City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council approve a conceptual design and location for
the new Skateboard Park in Culver City Park, 9910 Jefferson Boulevard and
authorize staff to advertise for bids.
BACKGROUND:
On August 8, 2005, City Council authorized the design of the Skateboard Park and
awarded a contract to SITE Design Group, Inc. On September 8 and 22 and
October 20, 2005, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, in
conjunction with the Public Works/Engineering Department and SITE Design Group,
held public workshops at Veterans Memorial Building, 4117 Overland Avenue.
Residents and local skateboard enthusiasts made comments and suggestions
regarding the design of the new Skateboard Park to be constructed in Culver City
Park. SITE Design Group developed two conceptual designs based on this
community input, Concept “E" and Concept “F” (Attachments 1 and 2). The location
of the Skateboard Park within Culver City Park was also the subject of discussion.
Location options were the lower grassy area or the upper basketball court area
within Culver City Park (Attachments 3 and 4).
On November 11, 2005, the Skateboard Park Subcommittee met and recommended
Concept E as Design Priority 1of the two concepts presented. The lower site was
Meeting Date: 01/09/06 Item Number: A-6
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Conceptual Design and Location of the New
Skateboard Park in Culver City Park and Authorization of Advertisement of Bids.
Contact Persons/Dept.: Bill La Pointe,
PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6682
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [ ] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: Master Notification List, Skateboard Park Stakeholders, Community
Organizations and SITE Design Group, Inc. (email on 12/22/05). All affected
businesses and residents within a 500-foot radius of Culver City Park and Skateboard
Park Stakeholders (postcard mailing on 12/21/05). Culver City Homeowners’
Association, East Culver City Neighborhood Alliance and those who rented areas in
Culver City Park during 2005 (postcard mailing on 12/23/05). Park Users at Culver City
Park (flyer distribution during the week of December 27, 2005). Park Users at Veteran’s
Memorial Park (flyer distribution on December 27 and 29, 2005). Display advertisement
in the Culver City News (published 12/29/05 and 1/05/06).
Department Approval:
Bill La Pointe (12/29/05)
CAO Approval:
Martin R. Cole for Jerry B. Fulwood
(01/03/06)
City Controller Approval:
Marlee Chang (01/04/06)City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
recommended as Location Priority 1. The Parks and Recreation Commission then
discussed and took action on this item at two of its regularly scheduled meetings.
The first discussion was held on November 16, 2005. The Commission moved to
support the Subcommittee recommendation (3-2, Vice Chair Daly Redholtz and
Commissioner Cooper dissenting). Subsequently, one of the members who voted
with the majority asked to have the matter reconsidered on December 6, 2005. At
that meeting, it was decided to reconsider the action taken on November 16
th
(3-1-1,
Commissioner Shapiro dissenting, Commissioner Deen abstaining).
Upon reconsideration of the matter, the Commission voted 3-2 (Commissioners
Shapiro and Deen dissenting) to recommend the upper location with Design
Concept E to the Council as Priority One. During the discussion of the
reconsideration of this matter, the Commission also decided (4-0-1, Commissioner
Shapiro abstaining) that both a majority and a minority report would be presented to
Council: (1) Majority Report – Priority One recommendation to Council is the upper
location with Design Concept E; and (2) Minority Report – Priority One
recommendation to Council is the lower location with Design Concept E.
DISCUSSION:
Public Workshops
At the public workshops held at the Veteran’s Memorial Building on September 8
and 22 and October 20, 2005, local residents and those who intend to use the
skateboard park were encouraged to provide input to assist SITE Design, Inc. in
developing design ideas for incorporation into the conceptual design. The
workshops were well attended (averaging approximately 25 to 30 in attendance) and
input was generated and incorporated into the design of the concepts for the
Skateboard Park. After the three workshops, the design consisted of mainly street
features and a small bowl area. SITE Design Group, Inc. produced two conceptual
design plans, labeled “E” and “F,” which reflected the public’s input. Drawings of
Design Concepts E and F were then presented for further discussion and reviewed
by both the Skateboard Park Subcommittee and the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Two potential sites for the Skateboard Park within Culver City Park were discussed
during these workshops. They were: 1) the “lower site” or the grassy area near the
intersection of Duquesne Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, and 2) the “upper site”,
where the basketball court is now situated. The conceptual designs may be inserted
into either location. Although there was much discussion about the location, no
consensus was reached as far as a preferred location during the workshops.
Instead, the discussion mainly focused on the design concepts of the finished
skateboard park.City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
Skateboard Park Subcommittee
Members of the Subcommittee include Mayor Vera, Councilmember Rose,
Commissioner Shapiro and Commissioner Cooper. On November 11, 2005, the
Skateboard Park Subcommittee met to discuss making a recommendation to the
City Council regarding the Skateboard Park design and location. All members, with
the exception of Commissioner Cooper who was unable to attend due to unforeseen
circumstances, were present at the November 11
th
meeting.
The Subcommittee recommended the following with regard to the Skateboard Park
in Culver City Park:
Conceptual Design Priority 1 – Skate Park Concept E.
Conceptual Design Priority 2 – Skate Park Concept F.
Location Priority 1 – the Lower Site (grassy area near Duquesne and
Jefferson)
Location Priority 2 – the Upper Site (basketball court area)
The members of the Subcommittee who were present at the meeting indicated that
Skate Park Concept E will afford more variety in skating and the lower location will
be more visible for security purposes.
Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations
At the June 14, 2005 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the
Commission approved staff’s recommendations for Park improvements in Culver
City Park relating to the removal of oil equipment and remediation of the site after
equipment removal. The Commission also directed staff to reconsider the location
of the Skateboard Park and to bring back a recommendation regarding the location
at the July 5, 2005 meeting (Attachment 5). Subsequently, the meetings to gather
public input on the Skateboard Park design and location were held.
Recommendations considering the Skateboard Park location were brought forward
at the meeting of November 16, 2005.
The Parks and Recreation Commission met on November 16, 2005 and by a vote of
3-2 (Vice Chair Daly Redholtz and Commissioner Cooper dissenting) recommended
Concept E as Design Priority 1 and the lower site as Location Priority 1 (Attachment
6). The Commission also recommended that any loss of green space be replaced
in-kind in another location in the park to off-set the loss of green space.
In the days following the November 16, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting, Chair James reviewed the issues surrounding the design and location of
the Skateboard Park. As a result of this process, she began to reconsider her City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
affirmative vote on the motion made with regard the item. After consultation with
staff and the City Attorney’s office, Chair James requested that the matter be
agendized for possible reconsideration.
At the December 6, 2005 Commission meeting it was moved by Commissioner
Cooper that the Parks and Recreation Commission reconsider the action taken on
November 16, 2005 regarding recommendation(s) to the City Council to approve the
Skateboard Park Conceptual Design at Culver City Park (Attachment 7). During the
ensuing discussion, Chair James stated that the reason she felt this item should be
reconsidered was that she had not received enough information on this very
important issue to make a well-informed decision. She noted that the Skateboard
Park Subcommittee that was appointed was composed of two Councilmembers and
two Commissioners. She was concerned that the issue was not adequately
reviewed by the Subcommittee since it only met once. It was at that one meeting of
the Subcommittee that a vote was taken to make a recommendation on the
Skateboard Park design and location. During that meeting, only one of the
Commission’s representatives was present to give input on the item. After additional
discussion, the motion to reconsider the action of the November 16, 2005 meeting
was passed 3-1-1 (Commissioner Shapiro dissenting, Commissioner Dean
abstaining).
Discussion was then opened to reconsider the action taken by the Commission on
November 16, 2005 regarding its recommendation(s) to City Council to approve the
Skateboard Park conceptual design at Culver City Park. During discussion of this
item, the Commission decided (4-0-1, Shapiro abstaining) that the Commission’s
recommendation concerning the Skateboard Park design and location be presented
as both a majority report and a minority report to the City Council. It was then
decided that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council
approval of the upper location and Design Concept E as Priority One for the new
Skateboard Park Project (3-2, Commissioners Deen and Shapiro dissenting).
Parks and Recreation Commission Majority and Minority Reports
In presenting the Parks and Recreation Commission’s majority and minority reports,
it should be noted that both opinions support the recommendation of Design
Concept E for the conceptual design of the Skateboard Park. As noted earlier,
Concept E can be adapted to either the upper or the lower location within Culver City
Park. The main area of divergence between the majority and minority opinion is
whether the park should be located at the upper or lower location within Culver City
Park.
Majority Report
The majority opinion at the December 6, 2005 Commission meeting was expressed City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
by Chair James, Vice Chair Daily Redholtz and Commissioner Cooper. Comments
along the following lines were made in support of the upper location (for a draft of
the full transcript of the meeting minutes, please see Attachment 5):
There is adequate room at the upper location to accommodate the
Skateboard Park.
There is much less of a loss of green space in Culver City Park if the
Skateboard Park is situated in the upper location rather than in the lower
location.
Any safety concerns resulting from a lack of visibility from the street at the
upper location can be reduced by trimming the tress and shrubs.
The upper level provides a better view of the skateboard park for Recreation
Leaders from the Recreation Hut.
Minority Report
The minority opinion at the December 6, 2005 Commission meeting was expressed
by Commissioners Deen and Shapiro. Comments along the following lines were
made in support of the lower location (for a draft of the full transcript of the meeting
minutes, please see Attachment 5):
Action was already taken at the November 16, 2005 Commission meeting to
recommend the lower site, primarily for public safety reasons.
The upper site is less visible to Police as they patrol the Park, resulting in
increased public safety and security concerns.
There is a concern that putting the Skateboard Park in the upper area will be
too close in proximity to the basketball court and the Boneyard.
Picnic space is lost whether the Skateboard Park is placed in the upper or the
lower location.
The Issue of Concurrent Meetings
After comments regarding the pros and cons of both locations were made and the
action to recommend the upper site to the City Council had been taken,
Commissioner Deen suggested that the Commission call a meeting at the same time
as the meeting where this item will be discussed by City Council in order to give all
Commissioners an opportunity to state their opinions to the Council in a public
forum. Deputy City Attorney Heather Iker stated that she and Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Director William La Pointe would consult with the Chief
Administrative Officer and the City Attorney to gather further information on the
possibility of scheduling concurrent City Council and Commission meetings for the
purpose of Commissioners expressing their opinions on the location of the
Skateboard Park in person to the Council.City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
It was ultimately determined that the Commission would convene an Adjourned
Regular Meeting on January 9, 2006, for the purpose of allowing each of the
Commissioners, if they so desire, to address the City Council during the public
comment period on this agenda item.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The amount budgeted in Fiscal Year 2005-2006 for the Skateboard Park Project is
$408,000. In Fiscal Year 2003-04, the City received a $204,000 Land and Water
Conservation Fund grant. The City has also identified $116,036 in Proposition 40
Per Capita funds, and $87,964 in Proposition 12 Per Capita funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. SITE Design Group, Inc. rendering of Conceptual Design E.
2. SITE Design Group, Inc. rendering of Conceptual Design F.
3. Rendering of Skateboard Park Location 1 (lower grassy area).
4. Rendering of Skateboard Park Location 2 (upper basketball court area).
5. Excerpt of the minutes of the 6/14/05 Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting.
6. Excerpt of the minutes of the 11/16/05 Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting.
7. Excerpt of the DRAFT minutes of the 12/06/05 Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting.
MOTIONS:
That the Council:
1. Approve the priority of Conceptual Design(s) of the new Skateboard Park
Project as recommended, those being Priority 1- Skate Park Concept E and
Priority 2- Skate Park Concept F.
AND
2. A. Approve the priority of locations of the New Skateboard Park as
recommended, at the December 6, 2005 Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting, those being Priority 1- the upper site and Priority 2- the lower site.
OR
2. B. Approve the priority of locations of the New Skateboard Park as
recommended, by the Skateboard Park Subcommittee, those being Priority 1-City of Culver City, California
City Council Agenda Item Report
the lower site and Priority 2- the upper site, and recommend that the City replace
any loss of green space somewhere else in the park due to construction in the
lower site.
AND
3. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to advertise for bids to
construct the Culver City Skateboard Park.
|1010101010101010|January 9 2006
Approval of Conceptual Design and Location of the New
Skateboard Park in Culver City Park and Authorization of
Advertisement of Bids
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
SITE Design Group, Inc rendering of Conceptual 1
Design E
SITE Design Group, Inc rendering of Conceptual 2
Design F"
Rendering of Skateboard Park Location 1 (lower 3
grassy area)
Rendering of Skateboard Park Location 2 (upper 4
basketball court area)
Excerpt of the minutes of the 6/14/05 Parks and 5-8
Recreation Commission Meeting
Excerpt of the minutes of the 11/16/05 Parks and 9-13
Recreation Commission Meeting
Excerpt of the DRAFT minutes of the 12/06/05 14-19
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
MEETING DATE
AGENDA ITEM+4
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4044,ATTACHMENT 5
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
June 14, 2005
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, CITY OF CULVER CITY, 6 oo p m
CALIFORNIA
CHAIR ANITA SHAPIRO, PRESIDING
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 6 to p m in
the Iksan Room of the Veterans Memorial Building
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present Commissioners Shapiro, James, Cooper, Deen, Daly-Redholtz
Staff Present
Others Present
William La Pointe, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
Carol Schwab, City Attorney
Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director
Heather Iker, Assistant City Prosecutor
Elaine Hirohama, Outreach Coordinator
Patti Mooney, Senior Management Analyst
Marty Nicholson, Recreation Manager
Don Marquardt, Parks Manager
Jay Handal, Culver City Lions Club
Mike Cohen, Culver City Lions Club
Marcus G Tiggs, Vice Chair, Fiesta La Ballona Committee
Scott Malan, Del Rey Park Task Force
Henry and Harry Welsh, Culver City
o0o
(excerpt)
Item A-1
(6 12pm)
Consideration of park improvements m Culver City Park to include the
removal/remediation of oil equipment and site uses, and reconsideration of
the location for a permanent skate park within the park
William La Pointe, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, introduced
the staff report
Marty Nicholson, Recreation Manager, gave the staff report regarding the
removal/remediation of oil equipment and site uses She acknowledged the assistance of
the City Attorney's staff that negotiated the agreement with Plains Exploration and
6:Parks and Recreation Commission June 14 2005
Production Company (PXP) to remove oil well operations from Culver City Park, which
will provide additional parkland and facilities First, the storage shed at the tank farm
should remain and become a parks maintenance facility with a fence and screen, away
from the public, and the park equipment stored behind the Babe Ruth Field will be
located in the new maintenance facility That will free the area behind the Babe Ruth
Field for a new batting cage The tank farm area would become a new public parking lot
adjacent to the basketball court
She noted a correction to the report, in that PXP has 18o days to remove the oil wells
The large shed will be removed and the paved area will remain for temporary use by the
Public Works Department until a master plan is created to determine overall park use in
order to obtain future park development funds
A staircase may be required for access to the upper level, which is part of the agreement
Block No 24 identified on the plans will become additional parking PXP will be
removing above-ground pipes from the Dog Park, which will increase the use area
Mr La Pointe said most of the remediation by PXP will be paving over areas of oil well
activity
Marty reported Block No 27 and Smith No 6 at the bottom of the Nature Trail will be
paved for additional parking Possibly one active pump will remain in this location The
Fulcrum storage shed will be relocated adjacent to the Nature Trail Additional funds
may be required for security fence and screen at the small shed of approximately $6000
Heather Iker, Assistant City Prosecutor, pointed out Block Nos 21, 25 and 28 oil wells
will be removed in seven years and this area will be available for use after that
Carol Schwab, City Attorney, said trenching will be necessary to reconfigure oil well
pipes across street for approximately two weeks She briefly summarized the history of
the oil well operation which led to the current legal settlement
She answered questions from Commissioners
Charles Herbertson, Public Works Director, described how Public Works would use the
large shed area after removal of the shed, which would be used to store large equipment
items He added that landscaping could be added to naturally screen the area
Mr La Pointe gave the staff report regarding the location for the permanent skateboard
park within the site
He gave a brief history of the grant process for the new skateboard park, to be located in
the grass area of the lower park below the playground The grant for a 12,000 sq ft
skate park has been awarded and consultants have been identified
Mr La Pointe responded to an inquiry from someone who posed the question "If you
didn't know anything about this park and you were going to put in a new skateboard
park, what would be your opznion 2" He offered an alternative, that is, to locate the new
skate park at the basketball court (which would leave the lower grass area of the park
open) and move the basketball court to another location in the park This would allow
parents in the picnic area to watch their children and the skate park
2Parks and Recreation Commission June 14 2005
Charles Herbertson had a plan to show Mr La Pointe s alternative location for the
skateboard park The grant funding agency would have to be consulted and approve the
location change Soil testing may be needed to determine if the area is contaminated
Mr La Pointe suggested the Commission take more time to consider his alternative
location and could make their recommendation at next month's meeting, but expressed
concern that if the Commission took too long (six months) to make a determination, the
original location may be preferable
There was discussion by the Commissioners and further suggestions that the basketball
court may be moved to the existing skate park location
Commissioner Daly-Redholtz mentioned the basketball court is heavily used and should
not be displaced and remain somewhere in the park
Commissioners generally responded positively to Mr La Pointe's alternative suggestion
Chair Shapiro complimented staff on their hard work and dedication in obtaining the
grant for the skateboard park
Mr Herbertson suggested testing the soil at the alternate site would be a good idea
At this time, Chair Shapiro asked if there was any public comment
Harry Welsh addressed the Commission He said he favored the ongmal location for the
new skateboard park (lower grass area)
Henry Welsh addressed the Commission, also favoring the original site
At this time, the following action was taken
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DALY-REDHOLTZ, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
JAMES AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION APPROVE STAFF S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARK
IMPROVEMENTS IN CULVER CITY PARK AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 1 OF THE
STAFF REPORT RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF OIL EQUIPMENT AND
REMEDIATION OF THE SITE AFTER EQUIPMENT REMOVAL
TANK FARM LOCATION
1 KEEP THE EXISTING SMALL STORAGE SHED TO BE USED AS A STORAGE
FACILITY FOR THE PARKS DIVISION
2 FENCE IN A SMALL PORTION OF THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF THE
EXISTING TANK FARM (NEAR THE SMALL STORAGE SHED) AS A PARKS
DIVISION MAINTENANCE STORAGE AREA
3 SCREEN THE FENCED AREA FOR PARKS DIVISION MAINTENANCE
STORAGE AREA|1010| 7Parks and Recreation Commission June 14 2005
4 RELOCATE PARK STORAGE ITEMS FROM THE BABE RUTH FIELD TO THE
SMALL STORAGE SHED ELIMINATING THE EYESORE BY THE BASEBALL
FIELD RELOCATION OF THE PARK STORAGE ITEMS WILL PROVIDE
SPACE TO RELOCATE THE BABE RUTH BATTING CAGE
5 REMOVE THE FENCE BETWEEN THE EXISTING TANK FARM AND THE
PARK (NEAR BASKETBALL COURT) TO ALLOW EASY ACCESS TO THE NEW
PARKING LOT
LARGE SHED AREA
1 DUE TO CONFIGURATION OF THE PARK SITE IN THE LARGE SHED AREA
AND ISSUES WITH PUBLIC ACCESS, STAFF IS RECOMMENDING USING
THE SITE AS A TEMPORARY PUBLIC WORKS STORAGE FACILITY UNTIL
FURTHER REVIEW OF THE USES OF THIS AREA IS POSSIBLE
2 REMOVE LARGE STORAGE SHED
3 KEEP FENCING AROUND THE AREA
4 KEEP THE EXISTING VEGETATION SURROUNDING THE AREA
BLOCK #27, SMITH #6 AND NATURE TRAIL
1 PAVE AREA AROUND ABANDONED SITE NEAR BLOCK #27
2 RELOCATE FULCRUM STORAGE SHED FROM THE PARKING AREA TO THE
LOCATION NEXT TO THE NATURE TRAIL ENTRANCE BY BLOCK #27
3 EXTEND PAVING AT SMITH #6 TO INCREASE EXISTING PARKING LOT
BLOCK #24 AND BATTING CAGE
1 PAVE AREA
2 STRIPE PARKING SPACES
AND THAT THE COMMISSION DIRECT STAFF TO FORWARD THOSE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION
FURTHERMORE, THE COMMISSION DIRECT STAFF TO RECONSIDER THE
LOCATION FOR THE SKATEBOARD PARK SITE AND BRING BACK A
RECOMMENDATION WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR COMMISSION
CONSIDERATION AT THE JULY 5 TH MEETING
000|1010|aATTACHMENT 6
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
November 16, 2005
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7 oo p m
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
CHAIR JEANETTE JAMES
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair James
at 7 03 p m in the Dan Patacchia Room, City Hall
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present Commissioners James, Daly Redholtz, Deen, Cooper, Shapiro
Staff Present William La Pointe, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
Heather Iker, Deputy City Attorney
Patti Mooney, Senior Management Analyst
Marty Nicholson, Recreation Manager
Hank Davies, Police Captain
Dan Garcia, Associate Engineer
Others Present Jay Handal, Culver City Downtown Business Association
(excerpt)
Item A-2
(7 p M )
Consideration of recommendation(s) to City Council to approve the
Skateboard Park Conceptual Design at Culver City Park
Commissioner Shapiro made a motion that the Commission approve the skateboard
project as recommended by the subcommittee and staff for Priority 1 location (lower site)
and Concept E (design)
Commissioner Deen asked for clarification of the recommended motion in the staff
report for the purpose of seconding the motion
Bill La Pointe, PRCS Director, provided clarification, explaining that prioritizing the
conceptual design and site location would allow the process to move quickly if one of the
concepts or sites is not acceptable
Commissioner Deen said he would second the motion, as follows
1) APPROVE THE PRIORITY OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN(S) OF THE NEW
SKATEBOARD PARK PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
SUBCOMMITTEE AND STAFF, THOSE BEING PRIORITY 1 — SKATE PARK
CONCEPT "E" AND PRIORITY 2- SKATE PARK CONCEPT 'F", ANDParks and Recreation Commission November 16 2005
2) APPROVE THE PRIORITY OF LOCATIONS OF THE NEW SKATEBOARD PARK
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND STAFF, THOSE BEING
PRIORITY — THE LOWER SITE AND PRIORITY 2— THE UPPER SITE, AND
3) RECOMMEND THAT CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS
AND THE LOCATIONS BY PRIORITY AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS
At this time, Commissioner Cooper asked for a staff report
Mr La Pointe gave the staff report, commenting on the three community meetings that
were held in considering the design and location of the new skateboard park
Commissioner asked about the skateboarders preferences at the community meetings
Mr La Pointe responded that the skateboarders were mostly concerned with the design
of the facility and not the location
Commissioner Shapiro, a member of the subcommittee, added that the skateboarders
she had talked to voiced preference for the lower site because of security concerns
Commissioner Daly Redholtz said she approved the conceptual designs but objected to
the location because she thought the Commission had originally approved the upper
location because of their concern about the loss of green space in the lower park She
thought that the subcommittee was to only consider the design
Commissioner Cooper, also a member of the subcommittee, stated that he thought the
conceptual designs would fit in the lower site and asked if the Director thought they
would also work in the upper site
Chair James asked for clarification on the Commission's vote at their June meeting as to
the approval of the location
Mr La Pointe suggested the meeting be continued until the minutes of that meeting
could be reviewed to clanfy that point
Commissioner Shapiro then made the point that the original grant and approval was for
the lower park
Commissioner Cooper said he was not able to vote on the motion unless he could get
clarification on the practicality of putting the skateboard park on the upper site
At this time, Chair James asked the maker of the motion if she wanted to withdraw her
motion so that the Commission could decide whether to continue the discussion at
another meeting
Commissioner Shapiro said she would not withdraw her motion
Heather Iker, City Attorney, recommended that before the motion is voted on, discussion
should be concluded|1010| /o.Parks and Recreation Commission November 16 2005
Mr La Pointe responded to Commissioner Cooper's earlier question about feasibility of
the design in the upper site He stated it was feasible but 'tight and would reduce
flexibility and probably require some picnic tables to be relocated to another part of the
park However, he said the lower site is more feasible with more flexibility
Mr La Pointe also added that if the skateboard park were put in the upper location, the
basketball court could be put in the former tank farm location Furthermore, if the
skateboard park were placed in the lower location and the basketball court was in the
tank farm location, the upper area could be made a grass area and a larger picnic area
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked whether there would be funding to relocate the
basketball court so that they could assure the public that no green space would be lost
Commissioner Cooper pointed out that the location of the Recreation Leader Hut allows
a better sight line to the upper location
Commissioner peen added that he would support the motion because it gives the
Council more flexibility in their decision-making process for both the design and
location
Commissioner Cooper asked if staff could address Commissioner Shapiro's concern
regarding the approval of the skateboard grant based on the lower site
Mr La Pointe responded by saying that it is not staffs belief that the grant would be
jeopardized m any way He added that staff has consulted with the granting agency who
assured them that either location would be satisfactory
Patti Mooney, Senior Management Analyst, added that a representative from the State
Department made a site visit to further assure staff that the location was not an issue
with funding
Commissioner Cooper asked if relocation of the basketball court and replacement with
green space in the upper site was included in the grant funding
Mr La Pointe responded that it was not
Ms Mooney mentioned that there is other grant funding available to accomplish this, if
needed
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked what would be the problems with the reduced
flexibility of the upper site location
Mr La Pointe responded that four picnic tables would have to be relocated and a small
portion of the sand playground area would be reduced
Commissioner Daly Redholtz stated that it would have been helpful to have had minutes
from the subcommittee meetings to better understand their reasons for their
recommendations
Commissioner Shapiro mentioned that Council member Rose was concerned about
traffic generated on the street next to the upper location when the adjacent building will
be occupied, and that the cost for removing the existing basketball court concrete would
have to come from the skate park budget|1010| /Parks and Recreation Commission November 16 2005
Chair James asked about the additional costs related to the upper and lower sites
Mr La Pointe responded that if just the skate park were built in the lower site, there
would be no additional costs, but that there would be additional costs for the upper site
He then asked Dan Garcia, Associate Engineer, to clarify
Mr Garcia showed the conceptual design plans to the Commission and clarified their
concerns
Referring to the lower site, Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked, and Mr La Pointe
responded that the Parks Manager had recommended the existing fence along Jefferson
Boulevard be relocated to increase the usable park area as a future project, but that it
was not specifically related to the skateboard park project The fence was there because
it was part of the previous oil well facilities
Commissioner Daly Redholtz also asked if the existing skateboard park could become
green space after it is removed
Mr La Pointe responded it could be, but that it would not be part of the skateboard park
grant funding
Commissioner Cooper asked about the difference in costs of the upper site versus the
lower site
Mr Garcia responded that although no cost estimates have been done yet, he sees it as
roughly the same
Referring to the upper site, Commissioner Cooper asked about the existing fence and Mr
La Pointe explained the location
At this time, the Chair called for a brief recess to review the minutes of the June
Commission meeting
The meeting was reconvened with the same number of Commissioners present
Discussion continued
Commissioner Cooper mentioned and explained that he did not see any security issues
with the upper location
Chair James expressed concern about the replacement of any loss of green space at the
lower location She asked when this additional project might be scheduled and what
would be the additional cost
Chair James said she would support the motion but asked if it could include a guarantee
for replacement of any loss of green space in the lower park She asked if the motion
could be amended to include this
Commissioner Shapiro agreed to the amendment to include replacement of green space
Following brief discussion, the following action was taken
4Parks and Recreation Commission November 16 2005
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER SHAPIRO, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DEEN,
THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1) APPROVE THE PRIORITY OF CONCEPTUAL DESIGN(S) OF THE NEW
SKATEBOARD PARK PROJECT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
SUBCOMMITTEE AND STAFF, THOSE BEING PRIORITY 1 — SKATE PARK
CONCEPT E 'AND PRIORITY 2— SKATE PARK CONCEPT ' F ', AND
2) APPROVE THE PRIORITY OF LOCATIONS OF THE NEW SKATEBOARD PARK
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND STAFF, THOSE BEING
PRIORITY 1— THE LOWER SITE AND PRIORITY 2— THE UPPER SITE, AND
3) RECOMMEND THAT CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS
AND THE LOCATIONS BY PRIORITY AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, AND
4)
RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT ANY LOSS OF GREEN SPACE
DUE TO CONSTRUCTION IN THE LOWER SITE (PRIORITY 1) BE
REPLACED/ADDED SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE PARK, AND THAT THIS
SHOULD BE MADE A PRIORITY DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS
AYES Commissioners James, Shapiro, Deen
NOES Commissioners Cooper, Daly Redholtz
ABSTAIN None
The Motion passes by a 3-2 vote|1010| /3,ATTACHMENT 7
These Minutes are not official until approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
December 6, 2005
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7 oo p m
CITY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
CHAIR JEANETTE JAMES
Call to Order
The meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair James
at 7 04 p m in the Council Chambers, City Hall
o0o
Roll Call
Members Present
Staff Present
Commissioners James, Daly Redholtz, Deen, Cooper, Shapiro
William La Pointe, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
Heather Iker, Deputy City Attorney
Patti Mooney, Senior Management Analyst
Marty Nicholson, Recreation Manager
Dan Garcia, Associate Engineer
Others Present Michael Whitaker, Friends of Culver City Dog Park
(excerpt)
Item A-1
(708pm)
Consideration of motion for reconsideration of action taken on November
16, 24305 regarding recommendation(s) to City Council to approve the
Skateboard Park conceptual design at Culver City Park
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER COOPER THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION RECONSIDER THE ACTION TAKEN ON NOVEMBER 16, 2005
REGARDING RECOMMENDATION(S) TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE
SKATEBOARD PARK CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AT CUL'VER CITY PARK
Commissioner Daly Redholtz seconded the motion for discussion She asked why this
issue was being brought back to the Commission for reconsideration
Chair James explained the item was brought back by staff following concerns she had
raised subsequent to the November 16th meeting
(Commissioner Daly Redholtz stated she was very concerned about the process She
stated that the Commission needs to vote whether they want to bring this item back for
reconsideration )Parks and Recreation Commission December 6 2005
Commissioner Daly Redholtz said she had initial concerns about the parliamentary
procedure of bringing back an issue for reconsideration, but that, in researching the
matter, she learned the process allows a member who voted in the majority of the
original motion can request to have the motion reconsidered She added it is important
for the public to understand how this process works
Elaborating on her earlier comment, Chair James said she did not feel she received all
the information on an extremely critical and important issue to make an informative
decision She pointed out that the subcommittee that was appointed was composed of
Councilmembers and Commissioners and that one of the Commissioner was absent and
unable to provide his input She was concerned that the issue was not adequately
reviewed by the subcommittee which only met once and voted
Commissioner Deen said he did not support bringing the issue back to the Commission
He then asked why a special meeting of the Commission was called for this purpose and
later cancelled
Discussion ensued between Commissioner Deen and Chair James
Chair James said she was advised by the City Attorney's Office that a special meeting
could be held to satisfy her concerns, but that because the item was removed from the
City Council s agenda, staff advised the special meeting was not necessary and therefore
cancelled
Commissioner Cooper spoke in support of the Chair s decision making process in this
regard
At this time, Chair James called for a vote on the Motion
AYES Commissioners Cooper, Daly Redholtz, James
NOES Commissioner Shapiro
ABSTAIN Commissioner Deen
Motion carries by a 3-2 vote
o0o
Item A-2
(7 20 p M
Reconsideration of action taken on November 16, 2005 regarding
recon-unendation(s) to City Council to approve the Skateboard Park
conceptual design at Culver City Park
Chair James asked if staff had any further information to give on the report Mr La
Pointe said he did not
Chair James initiated discussion by explaining the Commission's role as that of being
advisory to the City Council and giving the best recommendation they could based on all
of their input at their meetings After the November 16 th meeting, she said she revisited
Culver City Park to review the two proposed locations, and that after discussing with
staff, she was able to see that her concerns about the upper location were no longer
important
2Parks and Recreation Commission December 6 2005
She then stated the following reasons for recommending that the item be brought back
for reconsideration
1) Commissioner Cooper was not able to attend the one subcommittee meeting due
to a family emergency and therefore his concerns were never included,
2) She believes there is adequate room at the upper location to accommodate a
skateboard park,
3) There would be much less loss of green space in the upper location than in the
lower location where there is substantially more loss of green space,
4)
The use of the street behind the proposed skateboard park in the upper location,
(Mr La Pointe assured her that there would be a fence between the skate park
and the street to keep skateboarders off of the street )
5) Security and safety issues She thinks that the trees and shrubs will be trimmed
around the upper location to allow better visibility from the street and allow a
clear line of sight from the Recreation Leader location
Chair James also stated that by adding pedestrian activity to the upper park, it would
probably result in a safer situation
At this time, the following action was taken
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DEEM SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DALY
REDHOLTZ, THAT THE RESULT OF THE COMMISSION MEETING BE REPORTED
AS A MAJORITY AND MINORITY REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AYES Commissioners Cooper, Deen, Daly Redholtz, James
NOES None
ABSTAIN Commissioner Shapiro
ABSENT None
Motion carries by 4-1 vote
At this time, the following action was taken
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER COOPER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DALY
REDHOLTZ, THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND TO
THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE THE DESIGN FOR THE NEW SKATEBOARD
PARK PROJECT AS PRIORITY ONE BEING THE UPPER LOCATION AND DESIGN
CONCEPT E
Discussion ensued
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked what the skateboarders' concerns were regarding
security
Mr La Pointe interjected that the skateboarders wanted security and safety in either
location
3Parks and Recreation Commission December 6 2005
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked for clanfication on the basketball court and its cost
She asked if the basketball court would be replaced and whether there is money currently
available for replacement
Mr La Pointe responded that there is a concrete slab that has been poured in the old
tank farm area by PXP which could be used for basketball
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked if the lower site were chosen, what would be the cost
to replace the lost green space in the upper location
Mr La Pointe responded approximately $7,000
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked about revenue from park rentals in the upper
location It was clarified that there is no revenue from rentals in the lower location
Chair James stated that she was also concerned about the loss of picnic area in the upper
location
Commissioner Daly Redholtz stated that she was concerned that those who rented areas
in the park be notified of the item when it goes to the City Council
Commissioner Daly Redholtz also stated for the record that she did not have any
discussion with Chair James about bringing this item back, about changing her vote, or
any kind of readdressing this issue in any way She went on to state that she has not seen
Chair James since the last Commission meeting, that she has never had any discussion
with her, and anyone that believes that she did is incorrect She asked that her
comments be made part of the record
Commissioner Shapiro asked if the dog park, the skateboard park, and the basketball
court would be located in one area
Mr La Pointe explained they are m three separate areas and added that the dog park is
approximately 300 feet from the other amenities
Commissioner Shapiro stated that her only concern is to get the skateboard park built,
the kids deserve the park
Commissioner Cooper stated that all five Commissioners want a skateboard park for the
youth of Culver City, and that this is a long-term project that should be handled with care
and taken with time
Commissioner peen said he had considered a number of factors in supporting the
Commission's original decision on November 16th based on the subcommittee s
recommendation which included input from the Police Department and their preference
for the lower location He reminded the Commission about the important role
Commissioner Shapiro had in getting a skateboard park built in Culver City He stated
that public safety concerns were why the lower site was chosen last month
Commissioner Cooper addressed the security issue of the lower location He thought it
was an opinion of the Police Department that was not based on any objective data that
was presented He asked about the hours of the Recreation Leaders in the park because
of their ability to observe the skate park
4Parks and Recreation Commission December 6 2005
Marty Nicholson, Recreation Manager, responded during winter the hours are from
3 oo-5 oo pm, on weekends io oo a m to 5 oo p m , in summer io oo a m to 500
p m , seven days a week
Commissioner Cooper asked if the upper location were chosen could the shrubs around
it be reduced so that there would be a better view
Mr La Pointe responded the shrubs could be reduced but it would not be as visible as the
lower location is from Jefferson Boulevard
Referring to the subcommittee meeting, Commissioner Daly Redholtz stated she did not
recall seeing any police report
Mr La Pointe agreed he had not seen a police report
Ms Nicholson said there was a discussion with members of the Culver City Police
Department who gave their opinion and that there was no written report
At this time, the Chair called for a vote on the Motion
AYES Commissioners Cooper, Daly Redholtz, James
NOES Commissioners Deen, Shapiro
ABSTAIN None
ABSENT None
Commissioner Deen stated the minority report which goes to the City Council should be
the opposite of what was just passed, that is, the lower site as priority 1
Commissioner Shapiro added, as it was originally approved on November 16, 2005
Mr La Pointe clarified that the original vote was for the lower location and design
concept 'E' as priority 1, priority 2 was the upper site and concept "F
Heather Iker, Deputy City Attorney, stated her concerns about the Brown Act issues She
advised that no more than two Commissioners can speak on this topic at the City Council
meeting She further recommended that if it is the desire of the Commission to provide a
majority report and a minority report, only one Commissioner can speak on each one
She reminded Commissioners about the provisions of the Brown Act
Chair James asked Ms Iker how they would decide on who would speak on the majority
and minority opinion at the City Council meeting
Commissioner Deen suggested that the Commission call a meeting at the same time the
Council discusses this item so all Commissioners can state their opinion
There was further discussion
Commissioner Shapiro asked about noticing the Commission meeting on the evening
that the City Council discusses this item so each Commissioner can participate in the
discussion|1010| /6.Parks and Recreation Commission December 6 2005
Ms Iker said she would look into the possibility She further said Mr La Pointe and she
would consult with the Chief Administrative Officer and the City Attorney for further
clarification
Commissioner Daly Redholtz asked if there was a date set for this item to go to the City
Council
Mr La Pointe replied that there was no date set at this time
o0o|1010| /9