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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 83-04-12 379 MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL/RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AND YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES HELD APRIL 12, 1983 CALL TO ORDER: The joint meeting of the Cypress City Council, Recreation and Community Services Commission, and youth sports league repre- sentatives was called to order in the Assembly Room of the Cypress Community Center at 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Lacayo. ROLL CALL: CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Councilmembers Kanel, Mayor Lacayo. Mullen, Partin, ABSENT: Councilmember Coronado RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION: PRESENT: Commissioners Cammack, Castro, Davis, Hallak, Hawkins, Weinberg, Chairperson Redmon ABSENT: None YOUTH ATHLETIC LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES: PRESENT: Vic Chavez, Asst. Commissioner, AYSO #154 John Perkins, President, Cypress Federal Little League John Tatman, President, Cypress Girls Softball Gordon Mullens, President, Tri-Cities Softball Sue Savage, President, Cypress Pony Baseball Sam Marckese, President, Inland Cities Softball Ken Huseman, President, Pop Warner Football ABSENT: Cy Milton, President, Tri-Cities Soccer League Also in attendance was City Manager Darrell Essex, and staff members Schatzeder, DeCarlo, Kempton and Thomas. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge to the Flag was led by Commissioner Hallak. INTRODUCTION: The Mayor explained that, in the past ten years, the City Council has met in joint session with leagues and the Recrea- tion and Community Services Commission to share concerns and thoughts, and representatives were invited, once again, for this purpose. STAFF REPORTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The Mayor reviewed the staff report dated April 7, 1983, from the office of the Recreation and Park Director relative to budget in which he outlined revenues, expenditures, capital projects, etc. Cable television was discussed. The Mayor explained to the youth league representatives that it would mean having portable type telecasting, and they would have the chance to come before the Commission and Council in order to prioritize use. He felt that Cypress would have cable television within a year. 3bO Joint Meeting Minutes - 2 - April 12, 1983 The Director of Recreation and Parks reported on the Advisory Committee on Use of Athletic Facilities (ACUAF) and explained that the purpose of the group's meetings is to work out scheduling, field spring/summer, fall/winter programs, and to talk about concerns. Mr. DeCarlo remarked that sometimes league representatives come in several times per week to meet with staff. He then reviewed the main improvements that have come about through requests of the leagues, and stated that trade-offs and sharing were often done at the ACUAF meetings. Staff member Thomas explained that there are two seasonal periods. He presented a graph which represents hours of use by the various sports groups on CRPD's prime facilities. Briefly, practice facilities were presented, and forthcoming tournaments announced. The Recreation and Parks Director gave a slide presentation on various areas including the Oxford facility, sports facilities, Cypress College, Cypress High School, etc. He explained that another area where community youth groups work together is the Community Center. Rooms and room fees were presented. Mayor Lacayo opened up the meeting for questions. Councilmember Partin spoke with respect to the college and high school. He suggested a program to post "keep off" playing side of the fields at these facilities. Councilmember Mullens said that one of his most important res- ponsibilities is to support the leagues. He feels involvement in the sports activities gets kids off the street and channels their time to a constructive activity. He expressed the opinion that Cypress has one of the finest inventories of facilities anywhere and he offered his assistance to the leagues. Councilmember Kanel explained that he attended the meeting to listen and observe any concerns. Commission Chairperson Redmon said she appreciated the oppor- tunity to meet with the Council, and to talk to members of the community. Commissioner Weinberg spoke about the importance of having a well-rounded background. He expressed the wish for the sports leagues to participate in the community and promoted attendance at "Gazebo" currently playing at the Cultural Arts Center. Commissioner Hawkins feels that the Commission's responsibility is to maintain a balanced program. She explained that when a facility is built or developed, it is also a responsibility to maintain it. She expressed the hope that it is understood that many areas have to be considered when a request is made which is thought by those making the request to be very important. Commissioner Davis invited the leagues to make suggestions that evening, no matter how small. Following the Commissioners' comments, league representatives spoke. Gordon Mullens, representing Cypress High School and Tri-Cities Softball in the summer, thanked Cypress Recreation and Park District for the facilities that have been given to the program over the years. He stated that Recreation and Parks has done a fabulous job in providing facilities for use. He was of the opinion that multi-use types of facilities should be looked into; i.e. when soccer is not being played on a lighted facility; then, perhaps, softball and hardball could '38i Joint Meeting Minutes - 3 - April 12, 1983 be played. He felt that this could be a consideration at the Cypress College facility. John Perkins, Cypress Federal Little League President, sug- gested that if money is cut off from the State, this could be very critical. Mr. Perkins spoke relative to improvement of the snack bar at Oak Knoll Park. He related that on Saturdays and Sundays, from $1,000 to $1,400 in revenues is realized. The area is crowded, lines are long, and space is limited. Also~ he said that if expansion is being considered, that a stove, refriger- ator or other equipment is needed. Oxford facility improvement was then discussed. Originally, when talked about, the budget was $58,000 for development of the ball field. Mr. Perkins stated that the ending figure was $]3,500 in monies, and many people volunteered to improve that facility. Growth in baseball leagues in the past years (senior group) realized a 50% improvement, and, currently, Mr. Perkins said they are considering going into a larger division. A suggestion was made by the Mayor that~ because money may be a problem, that perhaps a committee could be formed to get maximum usage of the facilities. The Oxford facility is shared between soccer and Little League--they have worked together~ and there could be a possibility of taking some of the facilities and making them into multi-purpose facilities. In response to a question by Mr. Perkins, the City Manager explained that in any joint use arrangement, staff would be very careful to have scheduling or use rights. Councilmember Mullens stated that he had spoken with Dr. Scott of Cypress College recently, and they are faced with financial problems. Chairperson Redmon reported that monies realized from the snack bar goes back to the leagues, and there is no charge for snack bar usage. Gordon Mullens felt that if the youth groups would get together, every trade is represented among the various leagues. If the groups can work with Recreation and Parks; then, through dona- tion of time (electrician~ plumber, etc.) the improvements can be made. Mr. Mullens volunteered to donate the cabinets for the snack bar. In response to a question from Chairperson Redmon regarding monies received from the snack bar, Mr. Perkins explained that money goes towards equipment and outfitting league players, and these costs are high. He stated that every person is a volunteer. Mr. Huseman, Pop Warner Football, spoke re multi-use facilities. He remarked that if light standards were to be moved; i.e. at Oak Knoll Park, that care should be taken not to interfere with the current lighting of the Pony infield. In consideration of league monies, he explained that it costs $75 for a football helmet, and, shoulder pads, which used to cost $30 are now $80. He stated that it is necessary to register four players, to outfit one. He said that one major policy of Pop Warner is, that if the children do not have a "C" average, they cannot play. The Mayor expressed the feeling that, through creative planning, ways to earn additional revenues should be pursued. Joint Meeting Minutes - 4 - April 12, 1983 Mr. Huseman reported that they to be refurbished at a cost of standard. sent 400 pieces of $7,800 to bring it equipment up to usable Mr. Chavez reported that AYSO can donate $25,000 to place the lights on the high school, or to help others with the snack bar. The Mayor said he was impressed with the way the kitchen at the Oxford facility was equipped, and would like to see use of the cafeteria there. Ms. Susan Savage, Pony Baseball President, agreed with others' comments, and related a problem with a Pony Colt player nearly being injured because cages were not put up. She said that the fences have not been installed, and she was told that the cages cannot go up because Cypress High School varsity is using the fields. Staff reported that the fencing would be looked into. Cypress Girls Softball President John Tatman asked if money had been approved for the improvements at Arnold/Cypress Park. The Director explained that there are $160,000 in park projects of which approximately $113,000 are from 1980 State Bond monies and, when approved, Cypress Recreation and Park District will be ready to go out to bid. Mr. ?atman asked if there was any possible way to have additional maintenance on the field at Arnold/Cypress Park. Terry Kempton, Public Works Maintenance Superintendent, explained that the ball fields are mowed once each week; and, in many cases, at the expense of some of the other parks in order to maintain that schedule. He further explained that there is a full-time maintenance employee on the park from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Gordon Mullens commented maintained on a park and Mr. Kempton replied that that when a 7-8 day work schedule is it rains, then the mowing can be skipped. athletic fields are not skipped. Mr. Marckese expressed concern about the trash not being picked up. Mr. Tatman concurred that this was a problem during the past week. Susan Savage requested that a sign be posted on athletic field fencing to remind attendants and players to pick up their trash. Mr. Marckese explained that he gave the kids green trash bags, and, for every bag full, they received a free soft drink. Gordon Mullens stated that the main problem is emptying the barrels, and then having the bins full. Mr. Marckese related that there is a problem on Diamond #3 (Arnold/Cypress Park) with the sunken dugouts. After it rains, the water stagnates because it is not draining away. A dis- cussion on level of maintenance of the Arnold/Cypress Park took place. Mrs. Blackburn, 9672 Salisbury Lane, stated that she would appreciate it if everyone in the leagues would not climb the fences, and, when playing, play far enough away from homes. so that the balls do not go into the yards. The Oxford fields were specifically discussed. In response to Mr. Robert Bess~ Canterbury Drive resident who asked if a decision had been made on the width of the track at Oxford~ the Director reported that staff will make its recommendations at the next City Council meeting. Joint Meeting Minutes - 5 - April 12, 1983 Bob Perez, a resident of Cypress, and, for the past several years, involved in the Pony League, expressed concern with: 1) lights burned out at Oak Knoll Pony field, and 2) restrooms being in bad shape and requiring main- tenance. Mayor Lacayo and Commissioner Redmon spoke relative to educating children to respect the facilfties which are frequently vandalized. Gordon Mullens gave an example of a deterrent to vandalism by placing a wrought iron gate at public restrooms. When left open, he said, bathrooms are vandalized, and it would help if the gates could be locked at night. The restrooms at Arnold/Cypress Park were discussed. A question was raised as to the possibility of lights being considered for the Oxford athletic field area, and staff reported that this is not being considered at this time. Mr. Essex explained that lights at the Oxford facility parking lot are being proposed at this time. Commissioner Weinberg urged those in attendance, if they have any suggestions, to put them in writing to the Commission. Commissioner Hawkins said she appreciated comments that were made, because it made the Commission more aware of some of the concerns. Chairperson Redmon invited the leagues to come to the meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, if they have any concerns. Mayor Lacayo thanked the Commission and members of leagues. He said he would like to entertain the idea of forming a committee to meet to share resources/ make improvements. He volunteered to serve on such a committee. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Lacayo adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m., until the regular City Council meeting of April 25, 1983 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. ATTEST: MA~fOR ,~F t~ CIT~ OF CYPRESS ! CITY CLERK OF THE'CIT~ OF CYPRESS