HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2003.03.20im
MEETING MINUTES
Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, March 20, 2003
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chairman Ed Larios at 7:04 p.m. in Conference Room "A" at Burlingame City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Erickson, Heathcote, Larios, Lawson, Minderman, Muller;
Youth Commissioners: Warden
Commissioners Absent: Dittman, Kahn, Webb
Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz
MINUTES
Minutes of the Commission's February 20, 2003 regular meeting were approved as submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Temporary Teen Center Update — Director Schwartz informed the commissioners that the
City Council, upon recommendation from staff and the Teen Center Fundraising
Committee, recently approved the following: (1) Exercise the early termination clause in
the lease for 783 California Drive; (2) Allow the fundraising effort to continue and, (3)
The potential for the Committee to approach Council in the near future with the funds to
operate a Teen Center. This change in approach will allow the Committee to pursue
avenues not available on a short-term fundraising effort; such as grants, corporate
sponsors or major special events.
Commissioner Heathcote, Fundraising Committee Chair, who spoke before the Council,
told the Commission of the feedback from that meeting, his pledge of $500 and his
request for Council members to also donate. He then handed staff $500 checks from
himself and Councilmember Janney. Heathcote added that the committee would like
more Commission support and support from YAC. Schwartz suggested that the Millbrae
YAC also be involved in soliciting commercial donations.
Commissioner Larios stated that in a very short time frame, the campaign has come to an
ideal spot and has helped to show the community's interest in establishing a teen center.
He added that the committee is now in a better place with more inertia.
Commissioner Erickson reported that he is looking into a 'Jazz by the Bay' fundraising
event. He has contacted KCSM radio and received preliminary support. Erickson stated
that the committee really needs to develop a critical mass of projects and people; that,
sponsoring a jazz event would need a steering committee of 5 - 6 people in order to
recruit volunteers, determine logistics, solicit corporate sponsors, and organize event
details (merchandise, food, etc.). He stated that this could be an annual event and the
main fundraising event for the teen center. Commissioner Larios added that an
organizational chart would need to be developed to identify key community members
who could assist with the event. Erickson also mentioned the possibility for 'Jazz by the
Bay' to become the Convention and Visitors Bureau's showcase event. The committee
will further discuss sponsoring this jazz event at a meeting on April 3rd, 7:OOpm, at the
Recreation Center.
Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, March 20, 2003 — page 2
The Commission further discussed the teen center and future plans. Heathcote suggested
they seek support from BGSL and the Council. Commissioner Muller noted that a Jazz
Club is going to be established on California Drive in the facility that formerly housed
Route 66. Larios suggested a 'Sock Hop' event for the Little -Big Game weekend and said
he will work on some details for that event. Commissioner Minderman urged the
Commission that they should get on with the teen center or bury the idea. Following the
discussion, Larios requested staff to send a letter of appreciation to the owners of the
property at 783 California Drive acknowledging their support of the project and their
willingness to work with the City.
B. Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Report - Youth Advisory Commissioner Warden
reported that YAC members will participate in the YAC Attack on April 12th, the
February 28th all -City dance made a profit of $1,200, and the members were appreciative
of the decision to include non -voting members to the Committee. Warden concluded that
despite their disappointment that the temporary Teen Center was unable to open, the
committee members agreed that the proposed strategy is the best approach.
C. Senior Resources Handbook — Item was tabled until the April 17th Commission meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS -�
There were no comments from the public.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Parks and Recreation Prow -ram Reductions — Director Schwartz updated the
commissioners on the status of the City's financial situation and the current budget status
of the Parks & Recreation Department. Schwartz distributed information on the impacts
of the budget reductions, including new revenues and reductions in spending. Fees have
been increased for facility rentals, services and the representatives of the community's
youth sports leagues agreed to a surcharge of $5 per player per league until the City's
financial difficulties are resolved.
With the loss of six Department employees, parks maintenance will be reduced and
several recreation programs will no longer be offered. Park's staff hours will be spent
primarily on safety issues, legislated regulations, and program facilities. Among the
recreation programs affected by the budget cuts will be contract classes, special events,
sports leagues, and youth programs. For several programs, such as the annual tree
lighting ceremony and Art in the Park, outside vendors will be sought to operate the event
and save staff time.
The Commissioners also agreed with the idea of selling beer and wine at Art in the Park.
Commissioner Larios suggested increasing the facility rental rates even more, based upon
the high quality of Burlingame's fields. He also suggested staff establishing an incentive
program to attract repeat renters of the facilities.
Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, March 20, 2003 — page 3
REPORTS
A. Parks & Recreation Department Report - See attached.
B. Commissioners
1. Commissioner Minderman reported that opening day for softball at Ray Park
went very well, but more portable toilets would have been helpful while the Park
restroom is being renovated.
2. Commissioner Heathcote asked about the status of the Burlingame Golf Center.
Schwartz stated that the facility is slated for closure in July, but the operator has
expressed interest in modifying the current lease to keep the facility open. The
commission then discussed the Center's operation.
C. Revenue Report - See attached.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday, April 17,
2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Burlingame City Hall.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Randy Schwartz
Director of Parks & Recreation