City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation
Commission, May 22, 2023
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, May 22, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: City Hall - City Council Chambers / Hybrid (Virtual and in person) – Instructions within Agenda
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chair Doran called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Allen, Greenberg, Weiner, Vice Chair Doran, Windes, Serota
Absent: Chair McCarthy
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum, Senior Management Analyst Linda Robb, Public Works Maintenance Manager Sean Roberts, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 24, 2023
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Greenberg) to approve the minutes as submitted.
The motion passed by a voice vote 6-0-1.
D. CEREMONIAL – None
E. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
F. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 23/0123 – Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Dog Parks & Community Parkettes
Commissioner Weiner provided an update, noting that costing out for improvements and a plan to relocate structures are still being determined or worked out.
Commissioners Weiner and Windes commented on the new shade structure at Live Oak Park; that it seems smaller than expected (Weiner) and, based on public input, as positioned is not e ffectively blocking sunlight and is perhaps too high (Windes). Public Works Manager Roberts will look into this.
Commissioner Weiner added that similar to Polliwog Park , costing out for various improvements for the parkettes is being done and follow-up is needed.
Commissioner Allen asked whether the City has an official polic y about dogs in parks ; Director Leyman responded affirmatively but it can vary; a map is available on the city website. F or example , in Sand Dune Park dogs are permitted only along a specific walkway.
Commissioner Weiner asked on behalf of Lynn Harris about whether Manhattan Beach
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has a Pet Adoption event. Senior Management Analyst Robb noted that in discussing with the Police Department Animal Control officer , Manhattan Beach is planning a pet appreciation special event tentatively for this September. Director Leyman indicated he is not aware of the number of off-leash citations that have been issued and that likely there are very few as usually a warning is sufficient.
b. Explore Repurposing Pay ‘n’ Play Racquetball Land/Building. (Windes, Greenberg)
Commissioner Windes reported the committee may receive cost information next week for various improvement and programming options including installing a new futsal court.
Staff hopes to finalize programming options soon and provide this information to the Commission at its June meeting and bring a recommendation to City Council in July.
c. Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas & Trails, Building) (Greenberg, Windes)
Commissioner Greenberg reported on the April 30 th outreach event – that there was a great turnout and Q and A sessions were held in both large and small groups. The Committee subsequently met and evaluated survey and discussion based in put which were organized into eight key themes/wants: 1) new safety enhancing lighting in the Bell Avenue parking area, near the restroom, and in the vicinity of the hillside stairs; 2) in replacing the building, mature trees should be preserved; 3) the original wood sign should be reinstalled; 4) new programming should include outdoor recreation for young children in the nearby residential area, but not for t eens and adults so as to mitigate additional traffic and parking impacts ; 5) the existing bui lding should be replaced with : modern restrooms, a small community room to support the outdoor program, a small staff office and a small storage area; 6) new playground equipment is needed; 7) decorative fencing should be installed (details tbd); 8) a few more picnic tables should be added e.g. north of the dune under a tree.
Landscape architect David Volz Design will prepare some conceptual plans that reflect the public input, to include both pre-fab and traditional building construction; these plans will come back for Commission and City Council consideration. A contract amendment for this related work is expected to go to City Council for approval at the June 20th meeting.
Commissioner Windes noted that residents expressed concern fo r safety of the hillside steps and was impressed to learn that the Volz firm was the original designer/installer of the railroad tie steps. Routine maintenance and repairs are currently done as needed.
Commissioner Greenberg noted that at this time, input on the preferred design from the outreach event will be taken into account, going forward.
d. Explore Aquatics Facility (McCarthy)
Commissioner Weiner reported that the committee has been meeting with pool user groups to gain information (e.g. what pool facilities are available in the South Bay and user
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fees) and have not ed issues ( e.g. from parents, distances of other pool facilities from Manhattan Beach). Senior Recreation Manager McCollu m updated that, regarding the RFP, that a top firm has been selected and staff is working on a draft contract which is hoped to be finalized and brought to City Council for approval on July 18th. There is some funding currently available that may allow work to begin in August if approved. This is an important first step of a multi-phase multi-year project.
e. Donation Policy and Programs (Weiner)
Commissioner Weiner reported that the committee will meet this week on Thursday to finalize the 5013c paper work to establish this entity as the public component of a public/private partnership. In addition, the committee will work on an operating worksheet to outline how the 501c3 works with the city. Commissioner Weiner will remain involved with the committee as a private citizen.
2. 23/0522 Selection of 2023-2024 Chair and Vice-Chair
Chair Doran announced this is the time to establish a new Chair and Vice Chair for 2023-
24. It was moved and seconded (Windes/Allen) that Commissioner Doran be the Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2023-2024.
The motion passed (6-0-1) by voice vote.
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Weiner) that Commissioner Allen be the Vice-Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2023-2024.
The motion passed (6-0-1) by voice vote.
G. STAFF ITEMS
Director Leyman thanked outgoing Chair McCarthy for her strong leadership and commitment, student representative Serota especially for his perspective, and outg oing Commissioners Weiner and Greenberg for their strong leadership , expertise and commitment and highlighted accomplishments . The commissioner s expressed recognition, gratitude and well wishes to Commissioners Serota, Weiner and Greenberg.
Commissioners Weiner, Serota and Greenberg expressed their appreciation to staff and their fellow commissioners . Commissioner Weiner encouraged the Commission to support the Parks Master Plan as a “living document” as a tool for growing new projects and initiatives. Commissioner Greenberg expressed that it has been a huge honor to serve and encouraged his fellow commissioners to continue to think of bold new ideas and that investing as much as possible into this service will reap big rewards.
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates
Senior Management Analyst Robb reported:
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Commission, May 22, 2023
Parks Facility Tour: SMA Robb reported that a 3 -commission tour of public parks facilities has been scheduled for June 28 (2 -5 p.m.); this will be an official public meeting and more information is forthcoming.
“Active Net” the city activities registration system for reservations of facilities has had some upgrades that will go live soo n to make the reservation process more user- friendly. She will advise when it is “live” and at the next meeting she could perform a demo if desired.
Senior Recreation Manager McCollum reported:
On April 18th the City Council directed staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to return to the City Council with recommendations for a 2024 citywide acknowledgment or celebration of Juneteenth. She will be the staff liaison and a new Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Juneteenth Subcommittee will be formed. She anticipates public outreach to start i n July with a community survey and meeting.
Responding to commission comments, Supervisor McCollum believes that the City Council is looking for the Commission to think broadly about this , to collaborate with other community groups, and to consider a series of events at various venues. The idea is to gather community feedback, make recommendations, and return to the City Council for direction. She can be reached by at [email protected].
Director Leyman reported:
On June 6th the City Council will recognize the three outgoing commissioners. Recruitment for recreation supervisor positions is in the interview phase; there have been 30 applications so far for the senior supervisor position. Last Friday 250 people attended the health fair; a very successful event. The Family Campout (100 campsites/about 400 campers ) was held, was a sellout and very successful.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update. In the Chair’s absence, Director Leyman noted:
The PPIC will hold a meeting this Thursday, 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers to receive public input regarding parking issues at the Joslyn Center. Ongoing discussions: 1) The Scout House project discussions (city team and Friends of Scout House) are taking place to enable moving forward as soon as possible; 2) as Joslyn Center adult programming expands, supplemental facility space is needed; venues being considered in clude Rocketship Hall at Marine Park and, working with the Beach Cities Health District, Adventure Plex.
Jeanne Steinmetz, very active in the city’s senior activities, has been nominated by the Senior Advisory Committee for recognition as LA County older citizen and volunteer of the year.
Mark Vazquez blood drive: tonight at Josyln Center until 8:00 pm.
School District Update (Greenberg) Commissioner Greenberg n oted ribbon cutting ceremonies for new school buildings and there are many high school performance events coming up. He also suggested that the new chair work with staff early to resolve meeting
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scheduling conflicts with a number of holidays.
Student Update (Serota) Commissioner Serota reported upcoming notable school events: Prom (6/3), choir spring concert (6/6), finals, and school out (6/15).
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:07 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Windes/Greenberg) to adjourn to Monday, June 26, at 4:00 p.m. The motion passed 6-0-1 with a voice vote.