2014/04/21 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday April 21, 2014
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 6:30pm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tracy at 6:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Chair Tracy, Vice-Chair Bird, Commissioners Griffin, Black, Borr
Staff Present: Guy Miller, Community Services Manager
Jessica Schieberl, Senior Center Program Coordinator
Kimberly Roberts, Administrative Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Tracy
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Black/Bird to approve the March 17, 2014 minutes. Approved 5-0.
Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting
Community Services Manger Miller acknowledged posting of the regular meeting agenda the required
public places per Brown Act requirements.
Public Comment
None
Item 1. Budget Report
Manager Miller presented the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget report to the commission. This will also
be presented to the Council on May 27, 2014. The report included accomplishments from the past
fiscal year, the expense budget, projected revenue, and goals for the future.
Item 2. Draft Memorial Policy
Manager Miller presented the draft policy for memorial benches and trees. The purpose of this policy
is to establish guidelines, standards, and procedures for the installation and care of donated park
improvements, either as a result of a cash or physical property donation. Many commissioners were
glad to hear this program is taking formation. Chair Tracy asked if the memorial trees will have a
plaque? Manager Miller explained that plaques in the ground could present a hazard with mowing, so
at this time, the trees are not planned to have accompanying plaques. Commissioner Borr suggested
instead of the city contacting the donor after 25 years, perhaps the donor could be the one responsible
to contact the city to renew the life cycle. He also asked will it be the city’s responsibility to
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repair/replace the donated property if it is vandalized or stolen? Manager Miller wasn’t sure if it was
the city’s responsibility and will seek further clarification. Commissioner Borr wanted to know who
will manage donations for trees planted in outside of parks, such as street medians? Manager Miller
said that if the trees are planted in parks, the Community Service Department will manage the process.
If trees are planted outside of parks, then Public Works will manage the donated plants. Commissioner
Borr suggested presenting a list of trees that are acceptable to be planted in Rohnert Park and defining
that a donated item needs to fit Rohnert Park values and character. Commissioner Black also had the
same suggestion, since it’s important to keep native species in mind. She also commented that she feels
it’s important to make sure we can justify the maintenance costs for the donated property and perhaps
list an appropriate time line for completion of these projects. Commissioner Bird asked if the beaches
come in different colors? Manager Miller explained that the benches are only one color; they aren’t
painted, they are cast iron. Commissioner Griffin commented that in cemeteries there are plaques or
headstones in the ground that they are able to mow around. Perhaps we could do something similar so
the trees can have plaques? He also pointed out that the annual $25 cost is for maintenance, not
insurance, so the city might not be liable for replacing/repairing donated property due to theft or
vandalism.
Item 3. Community Services Specialist Report
Jessica Schieberl, Senior Center Program Specialist presented a PowerPoint presentation to the
commission detailing the events and programs at the Senior Center. The tax assistance program offered
at the Senior Center is the largest tax aide in Sonoma County. This past year, the Senior Center has
started sponsored vans. The transportation vans were once plain, but now companies like Home
Instead can sponsor a van and their advertisement is added to the exterior of the van. This has been a
successful source of revenue. Some goals Jessica would like to see are more volunteers from local high
schools or college sorority groups involved at the Senior Center, and a community luau event slated for
September. The proceeds of the luau will benefit the Senior Center, but she hopes that all ages of the
community turn out for the event.
Item 4: Park Supervisor Report
No report. The Park Supervisor is not present.
Item 5. Committee Reports
Park Sponsorship Committee (Ad Hoc-meets as needed): No report.
Golf Oversight Committee Liaison: No update, meeting hadn’t happened yet
Senior Citizen’s Advisory Commission Liaison (Black, Alt. Tracy): No update. Next
meeting May 15, 2014
Bicycle Advisory Committee Liaison (Griffin, Alt. Bird): No report. March’s meeting
was canceled.
Item 6: Matters to/from Commissioners
Commissioner Borr commented that the tree planting at Eagle Park looks fantastic. Commissioner
Black wanted to follow up on a previous matter: At a previous meeting (perhaps last July),
representatives from the University District presented their plans for the parks in the area. At that time,
the commission looked over the plans and wanted to make some changes. It was explained that this
was a preliminary idea and a concrete plan would be brought before the commission at a later date.
Commissioner Black read in the newspaper recently that building for the University District has been
approved. She wanted to know if the plans for the parks will be reviewed again. Manager Miller
explained that the plans for the University District are still in progress and the commission will
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probably see plans for the parks before work begins. Commissioner Black shared a concern for the
way park closures are handled when it rains. She noted that even when it’s posted online that fields are
closed, she sees people out using the park fields for sporting events. She pointed out that where notice
of park closures are posted online is hard to find. Also, she mentioned that she approached a group out
on a field once, and they stated they had permission to be there. Commissioner Black would like to see
an improvement of notification of park closures. Commissioner Bird asked if people can call in to find
out about park closures? Manager Miller said that park closures are only posted online; you can’t call
in to a particular department to find out the information. Manager Miller explained that it is sometimes
difficult to regulate who is using the fields since sometimes the offenders are people from out of town
not familiar with Rohnert Park policies. Also, some are unfortunately people who don’t care.
Currently, there isn’t an enforcement agency in place to handle these circumstances.
Manager Miller reported that all projects using the funds from the CDC 2000R Tax Allocation Bonds
(as discussed during the 2.24.14 meeting) are temporarily delayed for about 6 months due to state
regulations. The money is still available, the process needs to go through the State Finance Department
and they are understaffed.
Chair Tracy asked if there is any update on the maintenance and reopening of the public restrooms?
Manager Miller said the council is still working on staffing for the reopening of the restrooms and he
isn’t aware of the current status. He will check on this and report back.
Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Tracy adjourned the regular meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:41 p.m.
Linda Tracy, Chair Guy Miller, Community Services Manager