CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, June 27, 2022
4:00 PM
Location: Virtual – Instructions within Agenda
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER 4:00 pm
B. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Allen Commissioner McCarthy
Commissioner Greenberg Commissioner Windes
Commissioner Weiner Commissioner Serota
Commissioner Doran
Present: Allen, Greenberg, Weiner, Doran, McCarthy, Windes, Serota Others Present: Director Leyman, Sr. Management Analyst (SMA) Robb, Sr. Recreation Manager McCollum
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 23, 2022
Commissioner Doran moved to approve the minutes with the following correction:
P. 1 C. Approval of minutes – correct Wiener to Weiner
Commissioner Weiner seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Ayes: Allen, Greenberg, Weiner, Doran, McCarthy, Windes, Serota Nayes: None
Absent: None
D. CEREMONIAL – Commissioner McCarthy welcomed new commissioners Tracey Windes, Russ Allen and Race Serota.
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 2022 Workplan Item updates
• El Porto Family Park – (Greenberg, McCarthy, Allen) Director Leyman reported that he has been in contact with County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office and spoken to some members of her team. Supervisor Mitchell has referred this item to the Director of Beaches and Harbors and the County Property Administrators Lead. Director Leyman has shared all of the information previously compiled by the commission along with the City Council request for a swing set. He has a follow up meeting scheduled with Beaches and Harbors and the property division, and will give an update at the next commission meeting. • Sand Dune Park Master Plan, including Nature Areas/Trails and Building (Greenberg, McCarthy, Windes) Commissioner Greenberg reported that earlier in the year, the City Council reinstated previous park maintenance budget levels and allocated one-time additional funds to address deferred maintenance. He and Commissioner McCarthy walked through Sand Dune park to see the progress that Public Works has made and encouraged the commissioners to see all the good work that has been done. The subcommittee will now be working to put together a plan for public outreach to determine what the public wants for this park in the future, in order to create a Sand Dune Park Master Plan. • Dog Parks and Community Parkettes (Weiner) Commissioner Weiner reported that Public Works has ordered shade cloth for the seating area and are working on fencing at the Live Oak Dog Run . He added that there is potential for expanding the Polliwog Park Dog Run west into the Begg parking lot. This could add approximately 1200 sq. ft. to the usable area. Cost estimates are being explored. Director Leyman shared that he had reached out to the school district to discuss the large storage trailer that would need to be moved to accommodate the expansion.
• Repurposing Pay N Play – (Windes, Greenberg, Allen) Commissioner Windes reported that the subcommittee met with Director Leyman to discuss next steps and will meet again on June 30th at the Pay N Play to look at the structure and discuss usage ideas. Director Leyman reported that staff is working with the City Attorney to determine a transition date.
Commissioner McCarthy thanked former commissioner Karger for the work she did on the subcommittee.
• Explore Aquatics Facility – (McCarthy, Weiner, Doran) - Commissioner McCarthy reported that the subcommittee is working with True North and met to discuss background to assist True North in creating the community survey. She added that Redondo Beach is looking at possible sites for an aquatics center and is looking for partners. The City of Redondo Beach have reached out to Beach Cities Health District and to some of our council members to explore partnership possibilities. Our Councilmembers have asked Commissioner McCarthy to reach out and get a dialogue going regarding a partnership for a larger aquatic center.
• Donation Policy and Programs (Weiner, McCarthy, Allen) – Commissioner Weiner reported he is going to take a step back from the extensive work that the previous subcommittee members have done. The next step is to meet with City staff who are involved with donations to explore the process and benefit to the donors. The subcommittee will meet with the City Treasurer and Finance Director to explore how the City handles donations. The subcommittee will also meet with representatives from non- profit organizations to explore how to build a nonprofit. The goal is to have a comprehensive report that will give City Council the answers to all of their questions. This cannot be accomplished in the next few months, but the subcommittee hopes to present within a year.
Commissioner McCarthy feels that a 501c3 could transform what happens in Manhattan Beach and give a lot more latitude and speed to the timing of many projects. She believes that there are many people who would like to leave some sort of legacy gift to the City but have never really had an avenue to do so.
Commissioner Weiner will explore whether or not the City itself is considered a 501c3 type organization, before forming a new 501c3.
Commissioner Weiner asked how the Military Wall fits into the donation process. Director Leyman stated that it should be considered a separate item from the Donation Policy.
Director Leyman does not feel that new projects should be added to the commission work plan right now as there is not enough bandwidth to handle additional projects. Public Works is working diligently to complete deferred park maintenance projects. Director Leyman will bring a timeline on when a comprehensive project list can be delivered.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Public Works Maintenance Manager Roberts gave a summary of the work that has been done at Sand Dune Park, which included tree pruning and removal. This was in preparation for new landscaping that will include new trees and plants, jute mesh for slope stabilization and decomposed granite ground cover. Commissioner Greenberg mentioned that public outreach has been put on hold until this work is complete and anticipates that it will start back around the end of September. Commissioner Weiner asked about a potential Eagle Scout project at Sand Dune Park. Director Leyman stated that the base of the Dune at the eastern corner has been identified as the Eagle Scout project and will include removing a lot of landscaping for cleanup and replanting of the area. This project was scheduled for May, 2022 and staff is awaiting updates from the Eagle Scout candidate.
Director Leyman summarized recent City Council actions and gave the following department updates:
The department reorganization was approved and the department will be recruiting for three full time positions, Older Adult Coordinator, Cultural Arts Coordinator and a Recreation Supervisor.
He has been working with Human Resources on part-time salary compensation rates and classifications. New salary ranges will make the City more competitive with other agencies and make it easier to hire and retain employees.
Polliwog Park Playground replacement is still on schedule for November completion.
The pickleball court resurfacing of 6 courts at MBMS is moving forward.
Dial-a-Ride drop off locations have been established at Manhattan Village Mall to aid our older adults.
The Beau Bridges mural at City Hall is moving forward after some structural challenges. The goal for installation is March 2023.
SMA Robb reported that the Salute to the Troops will feature the Satin Dollz and the Redondo Union High School ROTC for the Honor Guard. There will be no flyover this year but will try again for next year.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program update - Commissioner McCarthy reported that the Senior Advisory Committee did not meet due to quorum issues. She added that the Older Adults program will benefit from the new compensation rates and hopes that the Older Adults Program Coordinator is hired soon.
School District update – Commissioner Greenberg reported that school is out and a graduation ceremony was held followed by a Strand Walk and photo op.
Student update - Commissioner Serota reported that students are currently focused on summer school.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Windes moved to adjourn. Commissioner Dorn seconded the motion.
The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.
Ayes: Allen, Greenberg, Weiner, Doran, McCarthy, Windes, Serota Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None