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1997/07/21 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES July 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 Chairman Griffin presiding and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: (4) Commissioners Allred, Carlson, Griffin, and Tatman Absent: (2) Commissioner Stevens 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 June 16, 1997, were unanimously approved as submitted. LETTER TO PEE WEE BASEBALL Director Pekkain referred the commission to a letter he had written in response to the Pee Wee Baseball League's request to install another baseball diamond near John Reed School. A copy of the letter is attached to the original copy of these minutes. He stated the league is still interested in meeting with the Commission's Youth Sports Committee to discuss the proposed change. Director Pekkain suggested meeting on Monday, August 11. After discussion the committee members set a meeting for Thursday, August 7, as their first choice and Monday, August 11, as their second choice. ROBERTSLAKE MEMORIAL GROVE Director Pekkain informed the commission the bricks for the memorial walkway at Roberts Lake are supposed to arrive at the end of this week. To date, the Recreation Department has received 22 orders for bricks and has collected approximately $1,257. Publicity was included in the city's utility bills and in the Senior Citizen's Newsletter, SCAN. Commissioner Griffin offered to help install the walkway if work begins next week since he will be on vacation. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION Monthly Reports Director Pekkain presented highlights from the Community Center monthly report. He reported a total of $4,416 donations to the department's scholarship fund have been received and 98 scholarships have been awarded in the amount of $3,737 Page - 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 21, 1997 since the program was initiated. So far this year, $25,814 has been collected for resident cards. A total of $52,803 in revenue was collected at the Community Center in June. He referred to the Senior Center monthly report which indicated a total of $6,084 was collected in June. The Director pointed out that the Creekside Middle School had rented the Sports Center for a special event in June. Sports Center Profit and Loss Statement Per Director Pekkain, the report for June has not been received. Skate Park Director Pekkain reported this matter has come before the City Council which referred it to the Parks and Recreation Commission to study for a possible location. Commissioner Griffin asked about liability and whether the stipulation of curbs no higher. than 18" still applied. The Director said the State Assembly has passed a bill which makes skateboarding a hazardous recreation activity which means the city has immunity from liability and places the risk and financial responsibility for injuries on the skaters, but he would have to check the specifications. He said he will be checking with other communities with skate parks and suggested reinitiating the Skate Park Committee to meet with the youngsters who are interested to discuss possible sites. The Committee would return with their suggestions to the Commission which could make a recommendation to the City Council. Discussion followed on types of plans including a wooden one Commissioner Griffin had heard about. The Director advised that former commissioner, Elizabeth Desmond, indicated she would be interested in serving as an ad hoc committee member on the Skate Park Committee, and Chair Griffin asked which commissioners would be interested in being on this committee. Commissioner Allred agreed to be on the committee, but advised she will be out of town after August 1 st. After discussion a committee meeting was scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 31st at the Community Center. Commissioner Griffin also volunteered to be on the committee. Discussion followed regarding visiting possible skate park sites, but the Director said the city only had limited transportation which would not be enough for the whole group. The commission discussed some possible sites including the amphitheater area at B Park and areas west of the freeway. The Director said he will have several site suggestions at the July 31 st meeting. Commissioner Carlson made a motion that the Skate Park Committee be formed again to meet on July 31 st to discuss possible sites. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tatman and unanimously approved. Page - 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 21, 1997 ^ FY 1997-98 Budget The Director said he has had no feedback regarding the fiscal budget for 1997-98. The next budget meeting is scheduled for July 21 st at 5 p.m. He reported no major cuts have been made, only a few minor cuts and some fees will be increased. This was done by all departments. Tennis Club Donations The Director announced that the Rohnert Park Tennis Club recently donated some windscreens and display cases for the parks, and the Community Voice had published a picture regarding the donation. He reported the tennis club has made several donations over the years in lieu of paying for use of the courts. Disabilities Program Update The Director informed the commission of a program called C.A.R.E. that is being formed in Rohnert Park by Frederick Coleman which will provide activities such as bowling, skating at Cal Skate and dances for adults who are physically or mentally disabled. He advised the city will provide facilities for major events such as dances or the Special Olympics. Automatic Doors Director Pekkain reported that installation of automatic doors is underway and should be completed within the next month. M Park Improvements Director Pekkain referred the commission to a map of the improvements being made at M Park which will be funded by the recreation capital outlay fees. The ^� landscaping has been approved, and four additional tennis courts may be installed. If enough funds are available, they may be lighted. A small restroom and storage area may also be installed by the tennis courts. The City hopes to complete the project before the rains begin in the fall. Summer Recreation Programs Director Pekkain pointed out some highlights of summer recreation programs. He stated the all -day summer camps were all full and some sessions of the sports camps had filled, which is a first. He reported the Sports Center will be used for a masters power lift championship on October 3 & 4. Commissioner Stevens Letter Director Pekkain read from a letter Commissioner Stevens had prepared explaining why he would have to miss three consecutive commission meetings due to family matters. Commissioner Stevens stated he is still committed to his position as a commissioner, but the absences are unavoidable. See letter attached to the original copy of these minutes. MATTERS FROM COMMISSIONERS No Smoking Ordinance in Parks Commissioner Allred had asked that this matter be placed on this month's agenda. The Director referred to a letter he received from Brian Thomas, president of the Girls Softball League, regarding the problem the league had with enforcing no ^ smoking at the fields. The Director stated that without a city ordinance that Public Page - 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 21, 1997 Safety cannot enforce the no smoking policy. He did advise the softball field at Honeybee Park is on school property and the school district has a no smoking policy. Commissioner Tatman said the Bambino Baseball League has a policy that if adults want to smoke they are asked to go into the parking lot. This has worked pretty well. The Commission discussed possible solutions, and Chairman Griffin asked the Director if the city could put up signs to see if people would abide by them. The Director said he has spoken to school district representatives and was told the signs have not worked out. He offered to do some investigating, if the commission wishes, and report back to them. After discussion, the commission directed staff to investigate the possibility of having a no smoking ordinance at the parks. Commissioner Tatman suggested putting up signs that say this is a tobacco free area. Wildlife Viewing Commissioner Griffin said he has not heard back from the wildlife group and he will bring up this matter at a later date. City Council Joint Meeting Director Pekkain asked the commission to suggest some possible meeting dates for a joint meeting with the City Council. The following dates were suggested, Monday, September 22; Thursday, September 25; and Wednesday, September 24. Discussion followed on possible agenda items. Allred Absence Commissioner Allred reported she will be absent from the September 15th Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Bambino State Tournament Commissioner Tatman reported on the recent tournament hosted by the Rohnert Park Bambino Baseball League and stated a Rohnert Park team had made it to the finals which is the farthest a local team has ever gone. Twenty-one teams played in the tournament and everyone said how nice the city was. He said the tournament was very successful. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. to a regular meeting on Monday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m. to be held in the City Hall council chambers, 6750 Commerce Blvd. Chairman n A Secretary Di ctor a ecreation Page - 4