1996/08/19 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
August 19, 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 Chair Desmond presiding and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Present: (4) Commissioners Desmond, Griffin, Plaisted and Stevens
Late: (1) Commissioner Allred
Also present for the entire meeting was Director of Recreation, James Pekkain.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Stevens and second by Commissioner Plaisted, the
minutes of June 17, 1996, were unanimously approved as submitted.
STORAGE
EXPANSION AT
BURTON AVE.
REC. CENTER Fred Hamilton, Boy Scout Troop 68, 7333 Rasmussen Way, read a letter from the
troop requesting permission to expand the storage shed located behind Burton
Avenue Recreation Center (BARC). Copy of the letter is attached to the original
copy of these minutes. The troop would like to replicate the existing storage on
the back side of the building at no cost to the city.
Director Pekkain reviewed the plans submitted by the Scouts. He stated staff has
no objection as long as the requirements are met as outlined in the building permit
and the irrigation is changed for the lawn that is removed.
ALLRED ARRIVES Commissioner Allred arrived at the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
STORAGE
EXPANSION - cont. Mr. Hamilton said the troop will apply for all the necessary building permits and
explained the Cub Scout Troop would be using the storage for tents, patrol boxes
and equipment currently being stored in several homes in the community. Some
pinewood derby equipment for Pack 81 will also be stored in the shed.
Commissioner Griffin made a motion to recommend approving the request which
was seconded by Commissioner Stevens.
Discussion followed on whether the city would have a key to the expanded storage
and whether flammables would be stored there. Director Pekkain said the city has
keys to the storage areas in case of emergencies, and Mr. Hamilton said no
flammables will be stored in the shed.
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August 19, 1996
Concluding the discussion, the motion to recommend approval of Cub Scout
Troop 68's request to expand the storage shed at BARC was unanimously
approved.
The Director advised the Cub Scout representatives that this matter will go on the
City Council's agenda for the meeting on Tuesday, August 27. Troop
representatives will be notified when the matter will be scheduled.
YOUTH SPORTS Director Pekkain said he had spoken to Henry Bill, president of the youth soccer
league, who said the league is willing to meet with the Commission's Youth Sports
Committee either at their executive board meeting or their regular monthly
meeting. After discussion, the committee members decided on September 17 at 7
p.m. The Director said he will follow up with Mr. Bill.
SKATE PARK A meeting was scheduled at the Community Center for Wednesday, September 25,
at 3:30 p.m. for the Skate Park Committee.
PROGRAMS FOR
PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES Commissioner Griffin reported on the committee's meeting of June 27. He stated
there was not a big turnout and committee members decided to discontinue regular
meetings and only meet when they felt it was necessary.
They are going to have an awareness booth at Founders Day. The committee is
REPORTS FROM meeting at the Community Center on August 29 at 6:30 p.m.. to discuss the booth.
THE DIRECTOR
OF RECREATION
Monthly Reports Director Pekkain referred to the Sports Center monthly report and pointed out the
increase in memberships. Some discussion followed. The other monthly reports
were accepted without comment.
Sports Center Profit
and Loss Report
Director Pekkain reviewed the profit and loss report for the Sports Center pointing
out some of the highlights. He also reported a new treadmill is being purchased
out of the new fiscal budget. The Commission discussed figures on racquetball,
open gym and contract classes.
Moving Day of
Meetings
Director Pekkain reported that the Commission's meeting day will not be changing.
Revised Fee Schedule
and Policy Revisions
The Director referred the Commissioners to his memo outlining the changes in the
Policy for Use of the Community Center, Burton Avenue Recreation Center,
Ladybug Recreation Building and the Senior Center. A copy of the memo is
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Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
August 19, 1996
attached to the original copy of these minutes. The Director also corrected #20
which should read from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Director advised that at this time use by the Rohnert Park-Cotati School
District falls in Classification "A" which is based on reciprocal use of school
facilities. The City and School District are discussing an agreement for use and
that classification could change depending on the outcome of the use agreement.
Commissioner Allred suggested increasing the deposit so that users might be more
concerned about getting their deposit back and be more respectful of the facility.
She felt if users are getting their deposit back, then they should not care.
Discussion followed on increasing the deposits. The Commission suggested
increasing the deposits for Classifications "B" and "C" for at Burton Avenue
Recreation Center to $200 and increasing the deposits for Classifications "D," "E"
and "F" for the multi -use room at the Community Center and the main hall at
Burton Avenue Recreation Center to $400. Discussion was also held on the clean-
up fee.
Commissioner Stevens made a motion to recommend accepting the policy as
presented with the increases in the deposits as suggested. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Griffin and unanimously approved.
No -Smoking Signs
at School Fields The Director said he has no update and to his knowledge the signs have not been
posted.
Budget Update Director Pekkain reported that the City Council reinstated the Free Friday funding
in the 1996-97 budget, and the Commission's expense account was also reinstated.
Commissioner Plaisted asked if the Director expected any additional cuts. The
Director said no changes are expected other than the changes that were submitted
earlier. He noted funding for the Easter Egg Hunt was reinstated at 50% of the
original budget.
Some discussion followed on the Free Friday program.
Miscellaneous The Director reported that Recreation Coordinator, Jennifer Poncia, had resigned
effective August 30.
MATTERS FROM
COMMISSIONERS
Fence at Benicia
Park Chair Desmond stated she had written a letter to the school district regarding the
fence at Benicia Park. A response was received from Ann Huber, Assistant
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August 19, 1996
Superintendent, Business Services, which is attached to the original copy of these
minutes.
Director Pekkain reported the school district has agreed to add one or more
openings in the fence. Commissioner Griffin stated he will continue to attend
school board meetings. Commissioner Plaisted asked if there is a potential for
more fences at other school sites. The Director responded the school district has
agreed to discuss any further fences with the city prior to installation.
Pool Drains Commissioner Stevens mentioned he had seen a report on TV regarding accidents
in pools and/or hot tubs due to suction at the drains caused by pump. This
included baby wading pools. He asked if the City's pool system has a safety valve
in case of problems. Director Pekkain said he will check into the matter and report
back to the commission.
September Meeting Commissioner Allred reported she will be out of town for the Commission's
September meeting.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. to a
regular meeting on Monday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. to be held in the City
Hall council chambers, 6750 Commerce Blvd.
Chairman
Secretary
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