City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 26, 2023
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, June 26, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: City Hall - City Council Chambers / Zoom and
teleconference by Commissioner Komatinsky
(per Government Code Section 54953(b)
2255 S. Forest Lane, Cedarville MI 49719
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Doran called the meeting to order at 4:07 pm, welcoming new commissioners Zimbalist, Greenberg and Komatinsky
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Allen, Greenberg, Chair Doran, Windes, McCarthy, Zimbalist, Komatinsky.
Absent: None
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 22, 2023
SMA Robb advised that she will be making one revision at the bottom of page 5 (Adjournment) to correct the date the meeting was adjourned to – striking June 22nd and replacing with June 26th. It was moved and seconded (Windes/McCarthy) to approve the minutes subject to the noted change.
The chair announced the motion passed 4-0-1-2 by a voice vote. (Komatinsky absent due to a momentary technical difficult y at the time of the vote; Greenberg and Zimbalist abstained.)
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Ad Hoc Subcommittee Assignments
At the suggestion of Director Leyman, the Commission proceeded to General Business Item 2. (Work Plan Items Discussion) and assignments were made concurrent with the subcommittee reports.
2. 23/0123 – Work Plan Items Discussion
Chair Doran called for committee reports.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 26, 2023
a. Dog Parks & Community Parkettes
Commissioner McCarthy noted that under former commissioner Weiner this item has advanced almost to the point of being a “staff item,” but a Chair is still needed to follow up with outstanding items.
It was suggested that Commissioner Allen chair this committee. After a brief discussion, it was agreed by Commissioner Allen and with the commission concurre nce, that Commissioner Allen serve as chair and sole committee member with staff support as needed.
Commissioners Windes and McCarthy stated that they have observed that the new canopy at the Live Oak Park dog park is not providing shade during the morning. It seems very small and perhaps too high; perhaps tilting will help. Commissioner McCarthy noted that at the Polliwog dog park some shade has been lost near benches due to the removal of a large storm damaged tree, and suggested that the loss of shade and a solution (e.g. replacement of the tree or a shade canopy) be addressed in this project.
b. Explore Repurposing Pay ‘n’ Play Racquetball Land/Building . (Windes, Greenberg)
Commissioner Windes reported th at th e committee has paused its work due to some issues that have arisen that could potentially affect this item. First, the Beach Cities Health District is looking to relocate the Center for Health and Fitness, and this could be a possible future site consideration. In addition , there are citizen petitions circulating that propose that the Pay N Play site be considered as an alternative to Polliwog Park for a new library facility.
Commissioner Windes noted that the committee has developed a list of programming options, but, depending on the outcome of discussions with Beach Cities Health District and the library situation, these options could be inappropriate. More committee meetings are expected but a formal recommendation cannot yet be made to City Council.
With agreement and Commission concurrence, the committee was formed to include Commissioner Windes (Chair), and Commissioners Allen and Do ran as second ary members.
c. Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas & Trails, building) Commissioner McCarthy stated that , while still Chair when onboarding the new ly appointed commissioners, she became aware of their interests and backgrounds and how they align with committee projects. She proposed that she come off this committee and that Commissioner Zimbalist serve as Chair with secondary support continued by Commissioner Windes and joined by new student commissioner Greenberg.
With concurrence of the whole Commission and Commissioners Zimbalist, Windes and Greenberg, the committee was formed to include Commissioner Zimbalist (Chair), Windes and Greenberg as secondary members.
d. Explore Community Aquatics Facility
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 26, 2023
Commissioner McCarthy provided a brief status report, noting she is continuing to have conversations with the community . Recently she had a meeting with a community member who is involved in USC water polo and who believes that many individual community members may be interested in giving their opinions to the city council when appropriate.
Commissioner McCarthy also expressed concern that misinformation is being circulated among the public that the project being explored is a “regional” as opposed to a “community” oriented facility. To help address this, Commissioner McCarthy requested that, going forward, this work plan item be referred to as “Explore Community Aquatics Facility”.
Commissioner McCarthy suggested that new Commissioner Komatinsky, given her background with the schools, join her as Chair and Commissioner Doran on this committee. Commissioner Komatinsky stated that she is agreeable to this assignment and there was concurrence by the whole Commission.
e. Donation Policy and Programs
Commissioner McCarthy suggested that—in the interest of giving all commissioners an opportunity to serve on at least two committees and as Chair on at least one —this committee be restructured with Commissioner Komatinsky as Chair, and secondary members Zimbalist and herself, and Commissioner Allen would come off the committee.
This proposal was agreed to by Commission ers Allen and Komatinsky with concurrence by the whole Commission.
Commissioner McCarthy stated she expects th e committee will meet within a couple weeks and it will also continue to liaison with former Parks and Recreation commissioners Weiner and Karger to support this effort.
f. 2024 Juneteenth Celebration
Senior Recreation Manager McCollum briefly summarized council direction, clarifying the Parks and Recreation Commission ’s role. U pon collaboratively considering community input, it will d evelop recommendations and return for council direction . To assist the committee, a survey was developed and a public meeting scheduled for July 22 at th e Library. It is expected that the committee will first look at input received from the public meeting and survey and then obtain direction from the City Council in moving forward.
Staff will be closely involved to provide support.
Subsequently, a new ad hoc committee was formed with agreement and concurrence of the whole commission to include Commissioner Windes as Chair and Commissioners Zimbalist and Greenberg as secondary support members.
Commissioner Windes inquired as to whether the city might inau gurate some kind of celebration of Memorial Day similar to other nearby cities. The issue (raised by a veteran at a recent council meeting) is that the City does not currently have a public display or other activity that recognizes this day and service by those in the military. Commissioner McCarthy joined in expressing interest in this matter.
Director Leyman stated that he is aware of this matter, but because this subject is not
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 26, 2023
listed on today’s agenda, it cannot be discussed. He will be following up with the City Manager because City Council direction is needed. If City Council directs the Commission to look into event or recognition options, then one option is that this could be considered in the 2024 Work Plan.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates
Director Leyman and Senior Recreation Manager McCollum updated/announced:
The parks facility tour is scheduled for this Wednesday 2 pm to 5 pm ; each commissioner should look for further details in an email. The David Voltz contract (Sand Dune Park matter) is scheduled for July 18 th City Council agenda.
Heads up: each commissioner will be receiving an email regarding a requirement for fingerprinting to comply with new Department of Justice requirements; more information is forthcoming.
Staffing recruitments: The process of filling key positions is progressing: Recreation Coordinator Mary McCabe has been promoted to Recreation Supervisor; s econd interviews are being held for the Senior Recreation Supervisor position for the older adult program and a job offer has been extended for the R ecreation Supervisor position that oversees registration and communications. Concerts in the Parks program: starts Sunday July 2 with the Salute to the Troops, program will continue on Sundays through September 3rd at Polliwog Park. Velzy Plaque: revised wording has been approved by the City Council. Manhattan Beach Open Agreement: a 3-year agreement has been approved by the City Council for the MBO volleyball tournament.
Marine Avenue Turf replacement status: on June 20th, City Council approved funding ($600,000, through a combination of some capital improvement funds and Los Angeles County grants). The contract is expected to be awarded at the council’s July 5th meeting, with work completed, hopefully in August for start of soccer season. Begg Pool project: will be considered by City Council on July 18th, including award of a contract and funding.
H. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update.
Commissioner McCarthy reported 1) T he last meeting was cancelled ; and 2) She has received a report from a member of the group expressing concerns that on multiple occasions teens have been seen speeding through the greenbelt on e -bikes – it is requested that this be reported to the appropriate city staff out of concern that someone will be knocked down, which presents a significant liability.
Director Leyman announced a retirement reception for Jan Buike at the Joslyn Community Center on Friday, June 30th, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission June 26, 2023
School District Update (Komatinsky) - no report due to technical difficulty with Zoom .
Commissioner Zimbalist noticed that at Grandview Elementary, two new soccer fields are being sodded this week. Commissioner McCarthy inquired as to what party will be responsible for replacing the fencing separating the school site from the city park; Director Leyman will inquire through Public Works.
Commissioner Windes noted that at Mira Costa 570 seniors graduated.
Student Update (Greenberg) Student c ommissioner Greenberg reported graduation occurred June 15th and school is now out. He is working on two school projects including an inter-generational chess club activity with the Older Adults Program and a collaboration with Parks and Recreatio n on an online park photography contest . Commissioner McCarthy complimented student commissioner Greenberg on his proactivity in developing new projects.
I. ADJOURNMENT
At 4:58 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Windes/Zimbalist) to adjourn to Monday, July 24, at 4:00 p.m. The motion passed 6-0-1-1 with a voice vote (Commissioner Komatinsky absent).