PROS Commission

PROS Commission PROS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 1666 N. MAIN STREET, WALNUT CREEK

COMMISSIONERS:

BRITTAIN CARLSTON LAWRENCE LUDWIG WORTHY VICE CHAIR JACOBSEN CHAIR UNDERWOOD

MINUTES APPROVED 6/01/09 1. OPENING a. Call to order b. Roll call - COMMISSIONERS CARLSTON AND LAWRENCE ABSENT 2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS - NONE 3. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from WCDOG Outstanding Nonprofit Organization Partner in Parks & Recreation award Letter from WCDOG noted for the record. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 6, 2009 Motion by Brittain, second by Worthy, carried unanimously , to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 6, 2009. YEAS: Brittain, Jacobsen, Ludwig, Underwood, Worthy. 5. COMMISSION CONSIDERATIONS a. Ratify New Golf Course Advisory Committee Member Agenda Report 5a Golf Course Liaison Barry Slavin reported that Bob Agnew was selected as the new Member-at-Large representative after interviews were held on April 16 and introduced Mr. Agnew to the Commission. Motion by Worthy, second by Ludwig, carried unanimously , to ratify the appointment of Bob Agnew to fill the unexpired term of Tom Worthy to the Golf Course Advisory Committee as the new Member-at-Large representative. YEAS: Brittain, Jacobsen, Ludwig, Underwood, Worthy. Commissioner Lawrence arrived and was seated. b. Centre Place / Alma Park Improvements Agenda Report 5b Senior Planner Ken Nodder presented the staff report noting that the applicant has updated their plans and is proposing to complete Alma Park entry work concurrent with development on the adjacent property. He recapped the project including the proposed land swap and lot line adjustment in return for park entry improvements, new stairway entrance and grading and re-landscaping along the eastern boundary of the park. He also said the Police department is in support of a wider, more open entryway to the park. Commissioners asked questions on topics including the project schedule, landscaping options and removing the trellis. Tom Miller, Hall Equities Group, addressed the questions from the Commissioners noting that they would like to complete construction by the end of 2010. He said one of the landscaping options was to keep it similar to what was already in place and possibly adding a new trellis within the new entryway. Public Comment Donald Lau questioned the need for grading the berm. Deanne Sabati questioned security in the park if it were to be more open. Walnut Creek Police Officer Beth Hopkins stated that the more open the area is, the better it is for crime prevention. She also said she has mixed feelings about a locked gate at the top of the proposed stairwell but ultimately declared that it is better not to have one. Commissioners commented favorably on the plans and expressed their preference for enhanced views of Mt. Diablo from the park. Chair Underwood was excused from the meeting. Vice Chair Jacobsen assumed the role of Chair. c. Proposed 2009-10 Recreation Fees and Charges Changes Agenda Report 5c Business Manager Jacquelyn Harbert began the report with a brief description on the establishing of fees and charges and the approval process. She described the proposed changes and asked the Commission to recommend forwarding the changes to City Council for approval. Discussion on youth events followed. Motion by Lawrence, second by Brittain, carried unanimously , to recommend forwarding of the proposed 2009-2010 recreation fees and charges changes to the City Council for approval. YEAS: Brittain, Jacobsen, Lawrence, Ludwig, Worthy. d. Proposed 2009-10 Golf Course Fees and Charges Changes Agenda Report 5d Ms. Harbert explained that the City will become responsible for establishing driving range, lesson, golf cart and equipment rental fees when the new management contract becomes effective July 1, and these new fees need to be added to the City’s fees and charges schedule. She also said that staff is recommending the Arts, Recreation and Community Services Director be delegated authority to approve specific prices within the range listed on the fee schedule. Discussion on fee setting authority followed. Motion by Worthy, second by Brittain, carried unanimously , to recommend forwarding the proposed changes to the 2009-2010 Boundary Oak Golf Course fees and charges and fee setting authority to the City Council for approval. YEAS: Brittain, Jacobsen, Lawrence, Ludwig, Worthy. 6. REPORTS ON PROJECTS & ISSUES a. Park Maintenance Division Update Park Supervisor Chuck Montgomery introduced himself to the Commission and reported on his responsibilities. He talked about his staff, the areas they cover and the projects they are involved with. He also discussed special training his staff undergoes and answered questions from the Commission. b. Annual Report on Recreation Facilities Agenda Report 6b Program Manager Todd Trimble presented the staff report noting that it covers indoor rentals at Heather Farm and Civic Park community centers and picnic rentals at Heather and Larkey Parks. He talked about the mission and goals, maintenance, marketing and discussed highlights and trends for each program area. Following the report, Commissioners commented and asked questions about various topics including rental of the new library space, declining rentals at Civic Park, internet marketing and consolidation of the facility rental process. 7. COMMISSIONERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS OR BRIEF REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES 8. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS OR BRIEF REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES 9. ADJOURN Heather J. Ballenger Secretary