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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2012.08.16MEETING MINUTES Regular Meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, August 16, 2012 The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Hesselgren at 7:00 pm at Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Hesselgren, Baum, Griffith, Eaton, Castner-Paine, Lau Commissioners Absent: Bullotti Staff Present: Director Glomstad; Administrative Secretary Helley Others Present: Barbara Plant, Burlingame; Eric Graham, Buringame; Betty Wuestefeld, Burlingame; Gloria Mitzer, Burlingame; Jackie Sontag, Burlingame; Sue Cossin, Burlingame; Jeanne Carney, Burlingame; S. Anderson, Burlingame; Katarina Uhrinova, Burlingame; Barry Aug, Burlingame; Bobbi Benson, Burlingame; Jackie Redmon, Burlingame; Don Redmon, Burlingame; Michael & Lucy "unreadable last name", Burlingame. MINUTES The Minutes of the June 28, 2012 regular meeting were approved. PUBLIC COMMENTS Suze Gardner, with the Burlingame Aquatic Club, reported the group assumed the running of the aquatic center from the City in the fall of 2011. The group is running the public programming and their goal is to enhance the programming. This has been done by adding year round lessons, expanding lap swim hours on weekends and expanded rental opportunities. In March the group introduced a new online registration and information system. The Burlingame Aquatic Club is a club, however, there is no membership fee. Gardner was excited to report the recent grant of $3,000 to the group for the purpose of providing free arthritis classes starting in September/October. Gardner reported the past year has been a learning experience, however, it has been a good year and the group has made significant success in utilizing the scheduling to the maximum. Chair Hesselgren moved to re -order the agenda items to accommodate those in attendance for Old Business Agenda item 4.13. Community Garden Plans. Commission approved the re -order. OLD BUSINESS B. Community Garden Plans Director Glomstad worked with Leslie McQuaide to find an appropriate location for a community garden. Bayside Fields seemed good with challenges such as ADA parking and water drainage. A second location option identified is Victoria Park. Victoria Park has a small playground, a basketball court and a grass area. A sketch of the area with the location of the garden within the park was passed out to the Commission. 1 Commissioner Castner-Paine inquired if there would be any change to the passive green space. Glomstad responded no, the garden would not be placed in the green space under the trees. Leslie McQuaide noted the park is a nice spot with adequate sun. She felt that a garden at this location would attract young to old and was excited about the possibility of offering free programs and free food from the garden to the community. She reported a large majority of Burlingame is multi family homes and she praised Glomstad for being an important part of getting the project this far. McQuaide stated that community gardens unite communities and increase property values. She addressed the possible fears of the neighbors of increased traffic at the park, by reporting that unless there was an event, only about 5 or so gardeners at a time would be in the park. Most of America has community gardens, McQuaide stated, Burlingame is one city that does not have a community garden. Chair Hesselgren asked how high the fence around the garden would be and what about raccoons? McQuaide responded the fence would be 5 ft high, paths would be 4 ft wide with 28 - 4 x 8 raised beds (24 inches high) that use about 28 gallons of water a week. She responded that all parks have fences and the raccoons shimmy up the fence or the trees. Commissioner Castner-Paine inquired about composting bins. McQuaide responded that whatever goes in comes out and that composting will be an option as well. Commissioner Eaton asked if there was any discussion of not using raised beds. McQuaide stated the use of raised beds keeps the gophers out, deters weeds and uses less water. Commissioner Griffith asked about what type of watering system would be employed. McQuaide stated a drip system would be used on the beds. Susan Anderson asked the commission how the process works to having the site approved. Glomstad replied the neighborhood needed to be noticed and invited to comment or voice concerns so they can be addressed. A. Parks & Recreation Foundation Status Griffith reported the bylaws are done and the Articles of Incorporation need four signatures. Glomstad made the observation that a board of fifteen seemed large. Griffith stated it could be changed to minimum of seven and maximum of fifteen. Commission agreed to review the documents via email and bring back to the September meeting for approval and signatures. C. Dog Park Task Force Eaton reported the group has met two times to discuss locations and take tours of local dog parks. The group observed several dog parks and spoke with users. They also spoke with city personnel from other cities that have dog parks and also have dog off leash hours in certain parks. The group will meet again and report to the commission at a future meeting. NEW BUSINESS A. Tennis Court Light Box Glomstad explained that the tennis court light box accepts quarters and has for the past year been the recipient of Filipino coins which are the same size and weight as quarters but worth less than pennies. Eaton suggested a sign be placed on the box that states if this continues to happen then N the City will change the system to a token system or the rates will increase. Glomstad stated staff would post signage. B. Commission Openings Glomstad reminded the commissioners up for re -appointment to submit their application if still interested. REPORTS/HANDOUTS A. Park & Recreation Reports 1. Monthly Report — Distributed 2. Correspondence — Emails from citizens in support of a Community Garden B. Commissioner Reports Hesselgren stated that camp areas were much cleaner than last year. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Burlingame Recreation Center. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Helley Recording Secretary 3