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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, ``���`�` ;,�( sue` I' � c�---_,�_�_,t.•--..�-�� Randy Schwartz Director of Parks & Recreation