Chair Manfrey called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Vice Chair Arnett led the salute to the flag.

Commissioner Pole commented on the approval of the October 9, 2002, minutes and said that even after discussion on the correctness and the clarification rendered by Director Walker on the appropriateness and the sequence of events, Commissioner Pole said he felt that confusion resulted when the questions were called to vote before adequate discussion had been made by the Commission which resulted in a change of the votes on all three issues. He said the subject debate should close after every Commissioner has spoken on the motion and the votes cast. Ms. Merrill clarified that Commissioner Pole’s statement was a comment only and that he did not want to make any change to the minutes.

Chair Manfrey opened the meeting for Public Appearances. There were none and the Public Appearances were closed.

RTC 02-407 Report on Project – Animal Control Enforcement in Selected Parks, Department of Public Safety (Council Action 11/26/02)

Ms. Merrill introduced Captain Greg Kevin and Community Services Officer Michelle Morgan, Animal Control Unit, Public Safety Department, who presented the staff report. Ms. Merrill also introduced Captain Kirk Sanfilippo, Animal Control Unit, and Curtis Black, Superintendent of Parks, who were available for questions.

Captain Kevin stated that this report was a result of Council’s direction to staff to conduct a pilot project to see if increased enforcement of animal control laws in the parks would yield an increase in compliance. Captain Kevin reviewed background, existing policy, fiscal impact and staff recommendation.

Discussion followed and Commissioners’ questions were answered by Captain Kevin, Officer Morgan and Superintendent Black regarding dog parks, enforcement warnings, fear and nuisance factors, education regarding dog laws, random park checks by Public Safety, and partnership between Public Safety and Parks and Recreation.

Chair Manfrey opened the Public Hearing.

George Hamma, member of the public

Mr. Hamma said he is concerned about safety, both for people and dogs, when dogs are off leash. He agrees with the staff recommendation and said that City staff is doing a very good job.

Chair Manfrey thanked the Mr. Hamma for his comments and closed the Public Hearing.

Commissioner Pole said it is necessary for Public Safety to make a concerted effort to be present in the parks. He feels Parks and Recreation staff can educate the public but that a uniformed officer’s presence is necessary.

Vice Chair Arnett said he was in full agreement with the staff recommendation and believes the community needs to take responsibility for animal control. He also felt it was generous of the City to warn citizens that there would be a crackdown on animal control enforcement.

Chair Manfrey said there should be education available for dog owners.

Chair Manfrey thanked Public Safety staff for their presentation.

Ms. Merrill said her staff report would stand as submitted. In addition, Ms. Merrill noted the following items:

Commissioner Pole asked if the Commissioners would have input into the Boards/Commission web site. Ms. Merrill said that a Study Session could be held when the web site is near ready to roll out.

Commissioner Pole thanked staff for providing a copy of the Fund Balance Sheet for the Community Recreation Fund showing golf revenue. He said he couldn’t understand staff’s reluctance to agree to even consider giving additional discounts to senior residents. He said he was pleased that the Commission voted to defer the proposed study issue "Consideration of Discounted Golf Fees for Senior Residents" now that he sees the actual income that golf produces.

There was no discussion.

Communications distributed at the meeting:

Vice Chair Arnett requested that future projects include consultant’s estimates and that staff identify what fund the project monies come from.  Ms. Merrill said Commissioners could request a meeting with staff to review the budget. Ms. Merrill said that Budget Study Sessions are being planned and that it is an opportune time to review upcoming projects.

Vice Chair Arnett volunteered and the Commission agreed that, pending Vice Chair Arnett’s work schedule, he would represent the Commission at the November 26, 2002, Council Study Issue Public Hearing to restate and justify the Commissioner’s Study Issues priorities to Council.

Vice Chair Arnett apologized to commissioners and staff for missing the November 4, 2002, Community Recreation Needs Assessment Survey Result Study Session due to his work schedule.

Chair Manfrey said he presented the Commission’s recommendation to the Council on November 12, 2002, regarding RTC 02-433 Consideration of Site Plan for Barn and Museum at Orchard Heritage Park. He said that Council approved staff and Commission recommendation.

Chair Manfrey said he would be available to meet with Commissioners if they have any questions regarding the recent Roundtable meetings with Mayor Fowler and Boards/Commissions’ Chairs and Vice Chairs. He said he is glad that the Mayor and Council are giving the Boards/Commissions more credibility.

Commissioner Pole said that there is a lot of substance resulting from the Mayor’s Roundtable meetings. He asked if it would be in order for Commissioners to meet to review the action items from the meetings. Ms. Merrill said that the Commission must avoid the perception of any violations of the Brown Act. She said the following options were available: (1) It would be appropriate for the Commissioners to put this item on the agenda for the next meeting and share discussion; or, (2) Commissioners could ask questions of the Mayor, through staff; or (3) Commissioners could meet individually with Chair Manfrey to discuss the results of the meetings (but all three Commissioners could not meet unless this item was agendized for an upcoming meeting).

Commissioner Pole said he appreciates the Project/Issues Status Update. He also said he would appreciate distribution of a "running calendar" as staff receives information on Council and Commission activities.

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