City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 22, 2024
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, July 22, 2024
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and Police Fire Community Room
420 15th Street
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Doran, Komatinsky, Schreiner, Zimbalist, Windes, Chair Allen
Absent: Jacobson
Others Present: Parks and Recreation Director Mark Leyman, Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 24, 2024
It was moved and seconded (Windes/Zimbalist) to approve as submitted. Motion passed 6-0-1 (Jacobson absent) by voice vote.
E. CEREMONIAL – None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit) –
Ernest Area, City Arborist, informed that the tree project at Polliwog Park is scheduled to start on July 29, and be completed the week of August 12th. A total of 14 trees will be removed and 78 trees will be planted; trees to be removed will be checked in advance for any nests by a field biologist . T he trees to be planted will be 36-inch box trees, approximately 12-14 feet in height, and are viewable now as they are stored in the park, near the restrooms.
Responding to the commission, Mr. Area stated: trees that are found to have a nest will be marked and their removal will be delayed; the field biologist is experienced in being able to identify nesting conditions; the trees being removed are in decline and include pines infected by pitch canker and eucalyptus , infected by the Asian longhorn beetle ; unfortunately, by the time the disease is apparent, the tree condition is such that it is too late to save it. He would be happy to be present at the park during the Commission tour.
Urban Forester Area also noted that he is very familiar with a small off -street vegetated area at 6th and Aviation and informed that periodically the city notifies adjacent property owners to clean up and periodically the city trims vegetation in this area. He will look into what can be done.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 22, 2024
1. Polliwog Park Dog Run presentation by David Volz Design (DVD) Bryant Avalos, DVD , presented on the Polliwog Park Dog Run project , summarizing public outreach and input, noting there has been a strong community preference for only one dog area (not a separate are for smaller dogs). Mr. Avalos also noted the community indicated it would like: more lighting, litter receptacles and dog waste bag dispensers, updated perimeter fencing, additional seating, a dog wash station and tree protection.
Regarding trees, an assessment will be needed to see which trees can be retained and which if they are unsafe, will need to be removed. By removing storage containers, the area for the dog run is able to be increased by 1, 350 square feet (about a third more compared to existing area). Mr. Avalos reviewed the conceptual plan including: trees, surfaces, receptables, seating, fencing, lighting and a dog wash at the north end, and at the south end an open “flex space” that might be used for activities such as but not only, animal fitness activities.
Mr. Avalos responded to commission comments and questions, noting: rock cobble would be placed around existing trees to protect the m from dogs; the dog run area is expected to be open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and lighting other than that needed for security levels, will go off at that time ; smaller trees ( no shade structure ) would be planted to provide shade and near the dog wash, the surface will be concrete pavement.
The Commission discussed and expressed concerns and requested more information .
The Commission’s concerns included that a proposed concrete surface would be excessively hot in the sun and burn a dog’s paws (is there an alternative?) and clarification was requested regarding the trees shown on the plan.
Chair Allen invited public input.
Resident Lee Barr questioned whether so many amenities are needed for a dog run and is very concerned that costs will go far beyond $10,000 which he thought was the original estimated budget.
There being no further public comment, Chair Allen invited Commission discussion.
Commissioner Windes noted she likes the plan and the enhancements ; Commissioner Komatinsky liked the presentation but feels more information is needed including costs before she will be comfortable in making a recommendation.
Director Leyman explained that budget and cost decisions fall to the City Council, but estimates can be provided to the Commission.
Director Leyman summarized next steps:
• Trees: working with Urban Forester, he will forward information to the Commission regarding trees, i.e. whether existing large trees in the dog run are slated to be removed, replaced or retained per the Polliwog Tree Plan. • The DVD team will bring back for Commission consideration, clarifications on alternatives to materials such as wood vs. faux wood material for decking, and concrete pavement vs. decomposed granite or another pervious material (that would be more sensitive to dog paws).
• Staff will provide cost information at the next meeting.
2. 24/0226.01 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Sand Dune Park Master Plan
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 22, 2024
Director Leyman noted that the Commission’s recommendation will be reviewed by the City Council at its meeting on August 20, 2024.
b. Explore Community Aquatics Facility
Director Leyman reported that there is nothing new to report; the Commission is awaiting direction from the City Council and alternative locations and options are being explored by City management.
c. Parks Master Plan project list ad-hoc committee selection Commissioner Schreiner confirmed that the committee is formed of herself, as Chair and Commissioners Komatinsky and Windes and its purpose is to update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan originally published in December, 2020. The committee will start work on as soon as possible and she hopes that they can complete their task for the September Commission meeting.
Commissioner Windes noted she and Commissioner Schreiner have done a preliminary review of a list of “action items” that the last ad -hoc committee updated and they have preliminarily eliminated many projects that have either been completed or which they feel are no longer relevant ; some additions need to be made to the list and a couple errors need to be corrected. Commissioner Schreiner commented and Commissioner Windes concurred that this task may not be as onerous as thought.
Commissioner Komatinsky questioned whether the committee needs to break down the projects list into which may need a “refresh” but Commissioner Schreiner believes that even those projects needing refresh appear to be completed . Commissioner Windes suggested that the tour of the city parks should prove useful in completing the update.
Director Leyman affirmed procedurally that once the Master Plan is approved by the Commission, it will be brought to the City Council; the committee can reach out to any individuals that may have insights that the committee feels are needed, but no particular public outreach is required; Director Leyman restated the sub committee’s purpose is to confirm the short (quick), medium and long range projects for Parks and Recreation.
Commissioner Schreiner noted she will schedule meetings for the full committee including a meeting with Director Leyman.
Chair Allen called for public input; none received.
H. STAFF ITEMS
Director Leyman reported on recent events:
• Manhattan Open Tennis Tournament: great attendance and tennis play • Summer Concerts in the Park – continuing successfully every Sunday, 5-7 p.m. • Community Art Exhibit: opening reception at Manhattan Beach Art Center this Friday, 5:00-7:00 pm – over 90 pieces to see, very talented artists. • International Surf Festival: August 2-3
• Manhattan Open Volleyball: August 16-18
• Recruitment for Senior Recreation Supervisor (Cultural Arts): Interviews will be held soon
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission July 22, 2024
• All Parks and Rec Commission Tour: being rescheduled – look for new date, likely at end of summer.
• Meetings: cancelled for August for all Parks and Recreation Department commissions.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older Adult Program update (Schreiner) Commissioner Schreiner reported regarding monthly meeting/activities:
• Mayor Franklin update; h ighlights include e-bike safety and city efforts including enforcement and education; the Police Chief will be addressing this issue at the August 6th council meeting. Commissioner Windes suggested that skateboarding safety be added to the public education effort.
• The city’s new IT Director will be evaluating the Joslyn Center audio visual and WIFI systems and make or recommend repairs.
• “Coffee, Tech and You”, an intergenerational tech education class (seniors and Mira Costa students) will be offered monthly starting in September, weekends at Joslyn. • Rotary Club continues working supporting seniors on small home improvement projects; interested senior s with needs may request assistance by calling Joslyn Center (leave message for Rotary Club member)
• Scout House Project Update: fundraising is continuing through a nonprofit (501c3) (over 3.75 million dollars already donated) 3 million 700 thousand; groundbreaking is expected for summer, 2025.
School District update (Komatinsky) – No update as school is closed; Commissioner Komatinsky stated she believes that the application window for MBMS Principal position has closed but doesn’t believe there has been a public announcement.
Student Update (Jacobson) – no report
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:07 p.m. it was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Windes) to adjourn to the meeting of September 23, 2024; the motion passed unanimously 6-0 (Jacobson absent) with a voice vote.