnert Crossings Planned Development.
b. Review and Comment
Development Services Director Pawson led the Commission in discussion and answered
questions alongside Applicant Olson of North Bay Communities, LLC in responding to and
addressing Commissioners questions and concerns. Discussion including central pocket park
ownership as private versus public, stating the maintenance would likely be achieved through the
responsibility of a Home Owners Association. Additionally, concern regarding the gazebo as a
functional solution for public gatherings was addressed. Parking concerns were addressed and
stated as meeting standards. A stated objective of the project is to project a downtown feel, a
development priority. Further details will be forthcoming in more detail, through landscape
plans, including Environmental Impact reporting, as project progresses. The development
includes the use of current property landscape trees along the border that will remain, albeit
modified for use.
c. Action: Moved/Second (Griffin/Canterbury) to approve the proposed Rohnert Crossings
Planned Development. Amended (Borr) Motion to include additional feature requests for dog
area, skate feature, adaptive playground structure, rotation of commercial area in north section of
plan, relocation of the gazebo, and inclusion of a bocce location to be considered by Applicant.
Approved as amended by the following 5-0-0 vote: AYES: Bird, Griffin, Black, Borr,
Canterbury; NOS: None; ABSENT: None.
Item 7 . Stadium Lands Development Introduction
^. Staff Report
Senior Analyst Atkins introduced a PowerPoint presentation on the Stadium Lands Development
project.
b. Review and Comment
After review and discussion, Senior Analyst Atkins noted that collectively, Commissioners
desired location more central for hoteVmotel and residential usage, consideration of a
playground, horseshoe pit, dog friendly area, and possibly a water feature if not duplicative to the
residential housing amenities offered, as possible amenities for inclusion in development of the
Stadium Lands project.
Item 8. Discuss Peace Patio Proposal by the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park-Cotati
a. Report
Community Services Specialist Adams presented a PowerPoint on the Rotary Club of Rohnert
Park-Cotati Peace Patio vision at the Senior Center. The rain garden at the Sports Center is the
first of Peace Walk locations envisioned in line with the Rotary's mission of promoting peace.
Community Services Manager Austin added that the walk could expand to include a map or tour
to be highlighted as a bright spot in the community. Community Services Specialist Adams
offered the sketch of the Senior Center patio is preliminary, ideas include: space to sit and have
lunch outside, ADA compliant tables, contacting art classes for mural creation, shade structure,
and easy, zero landscaping.
b. Review and Comment
Community Services Manager Austin advised the transformer would have seating around and
possibly be painted. Commissioner Canterbury asked whether there is a central theme, to which
Community Services Specialist Adams advised each location has an identifying plaque or
marker, size varies, which may contain a quote or other unique identifier. Community Services
Specialist Adams added the other locations identified include the Friendly City sign located on
Commerce, with multiple stops along the pedestrian path. Interest is supported by the Dining Site
Manager who is excited to offer an outside venue. Commissioner Black requested the timeline
for the project completion. Communify Services Specialist Adams relayed that the Rotary is
ready and motivated to begin Spring/Summer and are actively working on seeking partnerships
as well as funding. Commissioners offered suggestions for movable, rather than fixed, seating
that can provide for flexible arrangement, as well as inclusion of a water feature.
Item 9. Review of Park Tour
a. Review Summary of Information and Possible Outcomes
Community Services Manager Austin led the Commission in a review of the outcomes from the
Park Tour. Commissioner Canterbury asked whether the review occurred on an annual basis.
Community Services Manager Austin advised the occurrence is more likely two (2) to three (3)
years. Next steps include review of Park and Facilities Master Plan to the subcommittee.
Item 10. Cost Recovery Approach Plan
à. Staff Report
Community Services Manager Austin briefly discussed an overview of a PowerPoint
Presentation on the Cost Recovery Approach plan cycle.
b. Review and Approval
Next Steps include presentation to City Council in February or March 2016.
Item 11. Facility Improvement Projects Updates
a. Par Course Update
Community Services Manager Austin provided an update on the Par Course selection of Dorotea
Park with a plan opening in Spring 2016.
b. Benicia Pool Ribbon Cutting Date
Community Services Manager Austin advised that lap swim is currently being held at Benicia
Pool while Honeybee Pool is temporarily closed. A ribbon cutting is targeted for the end of
April, Saturday, April 23'd or 30th. Commissioners advised attendance would be split as conflicts
occurred for some on either dates. Community Services Manager Austin advised there were
several conflicts which eliminated a ribbon cutting in May.
c. Locker Room at Sports Center
Community Services Manager Austin acknowledged the Locker Room project at the Sports
Center has taken more time than anticipated, with completion now extending into March 2016.
Key improvements have been added along the way including refurbishing of the women's sauna
and the addition of water bottle refill stations.
d. Honeybee Pool Improvements
Community Services Manager Austin reported the Honeybee Pool heater/filter installation is
underway with an anticipated completion date of February 25,2016.
Item12. Review 2016 Agenda Plan
Community Services Manager Austin led the Commission in a broad overview of the 2016 Agenda Plan
to include a preview of upcoming agenda items.
Item 13. Matters To/From Commissioners
Commissioner Borr had nothing to report.
Commissioner Black commented on seeing the Community Survey. Community Services Manager
Austin advised he would email the commissioners the survey link.
Commissioner Canterbury had nothing to report.
Chair Bird advised that several pieces of equipment in the weighVcardio room at the Sports Center had
duct tape or are otherwise in disrepair. Community Services Manager Austin advised that the equipment
provider, Nautilus, has gone out of business. A redesign plan with new equipment will be provided in a
February update.
Chair Bird also offered his schedule will require missing the upcoming subcommittee meeting and
requested moving the meeting up to a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday before February 7,2016.
Community Services Manager Austin advised he will notify Subcommittee members of an
accommodating meeting change date.
Item 14. Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Bird adjourned the regular meeting of
the Parks and Recreation Commission at 8:24 p.m.
Mike Chair Renée