City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission August 28, 2023
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, August 28, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: City Hall - City Council Chambers
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Doran called the meeting to order at 4:02 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Allen, Komatinsky, Zimbalist, Chair Doran, McCarthy, Windes, Greenberg
Absent: None
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Recreation Manager (SRM) Melissa McCollum, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 24, 2023
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Windes) to approve the minutes as submitted.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Allen, Komatinsky, Zimbalist, Chair Doran, McCarthy, Windes, Greenberg Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) - None
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 23/0123.02 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Dog Parks & Community Parkettes
Vice Chair Allen noted that there is no change in status.
Commissioner Windes will provide Vice Chair Allen with the contact information for a citizen who is seeking information regarding a city “Pet Day.” b. Explore Repurposing Pay ‘n’ Play Racquetball Land/Building . (Windes, Greenberg)
Commissioner Windes noted that there is no new information to report. County Library input is forthcoming as to whether this site may be used for an eastside enhanced library facility, and the Beach Cities Health District remains interested in using some space at this site. Director Leyman noted that the evaluation of these options is in a very conceptual stage and more information will be forthcoming.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission August 28, 2023
c. Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas & Trails, building)
Commissioner Zimbalist reported on September 5 th the City Council will be considering amending the contract for David Volz landscape architect services. After the contract is amended, the design firm will start to develop schematic plans for the park improvement options identified through community input. Meanwhile Commissioner Zimbalist reported that the conditions at the park have much improved, e.g., there are fewer distressed trees and grassy areas are “greening up.”
d. Explore Aquatics Facility
Commissioner McCarthy reported much progress has been made. On August 1st the city council awarded a contract in the amount of approximately $245,000 to HMC Group for professional architectural and aquatic preliminary design services for the Begg Pool project. On August 16th, HMC made a presentation to the MBUSD board, met with the City team on site on August 24, and on August 25 a kick-off meeting was held with HMC, the City team and school district to bring all parties up to speed on the project. The project timeline covers six to seven months, which will include two public engagement meetings to be scheduled in October and November. SRM McCollum noted that if determined to be needed, additional outreach meetings can be scheduled. Outreach will include user groups as well as residents living near the pool site.
Commissioner Windes suggested that the group Friends of Polliwog Park be included in the outreach. Commissioner McCarthy emphasized that approval that has been given by the City Council is for preliminary planning only – no pool project has been approved.
e. Donation Policy
Commissioner Komatinsky noted that the committee is meeting regularly, working on a draft bylaws document. When complete, the committee will give it to Director Leyman who will advise on when this can be scheduled for council review and action. Next month the committee hopes to assign an official name for the proposed not-for-profit entity. Before any action is taken by the Council, the proposal will be brought before the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and recommendation.
f. 2024 Juneteenth Celebration
Commissioner Windes reported that there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm around this project. A survey has been posted on the city website and per SMA McCollum, widely advertised, including outreach to MBUSD. The survey closes September 15 but input can still be submitted to staff. Commissioner Greenberg is working on posting the survey at Mira Costa , perhaps in homeroom with a QR code . The committee will look at the survey results and start to develop recommendations for additional community input .
Commissioner Windes noted that as a lesson learned, it would have been helpful to have recorded the July listening session due to its value.
g. Enhanced Holiday Events and Checklist
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission August 28, 2023
Commissioner Windes stated that she has had several conversations with Director Leyman and a preliminary list of city celebrations that have been held in the past, pre- Covid, has been compiled. The committee, comprised of Commissioners Greenberg, Komatinsky and herself, will be meeting soon and begin to put together a checklist and a plan that ultimately will be forwarded to City Council with a rec ommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
H. STAFF ITEMS
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates
Director Leyman made announcements covering past and upcoming events and activities:
Events/Project Milestones
8/7 and 8/21: Fall recreation class registration opens for residents (8/7) and non- residents (8/21)
8/4 – 8/6: International Surf Festival, 6-Man Volleyball Tournament and Jr. 6-Man Volleyball Tournament (Lyon Stahl Men’s and SoHo Yoga Women’s Open) 8/11; StoryWalk ribbon cutting ceremony (Library Commission) in Polliwog Park, with author Seth Fishman
8/18 – 8/20: Manhattan Beach Open by AVP; Pier Ceremony on 8/17. The event was very successful despite weather challenges. Commissioner Greenberg reported that debris had been found in the sand near the volleyball area after the event. 8/24: Catalina Classic statue unveiling
9/12: Strand Parcourse ribbon cutting
9/3: Concerts in the Park, last concert – Blue Breeze Band September (date TBD) ribbon cutting for Polliwog Playground Pickleball MB Middle School acoustic barriers – now installed, monitoring 8/23: Planning Commission approved 4-1 the use permit, coastal permit for the Scout House; full report to go to City Council 9/5
MB Art Center John Van Hamersveld frieze: now restored (by RLA, art assessment contractor) with Public Works Department assistance
Public Works Updates:
Polliwog Park tree replacement schedule: to be presented to Parks and Recreation Commission at September meeting.
David Voltz Design agreement will be acted on by City Council on 9/5
Parks and Recreation Team Updates
Staffing: interviews for Marketing Specialist position will be held in September.
City Council Update (9/19 meeting)
Prop 68 Grant fund acceptance ($199,000) – applies to Polliwog Playground project RLA Art Assessment Agreement (condition, repair clean/maintain, decommission)
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission August 28, 2023
From Cultural Arts Commission: recommendations for Sculpture Garden From Cultural Arts Commission: finalists for city-wide murals (over 100 submittals)
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update. (McCarthy) - no new information School District Update (Komatinsky) Commissioner Komatinsky reported progress milestones for the district. In June it held a ribbon cutting commemorating the completion of the Grandview Elementary School campus remodel and renovation has started on the area at Mira Costa known as Stadium Way.
Student Update (Greenberg) Commissioner Greenberg reported that the first Manhattan Beach Parks Photo Contest wrapped up; winners will be announced at the October 3rd City Council meeting. Almost 50 photos were submitted with a wide range of parks featured.
Commissioner Komatinsky asked about the park tour that she had been unable to attend. Director Leyman explained the tour was an orientation and he can send the itinerary to anyone who missed it and meet one-on-one to provide an overview of the parks and facilities. He will also be happy to meet with any com missioners to discuss possible work plan projects and noted tha t a new format will be used by C ity commissions in presenting its recommendations to City Council for the 2024 plan - more info is forthcoming.
Commissioner Windes reported that she had gone t o the Velzy plaque unveiling in Hermosa Beach with two other former City commissioners; it was well attended.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:21 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Windes/Komatinski) to adjourn to Monday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. The motion passed 7-0 with a voice vote