Parks commission clarifies skate-facility memo language, asks ad hoc to finalize feasibility recommendation

Vice Chair Evers raised a concern that the draft minutes reversed the ad hoc’s intent regarding the skatebowl and broader skate facilities. Commissioners reviewed Exhibit B (which lists proposed study locations including Moonlight Beach, Glen Park and Encinitas Community Park), Brown Act constraints on deliberations outside public meetings, and how to frame the commission’s recommendation to City Council.

Commissioner Quinn (who reviewed the previous webcast) and others said their intent was to recommend a city-funded feasibility study of skate facilities overall — calling out the bowl as a principal impetus — while not limiting the study to the Exhibit B sites. Manager Norgaard noted edits from staff based on legal review and suggested the ad hoc work with staff to finalize language that accurately reflects the commission’s motion.

The commission agreed to amend the Sept. 16 minutes to replace the wording "with the addition of exploring additional skate facilities" with "and exploring additional skate facilities and city locations." Chair Ritter moved approval of the minutes as edited and a second was given; the amended minutes and the Sept. 18 special meeting minutes were approved with Commissioner Kimball absent.

Next steps: The skate-volleyball-surf ad hoc will work with staff to finalize the memo language and return to the commission (target: next month) so the commission can vote on a consistent recommendation to forward to City Council and, if approved, to inform budget-timing decisions for a feasibility study.