HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2004.12.16MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, December 16, 2004
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Vice -Chairman Heathcote at 7:02 pm at Burlingame City Hall, 501 Primrose Road.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Dittman, Erickson, Heathcote, Kahn, Lawson
Commissioners Absent: Larios, Muller
Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz,
Others Present: Youth Advisory Committee Members: Grant Gilliam, Jake Rouse
Friends of Mills Canyon Members: Viola Larson, Marjorie Taylor
MINUTES
The minutes of the November 18, 2004 Commission meeting were approved as submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
OLD BUSINESS
�-' A. Field Use Policy — Following up on the Field Use Policy from the last Commission
meeting, staff presented a matrix displaying current athletic field use by the various
community organizations. Commissioner Lawson moved to "Adopt the matrix for the
purpose of establishing a baseline of use under the Field Use Policy". The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Kahn and passed unanimously. This matrix will serve as the
baseline to determine the level of use and typical seasons for each of the field users.
B. Pershing Park Playground Rehabilitation — The equipment is being ordered and the project
is still on schedule for spring construction. Vice -Chair Heathcote noted the progress of
San Mateo's Bayside Park construction at their former dump site.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Friends of Mills Canvon Use of Recreation Center — Marjorie Taylor asked the
commissioners for free use of the Recreation Center for meetings of the Friends of Mills
Canyon (FMC). The five members of the FMC Steering Committee meet monthly in the
Recreation Center and pay approximately $18 each month. FMC resents being charged
anything at all and would eventually hope to have the Recreation Division staff take over
the Canyon tours. Marjorie's husband, Ed Taylor, started the trail in Mills Canyon,
working with then -Director John Hoffman. After Mr. Taylor's death, the City named the
trail after him. FMC was formed in the mid-80's and now has approximately 80 members.
They used to meet in Marjorie's home, but now find it easier to meet in the Recreation
Center.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes
December 16, 2004 — page 2
Staff stated that the FMC is a non-profit organization that does a tremendous amount of
work for the Mills Canyon area. FMC is charged a nominal fee for use of the Recreation
Center classrooms; the same fee as is charged to other community non-profit groups — 50%
of the private rental rate. Like many other non-profit groups, FMC makes improvements
to the City facility as well as providing community programs.
The Commissioners discussed the similarities and differences between FMC and other
non -profits and could not find substantial differences. Commissioners Lawson and Kahn
stated that they would seek to find an alternate location for the meeting, at a site that would
not charge the group. Mrs. Taylor stated that was fine if they looked, but the group would
prefer to pay the money than meet in a different location.
YAC representatives Gilliam and Rouse said that they would bring this item back to the
YAC for discussion, in hopes of having the YAC underwrite the cost of the meeting rooms
for the FMC. The YAC representatives will report back to the Commission at their next
meeting.
B. Commissioner's Trainings — Schwartz mentioned several Commission training
opportunities available to Parks & Recreation Commissioners and asked for feedback from
the Commissioners. The four training opportunities are:
California Association of Parks & Recreation Commissioners and Board Members
California Parks & Recreation Society's annual conference
City of Burlingame Commissioner's training
Local Parks & Recreation Commissioner training
The Commissioners stated a preference to meet with other Burlingame commissioners in a
training session. Staff will pass this information on to the City Manager's office.
Commissioner Kahn also suggested that this training session may take the place of the
annual Commissioner's Dinner.
REPORTS
A. YAC Representatives Gilliam and Rouse reported they spoke with Burlingame High
School Principal Matt Biggar about the drug prevention program discussed at last month's
meeting. The High School will include a drug prevention component in their upcoming
Student Impact Team seminar. The seminar will include guest speakers and will focus on
ways to relieve stress and the effects of drugs on the body. Staff will work with
representatives from Burlingame Intermediate School to determine if a similar program
can be conducted at the middle school. Gilliam suggested the program be comprised of
small group discussions to allow interaction with the speaker and to ensure students paying
attention. Commissioner Erickson complimented YAC on working on important social
projects and not just focusing on providing recreational activities.
_`N
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes
December 16, 2004 —page 3
Rouse also reported on several YAC activities: a canned food drive in conjunction with
their next 7t'/8t' grade dance, a recent paint ball trip was very successful, an upcoming ski
trip, visit to a retirement home, Parent's Night Out, and service at a homeless shelter.
B. Vice -Chair Heathcote stated he is unhappy with the level of quality of the sycamore
pruning and asked if there is any progress on plans to build a new Community Center.
C. Commissioner Lawson asked about the stop light at El Camino Real and Adeline. Staff
said that intersection is controlled by Caltrans.
D. Commissioner Kahn stated that she is moving to Sonoma in January and will be leaving
the Commission. She said that being on City commissions was one of her favorite parts of
living in Burlingame.
E. Commissioner Dittman asked about the progress of the effort to form a Parks Joint Powers
Authority in San Mateo County and suggested downsizing next year's annual
Commissioner's Dinner due to budget reductions.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2005 at
7:00 p.m. at Burlingame City Hall.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Randy Schwartz
Director of Parks & Recreation