City Council — 2022-05-17

Meeting Summary

Present: Stix, Haney

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.

Staff reported 2021 program participation recovered to 70% of 2019 levels.
An ad hoc committee is identifying an acoustic engineer to address pickleball noise concerns.
Completed capital projects include new turf at Libbey Park and pole replacements at Zero Zodi Park.
Future Zero Zodi phases involve sports courts, ball field renovation, and a water feature.

The multi-sport courts project is in final planning stages.
Priorities following completion include playground renovations and the Libbey Park restroom remodel.
Staff noted LED lighting solutions for large fields are unavailable, though skate park lights were upgraded.
Feasibility of recycling water for play areas to cool children during summer was discussed.

A term sheet for a management agreement with Ventura County was sent to the Supervisor's office.
Council members discussed utilizing existing City Hall courts for youth programs.
Soule Park remains a potential future location with development timelines estimated at five years or more.

Suggestions were made to modify the existing college internship program for high school students.
Collaboration with the school district was proposed to expand youth employment opportunities.
Proposals included bicycle safety education and career days to connect youth with businesses.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and public comment.
Bill Miley discussed Soule Park, suggesting it is a logical city-managed facility for recreational expansion, specifically noting potential for a regional pickleball center. He also commented on the Noroff Swim Pool, suggesting a community recreation pool alongside the competitive lane, and noted the need for discounted passes for city and county taxpayers.
Bob Dowell expressed concerns regarding the city’s grant process and budget allocation. He highlighted infrastructure deficits, including unfunded pension liability, deferred street maintenance, and the cost of asphalt. He suggested redirecting funds toward internal city needs, such as the recreation department and youth summer jobs, rather than external grants.
Dale Hanson expressed agreement with previous comments, specifically regarding the Soule Park proposal.
Karen Quimby represented neighbors of the current pickleball courts. She cited noise issues at the current location and urged the council to expedite resolving the noise, suggesting relocation to Soule Park. She requested that neighbors be involved in the selection process for any sound report.
Vote Outcome: No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding public comments.

Staff and Commissioners provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding recreation updates and capital improvement projects.
Personnel and Programs: New Commissioners were introduced. Staff noted that participation levels in 2021 recovered to 70% of 2019 levels. Current offerings included youth and adult programs such as gymnastics, tennis, dog obedience, senior strength, Kung Fu, and soccer.
Pickleball: The Commission previously voted to establish an ad hoc committee to research noise concerns and sound mitigation. The committee is currently identifying an acoustic engineer to formulate a recommendation for the City Council.
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP):
Completed: New artificial turf at Libbey Park; replacement of field poles at Zero Zodi Park.
Upcoming: Gymnasium roof repairs, trash enclosure removal at Zero Zodi, and the multi-purpose sports courts project.
Future: Libbey Park restroom renovation, pergola replacement at Libbey Park, playground and ball field renovations at Zero Zodi, and a water element feature.
Zero Zodi Master Plan: A phasing plan is being developed. The first phase involved the picnic area remodel. Future phases include multi-purpose sports courts, ball field renovation, a new playground, and a water feature (design pending).
Vote Outcome: The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken on the items presented.

Council members and Commissioners engaged in a discussion regarding future priorities.
CIP Priorities: Staff indicated that the multi-sport courts project is in the final planning stages. Following completion, priorities include playground renovations and the Libbey Park restroom remodel.
Water Conservation and Lighting: Discussion occurred regarding water conservation in parks and the potential for electrification. It was noted that LED lighting solutions for large field areas are not yet available, though skate park lights have been upgraded.
Water Play: Suggestions were made to prioritize water play areas or misters to cool children during summer months. The feasibility of recycling water for such features was discussed.
Vote Outcome: No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding facility priorities.

Soule Park: The Commission noted that a term sheet regarding a management agreement with Ventura County had been sent to the Supervisor's office to facilitate city programming at the county-owned park. Staff noted that commission members had not seen the term sheet but understood the goal was to utilize underutilized public resources.
Pickleball: Council members and citizens discussed utilizing the existing courts at City Hall for youth programs or quick-start classes. It was noted that Soule Park is a potential future location, but development timelines were estimated at five years or more. High participation rates at current courts were cited.
Vote Outcome: No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding Soule Park or pickleball relocation.

Internships: A discussion arose regarding funding youth employment or internships within the city or recreation department. An existing city internship program for college students was mentioned, with suggestions to modify it for high school students. Collaboration with the school district was proposed.
Safety and Education: Suggestions included bicycle safety education and career days to connect youth with community businesses.
Vote Outcome: No formal motion was moved or voted upon regarding youth programs.

Staff announced an upcoming Recreation Open House at Zero Zodi Park. Members acknowledged the work of the Commission and staff. The meeting was adjourned.
Vote Outcome: No formal vote was recorded.