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Minutes 99-02-16MINUTES OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE CYPRESS RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AND THE CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 16, 1999 The regular meeting of the Cypress Recreation & Community Services Commission and the adjourned meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 16, 1999, in the Arnold/Cypress Park Multipurpose Room, 8611 Watson Street, Cypress, California, Mayor Keenan presiding. CITY COUNCIL/RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION JOINT MEETING PRESENT: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMISSIONERS: COUNCIL MEMBER: McGill, Sondhi, Mayor Pro Tem Piercy and Mayor Keenan. Bloch, Bornstein, Fowler, Livingston, Preston, Woodson, and Wostenberg. McCoy. Also present Mark Ochenduszko, City Manager; June Liu, Assistant to the Manager; Marvin DeCarlo, Recreation and Park Director; Mark Christoffels, Public Works; and Steve Yates, Maintenance Specialist. City ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: Council Direction on Requests for Fee Waivers Mr. DeCarlo informed that the Commission has recently received several requests for waiver of fees, and there is concern about the policy on waiver of fees. There is an average of approximately two requests for fee waivers annually. Chairperson Fowler expressed concerns with the waiver of fees and the budget figures decreasing. Commissioner Wostenberg asked for Council policy guidance to insure that not all groups are recommended to the Commission, and mentioned recent fee waiver requests received. Council Member McGill believes in supporting the groups that support the City. And, questioned the revenues/lost revenues of allowing groups facility usage at no cost. Commissioner Preston informed that he has been on this Commission for six years, and has yet to see a group's fee waiver request turned down. Mayor Keenan pointed out that the fee schedule does give a discount for non-profit groups. And asked if we are turning away paying customers for a fee waiver groups, but commented that we do want to support non-profit groups. Council Member Sondhi asked how much fee waivers are, on an annual basis. Mr. DeCarlo responded that approximately $2,000 for the request for fee waivers annually. Council Member Piercy questioned those defined as Co-Sponsored and Associate, as listed in the report exhibit. Mr. DeCarlo replied that the definitions were determined a number of years ago. Previous Council directed that the Cypress Pops Orchestra be treated as a co- sponsored group. CITY COUNCIL/RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES February 16, 1999 Council Member McGill reminded of the Pops support to the City. Mr. Ochenduszko commented that the group terms can be confusing and were defined by Council sometime ago. Mayor Keenan feels that it would be good idea for Council to revisit the list of supporting groups. Commissioner Preston commented that the Commission is approached several time per year for fee waiver requests, and the Commission spends a lot of time debating the issue. Mayor Keenan informed of the policy recommended by the Financial Review Committee and recently approved by City Council. And, suggested that a policy be established and adapted to facility usage. Council Member Sondhi suggested documentation guidelines, and that the Commission would be most qualified to fine tune the policy. Mr. Ochenduszko suggested an analysis on the profit versus loss of revenues for facility usage, and revisit sponsored and co-sponsored support. Council Member McGill made a motion that the City Council revisit and quantify the potential facility usage. Seconded by Council Member Keenan, and hearing no objections, motion carried. Future Development of Mini-Parks Commissioner Livingston discussed the need for mini-parks in the north and south end of Cypress, and wondered if this would come out of the District's budget. Mr. Ochenduszko informed that there are two areas in the city that require mini-parks, and those sites have been identified. Long-term Expectations for the Commission Vice Chairperson Wostenberg asked for general direction from Council. Mayor Keenan would like to see the elements of a skatepark at each park. Skateboard usage is growing, and it is important to provide a facility. He continued to note the importance of assessment of current programs and facilities and to determine alternative funding and optimize resources. Council Member Sondhi agreed with Mayor Keenan and suggesting ongoing change. Council Member McGill concurred with Council Member Sondhi, and commended the Commission for having this item on the agenda. He further commented that, in a recent social event with dignitaries from the City of La Palma, they may be interested in paying for a mini skatepark at Arnold/Cypress Park. Council Member Sondhi discussed her recent opportunity to go to a skatepark in Orange, and mentioned that the wood portions are noisy and concrete really aren't that noisy. Mayor Keenan commented on a recent correspondence from a resident who had concerns with a wooden skatepark. Council Member Piercy suggested finding somewhere to put something small, as there are misconceptions. -2 - CIT~ COUNCIL/RECREATION & COMMUNIT~ February 16, 1999 SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES Commissioner Preston informed that an architect will be present at the next Skatepark Task Force meeting to present information on developing several small skateparks. Commissioner Woodson stated that the Skatepark Task Force is looking at multiple locations, and will talk to the architect regarding state of the art skatepark features. Pest Control - Fire Ants Mayor Keenan asked how many sites in Cypress have been identified. Steve Yates responded that site identified in Cypress include: Veterans Park, Cypress Senior Citizens Center, Valley View, and Juanita Street. However, those sites have been eliminated. Mr. Ochenduszko informed of surrounding cities that have also had fire ants sightings. Council Member Sondhi asked of aerial treatment for controlling the fire ants, and discussed the likelihood of the spray becoming airborne. Council Member Piercy asked of spraying during the night. Steve Yates commented that it is assumed that night dispensing would have a much lower toxicity. Council Member McGill asked who residents call should a fire ants mound be discovered. Steve Yates replied that the Pest Hotline would need to be notified. Council Member Sondi suggested using the Web Page to obtain further information on this matter. June Liu informed of available video tape materials on fire ants. City's Plans for the Millennium Pertaining to the Website Mayor Keenan informed of his recent Outreach, whereas, there were a number of residents who discussed Y2K, community education, and emergency preparedness. Mr. DeCarlo stated that there is concern with whether or not the City Website is complete. Council Member Sondhi suggested that, as a service to the citizens, provide an insert piece to the Web Page. Mr. Ochenduszko commented on organizations that we rely on, and suggested evaluating the readiness of those service providers. The Police Chief is coordinating emergency services analysis. Council Member McGill gave direction to staff that there be a presentation Y2K brief. Chairperson Fowler suggested a Y2K informational booth at the upcoming Community Festival. Commissioner Wostenberg, on behalf of the Commission, thanked the City Council for this joint meeting. WRITTEN OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: There were none. -3 - CITY COUNCIL/RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES February 16, 1999 Cultural Arts Commissioner Paul English arrived at approximately 8:15 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The joint meeting with the Recreation and Community Services Commission concluded at 8:34 p.m., with City Council adjourning to their next meeting of February 22, 1999, 5:00 p.m. MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS ATTEST: CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS -4 -