CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, May 23, 2022
4:00 PM
Location: Virtual – Instructions within Agenda
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER 4:00 pm
B. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Karger Commissioner McCarthy
Commissioner Greenberg Commissioner Turkmany
Commissioner Weiner Commissioner Grampp
Commissioner Doran
Present: Greenberg, McCarthy, Weiner, Doran, Grampp
Absent: Karger, Turkmany
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 25, 2022
Commissioner Weiner moved to adopt the minutes as written. Commissioner Doran seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Ayes: Greenberg, McCarthy, Weiner, Doran, Grampp
Nayes: None
Absent: Karger, Turkmany
D. CEREMONIAL – Director Leyman thanked Commissioner Grampp for his service as the student representative wished him well in the future.
Director Leyman reported that Commissioner Karger is moving on to the Cultural Arts Commission and will continue her work supporting the 501c3 non-profit initiative.
Directory Leyman read a farewell statement from Commissioner Turkmany and expressed his appreciation for both Commissioners Karger and Turkmany.
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - The public may address the Commission regarding City business not on the agenda.
None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 2022 Workplan Item updates
• El Porto Family Park - Commissioner Greenberg had no updates as this is presently a staff item. Director Leyman reached out to follow up with the County Supervisor’s office but has not heard back. He will follow up again this week. This item will remain on the commission work plan until direction is received from the Supervisor’s office. • Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas and Trails, Building) Commissioner Greenberg reported that the project is on hold until the end of summer while Public Works completes their planned work on the park. Director Leyman will follow up with Public Works for a timeline. He and Maintenance Manager, Sean Roberts met with an Eagle Scout candidate who has proposed a project for the north end of the trails. This work will need to be done before any contractors are brought in by Public Works. Commissioner McCarthy asked about the restrooms at Sand Dune Park and Director Leyman stated that the restrooms and building will be a longer term project and will be part of a prioritized list of projects based on a comprehensive assessment of all parks and facilities. Commissioner Greenberg added that in the meantime, the bathrooms will be pressure washed and painted during this fiscal year.
• Dog Parks and Community Parkettes - Commissioner Weiner met with Parks and Rec and Public Works and the focus will be on the Live Oak and Polliwog Park dog runs, and getting the upgrades that people have been requesting. At Live Oak, Public Works will look into fixing and repainting the fences, changing out the windscreens, and installing a shade structure. They will remove the bulletin boards, fix the water sources and make sure the lighting is functioning correctly.
Commissioner Weiner reported that the Polliwog Park dog run is in good shape and is heavily used. The option here might be to make the footprint larger by moving the storage containers to the west of the dog run, which could add an additional 1200 square feet.
• Repurposing Pay N Play – Director Leyman reported that the City Attorney is still working with the operator so the timeline has been extended. He hopes that the City will take over the property next month. It is unknown at this time if the City will have access to the equipment that turns the lights on. Once the operation is in the hands of the City, we’ll be able to assess what can be done operationally, and the commission can revisit repurposing options. Director Leyman added that in the short term, the public should be able to use the facility much in the same way they use it now, while the mid and long range goals are reviewed. Commissioner Greenberg would like for the subcommittee to meet and revisit repurposing options to present to the City Council as soon as possible. • Explore Aquatics Facility -
Commissioner McCarthy is still trying to arrange a meeting with True North to set up a statistically valid survey. She would like to meet the week of June 9 th before summer
schedules kick in.
• Donation Policy and Programs – Mission Statement and Bylaws Commissioner Weiner reported that the subcommittee had met on May 15th and discussed the direction of the project. It was decided that it is not ready and shouldn’t be presented to City Council until after the FY 22-23 budget is approved. The subject of bringing in a nonprofit consultant was raised, in order to advise on the establishment of a nonprofit. As two commissioners on the subcommittee are terming out, he would like to have incoming commissioner Russ Allen on the subcommittee, with the third seat as a rotating seat filled by other commissioners as needed.
2. Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022-2023
Commissioner Weiner nominated Commissioner McCarthy to serve as Chair, and Commissioner Doran to serve as Vice-Chair for the 2022-2023 term. Commissioner Greenberg seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Ayes: Greenberg, McCarthy, Weiner, Doran, Grampp
Nayes: None
Absent: Karger, Turkmany
G. STAFF ITEMS
SMA Robb reported that the risk manager had agreed to allow a flyover at the Salute to the Troops. She will contact the Tiger Squadron to see if they are available for the July 3rd show and check costs on the additional insurance that will be necessary. If they are available, the funds for the challenge coins will be used. The color guard has not yet been secured.
Director Leyman reported that the new ceramics exhibition is open at the art center. The opening event also served to kick off the new Glaze Lab program, which will allow customers to paint preformed pieces which will then be fired in the kiln.
The Family Camp Out was held on May 21
st, at Manhattan Heights Park. Approximately 80
families participated.
The Library Commission hosted Afternoon with an Author on May 13th, with Jan Dennis.
The Older Adults Health Fair was held on May 20th, offering health screening, COVID vaccines and a variety of other services.
Director Leyman informed the commission of City Council actions since the previous meeting including approval of the MBEF Donor Appreciation Wall and the Scout House MOU.
The Polliwog Park Playground Replacement project is scheduled to start demolition in June with the playground portion completed in early October with project completion in early November. Playground equipment has been shipped from the Czech Republic.
Commissioner Weiner asked about the Historical Red House. Director Leyman replied that this will be a joint project for the Parks and Rec and Library Commissions. The historical collection is being digitized so we are waiting to see if the County will allow the use of the Library Surplus funds to pay for the digitization. Options for east side library services are also being considered.
Commissioner Weiner asked that updates on programs be sent in between meetings so the commissioners may stay informed. Staff will pass on relevant updates.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program update - Commissioner McCarthy reported that the Senior Advisory Committee was canceled so there is no update.
School District update - no update
Student update - Commissioner Grampp – The school year is wrapping up. Students are currently doing state testing. Prom and finals are coming up. Unfortunately, the Beauty of Beast production was canceled due to a COVID outbreak.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Grampp moved to adjourn. Commissioner Weiner seconded the motion.
The motion passed.
Ayes: Greenberg, McCarthy, Weiner, Doran, Grampp
Nayes: None
Absent: Karger, Turkmany
Meeting adjourned at 5:08 pm.