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2007/11/19 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 19, 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 6:30 p.m. with Chair Black presiding. Roll Call Present: (4) Commissioners Armerding, Bird, Black, and Griffin Absent: (1) Commissioner Aronis (excused—out of town) Also present for all or part of the meeting was Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller and Recreation Supervisor, Maya van den Heuvel. Approval of Minutes—Upon motion by Commissioner Griffin and second by Commissioner Armerding, the minutes for the meeting of September 17th were unanimously approved as submitted. Upon motion by Commissioner Bird and second by Commissioner Armerding,the minutes for the special meeting of October 24th were unanimously approved as submitted. Unscheduled Public Appearances: Suzanne Sanders, 5707 Davis Circle, Rohnert Park referred to the Nov. 7 PROS Committee meeting when they had discussed skate parks and building some skate spots rather than a large park. She stated she disagrees and urged the city to build a skate park first and add skate spots later. She read several responses she received when she e-mailed skate experts to get their opinions. All recommended skate parks as the first option. One response stated that skate spots are successful when a large park is developed first. Manager Miller asked if Ms. Sanders could give him a copy of the information she had received which she agreed to do. Scott Mayer, 7741 Montero Drive, Rohnert Park said he feels it is important to have a skate park in Rohnert Park. He mentioned that Rohnert Park is a well planned community with many recreational facilities but no skate park. He emphasized that it is a sport as well as baseball and soccer, and Rohnert Park is one of the few cities in the area that does not have a skate park. He asked the Commission to seriously consider building a skate park in Rohnert Park. Brian Mayer, 7741 Montero Drive, Rohnert Park said that skating keeps kids active,healthy and strong and will keep them from doing drugs. He knows lots of kids who like to skate and thinks Rohnert Park should have a skate park. Samuel Randall, 8539 Larch Ave., Cotati, said he thinks Rohnert Park should have a skate park which would help keep schools looking better because they won't have to worry about ledges and stair rails being damaged by skaters. He also thinks it would help keep kids off drugs. Page 1 of 4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes—November 19, 2007 Craig Guptell, 8232 Windmill Farms Drive, Cotati, stated that skating teaches skills and is a sport that can be done as an individual. He talked about going to a skate park in Terra Linda where there were over 60 kids skating, no graffiti and is a great place to gather. He believes skate spots will isolate children and make more places that police would have to supervise. He outlined the advantages of building a skate park rather than skate spots and encouraged the Commission to find a way to build a skate park. Dante Trisciuzzi, 7457 Maximillian Place, Rohnert Park said if kids had a skate park so they had a place to skate, they wouldn't grind benches which would help eliminate problems. He named several cities in area that have a skate park. He also mentioned that it would help kids from getting into trouble. Chair Black said she appreciated everyone coming out and being willing to speak out. She pointed out that this item is not on tonight's agenda and this matter is still in the discussion stage. She said further meetings of the PROS Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission will have posted agendas which include the items being discussed. Commissioner Griffin explained that both the PROS Committee and the Commission are advisory bodies to the City Council which will be making the final decision. Scott Mayer suggested that the Commission may be able to make an effort to get local businesses help sponsor building of a skate park. He is a local businessman who would be interested in contributing. The Chair gave suggestions on how to place this matter on the agenda for further discussion. She mentioned the PROS Committee and stated they will be making a recommendation in early 2008 for recreation facilities in Rohnert Park. Commissioner Armerding clarified the PROS Committee's purpose which is to come up with a park master plan. The plan will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and forwarded to the City Council. Mr. Mayer asked if he had it clear that the Commission is in favor of building a skate park and will be an advocate for a park. The Chair agreed they would like to build a skate park, and Commission Griffin stated the problems are finding a suitable site and financing the project. Mrs. Sanders thanked the commission for all they have done in developing a skate park. She explained the audience members came tonight to make it clear that they want a skate park first and don't even want the skate spots proposal to go to the city council, and she wanted the Commission to know that there are other people besides herself who want a skate park. Ryan Sanders, 5702 Davis Circle, Rohnert Park stated that if skate spots are built first, they would probably still skate at the schools because the skate spots would attract older kids first. Page 2 of 4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes-November 19, 2007 Scheduled Public Appearance: Bob Thompson 1531 Griffin Way, Rohnert Park said he has worked on the Quest to Beautify Rohnert Park Project every day since July, and he's getting very knowledgeable about what is going on. He's pleased with how project is moving forward, and he's getting situated so he can get help with donations. He summarized the help he's been getting and the work that volunteers have done. He passed out a recap of the project which is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Commissioner Griffin thanked Mr. Thompson for all his work and his efforts are appreciated. Commissioner Armerding asked about problems getting traffic permits to work on the street medians. Mr. Thompson said he is more educated now, and he has had to learn patience,but things are happening in town. Some discussion followed. He referred to the handout he passed out and said if anyone has any suggestions,to let him know. Youth Field Use Fees—Manager Miller requested that this item be postponed to a future meeting. Commissioner Griffin made motion to postpone the item. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Armerding and unanimously approved. Work Session with City Council—Manager Miller advised that this meeting was originally requested by the City Council thinking that PROS Committee's recommendation would be finished by January. They proposed 2 dates,but if the Commission wishes,they can request a postponement until the PROS report has been finished. Discussion followed. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to propose January 22 as a possible work session date with the caveat that the council may wish to postpone if the PROS report is not ready. Commissioner Amerding seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Manager Miller Leaves—Manager Miller introduced Recreation Supervisor Maya van den Heuvel who was present for the meeting and explained he had to leave early due to a prior commitment. He left the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Committee Reports: Golf Course Committee—Commissioners Griffin and Bird reported that the next meeting is December 4. Commissioner Griffin gave a brief report on the September meeting. Park Sponsorship/Adopt-a-Park Committee—Commissioner Bird said he didn't have anything further to report in addition to Bob Thompson's report. Matters to/from Commissioners: Public Works Meetings—Commissioner Griffin asked if staff is meeting weekly with Public Works. Recreation Supervisor van den Heuvel said yes and it is working out well. She advised Public Works has 2 employees working on parks. Page 3 of 4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes-November 19, 2007 Credit Card Transactions—Commissioner Griffin asked if the public is able to use credit cards -. differently for sports center memberships. Supervisor van den Heuvel said they are working on an electronic fund transfer(EFT)program,but she wasn't sure when it would begin. PROS Committee—Commissioner Bird asked when the committee is meeting again since he had to leave the last meeting early. Chair Black said they will be meeting on Wed.,Nov. 28. City Parks—Chair Black said as a daily park user she has noticed some positive changes in the parks and mentioned some improvements at Golis Park. She said she appreciates the work being done and hopes to see more of it. Supervisor van den Heuvel reported staff has been meeting with the representatives of the individual youth sports groups to see what the leagues can do. They have met with youth soccer, and they have offered to do some lining of the fields. Staff will be meeting with all the groups to see where they can help out. Award Nomination—Chair Black reported she had received a letter regarding their nomination of Manager Miller for the CAPRCBM Professional Award. The letter informed them that they are reviewing the nominations now, and the Commission should be notified by Dec. 14 of their decision. The Chair thanked Commissioner Armerding for preparing the nomination. ADJOURNMENT—There being no further business before the commission,the meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. Chair Black Gu eller, Recreation Services Manager Secretary Page 4 of 4