MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission
SEPTEMBER 14, 2005
The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7 p.m. with Acting Chair Locke presiding.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
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Present: |
Acting Chair Robert Locke |
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Commissioner Howard Chuck |
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Commissioner Bob Kinder |
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Commissioner Richard Oliver |
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Absent: |
Chair Robert Lawson |
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Staff Present: |
Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
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Mark Petersen, Golf Services Supervisor |
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Curtis Black, Parks Superintendent |
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of August 10, 2005
Commissioner Kinder moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to approve the August 10, 2005, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes as amended. The motion passed 4-0, with Commissioner Lawson absent.
Correction to August 10, 2005, Minutes, delete word “unanimously”, page 2.
Commissioner Kinder moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to not hold a special Commission meeting the week of September 19-23, 2005, to review Study Issue OCM-01, RTC Posting and/or Agenda Noticing Timelines for City Council Agenda Items. The motion passed 4-1, with Vice Chair Locke dissenting.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Draft RTC –Consider Revisions to Council Policy Governing the Naming/Renaming of Parks and Recreation Facilities – Study Issue (Council Action 10/18/05)
Mark Petersen, Golf Services Supervisor, presented the staff report, reviewed the pros and cons of a waiting period before naming/renaming parks and recreation facilities and reviewed alternatives for Commission’s consideration. He stated that the policy change addresses only the waiting period.
Commissioners’ questions were answered regarding criteria pertaining to a waiting period of one year versus two years, reasons for having a waiting period at all, length of time required for an individual to perform noteworthy contributions before recognition, number of times in past year that a request was made to name a facility for an individual, and past practices. In response to Commissioners’ questions concerning consideration of better defining “significant contributions,” staff said that this matter would require another study.
Acting Chair Locke opened the Public Hearing.
Scott Erwin, member of the public and resident of Sunnyvale for 28 years, advocated recognizing an individual’s contributions while he/she is still living and naming/renaming a parks and recreation facility in recognition of the living individual. Mr. Erwin answered Commissioners’ questions.
There being no one else in the audience wishing to speak, Acting Chair Locke closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Kinder moved to recommend that Council revise Council Policy No. 7.3.10 to provide that parks and recreation facilities be named for a living or deceased individual with no waiting period. The motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Oliver moved to recommend that Council revise Council Policy No. 7.3.10 to provide that parks and recreation facilities be named for a living or deceased individual who has made extraordinary lasting and significant contributions. The motion died for lack of a second.
Commissioner Chuck moved to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 1, Revise Council Policy 7.3.10, Section 2, to provide a minimum one year waiting period. The motion died for lack of a second.
Acting Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to recommend that Council accept Alternative No. 2, Revise Council Policy 7.3.10, Section 2, to provide for no waiting period. The motion passed 4-0, with Commissioner Lawson absent.
Acting Chair Locke said he has apprehensions about what is considered a significant contribution. He believes removing the waiting period may provide incentive for more individuals to volunteer to provide greater contributions.
Commissioner Kinder said he is sure there are many living individuals in Sunnyvale who make significant contributions to the City.
Commissioner Oliver thanked Mr. Erwin for his comments and noted that he hopes Mr. Erwin realizes the recommendation doesn’t prevent parks and recreation facilities for being named for a living individual. Mr. Erwin said the criteria as worded casts a shadow over the possibility of naming a park for a living individual.
2. Consideration of Study Issues for 2006.
Commissioner Kinder requested that a Study Issue paper be prepared regarding establishing and maintaining additional dog parks in the City, including separate areas for large and small dogs. Ms. Merrill said she would prepare the Study Issue paper as requested. She explained the Study Issue process to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Kinder requested that ornamental water features in City parks be operational year-round. Ms. Merrill said this item would be a Budget Issue.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
COMMISSION
Acting Chair Locke said he would present Commission’s recommendation to Council on October 18, 2005, regarding the Report to Council titled Consider Revisions to Council Policy Governing the Naming/Renaming of Parks and Recreation Facilities – Study Issue.
Commissioner Kinder requested that Commission minutes be emailed to Commissioners earlier (than including them in the meeting packets) so they would have more time to review the minutes. Ms. Merrill agreed to try to get the minutes to the Commissioners earlier via email. Commissions noted they are still open to receiving their meeting packets via email.
Acting Chair Locke attended Sunnyvale Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP), an emergency preparedness program, and suggested that Commissioners attend if they have an opportunity.
STAFF
No comments.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT 8:20 p.m.