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2006/03/20 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 20, 2006 The Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission met this date at 7:30 p.m. for a regular meeting at the Rohnert Park city offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with Chair Hansen presiding. ROLL CALL Present: (7) Commissioners Bird, Black, Butler, Coleman, Griffin, Hansen, and Stevens Absent: (0) None Also present for all or part of the meeting were Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller, Ron Bendorff, Director of Community Development, and Senior Planner, Maureen Rich. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —Upon motion by Commissioner Stevens and second by Commissioner Black, the minutes for the meeting of February 27th were unanimously approved as submitted. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE/PUBLIC COMMENT -None SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCE/PUBLIC COMMENT -None OLD BUSINESS SE Specific Plan Area Neighborhood Park—Ken Blackman, representing the owners of the SE Specific Plan, introduced the Landscape Architect and Engineer for the project. Peter Wurtz, the Landscape Architect, informed the Commission that he had made the changes they had requested at their last meeting which included adding two benches with backrests, trash receptacles, redesigning the wall so it would be at sitting height, adding a dog park with a 3' fence and double gated area, changing the tree growth around the basketball courts, and changing the concrete in the water detention area to a French drain. Engineer Mark Von Hagen presented a slide show of the park including data on the purpose of the water detention area and how it works. He also explained how a French drain system works stating that it won't present a hazard but will help to keep the park dry. Chair Hansen asked how deep the topsoil would be over the drain. Mr. Von Hagen explained how the drain is designed and said you wouldn't be able to tell the area over the drain from the rest of the park. He said it would drain the area on both the surface and sub surface. Commissioner Stevens asked where the drain would be located, and Mr. Wurtz pointed out the area on the edge of the park.He discussed the depth of the main drain and where it is located in the subdivision. Commissioner Stevens asked if the park would be elevated or on the same level as the homes. Mr. Wurtz explained the level of the park fluctuates throughout the park and referred to the map to show how it will slope around the playing area and dog park. Commissioner Black asked how long it takes for the soil around the French drain to become Page 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 playable versus a regular park. Mr. Von Hagen stated the drain will help the immediate area but the field will dry out the same as any other field in town. Commissioner Black asked if there was any thought about adding a drain to the area around the playground. Mr. Wurtz referred to the areas around the park and how they will drain and explained that since playground design has changed over the years that the area should drain better compared to older parks. He stated they will be discussing this with the engineer. Commissioner Stevens asked Commissioner Black if a 3' high fence is high enough for the dog park. Commissioner Black said 4' is better,but she believes 3' would be okay. It depends on how busy the adjoining street will be. Mr. Wurtz said he chose 3' because of esthetics, and he believes it is a friendlier fence. Manager Miller said they had toured a lot of dog parks and a 3' fence is standard. Manager Miller asked Mr. Wurtz where the drop inlets would be located. Mr. Wurtz pointed out the locations on the map and explained they will both work as a bubble up. Manager Miller asked where the existing inlet pipe from Agilent is currently located, which Mr. Wurtz pointed out. The Commission discussed French drains and whether there are others in the city. Manager Miller said he wasn't sure because they can't be seen,but there are other drop inlets in the playing fields in town. He pointed out that having the drain on the edge of the park is more desirable. Commissioner Black asked about playground equipment. Mr. Wurtz replied they aren't that far along in the design procedure to have that information yet. Mr. Blackman passed out pictures of a park in Sonoma that is in operation at this time and includes a French drain and drop inlet. He stated that the city's General Plan calls for a park of 5-7 acres, and their proposed park is 5 acres that will include the development of the park costing approximately$600,000. He said he feels they are meeting the city's park requirements,and they will not ask for credits for the improvements they are making. He mentioned if you look at it that way they would get credit for a 7 acre park. Chair Hansen asked if any of the streets in the SE specific plan area will go though Canon Manor. Mr. Von Hagen said there is one road that leads to Canon Manor but may be dead ended. Commissioner Stevens asked about the basketball court surface. Mr. Von Hagen said the surface has not been determined yet,but they will have to address the special concerns that adobe soil requires whether it is concrete or asphalt. Commissioner Stevens stated the basketball courts at Magnolia Park have held up well over the last 16 years. Manager Miller pointed out the courts may have held up due to the subsoil structure and not just what is seen on the surface of the court. Chair Hansen asked about the detention pond, and Mr. Von Hagen explained how much land is required for the volume of water. He showed on the slide what will happen in the worst case scenario and how full the pond would be. He explained the pond may take 3 hours to drain. Commissioner Black asked Ron Bendorff, the city's Director of Community Development, --� whether the City Engineer has looked at the plan and if he had any input. Director Bendorff said the City Engineer hasn't mentioned any concerns to him. Manager Miller reported he attended a Page2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 meeting with the City Engineer, and he felt this was a very good plan and mentioned that the French drain has some filtration benefits as well. Commissioner Black asked how many residents will be included in the development, and Mr. Blackman responded 499 units will be built. Commissioner Black asked about the number of park acres being provided and whether it meets the City's General Plan. Senior Planner Maureen Rich responded that the park does fall within the requirements of the General Plan of 5-8 acres, 5 acres of park with 2 acres of improvements. Commissioner Stevens asked about the park trees, and Mr. Wurtz stated the plan was reviewed with the city arborist,and he suggested using Red Oaks or Drakes Elms. All trees would be deciduous with no natives. He explained the problem with conifers is that the trees have to be limbed up for visibility. He stated some broadleaf evergreens had been on the list,but the arborist didn't approve any of them. Manager Miller pointed out that the city already has many Redwood trees that have been trimmed from the bottom. Commissioner Griffin said he appreciated what they have done and how they listened to the Commission, coming back with new plans. He asked about the cost of the trees, and Mr. Wurtz explained that the figures shown include the trees and everything required to plant them. Commissioner Griffin made a motion to approve this plan and send it on to the City Council. Chair Hansen said he had another item for discussion. Prior to the discussion, Commissioner Butler seconded the motion. Chair Hansen referred to the revised proposal he had passed out regarding the City's Park and Recreation Land Dedication Policy. (A copy of the proposal is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) Chair Hansen stated that nowhere in the General Plan does it give developers the right to include other uses, such as pond detention, for parks and recreation uses in the parks. He said he doesn't believe they can call a water detention area a park, and he feels it is important to get full value of the park land. If any park can be designed as a holding pond, he feels it could cause problems down the road. He said one way would be to figure out a formula to compensate for this. He referred to the example in his proposal. Mr. Von Hagen stated that so far in five years there has never been a problem with use of the Sonoma park that includes a water retention area. He emphasized that this would only be a 3 hour period in 10 years that the park wouldn't be useable, and people wouldn't be using the park during that time anyway. Commissioner Bird pointed out if this area can't be called a park then you couldn't call any park in town a park since during a storm none of the parks are usable, and he believes this proposal would be nit picking. He stated he feels the park will probably drain better with the drain, and he hasn't any concerns at all. Chair Hansen stated this matter doesn't pertain to just the SE Plan but any future park. Commissioner Griffin said he understands that the Chair doesn't want to set a precedent,but the precedent set would be that any park with a drain would have to drain in 3 hours. Mr. Von Hagen clarified how the storm drain system works and the times when the water Page 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 may come up through the drain system. He advised another pipe is located on Valley House Drive which needs no retention. Mr. Blackman pointed out this park will be at the top of the drainage area, and he believes it will be extremely infrequent that there will be water in it at all. Commissioner Black referred to the Chair's proposal and said she thinks the Commission is setting a precedent that they aren't accepting just any drainage system. In the past parkland without drainage systems has remained soggier for a longer period of time. She stated she has some concerns on the precise improvements at the park since that is what the Commission is charged with approving. Mr. Wurtz explained they have a total cost set aside and there are a number of different kinds of equipment that can be selected for that amount. Senior Planner Rich pointed out that this matter will come back to the Commission when the tentative map is approved regarding the design of the park. Commissioner Black said she thought they were being asked to approve the design of the park. Senior Planner Rich explained the Commission is being asked to approve the location and size of the park. Director Bendorff clarified what they want to know is that the Commission is okay with the location of the park, the number of acres being set aside and that the Commission agrees to the use of credits for the park. The exact design will be coming back to the Commission for their approval. Discussion concluded, the motion passed by the following vote: AYES: (6) Commissioners Bird, Butler, Coleman, Griffin, Hansen, and Stevens NOES: (1) Commissioner Black • Mr. Blackman explained they will be bring back the park design which will include the details. Commissioner Griffin Leaves—At approximately 8:45 p.m. Commissioner Griffin left the meeting. University District Park Presentation—Director Bendorff introduced Kevin Pohlson representing the University District plan, who presented a slide show showing the land that will be developed which will include 1,600 total units plus a commercial area. He explained this is a master planned community that will link several areas of town and is designed to be a vital area. Commissioner Griffin Returns—At approximately 8:47 Commissioner Griffin returned. University District Park Presentation Continued- Mr. Pohlson stated they are planning 59 acres of open space, none of which has been included in their park credits. He explained that there will be limited traffic at Hinebaugh Creek, and the key will be to connect with existing city trails to both the north-south and east-west areas of the city for bicycles and pedestrians. He referred to the map and pointed out the five areas of parkland being proposed which will total 13.72 acres of public parkland. The parks will also include some private recreation areas for residents of the University District plan, including 3 pools. He discussed the total park acreage being planned for the district including improvements used to offset the shortage. He briefly discussed each park and the amenities they are proposing. He explained they will include screening between the private and public areas of the park. He stated they are planning some high quality entry monuments to the University District Plaza. Page4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 He advised that after discussions with the City Engineer,they will also be setting aside some areas to be used for water detention including the Hinebaugh Creek buffer. These areas will be coordinated with the City Engineer. He explained that at tonight's meeting they are looking for approval of the size and location of the parks, and he will be coming back with the details of the parks. Commissioner Black asked about the private parks running east and west and being able to walk around the area. Mr. Pohlson showed that the trails will be wide enough so that people will be able to walk around the entire district as well as through the center. Mr. Pohlson stated he had walked the Hinebaugh Creek with a representative of the Resource Agency and the whole area will be left undisturbed. They will be working with a Fish and Game representative to clean the area, including cleaning the box culvert. Native landscaping will be planned, and they will be working with the Sonoma County Water Agency to help with water detention. Chair Hansen asked about 50%park credit for private parkland. Mr. Pohlson said the ordinance says the allowed credits are between 40-60%, so they picked 50%. Manager Miller mentioned the city has a great need for an all-weather field and asked Mr. Pohlson to consider including one in their park plans. Mr. Pohlson discussed other all-weather fields he has installed and the fencing requirements. He offered to bring this up with the City Engineer during their meeting. Manager Miller recommended building it as part of the multi-use field being planned for the Twin Creeks Park, rather than putting in a detention pond. Mr. Pohlson said he wasn't sure if this would be the right park for an all-weather field,but he will continue to work with Manager Miller. Commissioner Stevens asked about additional parking for the parks. Mr. Pohlson said he has worked with the city and this will be a pedestrian designed community,but they have allowed substantial on-street parking around the parks. Discussion followed. Mr. Pohlson pointed out they didn't include any tennis courts in the district since the city already has an adequate number. Chair Hansen said he would like to have a chance to go over the proposed parks and suggested waiting a month to approve the plans. Commissioner Coleman said since this is all new to him he would appreciate a chance to look at the plans so he could be brought up to speed. Commissioner Griffin asked Director Bendorff if he feels that the City's park requirements are being met. Director Bendorff said yes, especially with the improvements being proposed. Commissioner Black asked for clarification between trails and sidewalks. Mr. Pohlson said no sidewalks are being call trails, and they aren't asking for any of the trails to be included as parkland credits. Commissioner Black asked if bike trails would be dedicated trails and not part of the streets. Mr. Pohlson concurred the trails will not be part of the streets so they will be safe for kids. Commissioner Stevens asked about the area along Petaluma Hill Road, and Mr. Pohlson said they will be building some seasonal wetlands in that area. Page 5 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 Commissioner Black asked for clarification on what they are being asked to approve at tonight's meeting. Director Bendorff said they are being asked to approve that the park locations conform with the city's General Plan, that the sizes of the individual parks are amenable, and whether they will accept the park credits. Following their recommendation, the matter will go to the City Council. Commissioner Coleman agreed to get the specific plans from Manager Miller and said he trusts the Commission's judgment, and he is comfortable with whatever decision made tonight so they can go forward. Commissioner Black made a motion to approve the proposed University District Plan park plans as shown tonight with the caveat that they get a chance to approve the details of each park. Commissioner Coleman seconded the motion. Commissioner Stevens asked if the linear park will be private. Mr. Pohlson replied that they aren't asking for park credits for the linear park, but part of it will be open to the public. The linear park will be 80-90' wide with high density homes located adjacent and a private pool located there. He pointed out they will be meeting their low and very low housing requirements and there should be a good mix of housing provided for university faculty and students. Following discussion, the motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Griffin Leaves—At approximately 9:49 p.m. Commissioner Griffin left the meeting. Status of Playground Renovations—Manager Miller reported that the playground renovations are in the works although the bidding may be a problem. He explained that since not all vendors carry the type of equipment that was in the proposals they are looking at revamping the city's purchase plan. Commissioner Griffin Returns—At approximately 9:51 Commissioner Griffin returned. Status of Playground Renovations Continued—Manager Miller reported they may be able to use a pre-bid plan through the U.S. Communities Contract, although they may have to bid out the installation. It won't be approved until June, but once it is, they will move ahead on installation. Park Audit—Commissioner Black reported on the March 13th facility audit of the Community Center and the Sports &Fitness Center and said it was helpful just looking at the centers. The commissioners who were present discussed the process they will be following and creating a checklist. She said they realized it may be hard to get everyone there in the future, and because of the way the audits are now structured, if they don't have a quorum, they can't meet. They discussed whether it may be better to set up a standing committee or having a rotating committee. Commissioner Stevens suggested that if each commissioner had their own checklist, they could go the park on their own time. Commissioner Black proposed setting up a committee and the remaining commissioners could go on their own to complete a checklist. Page 6 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 Manager Miller explained that the format for the audits is that there won't be separate minutes for each audit,but the Commission will discuss them at their regular meeting, and any concerns can be brought up at that time. Commissioner Black said she believes that they will have a pretty good skeleton of a checklist after the next audit. Commissioner Stevens said he would like to have a form he can complete when he has the time. The Commission agreed they will meet for the two audits scheduled before the next Commission meeting and then they can go from there to decide if they want set up an ad hoc committee. Commissioner Stevens asked about flooding of the Japanese garden at the Community Center. Manager Miller said there is a drainage problem and during heavy rains the carpet at the Community Center gets wet. Recreation Department Sponsorship Program—Commissioner Black reported she had met with Commissioners Coleman and Bird to discuss the Sponsorship Program outline she proposed at last month's meeting. They agreed to identify the corporate sponsors, what to look for and eventually making contacts with these corporations. Commissioner Coleman offered to help identify the local corporations and contacting them. She asked Manager Miller to contact other cities to see if they are considering naming parks or areas in the city. She reported the committee will be meeting on the first Wednesday in April at the Community Center to discuss what their next step will be. NEW BUSINESS Water Issues Subcommittee—Manager Miller referred the Commission to his March 13`h memo regarding the Water Issues Subcommittee. (A copy of the memo is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) He explained that meetings haven't been scheduled,but the Subcommittee has requested a representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission. He suggested appointing one commissioner with an alternate since he isn't sure how many representatives are needed. Chair Hansen asked if anyone wished to volunteer. Commissioner Griffin sominated Commission Butler. Commissioner Black seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Chair Hansen nominated Commissioner Griffin as the alternate, which was seconded by Commissioner Black. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Griffin stated he would not be available for several months. Commissioner Black followed by nominating Chair Hansen as a second alternate. Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. STAFF REPORTS Department Highlights for February—There weren't any questions regarding the February Department Highlight Report. Page 7 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes March 20, 2006 COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS Park Master Plan (PROS) Committee—Manager Miller reported they have received approximately 450 responses to the Rohnert Park Recreation and Parks Needs Assessment Survey. He referred to the summary which was included in the Commission's packets. (A copy of the summary is attached to the original copy of these minutes.) Commissioner Butler asked if they will be able to see the comments. Manager Miller replied they will eventually,but they don't have them at this time. He suggested that since the Commission is looking at park development there are some trends coming back from the survey that may be helpful. Golf Course Oversight Committee—Manager Miller reported that is no longer the city liaison to this committee and that the Assistant City Manager, Dan Schwarz, will be assuming that responsibility. Chair Hansen stated that in Chicago they have dual sport golf courses where they play disk golf along with regular golf. He suggested this may be something to look at if golf participation drops. MATTERS FROM/FOR COMMISSIONERS Magnolia Park Tennis - Commissioner Stevens said he drove by the Magnolia Park the other night, and the lights were on at the tennis courts, but no one was there. Manager Miller explained they are on timers and someone may have pushed the button and left before the lights went off. Commissioner Stevens said he would like to know the length of time that the lights stay on. Golis Park- Commissioner Black said she had talked to someone who reported that the baseball lights were on at Golis Park between 10 and 11 p.m. Some discussion followed. Manager Miller said he will follow up with Public Works. Commissioner Griffin—Commissioner Griffin reported he will be undergoing a transplant procedure and will miss the next three months. The Commission wished him well. ADJOURNMENT -There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Chair Ha sen Guy Miller Recreation Services Manager Sec etary b b Page 8