2014/07/21 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday July 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 5:30pm.
Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tracy at 5:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Chair Tracy, Commissioners Black, Borr, Griffin
Absent: Vice-Chair Bird
Staff Present: Nelle Herman, Community Services Supervisor
John McArthur, Director of Public Works and Community Services
Kimberly Roberts, Part Time Administrative Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Tracy
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Griffin/Borr to approve the May 19, 2014 minutes. Approved 4-0.
Acknowledgment of Meeting Agenda Posting
Community Services Supervisor Herman acknowledged posting of the regular meeting agenda the
required public places per Brown Act requirements.
Public Comment
None
Item 1. Park Dedication for Rohnert Crossing
Development Services Director Marilyn Ponton led a power point presentation on the proposed
development plan for Rohnert Park Crossings. Joe Guerra and David Gates, landscape architects from
SunCal- the development company proposing this plan- also presented information. The Rohnert
Crossings Planned Development proposes the development of approximately 30 acres located at the
former State Farm site. The plan includes approximately 330 high and medium density residential units
and 30,000 to 40,000 sq feet of commercial uses. The project also proposes a 3.5-acre park/town
square and neighborhood greens comprising approximately .55 acres. This was an opportunity for the
Parks and Recreation Commission to comment on the proposed plan.
The commissioners discussed their opinions on the presentation. Commissioners Borr, Black,
and Griffin all commented that they would like to see a skate park or skate features added in the
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development. Mr. Guerra stated that skate features in the parks closer to neighborhoods might
create a noise or disturbance issue. Chair Tracy suggested a bocce ball court; she has received
several requests from members of the community for one. Commissioner Griffin would like to
see some native oaks added, perhaps in place of the cottonwood trees that are planned to be
removed. He would also like to see public restrooms added. Commissioners Borr commented
that he would like the developers to be considerate of traffic flow in the area, since the site will
be right next to a SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit) station.
Member of the community Nancy Koffman expressed concern with the project. She feels it’s
more of an establishment you would find in San Francisco rather than Rohnert Park. She is
concerned about adequate parking for the proposed shops and parks.
Item 2. Committee Reports
Park Sponsorship Committee (Ad Hoc-meets as needed): No report.
Golf Oversight Committee Liaison: No report, haven’t met.
Senior Citizen’s Advisory Commission Liaison (Black, Alt. Tracy): Next meeting
9/18/14
Bicycle Advisory Committee Liaison (Griffin, Alt. Bird): No report, the last meeting
was canceled.
Item 3: Matters to/from Commissioners
Community Services Supervisor Herman announced the retirement of Community Services Manager
Guy Miller. Manager Miller has served the city for 29 years.
Chair Tracy requested a report from Community Services. Supervisor Herman reported the camps at
Burton rec center have grown and swim lessons are going well. Swim lesson numbers aren’t as high at
M Pool. Adult basketball finished their spring league and staff is preparing for fall league. Spring
league was so successful that there will be a competitive and a recreational league for fall. Staff is also
preparing for the fall holiday arts and crafts fair, which will be in its 35th year this year.
Commissioner Borr shared that he recently used the “go request” to report a Public Works issue. The
application worked and the issue was handled in a timely manner.
Chair Tracy would like to review reestablishing workshops within the Commission.
Adjournment- There being no further business, Chair Tracy adjourned the regular meeting of the
Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:15 p.m.
Linda Tracy, Chair Nelle Herman, Community Services Supervisor