agenda packet preparation timelines for regular city

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CITY OF ROHNERT PARK COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL REPORT Meeting Date: October 13, 2009 Department: Administration / Recreation Submitted By: Dan Schwarz, Interim City Manager Guy Miller, Recreation Services Manager Submittal Date: October 2, 2009 Agenda Title: City Pools – Review of public outreach process and results regarding future uses of Alicia and Ladybug Pool sites Requested Council Action: Provide direction to staff regarding future uses of Alicia and Ladybug pool sites. Summary: Background At its May 26, 2009 meeting, the Council considered whether to suspend use of Alicia and Ladybug pools for the 2009 swim season due to low attendance and costly mandated improvements required at both pools. To meet the requirements of a Compliance Notice from the County of Sonoma Department of Emergency Services, staff had previously recommended converting from the use of chlorine gas to the use of sodium hypochlorite at all City pools. The Council was further advised that both Alicia and Ladybug pools would require costly improvements to comply with the Virginia Graham Baker Act (regulating pool drainage systems) and that a failure to comply could result in civil and criminal penalties. In the case of Alicia Pool, these improvements would necessitate major reconstruction of the facility. Council was advised that such improvements could not be accomplished in time for the 2009 swim season. Following this discussion, the Council directed staff to close both Alicia and Ladybug pools for the 2009 swim season. To mitigate any inconvenience to residents due the pool closures, Council authorized staff to offer a program for free weekend swim at Benicia, Honeybee and Magnolia pools for the 2009 swim season. The Recreation Department received one resident complaint regarding the closure of Ladybug Pool and no complaints regarding the closure of Alicia Pool. Agenda Packet Preparation TIMELINES for Regular City Council Meetings held on the 2 nd & 4 th Tuesdays of each month: Resolutions (other than standard formats for authorizations and approvals), Ordinances & Agreements to Assistant City Attorney via email for review and approval as to form DUE no later than NOON Three (3) Mondays prior to Council meeting date Agenda items to City Manager via email for his review and responding “email authorization”, synchronized with above timeframe of Assistant City Attorney review, and an email copy to the City Clerk for drafting agendas Agenda Items with attachments via email and a total of twenty (20) complete hard copy sets with 2 sets single-sided & 18 sets double-sided/stapled to City Clerk DUE no later than NOON Two (2) Fridays prior to Council meeting date Agenda Draft review by Mayor, City Manager, Assistant City Attorney, City Clerk no later than Tuesday morning One (1) week prior to Council meeting date Agenda Packets distributed to City Council and Agendas posted/distributed/mailed on Thursday afternoon One (1) week prior to Council meeting date in compliance with Rohnert Park Municipal Code Section 2.08.020 and related Resolution No. 2008-173 {This section for City Clerk Use Only} 10/13/09 City Council Agenda ITEM NO. 8

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CITY OF ROHNERT PARK COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL REPORT

Meeting Date: October 13, 2009 Department: Administration / Recreation Submitted By: Dan Schwarz, Interim City Manager Guy Miller, Recreation Services Manager Submittal Date: October 2, 2009 Agenda Title: City Pools – Review of public outreach process and results regarding

future uses of Alicia and Ladybug Pool sites Requested Council Action: Provide direction to staff regarding future uses of Alicia and Ladybug

pool sites. Summary: Background At its May 26, 2009 meeting, the Council considered whether to suspend use of Alicia and Ladybug pools for the 2009 swim season due to low attendance and costly mandated improvements required at both pools. To meet the requirements of a Compliance Notice from the County of Sonoma Department of Emergency Services, staff had previously recommended converting from the use of chlorine gas to the use of sodium hypochlorite at all City pools. The Council was further advised that both Alicia and Ladybug pools would require costly improvements to comply with the Virginia Graham Baker Act (regulating pool drainage systems) and that a failure to comply could result in civil and criminal penalties. In the case of Alicia Pool, these improvements would necessitate major reconstruction of the facility. Council was advised that such improvements could not be accomplished in time for the 2009 swim season. Following this discussion, the Council directed staff to close both Alicia and Ladybug pools for the 2009 swim season. To mitigate any inconvenience to residents due the pool closures, Council authorized staff to offer a program for free weekend swim at Benicia, Honeybee and Magnolia pools for the 2009 swim season. The Recreation Department received one resident complaint regarding the closure of Ladybug Pool and no complaints regarding the closure of Alicia Pool.

Agenda Packet Preparation TIMELINES for Regular City Council Meetings held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month:

• Resolutions (other than standard formats for authorizations and approvals), Ordinances & Agreements to Assistant City Attorney via email for review and approval as to form DUE no later than NOON Three (3) Mondays prior to Council meeting date

• Agenda items to City Manager via email for his review and responding “email authorization”, synchronized with above timeframe of Assistant City Attorney review, and an email copy to the City Clerk for drafting agendas

• Agenda Items with attachments via email and a total of twenty (20) complete hard copy sets with 2 sets single-sided & 18 sets double-sided/stapled to City Clerk DUE no later than NOON Two (2) Fridays prior to Council meeting date

• Agenda Draft review by Mayor, City Manager, Assistant City Attorney, City Clerk no later than Tuesday morning One (1) week prior to Council meeting date

• Agenda Packets distributed to City Council and Agendas posted/distributed/mailed on Thursday afternoon One (1) week prior to Council meeting date in compliance with Rohnert Park Municipal Code Section 2.08.020 and related Resolution No. 2008-173

{This section for City Clerk Use Only}

10/13/09 City Council Agenda

ITEM NO. 8

City Pools Page 2

Community Meetings and Surveys The Council further directed staff to engage residents in a series of community outreach sessions concerning the future of the two pool sites. Rohnert Park residents were invited to attend one of three community meetings to view a PowerPoint presentation and various display boards featuring spray parks and other recreation amenities, many of which were identified in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan (“PROS Report”). Community meetings were held July 8th at City Hall, July 11th at Burton Avenue Recreation Center, and July 18th at Ladybug Recreation Center. All of the community meetings were noticed as special joint meetings of the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission to allow members of the those bodies to attend. Not including members of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission, two residents attended the July 8th meeting, five residents attended the July 11th meeting, and eight residents attended the July 18th meeting. Following the PowerPoint presentation, those in attendance were encouraged to provide feedback regarding the improvement and continued operation of the two pools, the pros and cons of other recreational amenities presented, and additional ideas for recreational amenities that would be suitable for the Alicia and Ladybug pool sites. Written comments were provided through completion of a survey form and by posting comments on the display boards via post-it notes. Those who were unable to attend one of the three community meetings were encouraged to complete an online survey or download and complete a survey form. Summary of Survey Responses Residents were asked to list and rank their top three choices for recreational amenities they would like to see at each pool site. To rank and compare responses, each first choice was assigned 3 points, each second choice was assigned 2 points and each third choice was assigned 1 point. The graph below depicts the results for both pool sites:

Aquatic playgrounds (also known as spray parks) were overwhelmingly favored at both pool sites. Group picnic areas were also favored at both pool sites, and many residents expressed an interest in combining the two amenities.

Survey Respondent Statistics The City received 19 completed surveys. Residents were asked to indicate the numbers and ages of members of their household. Twelve surveys were from households that included children age 12 and under, four surveys were from households that included children ages 13 to 18, and four surveys were from adult households. Residents were also asked to indicate the section of Rohnert Park in which they live. Surveys were received from residents in the A, B, D, E, F, G, H, L, M, and R sections. One survey was received from the RPX area west of Highway 101. Summary of Community Feedback Below is a summary of survey and post-it notes comments provided regarding the recreational amenities presented, other ideas for the pool sites, and feedback on City pools and recreational facilities in general.

Amenity  Comments Aquatic Playground  Good for children who can’t swim 

Will draw lots of families Great for birthday parties Will be an asset to the community Ideally combined with an adjacent group picnic area Prefer one large spray park over many smaller spray parks Water parks in Roseville area and Orem, UT recommended as models Should develop different areas within the park for different age groups Has already used spray park in City Center Plaza twice Willing to pay low admission fee Favored designs: #1, #3, #8, #9 Design #10 would suit children under 5 only 

   Group Picnic Area  Preferred at both parks 

Ideally combined with adjacent spray park or other amenity The bigger the better Prefer to have structure with permanent tables and benches Would like some tables with checker/chess board tops Combine open structure with existing building at Ladybug Park for educational events, classes, workshops, etc. Preferred design: #3 Other favored designs: #7, #8, #10 

   Community Garden  Preferred at Ladybug Park ‐ more room 

Garden at Alicia Park would be useful to nearby apartment and condo residents Garden plots could be assigned to neighborhoods Can be become unsightly and attract rodents 

   Skate Park/Features  Suitable at Ladybug Park – not too close to homes 

Not suitable at Alicia Park – would disturb baseball and other park uses A park would be a better draw, but a few skate features would be nice Develop world class competitive park to draw people Dual‐use skate park good idea Limits use to small part of population ‐ would rather see amenities more inclusive of other age groups 

   

City Pools Page 2

Amenity  Comments Horseshoes/Bocce  Good for big family events/BBQs  

Ideally combined with a bigger feature (group picnic area) Should have covers or shading Could be a draw for teams/tournaments Favored designs: #5 (horseshoes); #3 (bocce) 

Dog Park  Could use a more centrally located dog park – Roberts Lake overused Dogs run off‐leash at Ladybug Park – would be better to have delineated area away from playground/picnic areas Dog park at Ladybug Park would have a detrimental effect on water quality in the Laguna de Santa Rosa Would serve dog community only 

   Ecology Center  Recommended for Ladybug Park 

See letters from Cotati Creek Critters and CCORP    Other Comments  A and L pools are aging and should be decommissioned – save on long‐term 

staffing and PG&E costs Most apartments and condos already have pools Would like to have one indoor pool/Olympic sized pool/year‐round pool Other pools could use expansion of gated areas – separate picnic areas Would like more shade at Honeybee Pool Would like earlier start time for family swim (4 or 5 pm) Should develop combination of amenities at both parks  Should develop different amenities at each park Keep tennis courts at Ladybug Park Add benches to all parks Recreational facilities and programs are amenities that should be cherished and whose value should be measured through improved quality of life. 

Staff also received the attached letters from Cotati Creek Critters and Concerned Citizens of Rohnert Park (CCORP) in support of an Ecology Center at Ladybug Park. Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation On August 17, 2009, staff presented the results of the community outreach process to the Parks and Recreation Commission. With Commissioner Borr absent, the Commission unanimously adopted a motion to recommend closing Alicia and Ladybug pools and replacing them with aquatic/spray parks combined with group picnic areas. Council Direction Staff is seeking further Council direction regarding the future use of the Alicia and Ladybug pool sites. Both of the pools are located in the City’s redevelopment area, and staff has determined that the use of redevelopment bond funds could be used to make improvements to the existing pools or decommission and replace the pools with other amenities. In either case, ongoing maintenance and any staffing for the recreational amenities would be funded by the General Fund. Enclosure: Community Outreach PowerPoint Presentation Letters from Cotati Creek Critters and CCORP Minutes for the August 17, 2009, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

CITY ATTORNEY’S REVIEW: Relevant documents for this agenda item have been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: ( ) Consent Item (X) Regular Time ( ) Approval ( ) Public Hearing Required ( ) Not Recommended ( ) Submitted with Comment (X) Policy Determination by Council ( ) City Comments: Per Interim City Manager’s review and direction for distribution of this agenda item.

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

1

Goals of this Community Meeting

Explain why it was necessary to close Alicia and Ladybug PoolsSolicit citizen’s input on possible alternate uses for the pool sitesPresent alternate use conceptsPresent alternate use conceptsForm a consensus for future use of each siteGather input on design details and new features

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

2

Why we made the decision to close Alicia and Ladybug Pools

New Federal Legislation required the drains to New Federal Legislation required the drains to retrofitted to the new anti‐entrapment covers .The city was put on notice by the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Services to stop using gas chlorine and convert our system to another type of disinfectant.Alicia Pool requires significant plumbing improvements to meet current health code.The estimated cost for improvements is $68,000 for Ladybug Pool and $164,000 for Alicia Pool. 

Alicia and Ladybug Pools are the oldest pools in the city.

h l dHave the lowest attendance.Are the smallest pools in the city.Other pools are located in close proximity.The city is experiencing a severe financial crisis at this time.The operational deficit for these two pools is approximately $50,000 per year for each pool.Because there are so many pools in Rohnert Park it would be very difficult to reduce this operating deficit.

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

3

Alicia Pool Site

Ladybug Pool Site

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

4

Current Trends in Aquatics“The trend of building swimming pools with flat g g psurfaces and deep water is fading. Today, children and families are attracted by more dynamic aquatic environments, with water play structures, moving water, slides, and lounge spaces adjacent to water entry. Aquatic facilities should be designed to include the appropriate balance of traditional designs and new tt ti   d  h ld  id     f   t  attractions, and should consider sources of revenue to offset costs”.

2008 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

Aquatic PlaygroundsWhat is an Aquatic Playground?What is an Aquatic Playground?

An Aquatic Playground is a recreational area designed specifically for interactive water play. Unlike swimming and wading pools, aquatic playgrounds have no standing water. Aquatic Playgrounds improve a public space and q yg p p pprovide an ideal setting for family recreation. 

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

5

Aquatic Playgrounds,Can be an option to a swimming poolp g pCost less to install than swimming poolsCost less to maintain than swimming poolsAre safer since there is no standing water (do not require lifeguards)Provide stimulating interactive aquatic play Stimulate children’s sensesSt u ate c d e s se sesAre programmable for interactive funAre kid‐friendlyAre safeADA Friendly and Compliant!

Ladybug Pool

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

6

Alicia Pool

Existing Aquatic Playground Successes

Howarth Park, SR

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

7

Bocce Ball CourtsThis ancient game, whose modern adaptation most closely resembles bowling  requires skill  strategy and just a little resembles bowling, requires skill, strategy and just a little luck. Bocce ball is a great game to play outside on a beautiful day. It is highly popular among seniors, but youths are sure to enjoy this accuracy game.

“Residents are interested in new passive recreation features in the park system. Bocce ball is a popular social activity and p y p p ythere are numerous areas within the existing Rohnert Park system that can accommodate the development of a bocce ball court.”

2008 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

8

Skate Parks and Skate Features“A city‐wide skate park can serve as the center for A city wide skate park can serve as the center for skateboarding activity in Rohnert Park and serve the entire community. “

“Skate features offer a skate experience for younger children and are appropriate in neighborhood parks where feasible. Skate features, such as grind rails, b h     d l      b   ifi ll  d i d benches or modular ramps can be specifically designed for a location.”

2008 Rohnert Park Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

Skate Parks and Skate FeaturesSkate Parks are much larger then Skate Features and Skate Parks are much larger then Skate Features and provide a central area activity area which can serve the entire community.Skate Features are areas incorporated into a park or other facility that provide a smaller venue for skating. They do not provide as wide a range of ramps, rails, t   d  th   k t  f t       ld fi d i    steps and other skate features as you would find in a Skate Park. 

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

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Skate Parks and Skate Features

Carson Warner Memorial SkateparkHealdsburg, CA

Group Picnic Area“The Rohnert Park system includes numerous small The Rohnert Park system includes numerous small picnic areas that can support a family‐scale event, but not any areas that can support larger groups. The development of group picnic areas will afford residents and visitors the opportunity to gather and utilize the Rohnert Park system.”

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

10

Group Picnic Area

Dog Park & Dog Agility Area“The Rohnert Park system currently supports a basic The Rohnert Park system currently supports a basic network of dog parks that make good use of underutilized park areas. Current dog park  developments are being built to provide play experiences for dogs of all size and age, and future dog parks may be separate facilities or integrated into overall park design ”overall park design.

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

11

Dog Park & Dog Agility Area

Horseshoe Pitching AreaIt was recently estimated that upwards of fifteen million enthusiasts enjoy pitching horseshoes in the million enthusiasts enjoy pitching horseshoes in the United States and Canada, in tournaments, leagues, recreation areas and backyards.In this day of weight‐watching, what better way to exercise than walking, bending and reaching? These are integral parts of this great sport. Game‐related injuries are rare  and doctors have repeatedly stressed injuries are rare, and doctors have repeatedly stressed the beneficial aspects of this sport.

American Horseshoe Pitching Association

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

12

Horseshoe Pitching Area

Doyle Park, SR Home of the Sonoma County Horseshoe Club

Community GardenBenefits of Community Gardens:

I   h   li   f lif  f   l  i   h   d  Improves the quality of life for people in the garden Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development Stimulates Social Interaction Encourages Self‐Reliance Beautifies Neighborhoods Produces Nutritious Food Reduces Family Food Budgets Conserves Resources Creates opportunity for recreation  exercise  therapy  and education Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education Preserves Green Space Creates income opportunities and economic development Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross‐cultural connections 

American Community Garden Association

City of Rohnert Park - Alicia and Ladybug Pool Sites

10/2/2009

13

Community Garden

What are your ideas?

COTATT CREEK CRITTER5- restoring lhe notive plonfs of the Loguno de Sonto Roso -

The City ManagerCity lvlanager's Off¡ceRohnert Park City Hall130 Avram AvenueRohnert Park, CA 94928

July 31, 2009

Dear C¡ty Manager

I understand that the C¡ty of Rohnert Park ìs in the process of consider¡ng potent¡al alternatìve uses for the

sw¡mm¡ng pool area ¡n Ladybug Park.

Cotati Creek Cr¡tters has been involved, for several years, with running a volunteer-based habitat restoration

project along a sect¡on of the Laguna de Santa Rosa channel that runs through Cotat¡ and a part of Rohnert Park,

ädjácent to ãnd ut"o ¡mmediatelt downstream from Ladybug Park. Cotati Creek Critters is fiscally sponsored by

thé Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, a 501(c)3 reg¡stered nonprof¡t, and has received grant-fundìng from the

Califorãia Department of Water Resources, and the city of santa Rosa. our current project is funded by the

Sonoma County Water Agency with support from the City of Cotati.

I understand that one of the proposed uses for the area under discussion is for an Ecology Center, with spaces

for information and educational events. This would be a wonderful location for such a use, as Ladybug Park lies

at the beginn¡ng of the ma¡nstem of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, one of Sonoma County's most environmentêlly

signifìcani and -biologically

diverse wildl¡fe areas. This, perhaps in conjunct¡on with demonstration gardens, could

bãcome a wonderfuicentêr for inspiring and creative educational events and activities, with the potentìalfor

collaboration with many other organizat¡ons and nonprofits involved with susta¡nability, water conservation,

environmental education, etc.

Conversely, but for the same reasons of ¡ts geographical location, I was concerned to learn that one of theproposed uses was for a dog park, as any runoff from a dog park would have a detr¡mental effect immediately

àownstream ¡n the Laguna ciannel and beyond. Water from the Ladybug Park area flows downstream into the

main body of the Laguna de Santa Rosa waterway, which joins the Russian River north of Forestvìlle, and then

out to the pac¡f¡c Ocèan at Jenner. Along with its hands-on restoration efforts, Cotati Creek Cr¡tters' mission

¡ncludes raising awareness of this ¡nterconnect¡on and of how the choices we make ìn our everyday lives impact

the environmeñt around us. We have taken part ¡n the annual Russian River First Flush water quality monitodng

event, which has shown exceptionally high levels of ecoli bacteria in the Laguna channel in Cotat¡. Hav¡ng a dog

park s¡tuated upstream from here would certa¡nly have a negat¡ve impact on water quality in the Laguna with

many implications for ecology and wildlife not to mention the concerns of the relevant regulatory agencies.

l'm sorry we were not able to attend the meetings on this topìc. We would welcome any opportunity to discuss

these ¡ssues further. I hope that the City of Rohnert Park will recognize the many potential benef¡ts of supporting

an Ecology center in Ladybug Park.

S¡ncerely

Jenny Bloker - Outreoch Coordinotor - [email protected] o - 7O7 79? 4422

Moiling oddress: Cotoli Creek Critleß, Co'¡crti Cily Holl, 2OlW. Sierro Ave., Cototi, CA 94931

www.Cotot ¡ Cr eekCrilt ers. i nf oCotati Creek Cr¡lters is fiscally sponsored by the Laguna de Sanfa Posa Foundaf¡on,

funded by Sonona Counly Wdter Agency and suPPotted by fhe Cily of Cotati.

CCORP

Concerned Citizens of Rohnert

Guy Miller

Rohnert Park Department of Parks and Recreat¡on

5401 Snyder Lane

Rohnert Park CA 94928

July 31, 2009

RE: Ladybug Pool Site Conversion

Park

RECETVHÞ

AUG _ 5 2009

CITY OF ROHNERT PÁRK

At the July Meet¡ng of CCORP, members voted to support the concept of an Ecolo8y Center/lnstitute toreplace the current pool at Ladybug Park. The site is unique ¡n the c¡ty as it sits at the headwaters of an

important geographic feature of Sonomâ County, the Laguna de Sãnta Rosa Watershed. The c¡ty has an

opportun¡ty to do something to highlight th¡s feature while providing neighbors and all city res¡dents

w¡th a fac¡lity where they can learn about our natural environment, conservat¡on, gardening, foodpreservation, and various home arts. The term "ecology''comes from the Greek "oikos", meaninghousehold. Thus the des¡gnation of the build¡ng would cover a broad array of topics and interests in thecommunity.

We propose that the city consider remov¡ng the ex¡sting pool and adjãcent buildings to create a s¡mple

bu¡lding wh¡ch would accommodate up to 75 people, and include both indoor and outdoor spaces foractivities. Design features might ¡nclude a d¡splay area, a k¡tchen classroom, and an outs¡de pat¡o foroutdoor educat¡on, especially for children, as well as demonstrat¡on gardens.

An Ecology Center could be accornpl¡shed in partnership with other organizat¡ons. The Sonoma CountyWaterAgency has â remote env¡ronmental center which they m¡ght like to replace with somethingnearer to the public, plus they own the swath of park land adjacent to the pool s¡te.

Codd¡ng Enterprises has their steel frame factory nearby and may be able to partner with th¡s project,

which could be a model of energy efficiency, water conservation, and susta¡nabil¡ty.

Thank you for this opportunity to offer this proposal on behalf of CCORP.

Sincerely,

\,J""^+lþ-r*..Wendy Horton

Cc Dan Schwarz, City Manager

Pa*s and Resreation CononissionAugust 17,2009

The Robnert Pa¡k Pa¡ (s and Recreation Conmission met this ttate at 6:30 p.m. fo: a rcgular

meeting at the Rohnert Patk city offices, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park. The meeting was

called ã order at 6:30 p.m. with Vice Chair Aronis presiding.

Roll Call Presenl (4) Commissioners Aronis, Bi¡d, Bon, GrifiE-n and Hotaling

Absent: (1) Commissioner Bird

. ' Also present for all or part of the meeting was Guy Miller, Reoreation Servicgs Manager'

and John McArthur, Utüities/General Sen ices Director.

Approval of lVtlnutes - Upon motion by Corunissioner Borr dol second by Comrnissioner

Hotaling;.the minutes for the meetings of June 15 and July 8 were unanimously approved

as submitted.

Unscheduled Public Appearances - She[ey Melville, 1 164 Elvera Stee! Rohnert Park'

informed the commission that she runs the sweet.Pea gift shoppe lobated in the codding

Recreation center and asked how the shoppe could be listed in the Àctivity Guide as well

as on úe City's web site. Manager Miller responded that it can be included in the next

guide and ou the website. Ms. Melville offeted to smail the infomration to him.

city Budget - Manager Miller uprlated the commission ou the city budget. He informed them

that the Recreation DepaÌtment is being reduced to 2 fifl time positions, Recreation'. -

Services Manager andã Recreafion Supervisor at the Sports and Fitness Center. A halftime position at the codding Recreatiou center (senior center) is in open recruitrnent

,. now.ãe advised that somq programs that wiü be diScontinued dúe to fewer staffi but this

. ' is still beiug evaluated. In response to a question from Vice Chai¡ Amnis, he gave a briefupdate on recreation deþartnrents in surroundíng communities.

Àlicia and Ladybug Pool community Meetings - commissioner Aronis thanked Manager

Millef and Interim city Manager schwarz for conducting the public meeting to solicit.input from the community. Manager Miller gave an update on the closures of Alicia and

. LÀdybug Pools and a recap of the three commuaity outeach meetings that were held- He

st¿ted tlrc public was given an opportürity to commeût at the meetings, and surveys-were,' made available, The information that was reoeived was surnmarizd ald he refened the

cornmiSsion to the report they received, (A copy of the repo4 is attached to the original

' copy of these minutes.) Following discussion ofthe report, hd advised that stáffis:. requesting that the commission make a recommendation !o the city council on what to do

i with th€ two pools that were closed.

CommissiOner Grifûn made a motion that due to the cost of operating the pools and theirproximigy to other pools, the Commission recommends closing Alicia and Ladybrrg Pools

and replacing therr with an aquatioVspray park and group picnic areas. The motion was

seconded by Commissigner. Borr- The. Commission discussed the size of the spray parks

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Rohnert Patk Pa¡ks and REcreation Commission Minutes - August 2009

a¡d how deÍailed thei¡ recommendation should be. Manager Mille¡ clarified that this

matter will probably come.back to the Commission once the projects get to the desipphase.

:

. 'Commissioner Bo.rr asked to amend the original motion to speciry thãt the Alicia Pool.

. locatio¡ have a larger more grandiose playground and group picnic area since it iscentrally located. Following further discussion, the amendment died for lack of a second.

The original motion passed unanimously.

skateboarding at civlc center Plaza and the communfty center complex - Manager Millerst¿ted that as soon as the nelv cívic center þlaza was open, skateboarders started using it.Terrporary signs prohibiting skateboarding have been put up, but there is nofhing in the

. existing municipal code that specificaily prohibits skateboarding in any public area' He' referred to his memo dated 8/1 1/09 regarding changing the wording ofthp existing

Municipal Code Section 10.70.010. (A copy of the memo is attached to the:original copy

ofthese ninutes.) E¡forcement and proposed language qf the code were disoussed.

Commissioner GrifEn made a motion Ûo accept staffs recommendation to airend ttie' municipal code as stated in Manager Miller's memo: 'No person shall operate a

skateboa¡d in the Cívìc Center PIqzø or Cornt unity Center Plazø or on atv private orpublic areas which are used aS shopping centers and which areas are zoned for-óommercial

use," The motion was seconded by Commissiorrer Borr and passed on a

unadmous vote.

Committee Reports:. 1. Park Sponsorship Corrnittee - Cornmissioner Aronis had no report'

2, Golf oversight coEunittee - commi ssionø crrifEn reported the cosrrittee hasn't met.

3. Bicycle Committee Liaison - Liaisor¡/Commissione¡ Griffin said he was unable to attend

the last meeting, but commissioner Bird had attended and will have a repoft at the next

meeting.4. Creeks Committee Liaison - Liaison/Cornmissioner Grifñn reported they hadn't met.

5. Senior Citizen's Advisory Commission Liaison- Conmissioner A¡onis had no report.

Matters tolfrom Commissioners:

John McArthur -Manager Miller inhoduced Jobn Mcafihuf, the Director of the Public works. Deparhnent. Director McArthur t4ade a brief re,port on the departnent including the

landscaping conhaot which the oity has taken ovor effective last week. He explained he is

. trying to assume rrore responsibilities in-house to save the city money, as well as taking a

more active role in recreation and parks. Some pubüc works employees will be relocatíng. to the commrinity center complex so they will have more of a presence. He æswered

questions from the commission,

Vice Chair Aronis briefly discussed the park sponsorship program the Commission is_

trying to form to heþ get more amenities for parks and informed Directo¡ McArthur that

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Rohnert Park Pa¡ks and Räcreation Commission Minutes - August 2009

tlie committee wül be contacting him. Director McAlthur said one of his goals is to use

morè non-profit groups in the city and referred the SCAYD and OADS groups that are

currently being used by his de'partment.

1PB,S Conference- commissioner Grifñn asked about attending the CPRS conference being

held in Palm Springs next year, Manag€r Miller advised that the havel budget has been

eliminated.

Golis Park Baseball Fielil - Conmissioner Griffin asked if fte problems between the dog group

antl the baseball have been alleviated. Manager Mìller reported there haven't been any

. problerns this year.

snyder Lane Properry- commissioner Hotaling asked aboul the vacaht property on sny.der ^-

Lance tlnt is such an eyesore. Director McArihr¡r said he hea¡d a rumor that public safety

may be working with the counly fire district to take care of the problem'

Slcate Park Proposal - Commissioner Grifñn abked ifthe commission could get a r€port from

the city council about the status of the skate park proposal for the community centef

'complex. Manager Miller said he would ask. .

Adjoumment - There being no firlther business befo¡e the commission, the meeting.adjoumed

at7:25 p.m.

Vice Chair Aronis

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