City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 27, 2023
4:00 PM
Location: City Hall - City Council Chambers and Zoom and Teleconference by Commissioner Allen (per Government Code Section 54953(b))
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Doran called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Allen, Komatinsky, McCarthy, Zimbalist, Windes, Chair Doran
Absent: Greenberg
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Recreation Manager (SRM) Melissa McCollum, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman; Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 23, 2023
It was moved and seconded (Zimbalist/Komatinsky) to approve the minutes with a change on page 3, under item f. 2024 Juneteenth Celebration, change spelling of (Mira Costa Principal) “Gergen” to “Gerger”.
Chair Doran called for a voice vote and announced the motion passed 5- 1 (Ayes: Allen, Komatinsky, McCarthy, Zimbalist, Windes, Chair Doran; Absent: Greenberg).
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit)
The following persons spoke regarding committee work for a 2024 Juneteenth celebration:
Dr. Anthony Lee, resident, in support of MB United, strongly supports the Parks and Recreation efforts and is happy to see progress.
Tim Jones, resident, thanked the Commission for its efforts, enthusiasm, respect and inclusivity.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 23/0123.02 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Dog Parks & Community Parkettes
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
Commissioner Allen updated that a proposal specifically for Polliwog Park has been received. He expects to have information and/or a plan to show the Commission in December.
b. Explore Repurposing Pay ’n’ Play Racquetball Land/Building Commissioner Windes noted that this project is still paused and the committee is awaiting direction from City Council. The timeline is uncertain; the Commission will be updated monthly.
c. Sand Dune Park Master Plan (Nature Areas & Trails, Building)
Commissioner Zimbalist updated that renderings are expected to be received this week from David Voltz Design (DVD). He hopes that, the renderings after being reviewed with the ad hoc committee, can be shared with the full commission at the next meeting and he believes planning for the next community outreach can start almost immediately.
d. Explore Community Aquatics Facility
Commissioner McCarthy reported on the first community meeting was held Nov 13 th at Heights, was well attended (70+ persons) and community engagement was strong with a lot of varied input. After the close of the survey on December 15, HMC will consolidate all input, develop first schematics and a rough budget in preparation to present for input at the next community meeting, perhaps in January. Two project options being considered are: keep/renovate the one existing pool, or have two pools. Whether to renovate the existing or build two new pools is yet to be determined but HMC is doing due diligence on all issues. Survey results to date are available and it seems the respondents are being very practical; final results will tell more.
Commissioner McCarthy stated that p ersonally she was surprised at the high level of commentary input received from both parents of children users as well as from adult users.
People are being very pragmatic about what they want.
She will update in December, hopefully with future dates - for the next community meeting and city council review.
Commissioner Windes gave kudos to the team especially the way the meeting was set up.
e. Donation Policy and Programs/Non-Profit Discussion
Commissioner Komatinsky u pdated, requesting that the official name of the proposed foundation (“LoveMB Foundation”) be used in written materials . The committee is about halfway towards the goal of launching the foundation, working weekly and conferring with staff. They are starting to identify potential board members, and have begun work on a PowerPoint presentation to be brought to council on December 19; upon getting council support the committee will complete its work.
f. Enhanced Holiday Events (Flags, Memorial Day. Fallen Soldier)
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
Commissioner Windes reported that the City Council, on November 7 th received a presentation from Director Leyman, and overwhelmingly approved the ad hoc committee recommendations for ce lebrating several holidays and events (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, 9/11 Memorial, Flag Day, Salute to the Troops, and the Holiday Season). Parks and Recreation is working with Public Works to obtain cost estimates to install and remove flags.
The Council also directed that the Parks and Recreation Commission look into potential options for memorial Day. Currently options are being looked at for recognizing “Fallen Soldiers” and as related, Memorial Day; this will be a new work item chaired by Commission McCarthy.
Commissioner McCarthy reported for the new “Fallen Soldier” ad hoc committee, noting that part of its task will be to recommend a name for this memorial (and start using) possibly “Fallen Hero” or “Fallen Service M embers” that will honor all Manhattan Beach residents known to have died while serving in the military (all branches). For now, staff will update the name of this work plan item on printed materials to reflect a more broadly applicable group being memorialized – consistency is important for community recognition on agendas. The committee (MacCarthy/Doran) has met with Director Leyman and Gary McAulay and has identified a number of issues that are important; more inform ation will be provided in coming meetings.
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The Committee is working closely with Mr. McAulay on verbiage to ensure that reflect proper a sense of respect.
Chair Doran invited public comment; the following persons spoke (in person):
Steve Packwood, long-time resident and Vietnam veteran (army/soldier), thanked the Committee for trying to resolve issues; feels the commission has identified key issues of concern for recognition.
Tim Jones, long-time resident, thanked the committee and Commissioner McCarthy as sub-committee chair, for its effort and especially for the respect, extraordinarily important, being shown to veterans, a very close community.
2. 23/1125.02 W 2024 Juneteenth Celebration
Commissioner Windes thanked all who attended the community meeting in early November and summarized re: great attendance, including from Mira Costa Black Student Union. Re: updated survey results: 1,726 responses total of which 1,318 were age 17 and older and 1,307 ‘yes’ responses supporting a celebration.
Manager McColl um presented usi ng slides , highlighting the July Listening Session, November community meeting and examples of celebrations in Pasadena and El Segundo. She concluded by reminding that city council directed last April that the Commission return a robust plan for a city-wide Juneteenth celebration to be held in 2024 and to consider several possible locations in the city for the event. With the committee’s
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
concurrence, options will be presented to the whole Commission for consideration and action today.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Kari Bell provided details including three suggestions for Commission consideration: 1) Festival at Polliwog Park (possibly June 22); 2) Community processional at Bruce’s Beach (June 19
th – gospel event at sunrise, speakers; 3) Hire an
event planning consultant. She also suggested issuing a proclamation.
Supervisor Bell also noted the community strongly expressed desire that vendors, visual arts and performing arts be part of the celebration. She also presented info about the second listening session and information regarding other city (Pasadena and El Segundo) Juneteenth events, and the three recommendations already mentioned. She noted that in Pasadena several celebrities provided financial support that enabled free food trucks.
Supervisor Bell clarified next steps: December 5th presentation to council, if approved work towards June 19 th small morning (10:00 am) event, and June 22 for jazz festival . She noted that a “vendor” could be either a cultural (e.g. selling Jacki Robinson t -shirts) or other type of sale; vendors to be decided yet, but to incl ude culturally related food and music (suggested by Black Student Union for event at Polliwog).
Chair Doran opened to questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Komatinsky suggested getting pr ess out in advance, to keep students/families i n town after school ends. Manager McCollom clarified t hat the committee recommends a 10:00 a.m., not sunrise. The commission agreed to recommend two events as proposed; one event (Bruce’s Beach) will be on the west side and more somber, and the other will be on the east side and joyful. Polliwog was deemed to be appropriate as a venue.
Chair Doran invited public comment; the following persons addressed the Commission:
Michael Jenkins (in person) , long- time resident point ed out that all residents have something to gain from the event; likes 10:00 am. at Bruce’s Beach, feels that it should be emphasized to council that: should be an event on Juneteenth (6/19), small in size and at Bruce’s Beach (but not a gospel “concert”) that underscores the important meaning. Feels at the Polliwog Park event, along with a jazz festival, story-telling, speakers, would make more meaningful. Likes a DJ to make more rounded.
Steve Packwood (in person): as a “numbers guy” feels strongly that when presented to council the data should be broadly provided to not only emphasize high school response although that demographic is good. He requested clarifications regarding the survey, the responses are excellent. He feels its important to show what typical residents generally felt – were they supportive, and suggested separating out the adult residents’ percentage in support.
Manager McCollom noted that the data mentioned is available and staff will take this into account while noting that the survey is a small sampling and not statistically valid.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
In response to questions, Supervisor Bell and/or Manager McCollum noted that they were not aware of either El Segundo or Pasadena utilizing a survey questionnaire and attendance at the El Segundo event was 700 persons.
Diana Skaar (remote) attended the El Segundo event, hopes Manhattan Beach continues to work with El Segundo; likes the 2 event approach as described. For promoting, suggested use of yard signs; believes that more than 2 food trucks is a good idea.
Chair Doran closed public comment and called for a motion; it was moved and seconded (Windes/Komatinsky) to accept the three recommendations of the committee to present to city council with a recommendation to approve the event plan.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Allen, Komatinsky, Zimbalist, McCarthy, Windes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Greenberg
Chair Doran announced the motion passed 5-1. Commissioner Windes stated this will be sent to council for action to approve this recommendation on December 5 and encouraged
Commissioners to attend to hear this item.
3. 23/1125.02 Consideration of Field Reservation and per Player Fee Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Creation of a Turf Replacement Plan.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman gave the staff report with aid of a Power Point presentation providing an Overview, Outline of current and proposed fees and proposed annual increase after adjustments ($3 per year for reservations and $1 per year per player). He responded to Commission questions: 1) staff has met with user groups and has given ample advance notification; other cities do not have a similar plan; $200,000 will be set aside for the future; fees will increase $1 per each following y ear; and field lighting is financed separately.
Manager McCollom explained that the philosophy of the Plan is to achieve a balance by increasing revenue over time but not significantly at any one stage. The Commission discussed and asked questions; the turf being removed will be recycled.
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Komatinsky) to recommend that the city council approve the proposed field reservation and player fee adjustments and create a Turf Replacement Trust Account, using a portion of annual field revenue from fees and rentals.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Allen, Komatinsky, Zimbalist, McCarthy, Windes
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Greenberg
H. STAFF ITEMS
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 27, 2023
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates
Director Leyman announced/reported:
Save the date - upcoming and recent events:
• 12/04 (next Monday) - Winter class registration begins. • 12/9 evening family craft event
• 12/10 daytime family craft event
• 12/10 annual fireworks starting at 3 pm, fireworks 7 pm • 12/29 closing event - Homeira Goldstein legacy exhibit.
Past event: annual pickleball tournament (will report on next month)
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program Update. (McCarthy) No significant news to report.
School District Update (Komatinsky) The MB school board has voted to renew the parcel tax for the March ballot.
Student Update (Greenberg) – no report
Pumpkin Race Report: Commissioner Windes thanked everyone for helping or supporting the Parks and Recreation Department and efforts paid off with a first place win; while the pumpkin itself is not intact, Barbie and the pool is.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:29 p.m. it was moved and seconded ( Windes/Komatinsky) to adjourn to Monday, December 20, 4:00 p.m. The motion passed 6-1.