1974/12/1974-1225
MANAGEMENT CONTROL CENTER
Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 191.1974~.~7:~~ P.M. -
The City Council of the City of Anaheim met in Adjourned Regular
Session for the purpose of holding a Joint work session with the'
Park and Recreation Co~aission (Agenda for said meeting prepared and
submitted by Parks, Recreation and the Arts Director, John J. Collier.)
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
PRESENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Pebley and She,gas
PARK AND RECREATION COHKISSION HEHBBRS:
PARK AND RECREATION COHHISSION MEMBERS:
ASSISTANT ClTY MANAGER: R~bert M. Davis
Kaywood, Seymour and Thom
~tahoney, Ochoa, McGee,
Overholt (entered at 8:30 P.M.)
and Butterworth
~ite and Gauer
DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY: Frank A. Lowry, Jr.
CITY CLERK: Aloha H. Hougard
PARKS, RECREATION AND TRE ARTS DIRECTOR: John J. Collier
RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT: Lloyd J. Trapp
PARK SUPERINTENDENT: Dick Kamphefner
RECREATION SUPERVISOR: Patsy Ray
RECREATION' SUPERVISOR: Dave Somamrs
RECREATION SUPERVISOR: Hera Jean Davis
Mayor Thom called the Adjourned Regular Council Meeting to order at'
7:30 P.M.
Dr. Butterworth, Chairman of the park and Recreation Commission
called the Comission to order following recess and announced that
there was a quorum.
ROLE OF THE PARK AND.RECREATION COMHXSSION AS ENVISIONED BY THE` CITY COUNCIL:
At the request of Council, Dr. Butterworth introduced the first irma on the
Agenda and inquired specifically if there is any exception which Council wishes
to,indicate to the manner in which the Commission is presently operating.
Mayor Thom assured the Comission Members that the Council wishes to
work closely with all of the City Commissions, including Park and Recreation,
which is equally important as the others. He indicated that the Council is
aware that problems occasionally arise very rapidly and that he personally wants
th~ lines of comaunication between the Council and the Park and Recreation
CO~LtSSion to remain open and free so that Joint work sessions c~n be held to
resolve these situations.
Mayor Thom further noted that he has always seen the role of the
Com~tssion 'as an important sounding board into the community which is also
involved in defining the goals and objectives of the Parks amd Recreation Program,
as well as in the budgetary recomsmndation to the City Council. He, further,
would expect that the Park and Recreation Commission, acting as the extension of
the Council into the co~unity, being attuned to the general conmunity attitudes,
would know what it is the comunity expects of their Parks and Recreation
Program. They should further render aid putting this together into a viable
package to enable the City Municipal Corporation to deliver those services.
Councilman Seymour apologized to the Park and Recreation Comission
for not having been able to meet with them sooner, particularly in view of the
Joint sessions held already with the Library Board and City Planning Co~aission.
He informed the Park and Recreation Commission that the Council's policy is that
they believe in peoPle and consequently in people-oriented services. In addition
to this, since the April Election, they have been putting forth a sincere effort
to develop improved efficiency and greater service to the citizens at the same
coat. ~e advised that Parks, Recreation and the Arts Departlent has a high
priority for him because it presents an excellent opportunity to work with and
for people. He would prefer to see the Park and Recreation Comaission taking a
~oze auressive and energetic posture to try to obtain so~ of the ~oals frus-
trated in the past. He assured the Commission that. the Council will do every-
thin~ possible to see that these goals reach fruition. In line with this philos-
ophy, he remarked that he felt it incumbent upon both Council and Com~iss!on to
work,ore cooperatively with the school districts in recreation prograsm and
also perhaps develop so~e cooperative' ventures with the organised sports leagues.
such as Little League Basehall and Pop Warner Football. It appears that these
groups have dire interest in recreational facilities which has not been served,
a~d which the Council would like to satisfy, as well as the broad spectrum of
interests which exists throughout the co~munity.
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Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19~ 1974~ 7:30 P.M.
Councilman Seymour advised that he personally seeks from the Park and
Recreation Commission an identification of some goals and objectives, together
with a guideline of how Council can help the Commission attain them.
In line with this posture, the Council further believes in pursuing
Federal funds aggressively to help achieve these goals. While he wishes to
convey to the Park and Recreation Commission an attitude of aggressiveness and
enthusiasm, Councilman Seymour also noted that they intend to consult and work
with the people who will be receiving these recreational services to insure that
this is what they want.
Commissioner McGee stated that she is very proud of the current Parks
and Recreation Program and wishes to work hard on cooperative goals with the
City. She noted that the Park and Recreation Commission through the recrea-
tional program can reach many more people than other City departments, and for
some citizens this is their only contact with municipal government.
Councilman Seymour and Mayor Thom related incidents which lead them to
an acute awareness of the discontent among organized athletic leagues relative
to scheduling of park and recreation facilities.
Councilman Seymour pointed out that this was not due to any posture
adopted by the Park and Recreation Commission but rather was the result of years
of an attitude on behalf of the political body which indicated a disinterest in
communication with these groups.
Commissioner McGee advised that she is also interested in improving
communications, particularly in receiving feedback from the community relative
to the recreation programs. She commented that she would like to ,incorporate
Park and Recreation information into the School Board report. She indicated
that she would like to further encourage attendance at Park.and Recreation
Commission meetings and to open more lines of co~munication.
In this respect, Councilwoman Kaywood advised that she believes the
newspaper media could assist by printing notices of the times and dates of these
meetings together with the fact that the public is invited and encouraged to
attend. The newspapers could also provide additional exposure by printing the
actual entire list of Parks and Recreation Program events for the month.
Councilman Seymour was of the opinion that the news media would not be
effective in involving people in the planning and execution of recreational pro-
grams. From his experience, he remarked it is necessary to identify those indi-
viduals in leadership positions and physically take them by the hand, assuring
them that the City wants to hear about their problems and ideas. If the actions
necessary to correct the problem are then taken the word will spread and addi-
tional people will participate.
Commissioner Butterworth commented that the Parks, Recreation and the
Arts Department does send out annually th~%~eration catalog of programs, which
was Judged one of the best in the Nation, and the response to this from the
local newspaper was an editorial deploring the use of City funds to publish the
booklet.
II. PARTICIPATION BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN RECREATION DIVISION BUDGET: Commissioner
Butterworth related, as background information, that the City School Districts
are participating in a Joint Powers A~reement creating a cooperative Parks and
Recreation Program, pursuant to which the City provides 70% of the funding and
the remaining 30% comes from the school districts. He advised that the school
money comes from the Community Service Fund which allows the various school
districts to each assess a $.05 override tax for use in the community. It is
from this budget classification that their contribution to the Recreation Program
is allocated. He reported that the school districts are nearing the complete
$.05 allotment and in some cases have reached it in order to provide for the
expanding Recreational Program. It is a long-term concern of his that in the
not too distant future there will be no further room for these funds to grow and
the growth of the Recreation Program will be stunted.
Commissioner Butterworth further indicated a concern with comparative
figures for other cities which show a higher per capita amount being spent on
recreation. He remarked that they have reviewed only raw numbers at this.point
Ill ·
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A_-_~etmt California - CO01CIL MI~ITES - December 19~ 1974t 7:30 P.M.
and this comparison requires additional analysis to ascerta/n w~at constitutes
the makeup of the per capita amount used in other cities to detez~i~e whether
the comparison is fair.
Parks, Recreation and the Arts Director John Collier reported in
answer to Councilman Seymour that inasmuch as the City of Torrance is equal in
size to Anaheim they are planning to conduct an analysis of their recreation
program in person to compare this with vhat Anaheim is providing.
Commissioner Ochoa remarked that he does not favor the use of per
capita figures in recreation planning except as an index. He felt that it is
much more important to realize what the Recreation Program is doing for the
youth of the community and the ways in which it helps prevent vandalism and
other difficulties. He felt that even if the budgetary needs rise over any per
capita fixed figure, the emphasis 'should be on the Job which this program is
doing for the youth today and what it ~rlll be doing for them next s'_mun~r.
Commissioner Buttetvorth questioned, if these comparative figures show
the City of Anaheim should be doing more with its Recreation Program, where the
additional funds would come from since two of the school districts involved have
reached the limit allowable from their Community Service Funds.
Mayor Thom replied that the only area he could think of currently
would be primarily Federal funding, 'to which Mr. Collier remarked that these
funds are mostly allowable for capital expenditures and not for programs.
Assistant City Manager Davis pointed out that although Federal funds
may not be directly available in the Park and Recreation field, there is the
possibility that they can be applied to relieve other portions of the budget,
thereby freeing funds for this purpose,
Mayor Thom noted that this type of financial planning is employed
durin~ the budgetary considerations of the City and the Council is also giving
closer scrutiny to the 1975-76 Budget preparation and priorities.
Commissioner Ochoa indicated that he felt the Park and Recreation
Colmission has the responsibility of impressing the Council with the importance
of providing recreational opportunities for the. youth to which Mayor Thom agreed
and noted that it is the strength of that impression passed on by the Commission
which assists the Council in setting their priorities.
N!~!T_ LIGHTING OF ?~q,_IS COURTS ~CATELLA~ SAVAKbIA~ CANYON HIGH SCHOOLS}: The
Agenda item indicates that the Park and Recreation Commission has recommended
for the past three years that the City light additional tennis courts at two
Anaheim Union High School sites. The Agenda further noted that the cost to
light eight courts at both Katella and Savanna High Schools would amount to
$85,000 for each site and the cost for six new courts at Canyon Rich School,
$65,000.
A further consideration presented was should the Park and Recreation
Comtesion consider a coin system as now being used or provide free use of these
additional lighted courts.
Discussion regarding the present arrangement with the School Districts
ensued. In enswer to Councilman Seymour's inquiry, Mr. Collier related that
wh~m the lighting was installed at the Loara courts the School District agreed
to maintain and clean the courts and provide nets, whereas at Katella and Savanna
t_=~__nte courts the City simply uses these courts and the School District maintains
them.
Councilman Seymour advised that he feels night li~htin~ of tennis
courts has a high priority, however, he further noted that there is an additional
problem which lighting will not resolve, that of the inadequate maintenance pro-
gram for these tennis courts. He stated that if the School District has stretched
their available monies as far as they can, then it is inctmbent upon the bity to
work out an arrangement to provide the proper maintenance so that the replacement
of nets and resurfacing of the asphalt is taken care of as necessary.
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Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19~ 1974~ 7:30 P.M.
Commissioner McGee advised that she was not aware of the status of
maintenance on the tennis courts until recently, and prior to further discussion
regarding such agreement, she would prefer to speak with the Administrative
Branch of her School District, to ascertain whether there has actually been a
cutback or whether this was perhaps an administrative oversight.
Mr. Kamphefner suggested that the tennis court maintenance problem is
not new and, more than a cutback in maintenance service, reflects rather a
degree of maintenance level which is different from that which the City Parks,
Recreation and the Arts Department would ordinarily provide.
Mayor Thom inquired whether the figures shown on the Agenda relative
to weekly cleaning labor and net replacement for eight courts at Loara at $3,224
and $960 respectively per year takes into consideration the heavier play factor
experienced because of the night lighting.
Mr. Collier advised that this was considered and included in these
maintenance cost estimates.
The cost for construction of tennis courts, both with concrete and
asphalt surface was discussed and it was pointed out that it would cost approxi-
mately the same or more to light the existing tennis facilities as it would to
construct new facilities without lights.
During discussion it was suggested that perhaps the City should consider
construction of new facilities without lighting whereupon it was pointed out
that tennis is a year around sport and heavily played by working adults who
would not be able to utilize unlighted facilities. The heaviest play on the
courts is experienced during night hours with lights.
Regarding charges for the use of lighted courts, Councilman Seymour
voiced the opinion that the City very definitely should charge for these facili-
ties 'since the usage is primarily that of adults, the younger people who would
not be as well able to afford the charges would most likely utilize the courts
during the day.
In reply to Councilman Seymour, Mr. Trapp stated that the City of
Fullerton is currently charging a $1.00 registration fee for an hour of play at
their new courts, whereas the City of Anaheim, using a coin meter system charges
$.25 for 30 minutes.
Mr. Collier reported on the extremely high rate of vandalism experienced
at these meters.
Deputy City Attorney Frank Lowry reported that he has been informed by
the City Attorney in Fullerton that their new tennis facilities are operating at
18% profit, which revenues are placed into a special fund for the building of
additional tennis facilities and for lighting of same.
Councilman Seymour remarked that this demonstrates his belief that the
market for night tennis playing is deep and that the City should provide these
facilities at a rate comparable to that charged by Fullerton. He would not
advocate increasing the rates however until the maintenance of the courts is up-
graded. He suggested, should the City elect to change from a coin meter to a
registration type of system which would require an individual to be on duty,
that the City consider franchising a tennis concession similar to the pro shops
at the golf courses.
Mr. Kamphefner agreed the fees should be increased even if the coin
meter system is retained, noting that the City has been charging the same amount
for quite some time while electrical rates, as well as all other costs, have
been increasing.
Commissioner McGee commented that there is also a great need for prac-
tice courts with backboards.
Commissioner Butterworth noted that if the registration method were
employed the individual in charge could also permit younger children to play at
half the fee, and in return, the high schools with the additional revenues could
provide better maintenance.
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Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19~1974~ 7:30 P.M.'
Commissioner Overholt entered the meeting. (8:30 P.M.)
At the conclusion of.discussion it was resolved that Commissioners
McGee and Butterworth would discuss the tennis court maintenance level situation
with their respective school boards and report back.
Com~tssioner Mahoney raised a question relative to obtaining funds for
capital improvements and it was decided to discuss Item No. VI on the Agenda out
of order at this time.
IV. BOND ISSUE IN THE NEAR FUTUR~ FOR PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES: (La Palm-
parking lot - 2 lighted softball fields; Newkirk Dump Site - 3 soccer fields,
model airplane field, picnic area; 17 acres near the Stadium, Banzai - a major
lighted softball complex with seating for 1,500 and 2 additional lighted fields)
Mayor Thom pointed out that there is a tremendous number of people
involved in organized sports with their children who would be receptive to the
idea of community support to obtain a funding method whichwould provide addi-
tional facilities; these funds to be spent not to acquire property but to
develop and build on existing available sites. He inquired how the Park and
Recreation Commission would feel relative to a program whichwould allow these
citizens to help the Parks, Recreation and the Arts Department create additional
sports facilities which might even encompass tennis courts.
Commissioner McGee stated that she would be in favor of this proposal'
if it were citizen-initiated. She remarked that, as evidenced by the recent
failures of school bonds, there seems to be distrust among the citizens which
accounts for the failure of these proposals. She felt a Parks and R~creation
Bond would have a much better chance for success if initiated and pushed by
citizens' groups.
Mayor Thom advised that the interested citizens with whom he has
spoken have indicated this would be in line with their thinking; that they would
like the opportunity to be provided them to carry this initiative forward.
Commissioner Ochoa cautioned that one of the difficulties encountered
with citizens' groups is that these people have their own preconceived ideas
regarding the proposed facilities and they do not care to be hampered with the
reBtrictions and regulations necessary for the development of public and/or
school district property. Once they realize their plans have to accede to these
regulations they lose interest' because of their loss of control of the project.
Further, once such a facility is constr~cted, these groups or individuals would
desire priority or preferential treatment in the use of same. He stated that he
wu not personally opposed to the bond ~roposal, but wished to point out that a
bond issue of this nature must be approached with a prawtic attitude, being
cognizant of how people will react to it.
Councilman Seymour remarked that he would have reservations as to
whether a bond issue would pass in the vest and central portions of Anaheim for
a development at the Newk/rk Dump Site and the La Palms parking lot. He felt
the approach to take is to seek the leadership from these different sports
sectors, and once they become aware of the benefits they may receive from such a
facility, i.e., a little league world championship play-off, they will sell the
bond issue themselves because it will be answering their own needs.
Commissioner Buttervorth, noting that there are so~e 85,000 people
probably involved in organized sports activities, suggested that perhaps the
City needs a "Sports Council" similar to the Cultural Arts Cogmtosiou to coor-
dinate these efforts.
Hr. Collier added that he felt a bond issue for Park ~d R~creation
Facility Capital Improvements would stand a much better chance of success if
scheduled for a special election, without other issues, om the'late May or June
election date when the demand for the use of these type of facilities peaks.
While on the subject of additional facilities, Couactls~n Seymour
a~vised that a point of contention among the sports interests, perticularly
baseball and softball groups, apparently seems to be a lack of practice fields.
It is further his understanding that these ~roups are willing to contribute labor
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Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19~. 1974~ 7:30 P.M.
and to some unknown degree, material and equipment for improvement of additional
practice fields. He reported that the Parks, Recreation and the Arts Director
has been investigating the reality of where these fields might be located.
Mr. Dave Sommers reported that a meeting was held not too long ago on
this subject and some fair locations for such fields identified. However, the
questions were raised as to whether or not the City Council would be willing to
help, particularly if this were to be located on private or industrial properties.
Further, there is the problem of untangling the legal ramifications such as who
is liable in case of injury and who is responsible for the property.
Mr. Lowry briefly reported on the liability factor and advised that it
would be possible to enter into a lease agreement for the use of private property
in this manner.
Mr. Trapp pointed out that another avenue to providing practice fields
which should be explored first, would be to request permission from the School
Boards to permit the organized leagues to perform minor improvements on school
facilities to make them useful during after school hours. He indicated that
there are many ballfields at elementary schools which could be used if permission
could be obtained to do minor improvements or maintenance.
Commissioner Ochoa pointed out that the elementary districts would
probably be willing to go along with this program so long as the private citizens
remember that these improvements would still belong to the school district.
Mayor Thom announced that it was necessary for him to leave this
meeting to attend another meeting, therefore, there would be no quorum of the
City Council.
ADJOURNMENT: Councilwoman Kaywood moved to adjourn to Tuesday, December 24, 1974 at
1:00 p.m. Councilman Seymour seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Adjourned: 8:50 P.M.
Mayor Thom left the meeting. (8:50 P.M.)
Mayor Pro Tem Seymour assumed the Chairmanship and the discussion
continued on an informal work session basis.
Further discussion relatiVe to providing practice fields disclosed
that a precedent of joint development between the School District and interested
citizen groups has already been established and this experience was successful.
Mr. Collier indicated that in some areas the School District property does not
have backstops installed and this would be an area in which the City could
participate.
Councilman Seymour noted that the providing of additional practice
fields in this matter would not require bond monies, but would be a step forward
and the City would be answering some of the community needs.
Councilwoman Kaywood asked whether there is any legal reason why the
various organized sports groups who are willing to give of their time and effort
towards the development of a practice field cannot receive preferential treatment.
Commissioner McGee pointed out that the School District always retains
first priorityto such facilities, after which they may have their own district
policy covering the use of same.
Mr. Trapp added that the County Counsel has ruled against any School
District granting exclusive use of any school facility to one group.
At the conclusion of discussion regarding practice fields, Councilman
Seymour st~rized that the priorities in achievement of this objective would
be: 1.) The development and use of school sites. 2.) The development and use
of parcels of land which the City has available. 3.) Development and use of
private property on which'the City may be able to work out some type of lease
arrangement.
[]
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A~het~ California - COUNCIL NIl~rgS - Dec, ember 19~ 1974~, 7:30 P.H.
Councilman Seymour urged thac all involved move ~ith haste since the
need for these practice fields is almost im~ediate, the Little League season
co~encing in February.
Regarding the facility proposed at Banzai, Councilman Selmour suggested
chat the alternative of utilizing the existing facility at Glower Stadium be
considered, noting chat diverse sports interests share the Anaheim Stadium and
iC seems to be a compatible situation.
Further discussion was directed toward the use of employe~s available
Co the City Chroush the C.E.T.A. federally funded .~ob program Co perform some of
t~ necessary ~ork to provide these practice fields. Mr. Davis advised thac
these funds ~ould be available as of Jenuary 6,
e~cess of $1,000,000. However, as in the past, the problem ~rlth employment of
C.E.T.A. Labor to do Chis type of Job entails provision of equipment and mecertals
by the City.
Councilma~ Seymour remarked chat he thought chis labor force could
provide the support which the public is seeking from the City in these pro~eccs.
V. PETITION FROM CITIZENS IN MODJESKA PARK
C~NYER TN ~{~ PARE: he agenda submitted suggests two types of buildings Aich
mi~t be considered: a.) Tile-up buildings with minimum interior partitions
a~d facilities at a cost of $15 per' square foot (floor space of not less than
10,000 square feet), b.) A full fledged com~u~iCy recreation center architec-
turally pleasing with interior walls, etc., costing up Co $425,000 with square
foot&se e~ceedtng 10,000.
Councilman Seymour requested comments from the Park and Recreation
Comission, and was informed that they have nsc formally discussed this matter.
Comnissioner McGee indicated Chat she would like some additional time before
co~menting on this proposal co review the area and become more familiar with
Councilman Seymour outlined chat fund~ for this type of center might
be available through County Revenue Sharing with the City on a matching fund
basis or through the Comity Development Act Funds, pointing out that if the
Comnission is in favor of such a center, there is a possibility of funding.
Commissioner OverholC commented Chat a community recreation center
concept would first have to be defined, as well as what this is intended to
accomplish. Further, the advantages and disadvantages should be evaluated and
compared with the youth center concept,
Councilvo~an Kay.sod resarked chat there is a tremendous need in Chat
particular area of the City for senior citizens activities. She further noted
thet it is difficult for these older persons to travel to the Senior Citizen
C~nter on Chartres Street, which is already overcrowded. Emphasis should be
placed on providingchese facilities where the people are.
Councilwoman Kay,sod further described the Tender Loving Care (TLC
Program) which provides transportation, lunches and counseling and is conducted
from Saint Paul's Presbyterian Church, Magnolia and Orange Avanues-. Because of
a conflict with the Southern California RTD there are no OCTD buses on this
route so that many needy elderly persons are not able co avail themselves of the
l~nch program and other services. She urged that soma action be taken quickly
to find a way to transport these p~ople to this pro,am.
Recreation Supervisor Patsy Raysuuested that the local churches be
contacted as Co the availability of their Sunday School buses during the week'.
She advised that this sug~estion has been discussed infotm~lly~rlth some members
of TLC staff.
Council~n Selmour suggested that the co.unity canter concept might
be expended with a little im~$in~tion to ~cl~e facilities which ~uld e~ble
Z~ or~ized a~e~ic 1~8 ~o co~uc~ their concessions fr~ ~he co--icy
c~er rather t~ ~v~g a trailer-t~e facility into t~ ~rk. ~garding the.
u~ of C.E.T.A. f~ds, ~cilm Se~ stressed t~t th~ decision ~ the
e~iture on these ~t rest ~th the City Co~cil, si~ they are also to be
held ult~t~ly aCco~table for d~nstratin~ the p~d~nt ~ pro~r e~nditure
o~ ~.
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Commissioner McGee added that another source of manpower may very
likely be the Regional Occupational Placement Program. She reported on the fine
Job they have performed on landscaping projects.
VI. PROVISION OF FREE NIGHT LIGHTING AT SPORTS FIELDS FOR YOUTH LEAGUES: Mr. Collier
reported that it is estimated that the cost to provide this service to all of
the youth leagues at various locations would amount to $10,000 per year, including
the utility and manpower costs.
Councilman Seymour stated that if the Park and Recreation Commission
made a formal recommendation to the Council toapprove such a program, there is
a strong possibility that it could be implemented. He felt this service would
go a long way towards demonstrating to that segment of the community that the
City does care, that the City is interested in and does want to work with them.
Commissioner Butterworth cautioned against splintering of efforts; he
felt all of these projects should be tied together and recognizable as a package.
Commissioner Overholt responded that a recommendation such as this
would have to be evaluated in terms of its total impact and the total cost will
most likely amount to more than the cost of providing electricity for the little
leagues since all other interested groups would seek similiar consideration.
During discussion which ensued, Commissioner Ochoa felt this problem
might be ironed out if a distinction is made between organized sports for youths
and adults, providing these services only for the youth oriented activities. He
remarked that this falls into line with his philosophy that the City and the
Commission have a moral responsibility to provide recreational opportunities for
youths at no cost.
Councilman Seymour s-,m~rized that the discussion has led to a "sports
council".concept and has emphasized the high priority of making a decision
regarding the practice fields. He inquired what the earliest date might be that
the Commission could initiate communications with the sports interests at a
general meeting, to unveil the "sports council" idea.
It was determined that the appropriate time for this type of Joint
meeting would be January 16, 1975, following the work session to be held January
8, 1975, by the Park and Recreation Commission, which will deal with capital
items. At this January 16 meeting, Commissioner Butterworth felt it would be
possible to report back on potential' utilization of school sites for practice
fields.
VII. MINI PARKS: Having completed discussion on the six suggested items for the
Joint meeting, Councilman Seymour asked if anyone wished to introduce any other
subjects for consideration, and hearing no reply, he introduced the subject of
mini parks.
Councilman Seymour related that he had personally worked with the
Board of Realtors on development of the mini park located on Part Street and
that this was an extremely successful program. He suggested that the Park and
Recreation Commission consider the mini park concept particularly for the older
and lower income areas of the city. He noted that a target area has already
been identified for improvement with Community Development Act funds and since
one of the purposes of this money is to provide capital improvements to an area,
the Community Development Act might also prove to be a convenient vehicle to
provide a mini park program in the target area.
Commissioner Butterworth remarked that he felt what is needed at this
time is a city-wide survey to determine where the need for parks actually is.
This survey should include demographic factors such as population density,
income levels and crime rate. Following this survey and based on the results,
the Co,~tssion would then be able to make recommendations to the Council.
Mr. Collier pointed out that in some instances mini parks worked out
quite well, whereas in others, such as the "Little Peoples Park", there is no-
where near the same degree of participation. He noted that this type of facility
also has the potential of becoming a real maintenance problem and not sought
after, desired or used by the neighborhood residents. He suggested that the
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open space in the City should be identified to see what is available and then
consider selecting a site. Mr. Collier further noted that so~e of the reasons
which resulted in the Part Street park being so successful have been identified,
such as the area is much more of a community with identifiable boundaries and
the citizens have identified with the park.
Hr. Trapp suggested that the mini parks are the type of subject which
might be discussed with the Community Councils which the School Districts have
formed. He commented that the Parks and Recreation staff has worked with these
groups on various subjects and feel that they provide an excellent insight into
each individual community within the total city.
Councilwoman Kay~ood indicated it was her opinion that with the large
amount of single family housing on RS-5000 zoned lots in Anaheim, mini parks
would be Justified on almost every corner since a 5,000-foot lot cannot accom-
modate play space.
Councilman Seymour stated that his concern is that the Parks and
Recreation Commission be made accutely aware of the plans transpiring under the
Co~unity Development Act. He noted that there is every possibility that some
structures will have to be removed and if a mini park is considered Justified,
he could envision the possibility of purchasing these lots at perhaps $15,00Oto
$20,000 for the creation of such a park. He indicated that he would like input
from Park and Recreation Commission and staff on this particular subject before
anything is undertaken.
At the conclusion of discussion, Councilman Seymour thanked the
Co~ission and staff members for their attendance and pledged that there would
be more of these Joint meetinis in the future, since the Council is interested
in working closely with the Park and Recreation and other Commissions in solving
people problems.
At the end of the meeting Mr. Leon Kane, Vice President of the West
Anaheim Babe Ruth League, requested an opportunity to speak and was recognized
by Councilman Seymour.
Mr. Kane related that his league has received excellent cooperation
from both the School District and Parks, Recreation and the Arts Department in
their endeavors. He reported that as a result of these cooperative efforts,
$10,000 to $15,000 worth of improvements were made to a ball field at Savanna
High School to provide a place for his league to play their ball games. However,
subsequent to the installation of these improvements and use of the field, the
Anaheim City Planning Commission approved an apartment complex at the corner of
Lincoln Avenue and Gilbert Street, which is located within 200 feet of the
backstop of their ball field. This apartment complex has caused their league to
incur considerable expanse for replacing broken windows, etc. He inquired why
these apartments were permitted to be located on this site without some consider-
ation being given to the usage of the ball field.
Council Members Seymour and Kayvood both advised Mr. Kane that they
were on the Planning Commission at the time that particular application for the
apartment complex was considered, but no mention was ever.made of the proximity
of the ball field.
Mr. Fane assertedthat this places his league in a difficult position
since they have made an investment in'the improvements to the field and further
it poses a danger to'the individuals living in the apartment complex. He advised
that they have tried various modifications to the field itself to alleviate the
problem, but balls hit at a certain angle will still travel over the backstop.
Following brief discussion of the problem, Councilman Seymour apologized
to Mr. Kane for whatever portion of the situation the City may be responsible
for and su$$ested that he plan to attend the January 16, 1975, Parks and Recrea-
tion Commission meeting at which time the "sports council" concept will be
implemented and his participation would be welcomed..
Mr. Collier Pointed out that this unfortunate situation emphasized the
fact that in the past the planning which the City has done has been primarily
physical planning and nothing much has been done relative to social planning.
74-1234
MANAGEMENT CONTROL CENTER
Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 19~ 1974~ 7:30 P.M.
Mr. Kamphefner commented that almost an identical problem has occurred
at Sage Park with the adjacent development of an adult apartment complex.
Mr. Trapp stated that he would have a plan available of the Savanna
School problem for discussion at the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting.
Prior to adjournment, Dr. Butterworth remarked, speaking for the
Commission, that they support the concept of more Joint meetings with the Council
since this is the technique which makes things happen.
PARK AND RECP, EATION COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mahoney moved to adjourn.
Commissioner McGee seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Adjourned: 9:55 P.M.
' cit ClerW
City Hall~ .~..heim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - December 24~ 1974~ 1.:00 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Anaheim met in Adjourned Regular
Sesslon.
PRESENTi COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kaywood, Seymour, Pebley, Sneegas and Thom
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
PRESENT: 'ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER: Robert M. Davis
CITY ATTORNEY: Alan R. Watts
CITY CLERK: Alona M. Hougard
PERSONNEL DIRECTOR: Garry O. McRae
CITY ENGINEER: James P. Maddox
Mayor Thom called the Adjourned Regular Council Meeting to order at
1:15 P.M.
SANTA~, RI~ 15~OD PROTECTION AGENCY: City Attorney Watts reported that pursuant
to direction given by Council following presentation and discussion of the for-
marion of the Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency at Council Meeting held
November 26, 1974, a meeting has been held at which several changes were pro-
posed to this Joint Powers Agreement. He reported that all of his objections or
points of clarification h~ve been resolved. Specifically, the agreement now
provides that the members of the Joint Powers Agency would be elected public
officials. Further it has been established that each entity would have equal
voting rights irrespective of size. Coutributions to the Budget of the proposed
Joint Po~ers Agency for the remainder of the current Fiscal Year would be equal.
RESOLUTION NO. 74R-618: Councilman Sneegas offered Resolution No. 74R-618 for
adoption, approving the terms and conditions of a Joint Powers Agre~ent to form
the Santa Aha River Flood Protection Agency,
Refer to Resolution Book.
A R[SOLUTI(~ OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TH~ CITY OF ANAH~LMAPPROVING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF I JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANAHEINAND THE
ORANGE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND OTHER PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
AND NUNICIPALITIES, CREATING THE SANTA ANA RIVER FLOOD PROTECTION AGENCY, AND
AUTHORIZING THE NAYORAND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY OF ANAHEIM.
ROll Call Vote: