CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, November 28, 2022
4:00 PM
Location: City Hall - City Council Chambers / Virtual
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER - Chair McCarthy called the meeting to order via Zoom at 4:04 pm.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Allen, Greenberg, Weiner, Windes, Serota, Vice Chairperson Doran, Chairperson McCarthy (all in person)
Others Present: Director Leyman, Sr. Management Analyst (SMA) Robb; Sr.
Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum, Rosemary Lackow, Recording Secretary C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 13, 2022 and October 24, 2022 It was moved and seconded ( Windes/Weiner) to approve the minutes of both meetings, with revisions to the October minutes as follows: on page 2, seven lines up from bottom: strike “Manhattan Heights” and replace with “Marine Avenue Park” to read: “Materials can be stored at the Manhattan Heights Marine Avenue Park meeting room…”
D. CEREMONIAL – None.
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3 -Minute Limit) – Lee Barr from the Zoom audience complimented the staff on the pumpkin race but felt the race kits were expensive and hopes price can come down next year.
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Presentation of Aquatics Survey Results
Director Leyman introduced Jessica Vincent, City Public Information Officer (PIO) who gave a background, detailing council direction in January 2022 during the joint Council/Parks and Recreation Commission work plan meeting. Ms. Vincent introduced Timothy McLarney, PhD from True North, the firm that conducted the survey, present via Zoom.
Mr. McLarney presented, using a PowerPoint that outlined the key findings of the survey and engaged in a detailed discussion with the Commission. The topics covered included: Methodology (stratified random sampling of households); Frequency of Household Activities (adults, children, teens); Types of pools used, Activities at and rating of Begg Pool, Interest in a New Aquatics Center, Priority for Features and Amenities, and Aquatics Center Options for Funding.
There were several findings but a key conclusion was that, while there is high interest in a new aquatics center ( greatest for households with children or teenagers) there was not widespread support for a number of identified strategies for funding. The most agreeable strategy was to increase fees paid for users of aquatic or other recreational facilities/programs.
Mr. McLarney responded to questions from the Commission and indicated that the report will be available to the public. Regarding funding options, in discussing, Mr.
McLarney indicated that aquatics centers, being a narrower purpose, are difficult to fund with revenue measures ( e.g., bonds) compared to fire protection which applies to all. Further discussion ensued regarding the city’s history of funding new facilities; Commissioner Greenberg inquired as to whether the Fire Station was funded by a bond measure and PIO Vincent will look into that. Director Leyman indicated that additional discussion is anticipated with the school district regarding this matter.
2. Presentation of Park Maintenance Priorities for Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 Director Leyman presented the report, using PowerPoint slides, indicating that Sr.
Engineer Gil Gamboa, Sean Roberts, Parks Maintenance Manager and Melissa McCollum, Sr. Recreation Manager, were available.
The Director’s report covered: a summary of the Parks Master Plan, Priority Projects for FY ’22 and ’23 (total of 10, various facilities) and next steps (after this Commission discussion, report to be made to City Council).
In discussing, Director Leyman indicated that projects that didn’t get listed were essentially those that were deemed too costly at this time ; the Director described the process staff used to create the list. Director Leyman provided a status for various projects and made clarifications about costs (estimates only at this time) and funding.
Chair McCarthy invited public comment, there was none.
Director Leyman thanked the Commission for their input and will move forward based on the input provided and in support of the list of propriety projects.
3. Presentation of Polliwog Pavilion Concept
Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum presented the conceptual plan to construct a multi-purpose facility at Polliwog Park, using excess County property tax funding. The project addresses multiple needs: expands eastside library services, improves access to the City’s historical archive collection, and increases programming opportunities for the city, County Library, MB Historical Society and community at large.
The Commission asked questions, received answers and provided input: concern for onsite parking (discussing with Community Development and school district) , removal of trees (believes can be relocated, no net loss) , special needs access -
e.g., seniors – (ADA standards will be applied and enforced).
Additional input included: Chair McCarthy = very supportive of programming being discussed; Commissioner Greenberg: noting that the project is being funded entirely from excess County money collected, asked whether a larger project (e.g., performing arts center?) wasn’t considered. Manager McCollum noted that, while these are initial conceptual plans, a larger project has not be en considered because this project scale is believed to re spond to the community wants and needs and will fit well in the existing park. Community Development staff will be looking at and recommending regarding the amount of parking s paces to be provided.
Chair McCarthy invited public comment.
Garry McAuley, f ormer president, Manhattan Beach Historical Society, emphasized that the library funding has provided an opportunity to protect historic resources while expanding library services. In particular the project enables digitization which is a huge step in making the history of the city more accessible.
Manager McCollum closed by stating the next steps are to do community outreach, discuss with the school district and present to the City Council. Director Leyman noted that staff and the County are especially in terested in receiving input regarding potential programming for the facility.
Director Leyman thanked the Commission for its input.
4. 2022 Workplan Item updates
Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas and T rails, Building) (Greenberg, McCarthy, Windes) Commissioner Greenberg reported: The reopening celebration was successfully held November 12 with about 45 persons in attendance. Much positive input was received; Mayor Napolitano spoke, supporting the survey and park. Commissioner Windes praised staff for attending and providing info; Commissioner Greenberg announced the survey is live and can be accessed online. As next steps the committee will convene and develop a council recommendation for the entire commission to consider and will a lso a social media campaign to encourage survey participation. Commissioner Windes noted the EZ Reader featured a good article on the celebration and park.
Dog Parks and Community Parkettes (Weiner) Commissioner Weiner reported that by the next (December) meeting he will have an update.
Repurposing Pay N Play – (Windes, Greenberg, Allen) Commissioner Windes deferred to Director Leyman who reported that he has gotten cost estimates from Public Works enabling the project repairs to proceed very soon.
Commissioner Windes noted that the committee will meet again once a timeline for the work is established.
Explore Aquatics Facility – (McCarthy, Weiner, Doran) - Commissioner
McCarthy reported that she and Commissioner Weiner have met and they are waiting for the election to be over, at which time she will seek a meeting with the school board.
Donation P olicy and Programs (Weiner, McCarthy, Allen) – Chair McCarthy reported that she will be seeking a meeting with the school board and she and Commissioner Weiner have met with Gary Wayland regarding forming a 501c3. Commissioner Weiner reported that it appears that the process itself is fairly simple - the big question is whether this is what the city wants.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Director Leyman reported the following:
Nov. 26-27 The 2nd Annual Pickleball tournament was well received. Dec. 1st: North MB Holiday Stroll
Dec. 5th: winter registration for classes, programs begin Dec. 10th, 11th – Gingerbread Workshop and Santa Craft Workshop (pm) City Council updates: Nov. 15th Council voted to place on a future agenda, the renaming of a baseball field for former mayor Walt Dougher Dec. 8th: Older Adults - holiday fire safety tips
Discussion proceeded regarding preparing for the January joint council meeting.
Homework: each commissioner to get to Linda by Friday , 12/21 the content for each committee PowerPoint slides. She will format and produce the PP file. At the next meeting this will be reviewed.
To prepare, each Commissioner shall look at the Park Master Plan for ideas of any new initiatives ( expect a max of three to be approved by Council ; each Commissioner to come up with 5 ideas) and email to Manager Robb in time for her to tally them up for a Wed. December 7th subcommittee meeting.
The list will be discussed and finalized at the December Parks and Rec meeting.
Commissioner Greenberg advised he will attend via Zoom. Commissioner Windes and Weiner may not be available. Manager Robb cautioned that the Commission must have four members present to have a quorum.
The January 9th meeting format is not yet finalized but typically each committee will be given 5 minutes to present their plan items.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program update - Commissioner McCarthy reported that there was no meeting this month.
School District update (Greenberg) None to report
Student update (Serota) none to report
Commissioner Windes reported the pumpkin race went very well (Parks and Rec pumpkin took second place) and thanked Commissioner Doran for his engineering expertise.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 7:02 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Windes/Weiner) to adjourn. The motion passed, 7-0 with a hand vote.