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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPC Min 2014-05-28 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE SEAL BEACH RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION HELD MAY 28, 2014 I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Seal Beach Recreation & Parks Commission was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Chair Sustarsic in the City Council Chambers, 211 8th Street, Seal Beach. II. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Sustarsic Commissioners Bennett, Watson, Powell, and Sosenko Also present: Jim Basham, Director of Community Development Tim Kelsey, Recreation Manager Tina Knapp, Executive Assistant III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Bennett moved, Commissioner Sosenko seconded, and the motion carried unanimously, that the Commission approve the agenda as submitted. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Seal Beach resident, David Shulman, expressed his appreciation for the beach volleyball courts that were constructed. He indicated they are well used and inquired if more could be installed. He also feels the current courts are too close together and inquired as to whether the space between courts could be increased. There being no other speakers, Chair Sustarsic closed Oral Communications. V. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Watson moved, Commissioner Bennett seconded, and the motion carried unanimously, that the Commission approve the Consent Calendar. 1. Meeting Minutes of April 23, 2014. VI. SCHEDULED MATTERS 2. Park Workout Stations Tim Kelsey provided an overview of past activity on this matter. He indicated that the project was previously considered for the Electric Avenue Greenbelt and included approximately six small pieces of fitness equipment such as pull-up bars and parallel bars. When the project was bid the actual costs were going to exceed anticipated costs and information presented by the media generated concerns from residents. Concerns about the project centered around aesthetics and usage. Commissioner Watson indicated that the Founders Day committee identified that concern about the health of the youth in the community was one of the catalysts to exploring this project and money was donated to the City for possible use on this project. The Commission inquired as to whether a couple of pieces of equipment could be put in a couple of parks to test the potential success of this project. One option for completing this project would be to incorporate the equipment with the Parks Master Plan recommendations. Staff indicated that the current trend is to include fitness options in parks and that typically such equipment is incorporated in walking paths/circuit. The Commission expressed concern that installing equipment without programming/instruction/signage does not ensure success of the project or use of the equipment. The Parks Master Plan identifies the need for signage for projects like this. The Commission asked that other locations for the equipment be considered. Suggestions were made to research putting equipment in the area near the pier and kite surf area at 1St Street. Staff indicated that location plays a factor in cost. For example, sand creates a problem for ensuring access for disabled users and, therefore, the cost is higher. The Commission agreed that targeting youth fitness presents challenges. Staff was asked to research what is currently done in the schools surrounding health, fitness, and nutrition. Commissioner Bennett moved, Commissioner Sosenko seconded, and the motion carried unanimously, that staff research the following and report back to the Commission: • Explore the costs associated with purchasing and installing commercial grade apparatuses. • Look at partnering with the Los Alamitos Unified School District on youth health, fitness, and nutrition. • Explore various locations for implementation, especially the kite surf area at 1 st Street. VII. STAFF CONCERNS Staff introduced Jim Basham, Director of Community Development, and Mr. Basham explained the synergy between including Recreation in the Community Development Department and the increased effectiveness this will provide to the community. Mr. Basham informed the Commission that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new aquatic site was expanded and recirculated to approximately 15-20 consultants to incorporate increased citizen participation and additional costs. The revised RFP is due 6/23/14. The next steps are to review the submissions and identify and interview qualified consultants. The Commission requested that the revised RFP be emailed to them. Staff advised that the City Council is having FY 2014/15 Budget Workshops on 5/29/14 and 6/2/14. VIII. COMMISSION CONCERNS Commissioner Watson expressed the importance of the Centennial celebration expenses being included in the budget. Staff responded to questions about softball leagues and advised that play recently reopened and new teams will be created when this season ends in June. Staff advised that Zoeter Field was recently rehabbed; dirt was added so that there would not be a discrepancy in turf height between the infield and outfield. The Commission indicated that quorum would not be present for the meeting on 6/25/14 so a new date for the meeting was selected. The June meeting will be held on June 18, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. The Commission confirmed that there are typically no meetings in July and August. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m. The Commission adjourned to a meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. (the previously scheduled meeting on June 25, 2014 has been cancelled). The City of Seal Beach complies with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need assistance to attend this meeting,please telephone the City Clerk's Office at(562)431-2527 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Thank you.