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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - August 29, 2017 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, August 29, 2017, commencing at 7:26 a.m. Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne Absent: Council Member Mounce Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo B. Topic(s) B-1 Receive Information Regarding Proposed East Side Heritage Bike Park Concept (PW) Davin Lozano with the East Side Heritage Bike Park Group provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed East Side Heritage Bike Park. Specific topics of discussion included the organizers' passion and vision for the bike park; origins of the East Side Heritage Bike Park group; facilities to be included in the park, information on pump track, jump track, BMX track and BMX racing; bike parks in Elk Grove and Turlock; fenced -in track; operation and maintenance; insurance and liability; location; Salas Park; Century Park; Lawrence Park; vacant lots; budget; next steps; and community involvement. In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Lozano stated a group of volunteers initially started the bike park in Elk Grove. James Bates, member of the Bike Park Group, added that some of the volunteers lived in the area and their guidance, volunteer hours, and donations were the reasons the bike park came together so quickly. One individual donated $200,000. He stated there is great interest in Lodi for a project of this nature and individuals from outside the area have also expressed a need for such a park in Lodi to bring their families and teach their children to ride bikes. Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi stated he is interested in hearing what the cost to the City could be, regardless if it is built and maintained by the group, because it will require the Police Department to monitor and respond to any disturbances. Mr. Bates confirmed that all of the maintenance would be handled by volunteers and the group is pursuing use of an underutilized park area, which should already be patrolled by the Lodi Police Department on a regular basis. The group will raise funds to build the park, so there is no cost to the City. Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi reiterated that he would like to hear from staff because, at one time, the skate park on Ham Lane started the same way; however, the growing problems at the park resulted in an increased police presence. Mr. Lozano added that the One Eighty Teen Center expressed an interest in locating its program motorhome at the bike park, which would add a presence at the park and help alleviate the potential for problems. In response to Council Member Chandler, Mr. Bates stated the park location can be any size for the pump and jump tracks, but a BMX course takes much more space; therefore, the size of a football field would be necessary for all three components of the park. Council Member Chandler expressed interest in the suggested Lawrence Park area because much of the infrastructure is already in place and its location is truly on the east side of town. City Manager Schwabauer concurred that the skate park was a misfortune because it was initially intended to be funded by volunteers; however, the City ultimately paid for the park and continues to pay for maintenance. He pointed out that, if Council accepts the bike park concept, it has the 1 ability to walk away from the endeavor if the volunteerism effort falls apart. There is nothing that says the City must continue the park if the volunteer group fails to fulfill its obligation. Council Member Johnson stated the City has had a long history with volunteer groups stepping forward; however, most projects have fallen back on the City to take over. He gave examples of the bond for Hutchins Street Square that saw its volunteer group slowly dissipate; the Veterans Monument that was supposed to be paid for by volunteers, but was ultimately paid by the City; Grape Bowl fundraising efforts that fell short; and the skate park that is now the City's responsibility. He cautioned that groups often have a goal or project that they say will be no cost to the City, but it ultimately falls on the City to pay for them. He does, however, appreciate the ABCD group for its efforts to improve the Heritage District and suggested the group consider the location of Pixley Park because of its large size, it is in an industrial area, and there are no plans to utilize the land. He stated he recognizes the location is across the freeway and not in the Heritage District, but he believes if people are willing to travel to other communities to utilize such a park, then residents would most likely cross the freeway to get to the bike park. He stated more work is necessary on this proposal; he is a little apprehensive about volunteer groups continuing long-term with their projects; and he believes the proposed sites are not ideal for the concept. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood stated the City spends roughly $12,000 a year on staff time and repairs at the skate park. He pointed out the structures and ramps are more complex and require frequent repairs or replacement and that other expenses include repairing damage from vandalism at the park. Mr. Schwabauer added that the bike park would be dirt ramps, so there would be no surfaces to buy or replace; only physical labor. He reiterated that Council can opt to close the park if the project fails. Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi stated the group has a good idea, but he pointed out the City is under financial stress and cannot add more to an already overtaxed Police Department. He stated the City could give them the land and let the group oversee it and take on the liability as a non-profit organization. Mr. Lozano stated the group is looking into becoming a non-profit organization. Mayor Kuehne stated this is a noble idea and he appreciates the work thus far. He agreed more work is necessary to fine-tune the concept and he looks forward to hearing the next steps. In response to Mr. Lozano, Mr. Schwabauer stated the City's answer is not in the negative for the concept because there is Council interest in the project; however, it will depend on variables. Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi stated he would like to learn more before committing because he has concerns regarding police enforcement, parking, congestion, and noise. Council Member Chandler agreed, stating the answer is not "no", but it is also not "yes" because Council needs further information and other locations may need to be considered. Council Member Johnson pointed out there is a possibility of selling the property adjacent to Salas Park and the City may consider that over giving away the property. He further pointed out the area around the baseball diamond on Stockton Street attracts a lot of people during baseball games and that may not be an ideal location. The limited number of properties presented may not be the most suitable, and he stated it should be someplace that will not bother others and a place where the City has no plans for its use. Mike Lusk stated the project is commendable because children need more activities in Lodi; however, he expressed concern about the cost to build and maintain such a park; problems associated with wind and dust, particularly if the park is in a residential area; parking; and policing of large crowds of kids. He pointed out that Elk Grove has a greater population and larger corporations that can contribute to such an endeavor. He stated he is not opposed to the project; however, the City needs to protect itself so it does not get stuck with another financial burden. In response to Myrna Wetzel, Mr. Schwabauer stated there is no State authority that says the City must obtain approval for this type of project and there is no physical construction that would 2 require a permit. The only types of permits that may come into play is for grading, a parking lot, or a restroom, if the park has those amenities. C. Comments by Public on Non -Agenda Items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk 3