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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071000 CSC Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION JULY '10, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Community Services Commission convened in a regular meeting at 7:00 P.M., on Monday, July 10, 2000 in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Flag salute by Commissioner Henz. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Also Present: PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. DIVISION REPORTS Commissioners Edwards, Henz, Meyler, Nimeshein, and Chairman Miller. None. Director of Community Services Parker, Recreation Superintendent Pelletier, Development Services Administrator McCarthy, Administrative Secretary Zigler, and Minute Clerk Hansen. Development Services Administrator McCarthy updated the Commission, relavin~l the followin,q: · That the CIP had been approved by the City Council on June 27, 2000. That the conceptual Master Plan for the Chaparral Pool Project had also been approved at the June 27th City Council meeting. That at the July 11, 2000 City Council meeting, Phase II of the contract with RJM Design Group for the construction plans and specifications would be presented to Council for approval. That the Community Services Department had filled the position of Management Analyst for Development Services, noting that Ms. Barbara Smith would begin on Wednesday, July 12, 2000. R:~CSCminutes~071000 Reclardinq summer events and activities, Recreation Superintendent Pelletier relayed the followinq: That this year's 4th of July Event had been a success, noting that staff would be meeting with alternate departments to complete an overall evaluation of the event, advising that a separate evaluation meeting would be held with the volunteers who participated in the festivities, as well. That the Recreation Division staff members were continuing to implement the summer programs (i.e., day camp, swim lessons). That the August Concert Series would soon begin, noting that the concerts would take place at the CRC amphitheater every Thursday evening from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Commending staff for a job well done with respect to the 4th Of July activities, Commissioner Edwards relayed that his recommendation for next year's event would be to have additional traffic direction control for patrons exiting the parking lots proximate to the sports complex, recommending that left turning exit movements be restricted. Inviting additional Commission input, Commissioner Henz relayed that it was his opinion that the political signs on the vehicles at the parade event were inappropriate; and noted his concern with the numerous businesses distributing advertising flyers. In response to Commissioner Henz's queries, Commissioner Edwards concurred that various entries in the parade served solely as advertising agents with no patriotic theme, relaying that in his opinion this was inappropriate. Recreation Superintendent Pelletier advised that the entry application did have a description portion, relaying that the degree of data provided varied; noted that staff would investigate modifying the application form to require additional specificity in order to ensure a more patriotic theme; and relayed that staff would address the businesses distribution of advertising materials for next year's event. Director of Community Services Parker relayed that with respect to some of the issues of discussion, that there may be legal restrictions associated with limiting freedom of speech, noting that staff would further investigate; and for Commissioner Henz, noted that staff would provide an update. Chairman Miller commended staff for their diligent efforts with respect to the 4th of July activities, relaying that it had been a pleasure to be involved with the event. COMMISSION BUSINESS t. Approval of Minutes-June t2, 2000 RECOMMENDATION: 1.1 Approve the minutes of June t2, 2000 Community Services meeting. R:lCSCminute$~071000 MOTION: Commissioner Edwards moved to approve the minutes, as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Meyler and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 2. Children's Museum Feasibility StudV RECOMMENDATION: 2.1 That the Community Services Commission receive and file the findings of the Children's Museum Feasibility Study. Director of Community Services Parker relayed the efforts staff had made with AMS Planning and Research for the past few months, to assess, via a feasibility study, whether there was a need or a desire from the community to develop a children's museum in the City of Temecula; noted the community workshops, intercept surveys, and focus groups which were held, relaying that Mr. Arthur Greenburg, representing AMS Planning and Research, had compiled data which he would present to the Commission; and introduced Mr. Greenburg. Via overheads, Mr. Greenburg provided an overview of the final findings of the feasibility study, noting that the data would also be presented at the July 11, 2000 City Council meeting; relayed that based on interviews conducted, it was revealed that there was a strong interest in an Old Town site for the museum, and a desire for the museum to serve various age groups; noted the case studies conducted with model children's museums (i.e., facilities in Monterey, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, Palm Desert, and Pasadena), relaying that numerous facilities initiated development with a small facility, subsequently expanding; noted the volunteer participation (i.e., fundraising); advised of the importance of engaging the interest of parents, and linking to the school's curriculum for a successful program; with respect to the community focus groups held, relayed that the information revealed that there was a strong children's interest in natural history and science, noting that numerous children had visited alternate museums in the area (i.e., the San Diego Children's Museum); noted the intercept survey results, as follows: 1) that the vast majority of those surveyed approved of the concept of the development of a children's museum, 2) that 82% of those surveyed relayed that they would be very likely to visit a children's museum site in the City of Temecula, 3) that 42% of those surveyed noted that they would visit the site three to four times per year, 4) reiterated that the preferred location of the site was in Old Town, and 5) relayed that 43% of those surveyed expected to pay three to four dollars for admission; relayed the series of planning meetings which were held with the Subcommittee, noting the recommendation to initiate development with a small plan and to subsequently expand; relayed the concept of developing the site at an existing building; reiterated discussions regarding inclusion of exhibits for older children; noted the recommendation to change exhibits in order to encourage repeat visitation; with respect to operating the facility, noted the recommendation to operate as a City-operated facility with volunteer involvement; noted the projection of approximately 33,000 annual visitors plus the additional membership visits, noting the projection of approximately 500 family memberships; with respect to employment, advised that the recommendation was to employ four full-time, and two part-time staff employees which would be augmented by volunteers; provided additional information regarding a minimal gift shop operation, birthday party rentals, programs, and temporary exhibits; regarding the annual projected operating costs, noted the approximate $326,000 cost, relaying the projected revenues 3 of $157,750, advising that the annual fundraising requirement would be approximately $170,000, noting that if the projected attendance were to double that the fundraising monies required would greatly decrease; and advised that the Old Town site being considered at this time was an ideal location for development of a children's museum. For Commissioner Meyler, Mr. Greenburg relayed that there was a wide range of costs associated with exhibits, ranging from $100-$250 per square foot, noting that the existing appropriations of approximately $1.7 million, inclusive of approximately $800,000-900,000 for exhibits would most likely be adequate, relaying that exhibits could be acquired from alternate children's museums at a reduced rate; relayed that ultimately the costs of the exhibits would most likely be augmented with sponsorship dollars; and noted that to spend $1 million on exhibits would not be atypical. Commissioner Henz, echoed by Commissioner Nimeshein, commended Mr. Greenburg and his staff for their hard work associated with this study. In response to Commissioner Nimeshein, with respect to the hours of operation, Mr. Greenburg noted that typically these type of facilities were closed two weekdays (i.e., Mondays, and Tuesdays) in order to stay open weekends, with the hours of operation being open to the public from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., noting that school tours could be scheduled in the morning hours, advising that one night a week the facility could remain open until 7:30 P.M. or 8:00 P.M., and that consideration could be given to extending the hours of operation an hour in the evening during the summer season; advised that the recommendation for employing staff had been based on the expectation of volunteer participation; relayed that numerous facilities utilized a student mentorship program with middle school, and high school students; and noted that a criteria for success was including exhibitory which would be of interest to both younger and older children, confirming that initially the majority of the exhibits would most likely be aimed towards younger children. Additional discussion ensued regarding the potential use of outdoor space at the proposed site. For informational purposes, Director of Community Services Parker provided photographs of the Temecula Trading Post (the proposed site for the museum), providing additional information regarding the site. Mr. Greenburg relayed the desirable location proximate to the Murrieta Creek. In response to Commissioner Edwards' queries, Mr. Greenburg relayed that numerous alternate facilities required the attendance of a parent, advising that typically the marketing plan did not aim at utilizing the facility as a drop-off site for children; and noted that there would be an approximate $1.50 to $2.00 fee charged, per student, for school field trips. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Community Services Parker relayed that there was land at the rear of the site that was also owned by the City of Temecula, noting that potentially the facility could expand, advising that it had not yet been determined whether a second-story could be added to this particular building. Mr. Greenburg relayed that the ability to expand at an initial site was not imperetive. 4 R:~CSCminutest071000 For Commissioner Nimeshein, Mr. Greenburg noted that for potential future expansion development, two separate buildings could be utilized, dependent on the proximity of the buildings. Mr. Greenburg relayed that the proposed 7500 square-foot building proposed for the museum should not to be viewed solely as an interim facility, noting that the issue of expansion would be driven by the timeframe that the facility was operating at its capacity level. Commissioner Edwards commented favorably with respect to the potential for a student mentorship program; and commended Mr. Greenburg for a job well done with respect to the feasibility study. Chairman Miller relayed that the Commission would receive and file this report. 3. Naminfl the Libran/and Sl~ecial Room within the Libran/ RECOMMENDATION: 3.1 That the Community Services Commission approves a name for the library and a name for the special room within the library to be recommended to the Board of Directors for final consideration and approval Development Services Administrator McCarthy provided the staff report (of record), relaying that staff and the Project Design Subcommittee had been working with LPA, Inc., on the conceptual design of a new City Library; noted that the City had solicited suggestions from the community for the name of the Library, and for the Special Room, relaying the receipt of over 100 nominations (per agenda material); noted the following recommendations per the Project Design Subcommittee's suggestions: for the name of the Library, the recommended name was: The Temecula Library, and the recommended name for the Special Room was: The Grace Mellman Room. Mr. John Hunneman, 39557 Del Val Drive, Murrieta, relayed his recommendation to name the Library, The Erie Stanley Gardner Library; and provided additional information regarding Mr. Gardner's lifetime contributions (inclusive of numerous literary works, i.e., the Perry Mason legal mystery novels), emphasizing that he chose to make his home in the City of Temecula where he died in 1970. Commissioner Meyler relayed that in his opinion there were two predominant names for consideration in the naming of the Library, as follows: Ms. Grace Mellman, and Mr. Erie Stanley Gardner; noted his recommendation for the name of the Library would be: The Temecula LibrarJ4, relaying, additionally, his recommendation to have two rooms named after individuals, namely Ms. Mellman and Mr. Gardner. For Chairman Miller, via overheads, Director of Community Services Parker relayed that there were alternate facilities at the Library, which could be named (i.e., the community room, and an outside gated garden area). For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Community Services Parker confirmed that there was a balcony porch area at the Library site. Commissioner Edwards relayed that it was his recommendation to name this area after Mr. Gardner, concurring with the recommendation to name the center room after Ms. Mellman. Commissioner Henz relayed that in his opinion the time had come to name a City entity after Mr. Gardner. Chairman Miller relayed that it was his opinion that the Library should be named The Temecula Library, noting that he strongly recommended that the large center reading room be named after Mr. Gardner due to his vast philanthropic contributions. For Director of Community Services Parker, Chairman Miller clarified that he was referring to The Heritage Room. Commissioner Nimeshein relayed that while in the past his recommendation had been to name facilities according to their location, that it was his opinion that with the Library site this was not necessary; recommended naming the Library after Mr. Gardner, and concurred with naming the Special Room after Ms. Mellman; clarified that he would not be in opposition to naming the Library, The Temecula Library if that was the Commission's desire; and relayed that some recognition should be made at the Library site for Mr. Gardner if it was not the Commissien's desire to name the Library after him. Chairman Miller relayed that he could support the recommendation to name the Library after Mr. Gardner. For Commissioner Edwards, Director of Community Services Parker relayed that with respect to the public survey, staff had recommended no names, clarifying that the entries were open. Director of Community Services Parker provided an overview of the process of soliciting community suggestions for the naming of the Library, noting that the results were included in the agenda material, clarifying that the Subcommittee had taken that data into consideration and setforth the recommendations to the Commission. MOTION: Commissioner Henz moved to recommend that the Library be named The Erie Stanley Gardner Library and that the Heritage Room be named The Grace Mellman Room. The motion was seconded by Commission Nimeshein. (Ultimately this motion was amended.) Commissioner Edwards recommended that the Special Room be named more specifically The Grace Mellman Heritage Room, relaying that he felt strongly that the room should be named after Ms. Mellman; and noted that he could support the motion to name the library The Erie Stanley Gardner Library since ultimately this may not be the only Temecula Library. MOTION: Commissioner Henz moved to recommend that the Library be named The Erie Stanley Gardner Library, and that the Heritage Room be named The Grace Mellman Heritage Room. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nimeshein and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 4. Colorin~l Book RECOMMENDATION: 4.1 That the Community Services Commission approve in concept the development of a Temecula Community Services Department Coloring Book highlighting our community recreation facilities. Recreation Superintendent Pelletier provided an overview of the staff report (via agenda material), relaying the consideration of the development of a coloring book, highlighting certain Temecula recreation facilities; noted the proposal for the book to be inclusive of 12 pages, identifying 11 suggested sites for the renderings; and relayed the plan to complete the development process by September of 2000. Commissioner Nimeshein recommended inclusion of the Loma Linda Park site. Commissioner Henz recommended inclusion of the Duck Pond. Director of Community Services Parker clarified that the plan was to maintain inclusion of solely 12 pages. Recreation Superintendent Pelletier noted that the cover could be a depiction of Tem E. Cula Duck (Temmy) at the Duck Pond, additionally noting the potential to include Temecula tdvia history facts on the pages. For Commission Miller, Recreation Superintendent Pelletier relayed that the renderings could combine the swimming pool and the waterslide as one entity. MOTION: Commissioner Nimeshein moved to approve staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Henz. (Ultimately this motion passed; see below.) Commissioner Henz relayed that this project would most likely be modified on an annual basis, noting that for the future Commissioner Meyler's recommendation for inclusion of the Children's Museum site would be appropriate, and additionally suggested inclusion of the Trails, the future Library site, Temmy at the 4t~ of July Fireworks Celebration, or the Christmas Parade. Commission Edwards relayed that the coloring book could be an avenue for discovery for aspects of Temecula that the public may not be aware of (i.e., the Trails). At this time voice vote was taken reflecting unanimous approval. 5. Cancellation of the Aunust Meetin.q RECOMMENDATION: 5.t That the Community Services Commission consider canceling the regularly scheduled Community Services Commission meeting on August 14, 2000. Director of Community Services Parker relayed a brief overview of the recommendation, relaying that it was up to the Commission to make a determination. MOTION: Commissioner Nimeshein moved to approve canceling the August 14, 2000 Community Services Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Henz and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director of Community Services Parker relayed gratitude to the Commission for their support associated with the 4th Of July Event, and alternate City activities. B= Director of Community Services Parker reiterated that Ms. Barbara Smith would be filling the position of Management Analyst for Development Services, providing additional information. Director of Community Services Parker relayed that acquiring The Trading Post for the development of the Children's Museum was moving through Closed Session with the Council, noting that the anticipated date to close escrow was at the end of August; for Commissioner Henz, confirmed that for the procurement of the site, funds would be drawn from the appropriations for the Children's Museum, providing additional information. COMMISSIONER REPORTS Commissioner Edwards reiterated commendations to staff for the excellent 4t~ of July Event. Commissioner Edwards noted that the Pittsburgh Museum would be an excellent source for obtaining concepts for the proposed Children's Museum, C= For informational purposes, Administrative Secretary Zigler provided an overview of the upcoming conference schedule. It was noted that Chairman Miller left the meeting for a brief recess at 8:30 P.M. ADJOURNMENT At 8:33 P.M. Vice Chairman Meyler formally adjourned this meeting to September 11, 2000 at 7:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ~Chairman Herman D. Parker, Director of Community Services