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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMins 2007 02 Feb_DraftUNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 1 of 7 BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING February 28, 2007 CALL TO ORDER Administration Building of Parks, Recreation and Community Services 888 W. Santa Ana Blvd. Second Floor Santa Ana, California 5:34 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE J. Havlik ROLL CALL BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS MEMBERS REPS PRESENT: Frank Acosta, Joshua Havlik, Tish Leon, Julie Stroud, Wendy Tobiska STAFF/CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Gerardo Mouet, Executive Director Ron Ono, Administrative Services Manager Robert Carroll, Senior Management Analyst Joseph Straka, Assistant City Attorney Athena Martinez, Board Secretary PRESENTATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AWARD – MARCH, 2007 Ron Dryva was present to accept this award. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: J. Havlik SECOND: W. Tobiska VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Stroud, Whitacre (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Madrid, Nguyen (2) 1. MINUTES Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting on January 24, 2007. 2. RECORDING SECRETARY’S REPORT The February 28, 2007 agenda was posted on the doors of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency Headquarters office and the doors of Council Chambers on February 23, 2007. 3. ABSENCES Excused absence of M. Madrid. Unexcused absence of K. Nguyen. ** END OF CONSENT CALENDAR ** UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 2 of 7 BUSINESS CALENDAR NEW BUSINESS 1. TEMPLETON LITTLE LEAGUE UPDATES Letter from Agency to District 30 in board packet reviewed. District 30 representatives met with concerned parents/residents after the January board meeting and an agreement was reached. It was reiterated that the Agency has no jurisdiction over District 30 Little League as this is a National organization. Q: Will there be a Templeton Little League this season or is that still in the works? A: This season has started and players from Templeton were absorbed by Santiago Little League for this year. Q: Will this issue be re-addressed before the Board next year? A: It is up to the community to get Templeton Little League re-established. The current arrangement is temporary. If Templeton does return next season, Jerome Park will be their home field. 2. BOARD RETREAT PLANNING Due to the recent changes in Board membership, the annual Board Retreat usually held in January will be held late March/early April to allow sufficient time for all new commissioners to get established. The retreat will occur on a Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include lunch. The purpose of the retreat will be to set goals for the years and to re- visit the existing board committees and their membership. 3. CONCORD/CAMBRIDGE RESERVOIR DISCUSSION Site is owned by the City’s Water Department and currently used as a staging area. Site is a vacant dirt lot and has been undeveloped for some time. Residents of this neighborhood are currently working with Neighborhood Improvement to establish the Fairbridge Square Neighborhood Association. Members of the proposed neighborhood association would like to develop and landscape the vacant area to beautify their neighborhood. Residents would do the work at their cost and are asking that the Agency maintain the site once it is established, which would be approximately $4,500 per year. Residents are aware that this property is owned by the City’s Water Department and that it could be taken back for reservoir expansion in the future. The City’s Water Department has indicated that it would approve the temporary landscaping. There are currently four property owners adjacent to the site, two of which are for the improvements and two of which are against. The project has received approximately 80% approval from residents of the neighborhood. Staff indicated that the process would be to present the item before the Board, who would then recommend to Council whether or not the Agency should enter into agreement with the Neighborhood Association. If Council approves the agreement, the neighborhood association would need to raise all necessary funds to develop the site. The Agency would provide guidance as to specifications and City requirements. Once the site is completely developed and the ribbon cutting is done, the Agency would assume the responsibility of maintaining the site. UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 3 of 7 At this time the floor was opened to Public Comments. Colin Gawronski, resident of neighborhood Introduced himself as the President of the proposed neighborhood association. Began the process of establishing the Fairbridge Square Neighborhood Association in September, 2006. Paperwork for the association is in the process to be recognized by City Council. The vacant lot is a concern to many residents of the neighborhood. The proposed neighborhood association clearly understands the conditions of the site being temporary and could be taken back by the City at any time. John Maciha, homeowner in the neighborhood Stated that this is the first time he is hearing that Mr. Gawronski is the representative of the entire neighborhood. Indicated that his property abuts the proposed site. The Water Department has been very helpful in maintaining the site. Had previously experienced vandalism of his property due to undesirables attracted to the vacant lot. Problems have been minimized since No Trespassing signs have been installed. Fears that problems will recur if this becomes a congregating area for kids. If errant irrigation is installed, the hillside along the freeway could be damaged, which would compromise the stability of the freeway. Stated that he is very much opposed to the proposed development of the site. Michelle Gawronski, resident of neighborhood Has been trying to find a solution for the site. Read a letter from a 10 year old child of the neighborhood requesting a simple park to play in. Is aware of all the responsibilities that will fall on the residents if site is developed. Feels that vandalism problems will go away as families use the developed area and will no longer be a vacant lot which is more attractive to undesirables. Norm Glastetter, resident of neighborhood Feels the proposed development would be a great asset to the community. There are many children in the area, and has three children himself. Indicated it would be nice to have a place to gather. The vacant lot has been an eyesore. A small space is needed as the closest park to residents is Portola Park. Does not foresee vandalism as a problem if site is being used by families. Many of the previous problem kids have moved out of the area. Sava Welch, resident of neighborhood Is very much opposed to the proposed project. Has had a tremendous problem with liter in the past, but not so much since the signs have been installed. Feels that the development of site would attract undesirables and child offenders if site becomes a park. Stated she was never approached by the supposed neighborhood association about forming an association and the proposed project. Requested to see the laws of the neighborhood association. UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 4 of 7 Don Welch, resident of neighborhood Has lived in the area for ten years. Vacant lot had been used for motorcycle races and fights in the past. Home had been burglarized twice. People using the vacant lot have practically parked in his driveway due to the proximity of his home to the site. Has experienced no problems since the signs have been installed. Does this project require an Environmental Impact study? Who does insurance liability fall on? The proposed neighborhood association did not approach the residents about forming an association, only about simple improvements to the vacant lot. Board Q & A Q: Would it be better for irrigation to be installed by City? A: It would be ideal, but the neighborhood association would have to do according to Agency specifications. Q: When will the neighborhood become a formal association? A: Staff will need to research this further with the Neighborhood Improvement section of the Community Development Agency. Q: Is this site zoned for a park? A: It is currently zoned for industrial/commercial use. Acting Chair Acosta suggested that perhaps the Board should reconsider this item after the neighborhood association is formally established. Commissioner Tobiska stated she understands the concerns of the residents and the impacts to properties. All residents in the neighborhood need to be well informed as to all steps being taken. Commissioner Leon agreed that everyone needs to be on the same page. Once the neighborhood association is established, the item should be brought back to the Board for action, and is in agreement that a passive park would deter any negative elements. Commissioner Stroud recommended that residents visit Eldridge Park to get an idea of what a passive park could be. Motion to continue item to the March meeting of the Board. MOTION: J. Havlik SECOND: T. Leon VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Stroud, Whitacre (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Madrid, Nguyen (2) UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 5 of 7 4. RESERVATION UPDATE Robert Carroll, Senior Management Analyst, conducted a presentation on the Class Software System used for reservations and provided handouts. The Facility Use Policies and Procedures document, included in the Board Packet, was also referred to and works hand in hand with the Class Software System. 5. NOMINATIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD TO THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OF SANTA ANA No nominations made at this time. UPCOMING EVENTS Event calendars for March and April, 2007 were reviewed and discussed, of special note: March 3: Zoo Birthday March 24: Cesar Chavez Event STATUS/UPDATES 1. COMMITTEE ON FIELD USE (CoFU) – No report. 2. OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE – J. Havlik Grant submitted requesting $1 Million for the Flower Street Bike Trail and the neighborhood of that area has pledged $75,000 to assist with the required $150,000 match. The groundbreaking for the synthetic turf at the stadium occurred and went well. Construction on the scoreboard and marquee has begun and should be completed in May, 2007. 3. SANTA ANA HEALTH AND FITNESS TASK FORCE Robin Christenson will continue to serve on this committee as a member of the community. Walking club map for the Golden East Trail was discussed. Also discussed were updates on enhancing Active Living and expanding sports programs for youth. 4. FUNDRAISING/PARTNERSHIPS SUBCOMMITTEE – W. Tobiska: No report. 5. GRAFFITI/VANDALISM RESTITUTION: No report. 6. CABLE UPDATES There have been major outages and customer service has been very slow. There is currently a five day wait for a service technician visit. 7. COMMUNITY CONTACT REPORTS AND UPDATES – Reviewed and discussed. 8. PENDING ITEMS/ACTION ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Concord/Cambridge Reservoir site Board Retreat COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS Barbara Lemere, resident local to Centennial Park It would be good for the Board to visit the Concord/Cambridge site. Is glad to see water running in the fountains. Restrooms at Centennial Park have been looking pretty good. Picnic shelters B and C have been fenced up for quite a while, and Shelter A has recently been fenced up. Can’t they just be torn down and picnic tables put on the concrete slabs for community use? The white trash barrels throughout the park are full of graffiti. Has frequently observed that soccer lights are going on, but nothing happens on the fields. This is very costly to the City. Cannot believe that the City only requires 51% residence in Santa Ana for soccer use. Has observed park maintenance contractor parking and driving on the grass. UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 6 of 7 Thomas Lemere, resident local to Centennial Park As a member of the Westend C.O.P., has heard that Mona Ruiz is no longer using the vans for the graffiti task force? What has happened? Has invited representatives from Santa Ana Unified School District to speak at a neighborhood association meeting to speak to the fences around Valley West/Hector Godinez High School but has not received a response. Would like to know the status of the benches and swings at Windsor Park. Colin Gawronski, resident of Concord/Cambridge area Stated that everyone in the Concord/Cambridge neighborhood has been made aware of the proposed Fairbridge Square Neighborhood Association and has gone door-to-door inviting residents to meetings and handing out flyers. The petition presented to residents for signature was very clear that the purpose was to develop the vacant site. Is requesting assistance with plumbing and irrigation of proposed project so that it is done correctly. Michelle Gawronski, resident of Concord/Cambridge area Did not try to coerce or misinform anyone, and is only trying to beautify the community. The proposed association has had several meetings since September, 2006. Aware that improvements to the vacant lot cannot be permanent as property can be taken back by the Water Department. Is requesting assistance with infrastructure due to liability concerns. Does not want to see the project caught up in red tape as current community enthusiasm may die if prolonged. STAFF/CONSULTANT COMMENTS G. Mouet In response to Mr. Lemere’s comment regarding Graffiti Task Force Vans, the program is still very much in effect, only Mona Ruiz has been reassigned and the task force is now escorted by Park Rangers instead of Santa Ana Police. Due to the safety concerns of a non-police escort, task force participants are no longer working in the ally ways or flood channels, only in city parks and bike trails. In response to Mrs. Lemere’s comment regarding the fences around Valley West/HGHS, the school district has the responsibility to inform the neighborhood association of this. R. Ono In response to Mrs. Lemere’s comment regarding the picnic shelters at Centennial Park, a grant was recently submitted requesting $150,000 with a $150,000 match to remove the existing shelters and to build new ones. In response to Mrs. Lemere’s comment regarding lights at the soccer fields in Centennial Park, the lights are programmed to turn on 15 minutes apart to avoid blowing out the system, and also to receive better utility rates. In response to Mr. Lemere’s comment regarding benches and swings at Windsor Park, the items are on order and will be installed upon the completion of the resurfacing of the lot is done. UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of February 28, 2007 Meeting Page 7 of 7 BOARD COMMENTS T. Leon This has been a good first meeting. Was visiting Angel Park at Third and Flower around 4:00 p.m. the weekend of February 24th and was very disappointed at the homeless in the park, the trash in the park, and that the sand in the playground area looked like it has not been cleaned in a while. There was also a lot of broken wood in the park. This park needs a lot of attention. Would like to obtain the city-approved/recommended colors to use to prevent/deter graffiti. Staff commented that the Agency is aware of the homeless problems at both Angel and Birch parks. There is no law about homeless being in the park; however there is a no camping ordinance and citations are issued when camping is observed. After an offender is given five citations, a warrant goes into effect. J. Havlik Welcome to the new commissioners. Look forward to working with you. Apologized for not being able to attend the parade and synthetic turf groundbreakings. New daughter is due any day and have been awaiting her arrival. W. Tobiska Welcome to new commissioners. Also apologized for missing recent events, but does work on Saturdays. Regarding sand in play areas, is there any kind of product used to deter animals from using? Animal waste could be harmful to children playing sand. Will have more information on progress of Fundraiser for Barrier Free Playground at next meeting. F. Acosta Welcome to new board members. Did attend the synthetic turf groundbreaking event at the stadium and it was great. Looking forward to the completion of the project. NEXT MEETING Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency’s Administration Building, located at 888 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, California. Motion to adjourn meeting. MOTION: W. Tobiska SECOND: J. Stroud VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Stroud, Whitacre (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Madrid, Nguyen (2) MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:32 P.M. _____________________________ Athena Martinez Recording Secretary