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1999/11/15 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutesn ROHNERT PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES November 15, 1999 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 7:50 p.m. with Chairman Tatman presiding. ROLL CALL Present: (4) Commissioners Tatman, Carlson, Stevens, Cohen Absent: (1) Commissioner Griffin Also present for the meeting was Recreation Director Tim Barry and Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by Commissioner Stevens, and second by Commissioner Cohen, the minutes of the meeting of October 18, 1999 were unanimously approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS Monte Vista School Fencing The Commission, by consensus, agreed to put this item over to the December meeting. N.Y.S.C.A. Training Policy Director Barry noted that he and Commissioner Griffin met on Oct. 26 h as the Youth Sports Committee (with Commissioner Cohen unable to make it at the last minute). He reviewed the staff memo, dated November 8, 1999, with the Committee's recommendations and discussed the issue. He indicated that the plan put forth in the memo gave groups appropriate warning and consequences to non-compliance with the City Council policy. After further discussion, upon motion by Commissioner Stevens, and a second by Commissioner Carlson, the following was moved: "That the Commission recommend to the City Council approval of the N.Y.S.C.A. Training Policy as written." Chairman Tatman asked to add language under "Goal of Program:" "The participants also receive liability insurance coverage as coaches." Commissioner Stevens and Commissioner Carlson accepted the friendly amendment. The motion was unanimously approved as amended. Page 1 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 15, 1999 '"\ Date For Joint Meeting With City Council Director Barry indicated that the City Council, at the request of Councilman Jake Mackenzie, agreed to meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission in April, 2000. He asked if Commissioners had any date in mind, and the consensus by the Commission was to wait until after the first of the year to consider dates to recommend to the Council for this meeting. General Plan Element Director Barry asked Commissioners if they had any comments to add to the process, after reviewing the proposed General Plan elements and Director Barry's memo of comments sent to the General Plan coordinating committee. There were no additional comments offered, with Commissioners agreeing that the Director's response represented their views as well. Indoor Pool Project Director Barry reviewed the last meeting's direction for Commissioners to report back about their contact with their city council person regarding views on the concept of an indoor pool at the Sports & Fitness Center. Commissioner Cohen reported on his conversation with Mayor Reilly, who encouraged the Commission to provide a list of parks and recreation projects and priorities for Council review. He also suggested that a City Council committee could meet with a committee of the Commission to discuss projects prior to the Council's setting of priorities for the year. The Commission discussed the proposed location of the pool and parking issues. Chairman Tatman stated that he believed staff needs to research the 25 yd. indoor pool more, identifying the benefits, costs, and parking impacts. Recreation Services Manager Guy Miller responded to questions from Commissioners. Commissioners indicated that the Chairman and staff should put together and send a memo this next week to the City Council, indicating: a. In reviewing possible capital project needs, the Commission feels an indoor 25 yd x 25 yd pool at the S&F Center is the top priority due to its ability to serve all ages and improve the S&F Center for family use, generating increased membership sales, at a cost of $ 2.6 million. b. The pool project should include adding square footage for additional activity rooms at the S&F Center and replace aging fitness equipment. c. The Commission is concerned about placing a passive park on the parcel of city -owned land on Snyder Lane at the Community Center Campus, due to heavy traffic noise and daily use by high school students. The Commission feels a better use of the parcel would be for Page 2 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 15, 1999 NEW BUSINESS Sport & Fitness Center Membership Policy Review additional landscaped, lighted parking areas to facilitate construction of the indoor pool at the S&F Center. The Commission accepted the memo to the Council by consensus. Commissioner Stevens reported on the S&F Center Committee meeting held October 13, 1999 regarding problems experienced by staff by some unruly drop -in basketball customers. It was felt if the membership would be structured such that there would be no more drop -in basketball play (times would still be scheduled, but participants would have to be members), participants would behave better and pay for services they are getting (instead of someone paying a $ 3 drop -in fee and going in other parts of the center for a workout, which is not included in that fee). The Committee wanted to create more of a family atmosphere, conducive to proper behavior by patrons, which will make the Center more successful and profitable. However, more space would be required for youth activities. The major change to consider is whether or not to make the Center a membership -only Center. Membership -only would increase patron accountability and change the atmosphere to a more positive one. Recreation Services Manager Miller estimates that the Center may lose 6- 8% of its annual revenue, however, if drop -in gym fee participation were eliminated. Miller indicated that the Department is not ready to endorse the membership -only concept at this time, preferring to take more time to study the issues. Chairman Tatman recommended turning drop -in basketball sessions into resident -only sessions (by use of the resident card) with a drop -in fee. Members would be admitted at no extra cost. Staff will continue to study the problems and possible recommendations. Director Barry asked RSM Miller to go over information he prepared for the Commission relative to climbing walls. At their previous meeting, the Commission was interested in adding this feature to the S&F Center. RSM Miller showed a picture of a $9,000 portable motorized wall ("Treadwall") that is 8 ft. tall. He felt it would be popular at first but may not be challenging enough for continued use by patrons. He said wall systems 20 ft. high are available but would represent safety hazards that may not be acceptable, and staff supervision of such a wall could be more costly than it is worth. Commissioners indicated a feature such as this would be attractive for teen and young adults, but replacing current weight equipment (now 14-15 yrs. Page 3 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 15, 1999 old) is a higher priority for funds. Staff will continue to stay on top of this technology and measure the feasibility of the concept. Discussion Items For City Council Liaison Mackenzie Director Barry indicated that the Commission needs to identify topics for discussion with Council Liaison Mackenzie, scheduled for the December meeting. By consensus, the Commission decided on two topics: a. Indoor Swimming Pool b. Sports & Fitness Center Improvements Staff Reports Director Barry pointed out the monthly program/facility reports and monthly highlights report and answered questions by Commissioners. COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS Youth Sports Commission already discussed the N.Y.S.C.A. policy that this Committee brought forward for consideration earlier in the meeting. Senior Center The next meeting for the Commission liaison to attend is Nov. 18, 1999. Bicycle Commissioner Cohen indicated that the Bicycle Committee will have some comments for the General Plan review concerning bicycle access between Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Aquatics The committee reported its work at the last Commission meeting. Sport & Fitness Center Commission already discussed the recommendations and discussion of this committee earlier in the meeting. C.O.Y.F. Commissioner Cohen attended their last meeting and discussed the Free Friday Program and the need for more volunteers during January while S.S.U. is off. He also reported that the C.O.Y.F. Commission is exploring the Community Chest concept to fund recreation activities for low-income families. MATTERS FROM/FOR COMMISSIONERS December Meeting Date Director Barry asked the Commission if it wanted to keep its regular date of the third Monday in December for its next meeting. By consensus, the Commission decided to move the December meeting date from the 2& to December 13th. ENO �7 Page 4 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes November 15, 1999 Capital Projects Commissioners questioned whether or not it was important to discuss capital project priorities with the Council earlier than the April joint meeting time frame. Commissioners, by consensus, decided to inquire with Councilman Mackenzie about this at the December meeting. C.P.R.S. Conference Director Barry stated that the annual California Parks and Recreation Society (C.P.R.S.) Training Conference will be held March 15-18, 2000 and inquired if Commissioners were planning to attend. Commissioners Tatman, Carlson, and Cohen indicated they could attend, but Commissioner Stevens declined due to a work commitment. Staff will make the necessary arrangements for Commissioners to attend. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by Chairman Tatman at 9:50 p.m. to an adjourned meeting of December 13, 1999, in the City Council chambers at City Hall, 6750 Commerce Boulevard. Chairman IM1101 Page 55