MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
JUNE 8, 2005
The Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the City Hall Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086, at 7:30 p.m. with Chair Arnett presiding.
ROLL CALL
|
Present: |
Chair Jeff Arnett |
|
|
Vice Chair Raymond Pole |
|
|
Commissioner Robert Lawson |
|
|
Commissioner Robert Locke |
|
|
|
|
Absent: |
Commissioner Howard Chuck |
|
|
|
|
Staff Present: |
Curtis Black, Interim Director |
|
|
Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
|
|
Nancy Bolgard Steward, Arts & Recreation Superintendent |
Commission’s decision to declare Commissioner Chuck’s absence excused or unexcused was delayed in case he was late.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes (Regular Meeting of May 25, 2005)
|
Vice Chair Pole moved, Commissioner Lawson seconded, to approve the May 25, 2005, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0
Chuck was absent |
Gerry Feeney, member of the public, expressed his support regarding water in the Las Palmas Park pond. He said it was terrific to see the pond at Las Palmas Park filled with water last week. He would like to see this pond filled for the same period of time as the pond at the Community Center. He noted that when the pond is empty, it is attractive to skate boarders that can cause damage to the pond.
Sally James, member of the public, said she appreciates the water in Las Palmas Park pond. She asked if the pond could be filled by Memorial Day next year and requested that that all park ponds follow the same schedule as the Community Center pond. She also suggested solar-powered fountains.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Draft RTC – Evaluate Options for Administration of Fee Waiver Program (Council Action 6/21/05)
Chair Arnett opened the Public Hearing. There were no comments and the Public Hearing was closed.
|
Commissioner Locke moved, Commissioner Lawson seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 1, Approve the amended agreement with Sunnyvale Community Services per Attachment D of the report, pay Sunnyvale Community Services on a monthly basis and up to a maximum of $10,000 to administer the Recreation Fee Waiver Program for FY 2005/2006 and continue to evaluate the program and provide recommendations on a annual basis via the City Manager’s recommended budget.
Commissioner Locke spoke to his motion and said he understands the need to administer the Fee Waiver Program. He said that Sunnyvale Community Services is doing a fine job; he hesitates to have the City qualify folks for fee waivers and feels it is best to let SCS administer the program.
Commissioner Lawson feels most social service agencies are sophisticated in evaluating people and the programs that they qualify for. He is glad to see that staff would continue to evaluate the fee waiver program and provide recommendations via the City Manager’s recommended budget.
Vice Chair Pole proposed a friendly amendment to pay Sunnyvale Community Services $10,000 on an annual basis (instead of a monthly basis) and eliminate the 30-day termination clause.
The maker and seconder of the motion did not accept the friendly amendment.
Commissioner Locke said that if SCS agrees to do this work, then the Commission should not be trying to negotiate the contract. Chair Arnett noted a termination clause is present in City contracts.
Motion passed 3-1 with Pole dissenting and Chuck absent |
Vice Chair Pole spoke to his opposition and said he feels the City should make a single payment of $10,000 to SCS and the termination clause should be eliminated from the agreement.
|
Commissioner Lawson moved to defer the decision regarding Commissioner Chuck’s absence to the next regular meeting.
Motion passed 4-0
Chuck was absent |
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
- COMMISSIONERS ORAL COMMENTS
At Commissioner Lawson’s request, Ms. Steward said she would provide copies of fee waiver policies.
Vice Chair Pole spoke regarding his four years on the Commission stating it was a rewarding and enjoyable experience and that he would miss it.
Chair Arnett noted that he was invited to participate in the interview panel for the Director of Parks and Recreation position.
Commissioners asked if there was a Study Issue regarding use of solar panels for park ponds and fountains. Director Black said staff has considered the matter operationally and will provide the information to the Commission.
Chair Arnett said his four-year term on the Commission has passed quickly, and it has been a pleasure working with staff and the Commissioners. He thanked staff for educating him regarding City and Parks and Recreation matters.
Ms. Merrill updated the Commissioners regarding Council’s action on June 7, 2005, concerning RTC 05-164 Explore Costs and Benefits of Declaring the Second Saturday in August as “Family Day” and Open Recreation Facilities to the Entire Community – Study Issue.
Ms. Merrill reminded the Commissioners about the June 14, 2005, 6 p.m., Joint Study Session with City Council and the Arts Commission regarding the Draft Update of the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element.
Staff then deferred further comments to Councilmembers who thanked outgoing Commissioners Arnett and Pole for their service to the community.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
Chair Arnett moved, Vice Chair Pole seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously 4-0
Chuck was absent
ADJOURNMENT - 9 p.m.
Cathy E. Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department
Reviewed by:
Curtis Black
Interim Director
Parks and Recreation Department