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2007/05/21 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES May 21, 2007 The Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission met this date at 6:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at the Rohnert Park city offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. with Chair Black presiding. Roll Call Present: (5) Commissioners Armerding, Aronis, Bird, Black, and Griffin Absent: (0) Also present for all or part of the meeting was Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller and Ron Bendorff, Director of Community Development. Approval of Minutes—Upon motion by Commissioner Griffin and second by Commissioner Aronis, the minutes for the meeting of April 16th were unanimously approved as submitted. Unscheduled Public Appearance/Public Comment—None Park Dedication Ordinance - Ron Bendorff, Director of Community Development, reviewed current process the city uses for parkland dedications. He advised that staff prepared some revisions to the Municipal Code which were reviewed by the Planning Commission earlier this year. He reported the amendments are going to the City Council at their meeting tomorrow night, and he offered to answer any questions that the Commission might have. (A copy of Director Bendorff's memo of 5/21/07 outlining the revisions to the Municipal Code is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) Commissioner Griffin asked for confirmation that any parkland dedications would first come to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Director Bendorff stated that policy statements are not included in this document,but they will be considered when making their recommendations. Chair Black pointed out a typo which Director Bendorff said would be corrected. The Chair asked if the City Council should happen to look at a project again, would it come back to the Parks and Recreation Commission if the change involved parks. Director Bendorff replied it would be brought back if there were any changes in the preliminary plan or at council's discretion. Chair Black pointed out that one of the Commission's primary concerns had been the value of proposed parkland and how land would be appraised or valued. Director Bendorff said that appraising property isn't intended to be included in the Municipal Code. He explained that the city has a procedure in place to value land and, whatever plan is in place at the time would be used to value the parkland. He stated it is a fairly vigorous plan. Page 1 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 He advised he would like the commission's consensus tonight on the revisions to the Municipal Code regarding parkland dedication requirement which he could relay to the City Council at their meeting tomorrow night. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to approve the revisions to the Municipal Code regarding parkland dedication requirement as presented by Director Bendorff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Aronis and unanimously approved. Park Regulation Ordinance—Manager Miller referred to Assistant City Manager Schwarz's memo regarding proposed park rule amendments and reviewed the amendments. (A copy of the memo is attached to the original copy of these minutes.)He advised that staff has requested the Commission's input. The Commission agreed they should review the park rule amendments one at a time. Dog Regulations—Chair Black reviewed the proposed rule regarding aggressive dogs and staffs request for direction. She said she went back to the city's Municipal Code under definitions of dangerous animals and came up with a statement and passed out her recommended change of language. (A copy of the recommendation is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) She asked if the Commission thought this statement would be clear enough. Discussion followed, and Commissioner Armerding made several suggestions. Manager Miller pointed out that the code will begin with the wording"it is unlawful to." He offered to refine the wording if the Commission agrees on the general statement. The Commission agreed that the exact wording could be left to staff. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to approve the proposed wording for the code as presented by Chair Black and allowing staff to adapt as necessary. Commissioner Aronis seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Chair Black reviewed the rule regarding disposal of dog's waste and staff's recommendation to direct them to post this rule in appropriate location. Commissioner Armerding made a motion recommending that staff post this rule in the appropriate locations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Aronins and unanimously approved. Chair Black read through the rule that dogs must be licensed, current on vaccinations and wearing ID at all times. She asked if the Commission agreed with the proposed language suggested by staff. After discussion, Commissioner Griffin made a motion to direct staff to include its proposed language in an ordinance amending the Municipal Code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Armerding and unanimously approved. Page 2 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 Chair Black read through the proposed rule that all dogs six months and older must be spayed or neutered to use the dog parks and staffs proposal that the rule be applied to all parks. Commissioner Griffin asked if this would apply to dogs that are being trained as service dogs. Manager Miller pointed out the rule would only apply if the dogs are off- leash. Commissioner Armerding made a motion to direct staff to include its proposed language in an ordinance amending the Municipal Code regarding dogs six months and older that must be spayed or neutered to use city parks. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Aronis and unanimously approved. Chair Black recommended using different colored tags for dogs that have been spayed or neutered so they could be easily identified. Manager Miller said he believes this would be a policy change rather than a change to the Municipal Code. He suggested putting the recommendation in writing, and he will forward it to the appropriate city licensing department. Some discussion followed on identifying dogs which have been spayed or neutered. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to direct staff to look into using different colored tags to identify dogs that have been spayed or neutered. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Armerding and unanimously approved. Tennis Court Regulations—Chair Black read through the proposed park rule stating"It is unlawful to engage in any activity other than tennis on the tennis courts without permission from the Recreation Department" and the staff proposal. Commissioner Armerding asked if making it unlawful to possess food or drink would include water. The Commission discussed whether allowing bottled water should be added for clarification. Discussion followed. Commissioner Aronis asked Manager Miller to explain the damage caused to tennis courts by other sports. Manager Miller outlined the problems that can occur but said he didn't believe that the Municipal Code needed to enumerate the other uses since the first sentence would clarify those uses. He stated the other activities could still be enumerated on signs at the tennis courts. The Commission discussed whether outlawing food and drink needs to be included in the code. Commissioner Aronis said that he believes this would not be enforceable, and unless people are barbecuing on the courts, it may not be a problem. Manager Miller pointed out that including it in the code allows it to be enforceable, if necessary. The Commission discussed whether to include allowing bottled water. Manager Miller said there are instances where the city might not want to allow bottled water at a facility, i.e. on a wooden floor. Commissioner Bird made a motion to direct staff to include its proposed language concerning tennis courts, including language concerning food and drink, in an ordinance Page 3 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 amending the Municipal Code. Commission Griffin seconded the motion, and the Commission unanimously approved staff's recommendation. Commissioner Aronis then made a motion to leave the first part in the code without the enumeration. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Griffin and unanimously approved. Swimming Pool Regulations—Chair Black read through the proposed rule and staff's recommendation. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to direct staff to include its proposed language regarding swimming pool regulations in an ordinance amending the Municipal Code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Aronis and unanimously approved. Field Reservations—Chair Black read through the proposed rule and staff's recommendation. Commissioner Aronis asked if this rule is posted at the fields. Manager Miller replied it is at some fields but probably not all. Commissioner Aronis pointed out we allow sports teams a lot of flexibility on how often and when they're on the fields. He suggested posting a schedule of when the leagues have fields reserved or a number where people can call to ask. Commissioner Armerding asked whether it could be posted on the city's web site. Manager Miller agreed it could be posted on the web site, or people could call the recreation department. Commissioner Armerding made a motion to direct staff to include its proposed language regarding field reservations in an ordinance amending the Municipal Code. Commissioner Bird seconded the motion, and the Commission unanimously approved the motion. Weapons—Chair Black read through the proposed rule and staff's recommendation to amend the language. Commissioner Griffin said he has seen groups at the parks that use city parks for medieval battles or demonstrations using different weapons. Discussion followed, and Manager Miller suggested that the Commission's recommendation could include"unless by permit" and then staff can get an opinion from the legal department. Commissioner Armerding made a motion to approve the wording regarding weapons subject to specific adjustments that would cover historical reenactments, or the like, after further consultation from public safety or the city's legal department. Commissioner Aronis seconded the motion. Commissioner Griffin suggested changing the word"cover"to"allow." Commissioner Aronis seconded the amended motion. The Commission unanimously agreed to approve the motion as amended. Chair Black suggested another amendment to the city's Municipal Code. She reported that she noticed several cars stopping at Roberts Lake to feed the ducks and geese even though there are signs posted. She said it is quite a mess now and asked about enforcing Page 4 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 the code. She asked if the Commission wished to bring this up to discourage feeding or whether they preferred to just let it go. Manager Miller agreed that the ducks and geese are over populated at the park, but he wasn't sure if there is a Municipal Code that applies, even though it is posted at Robert's Lake. He also pointed out that when they first discussed changes to the code, it was understood that the commission could come back and make other edits at a later date. Commissioner Aronis said he believes this would be a very difficult code to enforce. Manager Miller suggested monitoring the park to determine if this is a problem, and the Commission agreed. Skate Park Committee Report—Chair Black referred to the draft Statement of Purpose and Recommendations from the committee. Commissioner Armerding stated the committee thought it was important to come back to the Commission to make sure all the commissioners are happy with what the committee is doing. He also referred to the Assistant City Manager's memo regarding the Skate Park Committee Report. (A copy of the memo is attached to the original copy of the minutes.) Commissioner Armerding said he believes the committee's purpose is to recommend whether a skate park needs to be built in Rohnert Park and where it should be located. He said the goal is to come back to the Commission at the end of June with a report regarding the recommendation outlined in the draft. He said it would also include rules and regulations. He wasn't aware there was a formal plan to build a skate park. Commissioner Aronis said he was aware of the plan but believes that timing is an issue. He suggested continuing their work and including this information in the plan but to continue to look for sites. He said there has been a lot of good work, and both Ms. Sanders and Commissioner Armerding have been working very hard on this project. He stated the Assistant City Manager's plan fits in very well with the committee's proposal and will be included in their report. He asked for the Commission's approval on whether they should continue working on the project. Commissioner Armerding reviewed what the committee has done so far including visiting police departments and cities that have skate parks to learn how the parks have worked out in their communities, the problems they have encountered, and any suggestions they could offer. He reported that the other cities have learned a lot, and he has gotten lots of good feedback. Commissioner Aronis reported they have also looked at several current city parks very closely and rated them. Discussion followed, and Commissioner Griffin said he was very surprised at the negative feedback they got the last time they proposed a skate park. Commissioner Aronis said he believes this has changed, and people feel differently. Commissioner Armerding said the committee will propose several locations and give the pros and cons of each location. Manager Miller said it is important to understand the content of the memo and what staff is looking for. He advised there is already a plan in place, and any proposal will be compared to that. He stated that the city is working with developers, and it is important to Page 5 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 understand what the Council wants. Commissioner Armerding said that isn't a problem, and he will sit down with the Assistant City Manager to get his input. Chair Black asked what will happen if the Commission determines that the northeast area is not the best location for the skate park? Can the developer be required to help with the alternate site? Manager Miller said not necessarily, that there must be a proper nexus to apply park development funds to an area outside of the Specific Plan area. Chair Black said she doesn't believe that the research the committee is doing would be in conflict with the skate park in the northeast plan. Ms. Sanders said she was told by City Councilmember Tim Smith about this plan,but that it could also be held up due to a lawsuit. She said they need to look at the size of the skate park and the design. She has talked to Spohn Ranch representatives, and they are willing to discuss development of a skate park with the city. They may have some important information to help with designing a park. Commissioner Armerding said the committee has discussed this,but he didn't feel they were at this stage, and they first need to get an approval of the concept and the site. If Ms. Sanders feels that their input would change peoples' opinions of being in favor or opposed to building a skate park, then he would be in favor of meeting with them. Chair Black asked if they would be able to help as a resource to answering some of the questions the committee is going to answer in their recommendations? Commissioner Armerding said he has no doubt that if they find a good site that they will build a good skate park. Commissioner Griffin said-he thinkstheis to find a site because that has always been what has stopped the project in the past. Commissioner Armerding said it may help to talk to the Spohn Ranch representatives about noise that comes from a park. He said there may be good information to get from a skate park developer,but then he feels he would need to talk to other developers. Commissioner Aronis said he agrees. All their research done up to this time has been done just by the committee members and has been unbiased. Commissioner Armerding said he has encouraged Ms. Sanders to meet with the representatives,but he doesn't feel the project has come to that point yet. Manager Miller said that when developers start getting involved, they are in the business of designing and developing skate parks, and he believes it is too early in the process for that. Commissioner Griffin suggested they may need to schedule a public hearing to get the public's input on how they feel about building a skate park. Commissioner Aronis said they also need to get the Commission's and the City Council's approval on whether to proceed with the project and any specific sites. Commissioner Armerding said the next step would be to come back to the Commission with the committee's recommendations and find out whether they want to proceed. If they do, they could schedule public hearing. Chair Black stated she believes that the Commission will first have to wait until the PROS Committee comes up with their recommendations before proceeding with this project. Commissioner Armerding said he thinks the committee's research would be a -� good head start and could be included in the report done by the MIG for the PROS Page 6 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 Committee. Commissioner Aronis said he felt the committee's purpose was to make a presentation to the Commission, then proceed to the PROS Committee and then take those recommendations to the City Council. Ms. Sanders said the reason she thinks that one of the commissioners needs to talk to a Spohn Ranch representative is to find out how long this whole project would take. Their representative will also be going to Washington D.C. to discuss skate park rules and regulations. She stated that the fact they are a developer is irrelevant, and they have a lot of important information they can provide, such as how long the project will take and what kind of excavation needs to be done. Chair Black suggested making a list of all the concerns that the Spohn Ranch representative could help with and put them in writing. Ms. Sanders agreed and asked if anyone has any questions they can contact her, and she would be happy to ask. Commissioner Armerding said they will also consider and research any changes in the law that may concern bicycles. Chair Black confirmed that the Commission's consensus is to continue what the committee is doing. Commissioner Griffin stressed that he believes finding a location is key to the project. Commissioner Armerding said that is the first item on their list, and along with finding a location, they may need to convince residents that this is a good project for this location and why. They will need to satisfy a lot of stakeholders and be able to mitigate anyone's opinion on this project. Commissioner Bird said he thinks the draft is concise and the committee should proceed as it is. Commissioner Armerding said after talking to Ms. Sanders he thinks that skateboarders and in-line skaters need to be reversed in the Statement of Purpose because there are a lot more boarders than in-line skaters. Chair Black suggested when talking to other cities and police departments, they find out other problems in the city and how other activities can also be a risk to a city. Commissioner Aronis said they have discussed this, and they may be able to make the point that skate parks are no worse than any other activity in a park. They can't make the statement yet, but they are looking at this. Chair Black said putting the skate park in consensus is important with other activities going on in the city. Consideration of Park Play Equipment for Replacement—Manager Miller reported that the city has been awarded a grant of$208,518 to be used for the replacement of fall surfaces and unsafe or non-ADA compliant playground equipment at the city parks. (He referred to his Playground Renovations memo of 5/17/07 which is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) Commissioner Armerding Leaves—At approximately 7:55 p.m. Commissioner Armerding left the meeting. Consideration of Park Play Equipment for Replacement-Continued—Manager Miller said he needs a recommendation from the Commission regarding which parks they would like to renovate the playground equipment. City staff is recommending Benicia, Colegio Vista Page 7 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting—May 21, 2007 and Honeybee Parks. He pointed out the reasons for selecting these 3 parks, which are outlined in his memo. He reported they may be able to leave some of the current equipment at Colegio Vista Park. In addition, staff would also like to use a portion of the grant to repair equipment at other city playgrounds. He advised that due to the timing he needs to be able to show the state that there is movement to use these funds or else they could lose the funding. The city needs to designate some parks although the specifics can be changed. Commissioner Griffin asked if there was a priority to the staffs list. Manager Miller said no,but he would like to get a design for each park and then find what they can afford. He stated he would like to do it differently this time and would like to invite different playground designers to make proposals. He suggested setting a budget for each park. Some discussion followed. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to approve staffs recommendation for playground renovations and the priorities including Benicia, Colegio Vista and Honeybee Parks and to include using some of the funds to repair equipment at other city playgrounds. Commissioner Aronis seconded the motion. Commissioner Armerding Returns—At approximately 8:04 p.m. Commissioner Armerding returned to the meeting. Consideration of Park Play Equipment for Replacement- Continued—The motion was unanimously approved. Committee Reports: Park Audit—Commissioner Griffin reported their audit isn't finished, and they are still working on finishing the report. He requested that this be tabled until June. Dog Park Monitor Program—Chair Black reported nothing new has happened because they are waiting for passage of the changes to the city's Municipal Code. Matters to/from Commissioners: Fishing Derby - Commissioner Griffin reported that he went to the fishing derby at Robert's Lake on Saturday, and it was really great. They had good attendance, lots of booths and a lot of trout. Neighborhood Gardens—Commissioner Griffin said he received a memo from Assistant City Manager Schwarz that said there was a peaked interest in neighborhood gardens and he asked for clarification. Manager Miller said he isn't aware of the memo and can't comment,but he believes the City Council will be discussing this at their meeting tomorrow night. Page 8 of 9 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting–May 21, 2007 School District–Commissioner Griffin asked when city representatives met with the school district, did they discuss the school playgrounds that are fenced and whether they would be opened to the public. Manager Miller said the PROS Committee met with the school district, and were told they are not willing to open the playgrounds due to liability concerns. Commissioner Griffin asked why some schools are fenced and others not. Commissioner Aronis said that the district representative indicated if they could lock all their facilities they would. Commissioner Griffin said as a tax payer he believes he helped pay for these playgrounds, and they should be open. Manager Miller said he doesn't believe this is the correct forum for this discussion,but the matter should be brought up at a school district board meeting. Some discussion followed. Commissioners Appreciation Affair–Chair Black thanked the city for hosting the city's event honoring commissioners. Golis Park–Chair Black reported the sprinklers at Golis Park are running non-stop and running into the parking lot. She stated a lot of water is being wasted, and she wasn't sure if the sprinklers have been vandalized or they are just over watering. She said the ground is very wet and squishy. Manager Miller said he would report the problem to Public Works. He advised the city doesn't have a current landscaping vendor, and it is going back out to bid. ADJOURNMENT–There being no further business before the commission,the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. :goy —454 Chair Black Guy i er, Recreation Services Manager aMLtfr Secretary Page 9 of 9