The Recreation-Park Commission met on April 9, 2008 in the Rotunda.

A. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Leslie Bowling-Gomez, at 7:00 p.m.

Present:

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez

Commissioner Marcela Castro

Commissioner Al Espindola

Commissioner Joe Hancock

Commissioner Brian Higgins

Commissioner Jerry Novara

Absent:

Commissioner Carlos Rubio

Staff:

Yolanda Aguilar

Chris Callihan

Denise Estrada

John Fair

Rick Key

Kristan Lundquist

Dale McCormick

Sheila Molinari

Jim Pia

B. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the agenda of April 9, 2008 was adopted.

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF March 12, 2008

On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Marcela Castro the Commissioners approved the minutes of March 12, 2008.

D. PUBLIC COMMENT

Roberto Garcia, President of the Friends of the Library, stated that we have a very dedicated volunteer core of two hundred people. There are exciting things going on at our libraries. Also, our library system will soon be celebrating one hundred years. He said that he would like to see that the City look into future programming and possibly provide chess, spelling bees and a variety of other programs and recreational opportunities for the youth of Salinas.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she is currently an active member of the Friends of the Library.

Mr. Garcia said that the reason for their presence at the meeting was to be placed on the agenda for a future meeting.

Jim Pia, Recreation Superintendent requested that Mr. Garcia provide staff with information on the Library programs.

Kim Navarette, Treasure of the National Little League said that Little League was established in 1950 here in Salinas. Little League is growing and they are here to request use of additional fields. They have collected approximately 160 signatures of people who would like to use the Closter Park ballfield.

Commissioner Marcela Castro said that the City Recreational Softball League is also suffering from the lack of field availability. Closter Park will become a multi-use field. We should have this issue placed on the agenda to discuss at a later date.

Mrs. Navarette said that the Little League organization is looking for a Jr. Field for District 9. They wanted to know if they could have use of the field at least once or twice a week.

Mr. Pia said that we are in need of a year round ballfield. He asked that Mrs. Navarette provide an outline of what it is that they need.

Commissioner Al Espindola asked about the cement posts and what would this do for those posts.

John Fair, Deputy City Manager said that the removal process for these cement posts is very costly.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that we should place this item on the agenda for a future meeting.

A softball team member of the “Hot T’s” from the City Recreational Adult softball league said that their team has often waited for over an hour in order to use the fields. It has been very difficult to find a place to practice. They are asking for some consideration to be allowed to use City fields for practice.

Commissioner Marcela Castro said that the City Recreation Softball teams pay $400 plus dollars to play in the City league. So therefore they should have a place to practice.

Mr. Pia said that the City no longer has control over the majority of the fields. We will place this item on the agenda for a future meeting.

Bruce Farr, a neighbor of the Maple Park Tot Lot said that he helped rebuild the park some time ago and he is here to request that the City give Dale McCormick and park staff more authority to deal with the people at the park. He said that if he feels threatened he calls the police. At one point he discovered that some of the people hanging out at the park were Sex Offenders, drug users and homeless people. He does not want the children in the neighborhood exposed to this type of danger.

E. CONSIDERATION

1. Salinas Fairways Golf Course Operation and Management Lease Agreement: Receive report from Recreation-Park Superintendent Jim Pia.

Recreation-Park Superintendent Pia gave a brief overview of his report to the Commission on the Golf Course Lease Agreement. We have been working with Jeff Christensen of Sierra Golf on the operation of the Golf Course. Sierra took over maintenance of the golf course in April of 2007, saving the City approximately $200,000 per year.

Due to the ongoing General Fund subsidy of the Golf Enterprise fund, efforts to bring down the approximate $700,000 annual General Fund subsidy has lead to follow-up discussions with Sierra to take over all operations at the Fairways course.

In order to implement the transfer of course operations to Sierra, a number of tasks need to be completed. These include the transfer of existing personnel to Recreation Division Administration Office, and the completion of the Operation and Management Lease Agreement.

The issue before us is whether the Recreation-Park Commission shall recommend to the City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf.

Staff recommends that the Recreation-Park commission recommend to the City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf Management.

Commission Action: On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the Commission recommended Alternative 1, approve staff recommendation to recommend to City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf. The motion carried unanimously.

2. “Welcome to Salinas” Sign information: Receive Report from Denise Estrada, Maintenance Services Director

Denise Estrada, Maintenance Services Director said that she was here to make the Commission aware of the project to paint the train trestle.

Madeline Clark, Chair of the Train Trestle Committee along with other diplomats from the Chamber of Commerce, presented a picture of the sign that is to go up on the Train Trestle and proposed a mural on the side of the Credit Union office. Over all cost of the project is approximately $200,000. Maintenance of the area has been built into the total cost. They would like to recognize donors with tiles containing the names and organizations that have provided donations for the project. They wish to place a Gateway Monument; people feel that this is a great idea and location for the monument. The tiles recognizing donors would be imbedded into the monument.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that the monument sounds more permanent.

Denise Estrada said that staff would prepare a review and draft of the proposed project. The City Council has already approved the concept of the monument. She suggested that we have the subcommittee work with staff. This is all privately funded by donors and not through the City.

Mrs. Clark said that they wish to receive approval from the Commission so that they may move forward with their project.

Denise said she would be talking to the Veteran’s group after the Commission approves the project to go forward.

Commissioner Marcela Castro said that this is a great project and she supports this project; in addition, the City does not have to provide funding.

Commissioner Al Espindola said that he also supports the project as long as the Veterans are in agreement with the project.

Denise said that this monument could also potentially recognize our veterans.

Commissioner Brian Higgins said that he would like to recognize the members of this Committee and that they are doing a great job.

Commission Action: On Motion by Commissioner Marcela Castro, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the Commission approved the Train Trestle and Monument Project to go forward. The motion carried unanimously.

3. Flower Contest Update

Denise Estrada said the parks section is planting the donated plants/flowers at different locations throughout the City. She said the flowers have been donated by TAKI flowers. She also wished to remind the Commission that the Chrysanthemum is a very diverse flower and that there is a large variety of the flower. The flower here tonight is unique and is called Snow Land.

City Council directed staff to form a promotion committee. We need a list of names of who would like to be on the Committees. Committee functions would be commercial, educational and special events. The community would like to designate a commission delegate to work with this committee.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said we need a sub-Committee for the monument, golf, and flower projects.

Jim Pia said that it is still premature for the golf sub-committee to be formed.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she would like to be one of the Commission delegates.

F. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

Commissioner Jerry Novara asked if little league could be played on the baseball field.

Commissioner Marcela Castro said that they could practice on the baseball field.

John Fair, Deputy City Manager said that we need the physical dimensions and staff would be back with a more detailed report to give them an answer.

Commissioner Al Espindola said that Band Night at the Sherwood Hall was a grand affair. The place was packed and all the bands were great even though only one band won the contest. Four bands that did not participate want us to hold another band night. Also, he wanted to mention that on April 25, there would be a talent show at Sherwood Hall. He said that it is really interesting to see all the talent that is out there.

He said that at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night they were giving up Block Grant funds. Someone suggested that they take $10,000 from the Firehouse budget. We need to let Council know that we cannot afford to give up these funds.

Commissioner Marcela Castro gave an update on Closter Park. She said that Closter Park is going great and it is up and running. She said that the seniors from high school are great tutors for the kids.

Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she went out to the BMX Park and she said it was great. She encourages everyone to use the park more often. She said people feel that Central Park is not safe anymore; the park is empty in the middle of the day.

G. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Jim Pia gave an update on the Pool Project, as it is set to go to council on April 15, 2008. They will be taking action on the Bids received.

He said that Slacklining should be going before City Council on April 22, 2008.

A grand opening was held at the Hebbron Family Center.

We will be looking into adding some of the new programs in the upcoming brochures.

Denise Estrada said that the parks section has installed benches at the Gabilan Library for people who are reading outside instead of inside the building. The library staff is working on developing many new activities at the Library. The Youth Commission will have a planting activity on earth day and this will be held on the 16^th.

Jim Pia welcomed John Fair our new Deputy City Manager.

H. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

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The Recreation-Park Commission met on March 14, 2007 in the Rotunda The Recreation-Park Commission met on April 9, 2008 in the Rotunda. A. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Leslie Bowling-Gomez, at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez Commissioner Marcela Castro Commissioner Al Espindola Commissioner Joe Hancock Commissioner Brian Higgins Commissioner Jerry Novara Absent: Commissioner Carlos Rubio Staff: Yolanda Aguilar Chris Callihan Denise Estrada John Fair Rick Key Kristan Lundquist Dale McCormick Sheila Molinari Jim Pia B. ADOPTION OF AGENDA On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the agenda of April 9, 2008 was adopted. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF March 12, 2008 On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Marcela Castro the Commissioners approved the minutes of March 12, 2008. D. PUBLIC COMMENT Roberto Garcia, President of the Friends of the Library, stated that we have a very dedicated volunteer core of two hundred people. There are exciting things going on at our libraries. Also, our library system will soon be celebrating one hundred years. He said that he would like to see that the City look into future programming and possibly provide chess, spelling bees and a variety of other programs and recreational opportunities for the youth of Salinas. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she is currently an active member of the Friends of the Library. Mr. Garcia said that the reason for their presence at the meeting was to be placed on the agenda for a future meeting. Jim Pia, Recreation Superintendent requested that Mr. Garcia provide staff with information on the Library programs. Kim Navarette, Treasure of the National Little League said that Little League was established in 1950 here in Salinas. Little League is growing and they are here to request use of additional fields. They have collected approximately 160 signatures of people who would like to use the Closter Park ballfield. Commissioner Marcela Castro said that the City Recreational Softball League is also suffering from the lack of field availability. Closter Park will become a multi-use field. We should have this issue placed on the agenda to discuss at a later date. Mrs. Navarette said that the Little League organization is looking for a Jr. Field for District 9. They wanted to know if they could have use of the field at least once or twice a week. Mr. Pia said that we are in need of a year round ballfield. He asked that Mrs. Navarette provide an outline of what it is that they need. Commissioner Al Espindola asked about the cement posts and what would this do for those posts. John Fair, Deputy City Manager said that the removal process for these cement posts is very costly. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that we should place this item on the agenda for a future meeting. A softball team member of the “Hot T’s” from the City Recreational Adult softball league said that their team has often waited for over an hour in order to use the fields. It has been very difficult to find a place to practice. They are asking for some consideration to be allowed to use City fields for practice. Commissioner Marcela Castro said that the City Recreation Softball teams pay $400 plus dollars to play in the City league. So therefore they should have a place to practice. Mr. Pia said that the City no longer has control over the majority of the fields. We will place this item on the agenda for a future meeting. Bruce Farr, a neighbor of the Maple Park Tot Lot said that he helped rebuild the park some time ago and he is here to request that the City give Dale McCormick and park staff more authority to deal with the people at the park. He said that if he feels threatened he calls the police. At one point he discovered that some of the people hanging out at the park were Sex Offenders, drug users and homeless people. He does not want the children in the neighborhood exposed to this type of danger. E. CONSIDERATION 1. Salinas Fairways Golf Course Operation and Management Lease Agreement: Receive report from Recreation-Park Superintendent Jim Pia. Recreation-Park Superintendent Pia gave a brief overview of his report to the Commission on the Golf Course Lease Agreement. We have been working with Jeff Christensen of Sierra Golf on the operation of the Golf Course. Sierra took over maintenance of the golf course in April of 2007, saving the City approximately $200,000 per year. Due to the ongoing General Fund subsidy of the Golf Enterprise fund, efforts to bring down the approximate $700,000 annual General Fund subsidy has lead to follow-up discussions with Sierra to take over all operations at the Fairways course. In order to implement the transfer of course operations to Sierra, a number of tasks need to be completed. These include the transfer of existing personnel to Recreation Division Administration Office, and the completion of the Operation and Management Lease Agreement. The issue before us is whether the Recreation-Park Commission shall recommend to the City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf. Staff recommends that the Recreation-Park commission recommend to the City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf Management. Commission Action: On motion by Commissioner Al Espindola, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the Commission recommended Alternative 1, approve staff recommendation to recommend to City Council that the City enter into the Operation and Management Lease Agreement with Sierra Golf. The motion carried unanimously. 2. “Welcome to Salinas” Sign information: Receive Report from Denise Estrada, Maintenance Services Director Denise Estrada, Maintenance Services Director said that she was here to make the Commission aware of the project to paint the train trestle. Madeline Clark, Chair of the Train Trestle Committee along with other diplomats from the Chamber of Commerce, presented a picture of the sign that is to go up on the Train Trestle and proposed a mural on the side of the Credit Union office. Over all cost of the project is approximately $200,000. Maintenance of the area has been built into the total cost. They would like to recognize donors with tiles containing the names and organizations that have provided donations for the project. They wish to place a Gateway Monument; people feel that this is a great idea and location for the monument. The tiles recognizing donors would be imbedded into the monument. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that the monument sounds more permanent. Denise Estrada said that staff would prepare a review and draft of the proposed project. The City Council has already approved the concept of the monument. She suggested that we have the subcommittee work with staff. This is all privately funded by donors and not through the City. Mrs. Clark said that they wish to receive approval from the Commission so that they may move forward with their project. Denise said she would be talking to the Veteran’s group after the Commission approves the project to go forward. Commissioner Marcela Castro said that this is a great project and she supports this project; in addition, the City does not have to provide funding. Commissioner Al Espindola said that he also supports the project as long as the Veterans are in agreement with the project. Denise said that this monument could also potentially recognize our veterans. Commissioner Brian Higgins said that he would like to recognize the members of this Committee and that they are doing a great job. Commission Action: On Motion by Commissioner Marcela Castro, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Novara the Commission approved the Train Trestle and Monument Project to go forward. The motion carried unanimously. 3. Flower Contest Update Denise Estrada said the parks section is planting the donated plants/flowers at different locations throughout the City. She said the flowers have been donated by TAKI flowers. She also wished to remind the Commission that the Chrysanthemum is a very diverse flower and that there is a large variety of the flower. The flower here tonight is unique and is called Snow Land. City Council directed staff to form a promotion committee. We need a list of names of who would like to be on the Committees. Committee functions would be commercial, educational and special events. The community would like to designate a commission delegate to work with this committee. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said we need a sub-Committee for the monument, golf, and flower projects. Jim Pia said that it is still premature for the golf sub-committee to be formed. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she would like to be one of the Commission delegates. F. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS Commissioner Jerry Novara asked if little league could be played on the baseball field. Commissioner Marcela Castro said that they could practice on the baseball field. John Fair, Deputy City Manager said that we need the physical dimensions and staff would be back with a more detailed report to give them an answer. Commissioner Al Espindola said that Band Night at the Sherwood Hall was a grand affair. The place was packed and all the bands were great even though only one band won the contest. Four bands that did not participate want us to hold another band night. Also, he wanted to mention that on April 25, there would be a talent show at Sherwood Hall. He said that it is really interesting to see all the talent that is out there. He said that at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night they were giving up Block Grant funds. Someone suggested that they take $10,000 from the Firehouse budget. We need to let Council know that we cannot afford to give up these funds. Commissioner Marcela Castro gave an update on Closter Park. She said that Closter Park is going great and it is up and running. She said that the seniors from high school are great tutors for the kids. Commissioner Leslie Bowling-Gomez said that she went out to the BMX Park and she said it was great. She encourages everyone to use the park more often. She said people feel that Central Park is not safe anymore; the park is empty in the middle of the day. G. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Jim Pia gave an update on the Pool Project, as it is set to go to council on April 15, 2008. They will be taking action on the Bids received. He said that Slacklining should be going before City Council on April 22, 2008. A grand opening was held at the Hebbron Family Center. We will be looking into adding some of the new programs in the upcoming brochures. Denise Estrada said that the parks section has installed benches at the Gabilan Library for people who are reading outside instead of inside the building. The library staff is working on developing many new activities at the Library. The Youth Commission will have a planting activity on earth day and this will be held on the 16^th. Jim Pia welcomed John Fair our new Deputy City Manager. H. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
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