Day 1999.06.02CS

Director Celestre requested a modification to the Agenda, Item 8a – EX-OFFICIO APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL ARTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, “ to expand that agenda item to include appointment of Harry Short as a voting member of the Committee.” This would require a 5/6 vote of the Commission to amend the Agenda. This was approved. A motion was made Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield, seconded by Commission Garland, “ to approve the Agenda as amended.” Motion carried.

Vacaville resident Ellie Bush is attending the meeting to get an update on what is going on in Lagoon Valley. Ms. Bush is a windsurfer, and is concerned about the change in the water consistency of the lake. Chair Kidder stated that currently, there is a Draft Lake Management Plan being reviewed.

Commissioner Johnson asked for an update on the potential for a Senior Advisory Commission. Director Celestre stated that the City Manager will be presenting this item at the June 8 City Council meeting, as well as the creation of a Senior Round Table.

The Round Table would consist of City staff, County agencies, and business people to network and collaborate on senior issues. It would be modeled after the Youth Round Table, and the City Manager or Assistant City Manager would chair the group. Director Celestre will present the scope of work for both items at the next Council meeting. A City ordinance would be prepared to establish the Commission, and then the application process would begin for members. If a Commission on Aging is formed, it would be freestanding and not under the Community Services Commission. Director Celestre stated that the Commission on Aging would replace the Senior Advisory Committee. It is hoped that both groups will be working entities by September.

Commissioner Johnson asked if endorsement is being sought for the Commission on Aging. Director Celestre stated that it would be welcomed prior to the Council’ s decision on June 8. The idea of a Commission on Aging came from the Council on the Strategic Plan, and Director Celestre was then directed to come up with the process of how to do that.

Director Celestre stated that as approved in ITEM 4 – APPROVAL OF AGENDA, this motion now reads, “ By simple motion, to appoint Harry Short as a voting member, and David Neivelt as an ex-officio member of the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee.” An amended motion was made by Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, “ to approve the amended motion.” Motion carried.

Harry Short and David Neivelt were then introduced. Mr. Short has written articles for the Vacaville Reporter, and stated it is an honor to be involved with the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. Mr. Neivelt stated he is very interested in all aspects of cultural arts.

Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox stated that this item was previously discussed at the Planning Commission meeting. The Mural Project is a Sub-committee of the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee, and the goal is to paint murals downtown as well as other places in Vacaville. The Sub-committee realized that goals, guidelines, and policies were necessary. Proposed sites, historic design standards, selection of artists, quality of art, as well as subject matter, cost, and development of funding sources have also been discussed by the Sub-committee.

The first proposed site for a mural is the Heritage House with a historic theme such as the Pony Express. An artist’ s rendering was shown to the Commissioners. The art may be put on panels and then affixed to the building for easier maintenance. The plan is for the Committee to bring a proposal to the Commission, and then to the Planning Commission. The owner of Merchant and Main has also expressed interest in having a mural painted on the side of their building.

The downtown historic district does not have design requirements for murals but does have requirements to keep a sense of history of buildings. If murals were approved for downtown, there would need to be a document of what could be done. The document would need to go to the Planning Commission and to the City Council. The Commission will be kept informed of what is going on with this project.

Commissioner Johnson stated that the Planning Commission seems very interested in seeing something unique in Vacaville, and unanimously supports the murals. He did suggest that maybe there should be a member of the DVBA (Downtown Vacaville Business Association) on this Sub-committee. Supervisor Fox, Committee member Killen, Don Birrell and Malaquias Montoya (two local artists), and Ruth Begell from the Museum are members of this Sub-committee. Sue McMahon from DVBA will provide information to the Sub-committee, but will not be an active member.

Landscape Architect Farrington showed a slide presentation of Lagoon Valley Lake to explain the purpose of the Lake Management Plan which will identify environmental data of the current lake habitat problems, as well as possible solutions and impact on the park. This study is a draft and needs input from the Commission, the public, City staff, and State jurisdictional agencies. The lake has multiple problems including sedimentation, erosion, pondweed, algae, and heavy infestation of one species of fish. The lake depth has also been reduced from an average of 8 to10 feet, to 4 to 6 feet. Due to a high waterfowl population, there is also a high bacterial level in the lake.

This item will come back to the Commission on July 7. Several proposals for solutions have been discussed including deepening the lake, relocation of dredged sediments to create a wetlands for a wildlife sanctuary, and adding risers to the dam spillway to increase the lake depth. A fish-stocking program is also being researched. A public forum will be held June 30 at Ulatis Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Information from the forum, staff, and jurisdictional agencies will be brought to the Commission on July 7. It is hoped to present a revised draft to the Commission by August 23, prior to the September Commission meeting. It will go to the Council in September for approval, and then the Conditional Use Permit process would begin. A meeting will be held on June 7 with the consultant and Capital Improvement staff to review potential costs.

Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield thanked Landscape Architect Farrington for providing the Executive Summary which explained the draft plan. Extra copies of the plan are available in the Community Services Administration Office and the library for public review.

At this time, several Vacaville residents addressed the Commission on this Agenda item. Mr. Jim Knight has visited the park for 15 years and feels the plan will destroy the habitat for the wildlife in the lake area, especially migratory birds. Mr. Farrington stated that what is being sought is a balance between nature and human use. Another Vacaville resident, Cynthia Schroeder, asked if hillside terraces were feasible to prevent erosion of the hills. Mr. Farrington added that terracing has been proposed.

Commissioner Johnson asked if the plan is to preserve the lake, or create recreational activity. He suggested getting information from other cities on what they have done with their lakes. Mr. Farrington stated he will supply some information from other cities at the next Commission meeting, and it is hoped to have the consultant attend as well.

Rose Mary Forehand, former Commission member and an Environmental Studies teacher at Will C. Wood, stated that her class performed research and collection of data on the lake as a school project. She requested a copy of the draft plan be available at the school for student perusal.

Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox announced that she had received notification that the Department received a grant from the After School Learning and Safe Neighborhoods Partnership program. It is a partnership between the Community Services Department and the Vacaville School District, and will provide for a three year, $72,000 per year grant at Markham School. The goal is to provide care after school, enrichment, and improve student attendance and performance in school. This new program will begin in September.

The Department now has e-mail access to all staff. Copy for the Events Guide and the Grapevine will be available through e-mail for the Coordinators and Supervisors to review and revise which will make the process more efficient.

Landscape Architect Farrington stated that the CCC has started using the traildozer to construct the trail at Lagoon Valley. The City provided a 50% match for the funds. Currently being constructed is a low impact 4½ to 5 foot wide trail. The CCC is also putting in drainage bars to control the amount of runoff that carries the sediment down. Mr. Farrington also received a letter from the Solano County Sheriff’ s Posse expressing interest in using Lagoon Valley to perform search and rescue training.

Rollie Simons, Parks Superintendent, reported that the Parks Maintenance Division now has their seasonal employees on board. He added that four full-time people will be hired.

Director Celestre reported that the Senior Center has moved and is now located at the Three Oaks facility. She also announced that on the 4^th of July, the City will have a fireworks display from Andrews Parks. Test shots will be done to determine where the fireworks can be seen throughout the City. On Friday, June 4, the Performing Arts Theater will host Pablo Cruise. The Air Force Band will be performing in Andrews Park on June 25 at 7 p.m.

Director Celestre stated that Community Services Commissioner Barbara Cringle has resigned. There is now a vacancy on the Commission, and on the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. Chair Kidder has postponed appointment of a Commission representative to the Advisory Committee until a new Commissioner is appointed.

Director Celestre announced that traditionally, there is no Commission meeting in August. Members of the Commission agreed no meeting will be held in August. If a new Commissioner has been appointed by the July meeting, a nominating committee will be established with elections done in September.

Commissioner Johnson asked for an explanation of the Gateways Committee. Landscape Architect Farrington stated that the Committee was appointed by the City Council. City staff members include Landscape Architect Farrington, Parks Superintendent Simons, and Deputy City Manager Gregg Werner. The purpose of the Committee is to improve the appearance of Vacaville from its freeway frontages. A meeting will be held on June 7 at 4:30 p.m., Conference Room A and B, and is open to the public. It is planned to have a recommended policy from the Committee to present to the Council in September.

Commissioner Kallirai stated he is excited about what the City is doing in Lagoon Valley. Commissioner Garland stated that she visits Lagoon Valley and feels all voices need to be heard, and that everyone deserves to speak to this group about their concerns. Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield stated that all Commissioners are invited to attend the Public Forum on June 30^th at Ulatis Community Center. Commissioner Thurmond added that the Executive Summary for the draft Management Plan enables the plan to be easy to understand. Chair Kidder welcomed the three new members to the Commission.