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1996/04/15 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesIdN ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES April 15, 1996 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 Commissioner Stevens presiding and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: (3) Commissioners Allred, Plaisted, and Stevens Absent: (2) Commissioners Desmond and Griffin Also present for the entire meeting was Director of Recreation, James Pekkain. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Plaisted and second by Commissioner Allred, the minutes of March 18, 1996, were unanimously approved as submitted. AQUATICS Commissioner Stevens reviewed the proposed pool schedule and rates for 1996- 97, pointing out changes and additions. Copies of the proposed changes are attached to the original copy of these minutes. Some discussion followed on various proposed rates including residential day care season passes and senior rates. Commissioner Allred made a motion to accept the 1996-97 proposed aquatics schedules and rates as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Plaisted and unanimously approved. Commissioner Plaisted asked what increase was anticipated by the new fees. Director Pekkain replied the increase could be around 10%. Commissioner Stevens said he had also discussed with Recreation Supervisor, Guy Miller, the Commission's talks with the City Council regarding cuts. Supervisor Miller said that whatever the Commission could do would be helpful since the Recreation Department brings money to the City through fee -based programs. STADIUM Director Pekkain reminded the Commission that the Crushers will have their opening day on May 17 and will start spring training the first week of May. He encouraged the Commission to go out to the stadium and informed them that new bleachers have been purchased from the Oakland Coliseum which have increased the seating capacity. BICYCLE COMMITTEE Director Pekkain passed around the agenda for the upcoming Bicycle Committee meeting. Commissioner Stevens briefly reviewed the agenda. Commissioner Stevens asked if the new special trigger systems for bikes at traffic signals came from bike fund monies. Director Pekkain said he believed they came from a special bike fund. Page - 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 15, 1996 SKATE PARK Director Pekkain said he has a meeting tomorrow with the owners of Peak Sports which may sponsor PROGRAMS FOR a special event involving skateboarders. THE DISABLED Commissioner Plaisted reviewed the meeting held on April 4 by the committee looking into programs for the disabled. A copy of the minutes of the meeting is attached to the original copy of these minutes. He also referred the commission to the copy they had received of a questionnaire that is being sent to Rohnert Park residents with their utility bill. Director Pekkain informed the commission that the mailer is also being sent to all multi -family dwellings including apartments, mobile homes and condominiums. This should include approximately 16,000 residences. He pointed out that the color and the type -size were suggested by one of the representatives who had attended the committee meeting. Director Pekkain informed the commission that Senior Center staff is working on a program to help people who are confined to their homes get out once in a while. REPORTS FROM The next committee meeting is Thursday, May 23, at the Community Center. THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION Monthly Reports The monthly reports from the Senior Center, Sports Center and Community Center were accepted as submitted. Commissioner Plaisted asked how the commission should use the information in these reports to avoid any cuts in the budget. Director Pekkain said he will discuss this when they review the annual report. Babe Ruth League Update on Projects Director Pekkain passed out a list of projects that the Babe Ruth League had prepared, some of which have been completed. A copy of this list is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Some discussion followed. NYSCA Clinics An update on the number of National Youth Sports Coaches Clinics held and coaches participating this year was passed out to the Commission and briefly discussed. A copy of this report is attached to the original copy of these minutes. The Director advised the only league not meeting the requirements set by the Commission is the Pee Wee Baseball League. He has discussed this matter with the vice-president of the league and notified him of the consequences if the league does not meet the minimum requirement, which would be a fee assessed of $1 per player. He stated that the league has had some turnover in their board and he will continue to monitor the situation. W. Page - 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 15, 1996 Free Friday Volunteers Director Pekkain reviewed the memo received from Recreation Supervisor Mary Hanlon regarding upcoming activities being planned for Free Fridays. A copy of this memo is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Several of the commissioners stated they have been contacted by Recreation Coordinator Dan Cowman about volunteering at an upcoming Free Friday. Easter Egg Hunt The Director reported approximately 500 participated in the recent Easter Egg Hunt held at Alicia Park. Donations by Youth Groups Director Pekkain reviewed his memo regarding donations or projects by sports groups. A copy of this memo is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Some discussion followed. Donation of Plaque and Bench at Eagle Park Director Pekkain reported that Mike Williams, father of Drew Williams, would like to donate a bench and plaque in Drew's memory near the grove of redwood trees at Eagle Park. This would be at no cost to the city. Discussion followed. Commissioner Plaisted made a motion to approve the donation of the bench and plaque which was seconded by Commissioner Allred and unanimously approved. Annual Report Director Pekkain briefly reviewed the highlights of the 1995 Recreation Department Annual Report and said he would be happy to answer any questions from the Commission. The Director stressed the importance of recreation and felt this was reflected in the annual report through the large number of activities offered. Commissioner Allred requested that this item be added to the MATTERS FROM Commission's May agenda when all the commissioners would be in attendance. COMMISSIONERS Ad Hoc Committee Members Commissioner Plaisted said he had asked Sabrina Snyder if she would be interested in being an ad hoc committee member on the committee looking at programs for people with disabilities. She said she would be interested in being a member if it doesn't take too much time. Commissioner Plaisted said this can be done at the Commission's May meeting. Community Funds Commissioner Allred asked the Director if the Rancho Cotate High School Spirit Leaders had submitted their written report for the Community Funds they had received. The Director said he has not received a report, but he will follow up with the group. Page - 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 15, 1996 Apache Soccer —1 Donation Commissioner Stevens asked where the donation received from Apache Soccer Team goes. The Director responded that it is put in the general fund. Donations Commissioner Stevens asked which groups were missing from the list of donations made to the City. The Director said youth soccer. Commissioner Stevens asked if there was any way to solicit donations. Commissioner Plaisted said he would rather see the league provide scholarships to children who cannot afford to play. He said this gives something back to the community. He said he thinks the city can take care of the fields and the leagues can provide an opportunity for kids to play who otherwise could not. Commissioner Allred asked if other leagues have scholarship programs. The Director said he believes that both Bambino Baseball and Rohnert Park Girls Softball offer scholarships, but this has never been pursued. Commissioner Plaisted suggested this could be included on the leagues' financial reports. Discussion followed on ways the leagues can help in the community. Commissioner Plaisted said that he feels leagues have a partnership with the city so the city maintains the fields, and the leagues give back to the community by providing a way for all children to play who want to play. Director Pekkain suggested the Youth Committee meet with the youth soccer league's board and ask these questions of the league. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. to a regular meeting on Monday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. to be held in the City Hall council chambers, 6750 Commerce Blvd. Chairman Secretary irecto ecreation W Page - 4