Attachment 3Attachment 3
Attachment 3
Attachment 3
CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE
BEACHES, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Vice Chair Garcia called the Special Meeting of the Beaches, Parks, and Recreation Commission of the City of San Clemente to order on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:03 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente, CA. Vice Chair Garcia led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT Dolegowski, Garcia, Grace, Haskins, Johnson, McCanne, Schmitt ABSENT Kahn, Van Nort
STAFF PRESENT Samantha Wylie, Beaches, Parks & Recreation Director Debbie Fields, Administrative Assistant
Carrie Swartz, Aquatics Supervisor
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 13, 2026, Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes Motion by Vice Chair Garcia, second by Commissioner McCanne, CARRIED 7-0, Commissioners Kahn and Van Nort absent, to approve the May 13, 2026, adjourned regular meeting minutes.
AYE: Dolegowski, Garcia, Grace, Haskins, Johnson, McCanne, Schmitt NOE: None
OLD BUSINESS
AQUATICS PARTNERSHIP POLICY
Carrie Swartz, Aquatics Supervisor, provided an overview of the proposed revisions to the Youth Aquatic Partnership Policy.
Anissa Bromley, San Clemente, supported revisiting the policy but expressed concerns about administrative burden and reduced access for youth aquatic programs. Requested a 75% residency threshold for Tier 1 and asked that community impacts on long-standing programs be considered.
Amanda Piwonka, President of the San Clemente Aquatics Team, noted the team has approximately 81% San Clemente residency while serving nearby communities. Supported a one-year trial period but requested clearer rules, more flexible enforcement, and fewer policy changes to ensure stable access to the pool.
Amanda Quintanilla expressed support lowering the Tier 1 residency requirement to 75%, referencing research from other municipalities. Encouraged maintaining program discounts and emphasized the value of youth athletics and long-term athlete development, urging continued investment in opportunities for local children.
Commissioners either individually or as a group discussed the following:
Request to consider setting a minimum participation threshold for program qualification to prevent very small groups from disproportionately affecting tier status.
Concern that very small programs could qualify for higher tiers, impacting equitable pool access and creating unintended outcomes.
Discussion of running the first year of the policy as a pilot by documenting violations without immediate punitive measures.
Suggestion to hold quarterly check-ins with partner groups.
Recommendation to remove the 14-day cancellation provision from the policy.
Support for implementing a swipe/accountability system as a useful data tool.
Concern about lane allocation during peak usage times.
Request to adjust thresholds to allow more flexible lane utilization when space is available.
Confirmation of the priority lane allocation order: City programs first, partner groups second, then frequent renters.
Motion by Vice Chair Garcia, second by Commissioner McCanne, CARRIED 7-0, Commissioners Kahn and Van Nort absent, to accept the proposed Aquatics Partnership Policy and take it to council to be approved with the removal of the 14-day cancellation, section 5.7.5, and the clarification of the 25-yard and 50-yard rental rates.
NEW BUSINESS
THE VICTORIA SIDEWALK WIDENING – CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Shawn Ryan, Deputy Public Works Director, presented plans to improve the Victoria trolley stop area by widening and upgrading the sidewalk due to safety concerns.
Laura Smith, San Clemente, opposed removing the coral tree and nearby bushes, stating they appear healthy and support birds and the area’s natural character. Urged preserving existing vegetation and suggested alternatives such as adjusting railings rather than replacing plants with more sterile landscaping.
Larry Culbertson, San Clemente, requested broader review of the project due to its impacts on design, traffic, and pedestrian experience. Raised concerns about transparency and loss of shade if the coral tree is removed, recommended adding replacement shade trees, and asked for clarification on the tree’s condition and further review before approval.
Amanda Quintanilla narrated a PowerPoint presentation titled “Please Save the Trees and Bushes,” with a hard copy on file with Beaches, Parks & Recreation Department. She opposed removal of the trees and bushes, cited their environmental value, questioned the project’s cost and scope, and requested further review by the Design Review Subcommittee.
Commissioners either individually or as a group discussed the following:
Adding a crosswalk with a stop sign in front of the trolley stop Stronger landscaping and design refinement, more greenery and shade Removal of or keeping the coral tree
Should the project return to the Design Review Committee or Planning Commission The tile mural/artwork
Timeline of the project, completion before the 2028 Olympics and San Clemente Centennial celebration Getting clearer visuals for decision-making, including side-by-side renderings showing existing vs. proposed conditions and possibly versions with and without the coral tree Motion by Vice Chair Garcia, second by Commissioner Schmitt, CARRIED 5-1-1, Commissioners Kahn and Van Nort absent, to send the item back to the Design Review Subcommittee with a focus on landscaping, looking at expanded shade and provide side by side renderings with the coral tree and without the coral tree with the preference for retaining the tree.
AYE: Dolegowski, Garcia, Haskins, McCanne, Schmitt
NOE: Grace
ABSTAIN: Johnson
NORTH BEACH SURVEY
Samantha Wylie, Beaches, Parks & Recreation Director, presented the results of the community survey regarding potential future uses of the City-owned vacant lot at 1832 N El Camino Real.
Amanda Quintanilla raised concerns about site limitations due to drainage constraints and referenced historical flooding and mentioned that the project would go back to the Planning Commission and design review subcommittee. She opposed removing trees and bushes, questioned project cost and scope, and urged preserving vegetation or considering alternatives like relocating infrastructure.
Commissioners either individually or as a group discussed the following:
Safety concerns related to proximity to El Camino Real, including the possible need for a protective wall or barrier Existing parking and congestion challenges near Ole Hanson Beach Club, The Casino, and the newly opened Food Hall Need for improved bike and e‑bike infrastructure
Support for a flexible, multi‑use public space
Discussion of design concepts for layout and character:
Spanish-style or welcoming entry wall/signage (e.g., “North Beach” gateway) Open plaza with tables and seating
Small raised stage for performances
Possible splash pad with safety controls
Preference for an open-air design rather than a large enclosed structure Consideration of using the site as a parking lot
Concerns regarding maintenance requirements and flood risk Interest in economic and revenue‑generating opportunities Uncertainty about zoning and allowable uses
Need for further study of parking capacity potential
Motion by Chair Johnson, second by Commissioner Grace CARRIED 7-0, Commissioners Kahn and Van Nort absent, to forward Commissioners' comments and suggestions to City Council.
AYE: Dolegowski, Garcia, Grace, Haskins, Johnson, McCanne, Schmitt NOE: None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Chair Johnson, CARRIED 7-0, Commissioners Kahn and Van Nort absent, to adjourn at 7:52 p.m. to a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio, 2nd Floor, San Clemente, CA.
Beaches, Parks & Recreation Director Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission Chairperson
Beaches, Parks, and Special Meeting June 23, 2026
Recreation Commission
Scheduled for consideration by the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Commission at its regular meeting on August 11, 2026