MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission
MARCH 8, 2006
The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned from 6 p.m. Budget Process Training Session held in City Hall, West Conference Room, and met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7 p.m. with Chair Lawson presiding.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
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Commissioners
Present: |
Chair Robert Lawson
Vice Chair Robert Locke |
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Commissioner Bob Kinder |
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Commissioner Richard Oliver |
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Commissioner Howard Chuck |
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Staff Present: |
David Lewis, Director of Parks and Recreation
Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of February 8, 2006
Commissioner Oliver moved, Commissioner Kinder seconded, to approve the February 8, 2006, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, with Commissioner Chuck abstaining since he was absent on February 8, 2006.
1.B. Approval of Commissioner Chuck’s absence on February 8, 2006.
Commissioner Chuck’s absence on February 8, 2006, was excused by the Commission.
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Staff Report on RTC Process
Chair Lawson requested that this item be placed on the agenda. Assistant to the Director Merrill gave a brief introduction regarding the Report to Council (RTC) process and why RTC 06-063 Fee Waiver Program – FY 05/06 Budget Issue by-passed the Commission. Director Lewis provided more information regarding why this RTC was rushed to Council. He also explained that there is a Study Issue titled “Consider the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Recreation Fee Waiver Program” that will go before the Commission in August. He presented background regarding the Community Recreation Fund, Budget/Fiscal Workshop, and City Manager’s desire to address this issue within the scope of the overall Community Recreation Fund imbalance as a matter of routine. This was not communicated to Director Lewis until six days before the Council date. Staff worked hard and fast to produce the RTC within two days so it was posted in time, but this left no time to call a special meeting of the Commission. Director Lewis provided an overview of Council’s action regarding this item. Chair Lawson inquired as to why last year’s budget supplement did not solve the fee waiver shortfall for this year. Director Lewis responded that last year’s adjustment was for the fiscal year and the pending study issue was a 2006 study issue.
Assistant to the Director Merrill agreed to obtain the City Attorney’s opinion regarding when and who calls a special Commission meeting to take action.
Commissioner Kinder said he would like it noted in the minutes that he is angry the Commission did not have an opportunity to take action on this matter.
Vice Chair Locke reminded the Commissioners that they met two times per month in the past, but budget cuts reduced meeting frequency to once per month. He asked if there was a way to plan a greater amount than required for fee waiver assistance to save returning to Council for more monies. Director Lewis reminded him that this would be addressed in the Study Issue going before the Commission in August.
Chair Lawson said the central problem with the fee waiver program is that it is based on need but becomes an entitlement program for each family member. He suggested that staff considers an option to budget a certain amount of funds each month for the fee waiver program; when there are no more funds, folks are out of luck for that month.
Chair Lawson opened the Public Hearing. There was no one wishing to speak so the Public Hearing was closed.
3. “Park It” Scripts
Chair Lawson stated he will call Commission members before the next meeting to discuss the Park It scripts.
Chair Lawson opened the Public Hearing. There was no one wishing to speak so the Public Hearing was closed.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
COMMISSION
Commissioner Kinder invited Commissioners and staff to attend the Silicon Valley Girls Softball League opening day ceremonies on March 18, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. at Ortega Park.
STAFF
Director Lewis stated that plans will be coming before the Commission regarding cellular towers in the parks, and the Commission will make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. Revenue obtained from cellular towers will be used to offset General Fund monies to the Community Recreation Fund.
Assistant to the Director Merrill noted that the “crib notes” requested by Commissioners regarding parks and recreation facilities will be available prior to the next meeting. She also noted park site amenities information is available in the Activity Guide on the “parks-at-a-glance” page. She suggested that Commissioners keep a supply in their cars.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT at 8:15 p.m.
Commissioner Locke moved, Commissioner Kinder seconded, to move to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.