2015/07/30 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday July 30, 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 special meeting to commence at 5:00pm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Bird at 5:00 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
Mary Grace Pawson, City Engineer and Acting Director of Development Services
John McArthur, Director of Public Works and Community Services
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:
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. Approval of Minutes:
Action: Moved/Second (Borr/Canterbury) to approve the July 16, 2015 meeting minutes. Motion
carried by the following 4-0-1 vote: AYES: Griffin, Bird, Borr, Canterbury NOS: None, ABSENT:
Black
Item 6. Park Development Overview Presentation
City Engineer/Acting Director of Development Services Pawson led a Power Point presentation
reviewing and explaining the objectives of the Park Master Plan, City Authority for Park
Requirements, review of the Quimby Act, and the General Plan. Manager Austin presented on the
overview of the Parks Master Plan and general recommendations. Director Pawson shared some
upcoming projects in terms of park land and park credits, and she explained an informational chart on
the Development Plan Review Process in regards to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.
The chart showcases which groups (Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and
City Council) are responsible for Recommendation, Decision, Appeal, and Comments Required Before
Application is Complete. Director Pawson noted that there are some inconsistencies between the
Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance. This is a potential topic of discussion at the joint
meeting between City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Director Pawson noted staff
is working on draft ordinances to fix this discrepancy. Commissioners Borr and Griffin expressed
concerns that a few of the upcoming park projects have moved ahead in their process without being
brought before the Parks and Recreation Commission for review. Director Pawson explained that some
of the projects were started several years ago and that she will confirm which dates the park projects
were presented before the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and City
Council during their review process and will bring this information back before the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
Item 7. Discussion of Joint City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Agenda
Staff and the Commissioners discussed potential topics for the Joint City Council and Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting. General consensus amongst the Commissioners is that they would
like to see regularly scheduled joint meetings and/or a City Council representative regularly attending
Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. The Commissioners would also like to discuss park
development approaches, such as turnkey versus other options, and the philosophy of acceptance and
use of fees. Commissioner Borr suggesting having a conversation with Council on how park fees are
recognized (i.e. if they are recognized at full value or at a discounted rate). Commissioners Borr and
Black suggested a conversation on how much say the Parks and Recreation Commission has on
suggesting amenities for the parks. Chair Bird suggested that developments bring the bigger picture of
a park before the Commission at an earlier date to assist in giving their comments about what they
would like to see in the parks.
Item 8. Review 2015 Agenda Plan
Staff and the Commissioners reviewed the 2015 Agenda Plan. Manager Austin reiterated that the joint
meeting between City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission will be on Tuesday August
25th. The Commission discussed a time for a special meeting to discuss Bond funds. It was decided
that the special meeting will be on Wednesday August 5th at 5:OOpm. Due to two special meetings in
the month of August, it was decided to reschedule the two tentatively schedule Park Tours. New Park
Tour dates will be decided at a later meeting.
Item 9. Committee Reports:
a. Bicycle Advisory Committee (Borr; Griffin)
Commissioner Borr attended the recent Bicycle Advisory meeting. Topics of discussion were
the road construction on Snyder Lane. There will be lit flashers that activate when pedestrians
or cyclists are crossing the street as well as median island in-between lanes. The Committee
discussed potential topics for future meetings.
Item 10. Matters to/from Commissioners
a. Eco Media Project Update
Manager Austin reported that staff has been communicating with the representatives from
Eco Media. Eco Media has asked for more information and timelines of potential projects.
They have also asked about contributions towards programing.
b. Senior Center Floor
Manager Austin met with some concerned citizens regarding the new Senior Center Floor.
They discussed the flooring type in greater details and the reasoning behind the material
choice. There will be a cushion layer placed under the flooring; however, if there are still
concerns with firmness of the floor once it's replace, staff is open to purchasing mats or
moving programing to the gym.
Commissioner Black and Canterbury noted that there are large cracks in the ground in the field at
Golis Park. This is a safety hazard.
Chair Black asked if the construction project at the Sports and Fitness Center will start at projected
time. Director McArthur informed the Commission that the project is out to bid and the City Council
will review bids at the August 25th meeting.
Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Bird adjourned the special meeting of the Parks
and Recreation Commission at 6:26 p.m.
Michael Bird, C'haI
Kimberly Roberts, Recording Secretary