Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2002.03.21MEETING MINUTES Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission { Thursday, March 21, 2002 The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Ed Larios at 7:03 p.m. in Conference Room "A" at Burlingame City Hall. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Dittman, Erickson, Heathcote, Kahn, Larios, Lawson, Minderman, Muller; Youth Commissioners Martindale and Warden Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz, Recreation Supervisor Blondino, Recreation Coordinator Tim Barry Others Present: Joanna Bottarini, 1535 Columbus, Burlingame; Caitlin Breen, 1440 Capuchino, Burlingame; Linda Breen, 1440 Capuchino, Burlingame; Brian Firenze, 1240 Oak Grove, Burlingame; George Keen, 701 Occidental, Burlingame; Dino Landucci, 3713 Santiago, San Mateo; Jeff Landucci, 363 Connecticut, San Francisco; Joan Landucci, 3713 Santiago, San Mateo; Natalie Lanom, 1369 Columbus, Burlingame; Bill Laskey, 1252 Drake, Burlingame; Sandra Pau, 2938 Mariposa, Burlingame; Bill Smith, 1557 Balboa, Burlingame; Joanna Tong, 2938 Mariposa, Burlingame. MINUTES Minutes of the February 21, 2002 regular meeting of the Commission were approved as submitted. NEW BUSINESS For the convenience of those guests in attendance, Chairman Larios moved New Business up on the agenda. A. Burlingame Girls Softball League's Opening Day Ceremonies Director Schwartz reported that the Burlingame Girls Softball League (BGSL) held their Opening Day Ceremonies at 8:00am on Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Ray Park — the home facility for the league. Included in the ceremonies were recorded music, a live singer and fireworks. The Burlingame Fire Marshal issued a fireworks permit to the League for the show, which featured 44 Comets, 14 Mines and 8 Concussion I -tits. Several neighbors to the Park immediately called the police dispatcher to complain about the noise, while others phoned or emailed the Parks & Recreation Department since then. The emails that were received by the agenda were mailed to the commissioners. Schwartz read portions of two emails that were received after the agenda packets went out. Parks & Recreation Commission 'rhursday, March 21, 2002 — page 2 v Bill Laskey, BGSL President, apologized to the neighbors and stated that Pyro-Spectaculars, the company that conducted the fireworks display, has put on shows at the Olympics and Pac Bell Ballpark among other locations. Laskey also noted that the show, which was held on the blacktop of Lincoln School, had the permission of the Burlingame School District, Lincoln School's Principal, the Burlingame Police Department and Burlingame Fire Department and that an insurance policy was in place to cover the League, the School District and the City. Notices were also distributed to neighbors within a two block radius of the Park, though the notices failed to mention the fireworks because they were intended as a "surprise for the girls". Larios opened the public hearing. Donna Bottarini stated that the ceremony featured Lou Seal (the mascot of the SF Giants) and was fun for the children. She apologized for the inconvenience to the neighbors, but pointed out that the league has accommodated the neighbors in the past few years by not starting games before 10:00 am and cleaning the park before and after games. Natalie Lanom, a grandmother and mother of 6 girls who played softball, opposed the notion that senior citizens object to the program. She stated that Burlingame is a family city and needs to remain so. Jeff Landucci has never seen such a wonderful display in his 40 years, that the girls were ( impressed and that people should be thanking Bill Laskey for his efforts. Linda Breen remarked that Ray Park is not BGSL's choice of facility, the girls are "low man on the totem pole" and the parents are trying to bring the League up. The League would prefer to play their games at Bayside Park, George Keen said that if you move next to a park, you will hear noise. Brian Firenze noted the amount of kids at the Park and that the neighbors only have to put up with the Opening Day event once each year. He stated that if BGSL does not play their games at the Park, drug dealers and vandals will move in. Laskey submitted 12 letters of support for the event from league parents and volunteers. Bill Smith stated that he has four sons involved in baseball and soccer programs and that nothing discussed takes away from the importance or values of youth sports. He is a neighbor of the Park and was awakened at 6:30am to the sound system being tested in the small park. The first explosion occurred shortly after 8:OOam. He questioned the need for the fireworks and stated that the concussion hits are the same type that are used in basic training. The location for the event is wrong, that the Park is not conducive to crowds of approximately 800. The event does not have to be held at 8:OOam and does not have to be held at Ray Park. Many of the girls were crying from fear. According to their statements during the meeting, BGSL thinks that the event was proper and that it is the Commission's task to set limits. The annual Billy Sue Tournament is also too large for Ray Park, with people staying all day to watch the games. Another, larger park is needed for these events. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, March 21, 2002 — page 3 Joanna Tong said that only 10 teams are invited to the Billie Sue Tournament and that the League cleans the park after the tournament is over. George Keen remarked that because Opening Day is a one time event and the Tournament only lasts two days, there are only three days each year of inappropriate activity. Caitlin Breen reported that she is on a 12 & under team, has played for 7 years and that her friends enjoyed the ceremony. Brian Firenze told the Commissioners that the parks are for kids and asked not to take the park away. If Ray Park is no longer allowed to be used for BGSL play, then other parks may not be allowed to be used by other youth sports. Natalie Lanom (in response to a comment from one of the emails) asked the Commissioners not to make decisions based upon realtors. Sandra Pau commented that a home half a block from the Park recently sold for 1.6 million dollars, participation in the program gives the girls confidence and that players from other cities feel that "coming to Ray Park is like coming to the big leagues". Playing softball is asking children to reach their potential. t Laskey stated that the past League presidents have done a great job and that he was trying to turn this into a professional event. The music was not on at 6:30am and, if the League is allowed, the event will be bigger next year. He noted that the League needed to turn away 50 girls this year and that the League will grow next year. Larios closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kahn commended the League, as a former youth sports participant, for the values they teach the children and for being so well organized. She suggested they look to carpooling to lessen the impact of cars and parking on the neighborhood. Commissioner Lawson also commended BGSL for the improvements to the field. She suggested the fireworks be eliminated, that the time of the event is backed up and that Opening Day be moved to a more appropriate location. Commissioner Erickson commended the volunteers and the energy of the League. Fie stated that the issue is not a question about sports, parks or celebration, but is a question of judgement regarding the fireworks and the time issue in enclosed space. The activity was inappropriate for the time it was conducted. Youth Commissioner Martindale agreed that the activity would be better held at Bayside Park later in the day. NO Parlor & Recreation Commission Thursday, March 21, 2002— page 4 v Youth Commissioner Warden said that the League is better now than when she participated in it, but suggested that the Opening Day event be moved to the afternoon on the weekend before games are played. She also noted that the League should have warned the neighbors about the fireworks. Commissioner Muller stated that no one is talking about taking away fields, but that the Opening Day event may need to move to a new location. She also questioned the need of such an elaborate celebration for children so young. Commissioner Minderman noted that he lives within a few homes of the park and had no problem with what happened because of the notification. While the "booms" upset people, they provided a "heck of a good display". Commissioner Heathcote said that this is an up and coming league, with many advancements. The ceremonies are sure to be larger next year with more players. The League should work with the Parks & Recreation Dept. to find a better venue. While nothing was done against the rules, the hour of the event could be moved back — similar to starting the games later. Commissioner Dittman agreed with the comment that the Park existed before the homes, but said that the concussion hits were too much. She asked if the event could be moved to handle the crowds better and to be fair to the neighbors. Larios commented on the prior issues between the League and the residents and noted that there has been a lot of cooperation within the past few years. He stated that no one is against the program and the facility is a much better place to use and to live near, but that if the League is going to get larger, there is a need to move. Larios gave credit to the residents for putting up with the activities and said that this is not a boy/girl issue. He suggested looking for ways to work together, stating that no one is "at fault". The Commission is 100% for kids, but everyone's feelings need to be addressed. Kahn motioned that a policy be developed to cover Opening Day and Special Events of sports leagues at our neighborhood parks. Muller seconded the motion, which passed 7-0-1 (Minderman needed to abstain from voting due to the proximity of his home to the park). Schwartz said that staff will develop a policy, bring it back to the Commission at the April meeting and, after incorporating comments from commissioners, send the policy to the neighbors and BGSL directors for input. The Commission would then be able to finalize the process after having full community involvement. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Recreation Facilities Update. Director Schwartz updated the commissioners on the discussion of a new Community Center at the City Council meeting on U March 4, 2002 meeting. At that meeting, the Council voted to move forward, when funds are available, with Option #3. Option 93 is the one -facility, outside of Washington Park option recommended by both the Commission and the Citizens' Committee. The project has now been Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, March 21, 2002 —page 5 placed in the City's Capital Improvement Project plan and progress will continue in terms of property acquisition, funding and design. Schwartz also reminded the commissioners that they had earlier stated a desire to consider temporary facilities for teen programs and informed them that staff is currently looking into a couple of possible sites. Chairman Larios asked staff to continue searching options and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Heathcote asked about the progress of converting the maintenance area of the Recreation Center into a teen drop -in room. Schwartz reported that the area will be painted and carpeted within the next month and should be ready for summer. Commissioner Minderman noted that a temporary facility could be smaller in size, if need be. Schwartz asked the commissioners to keep their eyes open for possible temporary locations and inform staff of any possibilities. B. _Report on Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Youth Advisory Commissioners Martindale and Warden reported that (1) five bands have been identified for the upcoming teen concert, (2) several YAC members recently attended a Youth Service Conference in Atherton that focused on issues such as conducting meetings, (3) a very successful 7 h/S`" grade dance was held on March 15'h, (4) a "Dive -In Movie" will be held at the Aquatic Center on June Is', and (5) a YAC Feud (quiz show) be held on March 24 s in Foster City. C. Senior Resources Handbook Commissioner Kahn noted that the phone calls to update the Handbook's are nearly done, thanks to the great job done by Martindale and several other students. The calls were also a public relations tool for the Handbook and for distribution sites. Kahn will meet with Schwartz and Commissioner Dittman to create the next edition. D. Trenton Tot Lot Dedication Ceremony Schwartz announced that the Trenton Tot Lot's Dedication Ceremony was held that morning. Approximately 40 people attended the event, including 15 preschoolers, several City officials and Lions Club members. The Lions donated $5,000 towards the renovation of this tot lot, as they have for several other tot lots throughout the City. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments from the public. REPORTS A. Capital Improvement Project Status - Director Schwartz reported the following: 1. Washington Park Ballfield Improvements. The infield grass is in place, the outfield lights are done, the infield lights are being repaired and the new scoreboard (donated by BYBA) will be installed in the next couple of days. The dedication of the renovated facility will be held in late April. ` 2. Ray Park Improvements. The tennis courts resurfacing project is currently out to bid and V the restroom will be replaced after softball season. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, March 21, 2002 — page 6 B. Parks and Recreation Division Report I. See attached. 2. Schwartz presented Commissioner Dittman with a paperweight given by the City Council to the members of the Recreational Facilities Committee in appreciation for the many hours of volunteer service. 3. Schwartz displayed an award presented to the City of Burlingame and Burlingame High School by the California Parks & Recreation Society "for significant contributions to the community" in the year 2001. The award was for the collaborative efforts in the Aquatic Center, the synthetic grass field and the running track projects. 4. Schwartz distributed invitations to each commissioner from Burlingame Youth Baseball Association to attend the Opening Day ceremonies at Bayside Park on Saturday, March 23`a. C. Commissioners 1. Youth Commissioner Warden asked that Washington Park be patrolled more often to ensure safety of those going through the park in the evening hours. (This information will be sent to the Police Department) 2. Commissioner Dittman requested that the 35+ Women's Soccer league shift from 40 minute halves to 30 minute halves. (The other league managers will be polled to determine their wishes) 3. Commissioners Heathcote & Muller stated they will not be able to attend the April Commission meeting. u 4. Chairman Larios stated that dogs are still running off leash at Ray Park and asked that patrols be increased and that signage at the park be checked. 5. Commissioner Kahn asked if the City had been approached by an operator of a "Boot Camp" fitness program and highly recommends the programs. (The Parks & Recreal ion has had discussions with one operator) D. Recreation Division Revenue Report — see attached. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Larios adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ( Randy Schwartz v Director of Parks & Recreation