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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 11, 2002 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING WITH THE LODI PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION LODI TRANSIT STATION, 24 S. SACRAMENTO STREET, LODI TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2002 A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The Special Joint City Council meeting with the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission of June 11, 2002 was called to order by Mayor Pennino at 5:35 p.m. Present: Council Members — Howard, Hitchcock (arrived at 5:50 p.m.) and Mayor Pennino Absent: Council Members — Land and Nakanishi Present representing the City: Deputy City Manager Keeter, Deputy City Attorney Schwabauer, City Clerk Blackston, Parks and Recreation Director Baltz, Parks Superintendent Dutra, and Project Coordinator Virrey Present representing Parks and Recreation Commission — Victor Schuh, Ed Wall, Jr., Scott Davis, and Bob Johnson B. TOPIC(S) A bus tour of the following locations was narrated by Parks and Recreation Director Baltz: • Weber/Paden property and area generally located at Elm, Locust, and Main Streets. Mr. Baltz explained that this was the future site of the Indoor Sports Complex. A building on the property purchased from the Weber family will be demolished. Estimates to renovate the old fire station have ranged from $900,000 to $1.3 million. Mayor Pennino mentioned that if the old fire station were designated as a historic site there would be potential for state grant funding. Mr. Baltz distributed Parks and Recreation Department revenue information to Council (filed). Mayor Pennino pointed out that the recent amendment to the joint use agreement for reciprocal use of public facilities between the City and Lodi Unified School District (LUSD) will save the Parks and Recreation Department money. He asked that a calculation be done to determine how much has been spent toward use of LUSD facilities in the past five years. NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock arrived at approximately 5:50 p.m. • National Guard Armory and American Legion building Attendees departed the bus and entered the National Guard Armory. Mr. Baltz reported that the City has a five-year lease for the Armory building. The Boosters of Boys and Girls Sports contributed $8,000 toward refurbishing the wood floor. The Lodi Sports Foundation contributed $4,000 for purchase of backboards for basketball. Overhead lighting was also installed. Aggressive programming of the Armory is planned, which will include basketball, volleyball, and youth dances. The facility cannot be used on dates that the National Guard is using it for drill practice. Mayor Pennino stated that the lighting that was done may be eligible for an Electric Utility Public Benefits Program rebate. He suggested that the department work with the Youth Commission to coordinate dances and recommended that the wood floor be covered during times that the National Guard is using it for drill practice. Exiting the National Guard Armory building, Mr. Baltz pointed out the new fence at Zupo field, the American Legion building (which may be available for lease in the future), and an open area to the north that may be a suitable location for the donated soccer field surface. Continued June 11, 2002 In response to Mayor Pennino, Bob Johnson, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair, stated that the Draggoo Report had addressed the subject of closing the street to pedestrians only. • Grape Bowl Mr. Baltz reported that the most recent estimate to renovate the Grape Bowl was $4 million. Mr. Johnson stated that discussion has taken place about installing lights at Tokay High School and holding their footballs games at the high school rather than at the Grape Bowl. Mayor Pennino offered the idea of taking out the north bank of seats and using the area adjacent to the north parking lot for soccer fields. • Softball complex on Stockton Street and Lawrence School area Mr. Johnson noted that the softball fields are too short and no longer qualify as sites for national events. Mayor Pennino commented that the area to the north of the softball complex may also be a suitable location for Parks and Recreation facilities. Mr. Baltz pointed out that the Lodi Look after school program takes place in a modular building at Lawrence Elementary School. Council Member Howard stated that the vacant area south of the Armory building near Stockton and Lockeford Streets would be an optimal location for the Parks and Recreation Department administration offices, rather than the old fire station as was planned. Mr. Baltz reported that staff intends to bring a plan to Council within the next three months on how to utilize the Breakaway Sports equipment donation. Lodi Lake Park, Turner Road Mr. Baltz stated that it is estimated at $1.2 million to make desired improvements to the central area of the park, which would include eliminating much of the asphalt surface and replacing it with landscaping. The 'central area' is considered to be the area from the beach house, east, to where the road changes from a two lane width to one. He noted that two eucalyptus trees near the beach house have been deemed unsafe and should be removed. In reply to Mayor Pennino, Project Coordinator Steve Virrey stated that to be effective for improving water quality, ten feet of the lake bottom would have to be removed and an aeration system installed. In reference to Phase 2 of the pedestrian bike trail, Mayor Pennino stated that Measure K funds are available through the San Joaquin Council of Governments. Katzakian Park, Turner Road Attendees departed the bus at Katzakian Park. Mr. Johnson reported that citizens have expressed safety concerns regarding the openness of the park to Turner Road. Mayor Pennino noted that the Council has already considered fencing for Katzakian Park and decided against it. Mr. Johnson suggested that perhaps a low shrub along the southern perimeter of the park would ameliorate the safety issue and still retain the public park image the Council desires. 2 Continued June 11, 2002 Council Member Howard addressed the policy issue of Parks and Recreation's 30% cost recovery. Mr. Baltz replied that the cost recovery percentage depends on the methodology used. When calculating all revenue against all expenditures, the department's cost recovery is 20%. In considering only expenditures for programs, the cost recovery is 29%. Council Member Howard believed that an increase to 40% cost recovery should be considered in light of bringing on many new programs. Mr. Baltz stated that the department will be requesting Council approval for aquatic and picnic area fee increases at the next regular meeting. • Peterson Park, Evergreen Drive • Future site of the Aquatics Complex, west end of Vine Street Council Member Howard reiterated her belief that it would be advantageous to have one director in charge of all the City's aquatics programs. Mr. Baltz stated that the Parks and Recreation Department is very proud of its aquatic programs and could see no compelling reason to pull this area from the department's realm. He also reported to Council that the consultant for DeBenedetti Park is moving forward on construction documents and excavation plans. Negotiations are now underway regarding a substantial change order from the consultants working on design of the Indoor Sports facility. • Kofu Park, Ham Lane Attendees departed the bus and entered the new skate park area. Council Member Howard emphasized the importance of monitoring the sound level and activities, particularly during the initial opening of the skate park facility, so that it begins on a positive note. She suggested a team approach and police presence to ensure its successful blending in the surrounding community. • Roget Park, Tienda Drive Mr. Baltz reported that Public Works drilled for wells recently and was surprised that they came up dry. Mayor Pennino asked Deputy City Manager Keeter to provide Council with a status report on this issue. • DeBenedetti Park, Lower Sacramento Road • Beckman Park, Ham Lane • Salas Park, Stockton Street Mr. Baltz reported that Salas Park is highly impacted by its heavy, continuous use. • Century Park General discussion ensued regarding the possibility of selling the land where Pixley Park is located and moving the park to land further east. • Blakely Park Deputy City Manager Keeter reported that Community Partnership for Families is considering attaching a 3,000 to 4,000 square foot building to the Boys and Girls Club for office use. Currently the organization is leasing two offices from the Boys and Girls Club. 3 Continued June 11, 2002 At the conclusion of the tour, Council Member Howard reiterated her previous remarks about the skate park opening. Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock asked the Parks and Recreation Department to give thought to animals/pet owners when considering parks. C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS None. D. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. ATTEST: Susan J. Blackston City Clerk 4