City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 25, 2024
CITY OF MANHATTAN BEACH
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Monday, November 25, 2024
4:00 PM
Location: Zoom and City Council Chambers, City Hall
1400 Highland Avenue
MINUTES
A. CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chair Windes called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm.
B. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
C. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Zimbalist, Schreiner, Komatinsky, Doran, Jacobson, Vice Chair Windes
Absent: Doran, Chair Allen
Others present: Senior Management Analyst (SMA) Linda Robb, Recording Secretary Rosemary Lackow
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 17, 2024 (Special Meeting), October 28, 2024
It was moved and seconded (Schreiner/Zimbalist) to approve the October 17 minutes as submitted; m otion passed 4-1-2 by voice vote (Allen and Doran absent; Komatinsky abstain). It was moved and seconded (Schreiner/Komatinsky) to approve the October 28 minutes as submitted; motion passed 5-1 by voice vote (Allen, Doran absent).
E. CEREMONIAL - None
F. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION (3-Minute Limit)
Lee Barr shared a slide presentation on dog parks, emphasizing that a “standard dog park” only requires a few features such as fencing, seating, shade, water, “poop bags”.
He noted the background for this project – intended to be a fairly simple expansion can be accomplished by relocating storage containers and installing new fencing, with a relatively modest price tag.
G. GENERAL BUSINESS
1. 24/1125.01 Consideration of New Event – CT3 Polar Plunge SMA Robb gave a brief overview of this special “CT3 Polar Plunge” event to be held on the beach between 12 th and 14th Streets Sunday, February 2, 2025. Although this event occurred last year, it was held entirely on the sand area with an attendance of 200 persons, and did not require a city special event permit. T his year, seeing a potential for a larger attendance, given that the Dodgers won the World Series, a special event permit has been required. The applicant has been presented an estimate of $20,871 for city services, which will be reimbursed by the applicant. The special events committee has reviewed and has
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 25, 2024
no objections provided the event is properly staffed. Per city special events policy, as a new special event , the CT3 Polar Plunge requires Parks and Recreation Commission approval.
Staff recommends that the Commission review, discuss and either approve or deny the CT3 Foundation Polar Plunge Event, February 2, 2025.
Vice Chair Windes expressed concern about crowd size increasing this year due to the fact that the Dodgers are now world series champions.
Jeni Pearsons, applicant representative, presented a video and clarified details including who benefit to disabled and/or challenged children, community based involvement, use of private security for the Dodger player (not part of event request), Brief event schedule: 6 am to 12:30 pm; admission price $200 and schedule of other Dodger events in other southern California areas intended for the team’s main fan base.
Ms. Pearsons clarified that the goal is to only grow the event to a size that economically makes sense - they do not want to create a situation that would require a large amount of city services that would defeat the charitable purpose. The Dodgers organization is supporting the event by providing some event planning assistance.
SMA Robb noted that the estimate from the City services is from Police Lieutenant Sabosky and is based on the expected attendance of 800 . She suggested that the applicant communicate directly with Lt. Sabosky and/or LA County Beaches as to possible efficiencies of staffing, in order to control or reduce costs. The city’s costs are to cover traffic and crowd control measures as needed.
Vice Chair Windes invited public input.
Russ Lesser, resident, attended last year’s plunge and saw no disruption to traffic or compromise of public security , feels that given the time of year, there should be no significant congestion or large public crowds, believes many participants will walk to the event and, compared to other city special events this will be relatively small.
Jeni Pearsons noted that last year there was an accident at the beach but there was no relationship to the polar plunge. She feels that the main driver of sales will be the CT3 Friendship Foundation list of supporters, many of whom are local.
Commissioner Zimbalist feels as to attendance, that the nature of the event (participants paying $200 to go into very cold water) will be a strong mitigating factor.
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Zimbalist) that the Parks and Recreation Commission approve the CT3 Polar Plunge as requested. Vice Chair Windes announced the motion passed, 5-0-2 (Doran, Allen absent) by voice vote.
2. 24/0226.01 Work Plan Items Discussion
a. Sand Dune Park Master Plan – Director Leyman reported that the project status remains unchanged - Public Works continues to gather cost and timeline information. He will keep the Commission informed of the project status.
The commissioners reported a few site conditions at Sand Dune, needing attention: 1) Commissioner Zimbalist reported he hears resident comments – that the lawn area
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 25, 2024
seems to need some “greening”; and 2) Commissioner Schreiner reported some rubble materials (tree limbs etc.) need to be removed in the area where a concrete path was suggested, near the 31 st Street cul -de-sac. Commissioner Schreiner will report this , using “Reach Manhattan Beach”.
b. Explore Community Aquatics Facility – Director Leyman reported there are no significant updates as the p roject is still in the information gathering stage . T he City Manager continues discussion with the Bay Club and Public Works will be scheduling a walk-through at Begg Pool to understand repairs that are needed at that site (decking, plumbing, fencing). Environmental studies have been initiated to look into site conditions in the area where the new pools might be built. It was clarified that the Bay Club’s pledge in the MOU approved by the council, to contribute towards the repair of Begg would only go into effect if there is a decision to move forward with the new pool construction.
There were no persons in person or remotely wanting to address the Commission on this item.
c. Parks Master Plan – Commissioner Schreiner noted this subcommittee is made up of herself, Commissioner Komatinsky and Vice Chair Windes and went over t he purpose of the committee: to come up with future short, medium and long term projects to recommend for addition to the 2025 Parks and Recreation Work Plan to be finalized by July 1 st. Staff guidance is through Senior Recreation Manager Melissa McCollum and Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman. The subcommittee met on November 19 (reviewed Park Master Plan Sections A, B, C) and will meet again on December 4 to continue their work.
d. Pay ‘N Play Outreach – Vice Chair Windes reported that on October 31 st the committee toured the site with Director Leyman and Senior Management Analyst Robb. It was noticed that there is an existing small dog run on the east side of the building which is anticipated to be removed when the building is demolished. A public input survey has been developed and a community meeting is scheduled on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
A postcard notice of the survey and community meeting will be sent to residents within 500 feet of the Pay N Play facility and will be posted at the park and broadcast on city social media and sent to residents with dog licenses . Visual aids will be provided at the community meeting and possibly an iPad whereby attendees can also submit a survey response.
Vice Chair Windes emphasized that the demolition of the existing site was proposed to the City Council. One option for reuse that has been identified is a smaller than standard futsal court which may also be used for other activities, e.g. outdoor fitness activities for older adults, pick-up basketball, etc. It was emphasized that, while the building demolition has been already approved, the reuse of the site after demo is an open slate and there is no commitment yet for any new uses, including a futsal court . It was suggested that a sign advertising the community meeting and survey be posted on the fence of the small dog run area. The notification distance of 500 feet is the same as used for the Sand Dune Park project. Director Leyman noted, that subject to input received, the re-use could be somewhat seasonal, but maxed out year round to user groups.
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 25, 2024
3. 24/0718.01 Polliwog Park Dog Run
Director Leyman thanked resident Lee Barr for his feedback and updated that Parks and Recreation staff is working with Public Works staff to keep this project simple and low cost.
In meeting at the site with Public Works it has been determined that the essential items on the DVD plan (asphalt removal, installation of new perimeter fencing, poles, dual drinking fountains, trash receptacle, wood chips, concrete pads and benches, relocating irrigation and removal of one small tree on the west side) can be done in-house by Public Works for a cost not to exceed $50,000. It is understood that an many trees as possible should be kept.
Regarding shade structures, Director Leyman citied experiences under a pilot umbrella program where “off-the-shelf” umbrellas have been set up at both the Polliwog and Live Oak Park dog runs. Some umbrellas have been severely damaged by wind and will need to be replaced ; staff is now opening and closing the umbrellas daily. Director Leyman acknowledged that any shade covering method beyond an umbrella that would be able to withstand strong winds will be cost prohibitive (requiring engineered plans) and therefore longer term viable shade solutions will continue to be explored.
All of the con tainers including one 40-cubic yarder, two city 20-cubic yarders, and three sheds will be removed and/or relocated from the dog expansion area . The three sheds which store youth soccer and baseball gear will be relocated to an area near the south east corner of the baseball field . After the containers are removed, there will be a clear line-of-sight view through the dog park. The work will be expedited but a timeline for the work is still being developed which he hopes to share with the Commission in January.
No members of the audience wanted to address the Commission on this topic.
It was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Jacobson) to approve for recommendation to City Council, the new Polliwog Park Dog Run proposal with revised scope covering basic dog park needs only, all work to be done in-house by Public Works for an estimated cost not to exceed $50,000. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0-2 (Doran, Allen absent).
H. STAFF ITEMS
Parks and Recreation Department Strategic Plan
Director Leyman reported that staff implementation teams have been formed and have started to meet and set timelines for each of the three strategic priorities. Director Leyman will be providing both paper and digital materials to the Commission; he b elieves this project will have very positive impacts and as the teams progress in their work, he will provide regular updates.
City Council Recap and Parks and Recreation Department Updates:
• Pier Tree Lighting: Wednesday, 11/20 with downtown holiday stroll – was very successful
• Annual Pickleball Turkey Tournament (all levels):11/29-12/1 (Manhattan Heights Park) • Holiday crafts: Holiday Crafts Night 12/7 and 12/8 a.m. • Holiday fireworks 12/8
• NFC: ribbon cutting held 11/14 in Polliwog Park. There is an app available
City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Commission November 25, 2024
www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com to guide in using the equipment; QR codes for downloading the app will be posted.
I. COMMISSION ITEMS
Older adult Program Update – Commissioner Schreiner reported on the last SAC (Senior Advisory Committee) meeting, including: updates by Mayor Franklin who discussed Parking Lot 3, information regarding two LA Metro transportation programs for older adults (taxi and tap card discounts) and information from SRS Kari Bell on older adult activity trends. The 12/18 older adults holiday party sold out quickly.
School District Update – Commissioner Komatinsky deferred to Commissioner Zimbalist who reported on and thanked many involved regarding the recent resounding passage of Measure RLS. He explained this measure will generate millions of new dollars to which state matching funds will be added. The funds will pay for the continuation of school upgrades; improvements may start as early as next summer.
Student Update – Commissioner Jacobson reported that the Stadium Way project at the high school is now complete and the 11/21 Lip Sync dance club fund raiser event was very successful.
J. ADJOURNMENT
At 5:32 pm it was moved and seconded (Komatinsky/Jacobson) to adjourn to the meeting of at 4:00 pm; the motion passed 5-0 (Allen and Doran absent) with a voice vote.