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1997/04/21 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES April 21, 1997 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 Griffin presiding and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: (5) Commissioners Allred, Carlson, Griffin, Stevens and Tatman Also present for the entire meeting was Director of Recreation, James Pekkain. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Allred and second by Commissioner Tatman, the minutes of March 17, 1997, were unanimously approved as submitted. ROBERTS LAKE MEMORIAL GROVE Commissioner Griffin reported on the City Council meeting he attended for approval of the memorial brick walkway at Roberts Lake. He reported there had been some concerns, but the proposal was approved. Commissioner Tatman said he was approached by the City with a proposal to install the walkway and was referred to Director Pekkain to coordinate installation. He met with the City Engineer Ron Brust to discuss construction. Commissioner Tatman said the memorial area will be a 20' by 20' square with a concrete sidewalk circling the area. - He reported the square design was chosen because it would not require as many bricks as would a circular design. Commissioner Tatman presented three possible brick patterns for the Commission's selection. Discussion followed on the various choices as well as construction of the walkway. Commissioner Griffin had some questions about the construction, and the Director clarified that the City Engineer is responsible for the specifications and the type of construction used for the walkway. Director Pekkain informed the Commission that Commissioner Tatman is donating everything but the bricks to the project. Commissioner Allred made a motion that the Commission accept the chevron pattern for the Roberts Lake Memorial. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carlson and unanimously approved. Director Pekkain suggested that Commissioner Griffin meet with him and Commissioner Tatman to discuss any specifics. Commissioner Griffin advised the Community Voice newspaper has offered to put an application in the newspaper for those interested in purchasing a brick. A meeting was scheduled for April 28 -IN at 6 p.m. to discuss installation of the walkway. Page - 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 21, 1997 REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION W Monthly Reports Director Pekkain reported the sales of Sports Center memberships are remaining steady and are up from the previous year. Commissioner Tatman asked if the amount shown on the Community Center monthly report for camps was for summer camps and asked what the expenses were. Director Pekkain confirmed that the amount was for spring and summer youth camps and advised that expenses run about 10-15%. Some discussion followed. All other monthly reports were accepted without comment. Annual Report Director Pekkain referred the Commission to the Recreation Department's annual report for 1996 which they had received this evening. He reviewed some of the highlights for the year. He suggested the commissioners look over the report and let him know if they have any questions. He advised the report will be presented to the City Council at their meeting on April 22 which both recreation supervisors will be attending to discuss their specific areas. Commissioner Allred asked about community service hours which are reflected on page 9 of the report. Discussion followed. The Commission requested that this item be placed on their May agenda for further review. Bambino and Babe Ruth Baseball Projects Director Pekkain reported that the Bambino Baseball League had installed the storage boxes at the fields the league use and extended the fence at D Park. He informed the Commission that all the projects the league had proposed at the Commission's February meeting have been completed except the vinyl slats at M Park. The Director gave some of the costs of the projects and said approximately $7,000 was spent. The Director said he would send a letter to the league to thank them for their community support. The Director reported the Babe Ruth Baseball League has installed new turf and irrigation system at the Mountain Shadows Middle School field and has spent approximately $7,100 on the project. He advised a letter will be sent to the league. ,.y Page - 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 21, 1997 Pee Wee Baseball's Request Director Pekkain advised that the Pee Wee Baseball League has requested permission to install a walkway around the concession stand at the A2 field. The project would be at no cost to the city. Commissioner Stevens made a motion to accept the league's request to install the sidewalk which was seconded by Commissioner Allred and unanimously approved. Recreation Program Update Director Pekkain reviewed several upcoming recreation programs including the Fish Derby held at Roberts Lake which is being coordinated by Sarah Connelly, the intern from San Francisco State University, the Free Friday Resource Directory which Sarah prepared, and the Aquatics Schedule brochure prepared by Recreation Supervisor, Guy Miller. Youth League Financial Reports The Commission reviewed financial reports from the Pee Wee Baseball League and the Girls Softball League. Discussion followed regarding the Pee Wee League's year end balance and whether the league was saving for any specific projects. Chair Griffin suggested meeting with the Pee Wee League's Board of Directors. Director Pekkain offered to talk with Dave Davini, league president, to set up a meeting with the Commission's Youth Sports Committee. Commissioner Carlson made a motion to accept the reports with the provision that the Youth Sports Committee meet with the Pee Wee League's Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tatman and unanimously approved. NYSCA Update Director Pekkain- reviewed the NYSCA Certification report, copy of which is attached to the original copy of these minutes. Sports Center Summer Special Director Pekkain referred the Commission to the memo from Recreation Supervisor Miller regarding offering a summer special membership for the Sports Center. The Commission also discussed the new Sports Center brochure. Copies of both are attached to the original copy of these minutes. The Director advised the above information will be presented to the City Council for their approval. After discussion, Commissioner Griffin made a motion that the Commission support staffs request to offer the summer membership discount at the Sports Center. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stevens and unanimously approved. Softball Field Dedication - Update Director Pekkain updated the Commission on the recent softball field dedication at Eagle Park honoring George Geister for his years of service to the Rohnert Park Page - 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 21, 1997 Girls Softball League. He reported Councilman Flores presented an ordinance from the City and many former players attended the ceremonies. Teen Center Director Pekkain advised the City has received a community block grant of $190,000 for a teen center which would be housed in the YMCA/soccer building on Santa Barbara Drive. He reported other non-profit agencies will be involved and a committee is developing a joint use agreement with the various agencies. The center would be designed for middle school aged children. Discussion followed. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS Wildlife Viewing Commissioner Griffin apprised the Commission about a wildlife viewing sign which can be placed on. the freeway with a picture of binoculars and an arrow pointing out where people might be able to view wildlife. He felt it might attract more visitors to Rohnert Park and suggested placing it on Highway 101 near the exit for Roberts Lake . Director Pekkain advised it is very difficult to get a sign approved for the highway by Cal Trans. He offered to check into the possibility if the Commission desired. Commissioner Griffin said there are posters made up that are about the specific wildlife in the area which would be located at the lake. Director Pekkain said it might be possible to erect a sign on a Rohnert Park city street. Discussion followed. Commissioner Stevens made a motion to approve Commissioner Griffin's proposal to have staff look into the possibility of erecting a sign on Highway 101 for wildlife viewing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Allred and unanimously approved. Director Pekkain requested that Commissioner Griffin submit to him whatever information he has on the project which he will pursue. Recreation Facility Priorities The Commission reviewed the current list of Recreation Facility Priorities (see copy attached to the original copy of these minutes) and after considerable discussion revised the list by eliminating, moving and adding some priorities. A copy of the revised list will be presented at the Commission's meeting on May 19. A motion to accept the revised list of recreation facility priorities was made by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Stevens and unanimously approved. G Park Lights Commissioner Griffin said he had been approached to see if the light schedule at G Park baseball field could be extended until 10 p.m. He asked if there had been any Page - 4 ''1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 21, 1997 complaints about the lights. After discussion, Commissioner Tatman suggested that the league write a letter requesting the extension. Discussion followed on holding a public hearing to discuss the request. Creekside Middle School Annexation The Commission discussed the annexation of the Creekside Middle School by the City of Rohnert Park and one of the arguments for annexation is the city is using the fields at Creekside which is incorrect. The City is not using any of the fields at Creekside. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.'to a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, at 7:30 p.m. to be held in the City Hall council chambers, 6750 Commerce Blvd. Chairman CI'Y---r , -r-� 4 Secretary Page - 5