1 CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Virtual – Zoom meeting
December 14, 2021
4:00 PM
CONTENTS
A. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 PM.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Karger, McCarthy, Weiner, Turkmany, Doran, Greenberg*
Absent: Grampp
Commissioner Greenberg arrived at 4:03 PM.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Turkmany moved to approve the November 29, 2021 minutes with edits below requested by Commissioner Karger. Commissioner McCarthy seconded the motion.
The motion passed.
P. 3, paragraph 6 – the reference to Commissioner Karger summarizing was replaced with the commission action.
P. 3, last line – Commissioner Weiner’s name was added to the Donation Policy and Programs sub-committee list
Ayes: Karger, McCarthy, Greenberg, Weiner, Turkmany, Doran, Greenberg Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Grampp
D. CEREMONIAL
None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit)
No members of the public were present.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
Discussion of 2021 Workplan Items – Subcommittee updates:
Exploring the feasibility of developing an aquatics center – (McCarthy, Weiner, Doran) Commissioner McCarthy reported that the subcommittee had received rough schematics for the Begg and Village sites from Gensler and are waiting for an updated cost estimates to include in the joint City Council meeting presentation.
She added that in her discussions with some older adults, it was suggested that a fundraising
2 mechanism be created.
Nature Areas and Trails – (Greenberg, McCarthy, Turkmany) There was a brief discussion regarding a post on NextDoor regarding this project and a misinterpretation of the posted signage stating that the area is an unmaintained area. The City did not respond to the post as it does not participate in NextDoor as a platform. The commission would like the public to understand that this is a wilderness area and is not meant to be groomed and maintained like a park. This raised the question of future consideration of whether or not this area should be master planned and developed.
Discussion of 2022 Workplan presentation
It was confirmed by Director Leyman that the highly detailed subcommittee reports would be included in the staff report sent to the City Council prior to the January 11, 2022 joint City Council meeting. The PowerPoint presentation will be a distilled bulleted version of the information. It was also confirmed that the joint meeting will be held via zoom.
The commission agreed to include Salute to the Troops on the work plan if the Concerts in the Park are planned for 2022. As a side note, Commissioner McCarthy has received several requests to have the Sgt. Peppers Beatles Tribute Band play in the concert series.
The commission will request two additional items be added to the work plan for 2022:
1. Develop options for the Historical Red House – explore options for east side library services and historical museum space.
2. Lighted Beach Volleyball Courts – explore lighting options for evening beach volleyball use on the south side of the pier.
There was some discussion of the contractor responsibilities to restore the Begg Field site at the conclusion of the Peck Reservoir project. Prior considerations of a community garden and seating have been have been reconsidered due to the cost. For now, the understanding is that the area will be restored to its previous condition. Director Leyman will check back in with Engineering to see if a community garden is worth pursuing at that location.
G. STAFF
ITEMS
Director Leyman gave the following updates:
City Council directed staff to do public outreach to the community surrounding the proposed Fitness Court at Polliwog Park, as well as to talk to the Manhattan Beach Unified School District regarding the project.
The dining decks are scheduled to be removed on January 3 rd and staff have been directed to
explore options for permanent outdoor dining.
Police Chief Abell is retiring but will stay on until a new chief is recruited.
A pier lighting schedule was established for 2022.
The recruitment for the Senior Recreation Manager position is open. Recruitment will close December 27
th. This is Jessica Vincent’s last Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as she transitions into her position and Communications and Public Engagement Manager.
Recreation Program Supervisor Adela Cornejo has resigned so the Older Adult Program will be going through some changes.
3 Jessica Vincent gave the following updates:
Winter registration began on November 29, 2021.
Fall programs are wrapping up and most ran at capacity.
Fields are closed for maintenance and the user groups will be conducting their biannual field allocation process. She thanked Commissioners Weiner and Greenberg for being instrumental in the development of the field allocation policy.
Staff continues to meet with several tennis groups to develop a balanced program. There was a pilot program to hold private lessons on the Mira Costa High School campus during schools hours. This could result in placing some leagues on the high school courts, freeing up courts at Live Oak.
The first pickleball tournament was a big success.
H. COMMISSION
ITEMS
The December commission meeting will be held on December 14, 2021 at 4:00 p.m..
Older Adult Program update – Commissioner McCarthy reported that the Senior Advisory Committee cancelled their December meeting so no update there.
The Older Adults Program will be distributing about 230 meals for their Holiday Luncheon.
Some will be delivered by Dial-a-Ride and there will be a drive through pick up on Valley Drive.
Senior programs are bouncing back.
Many of the Senior Advisory Committee members are very focused on raising the funds for the Community Center.
School District update – Commissioner Greenberg had no update from the school district.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Weiner moved to adjourn. Commissioner McCarthy seconded the motion.
Seeing no opposition, the meeting was adjourned at 5:09 PM to the Joint City Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2021.