HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2008.02.21MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chairman Dittman at 7:00 pm at Burlingame City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Hesselgren, Shanus, Castner-Paine (arrived at 7:05pm), Comaroto,
Carlton, La Mariana (left at 8:07pm), Fisher
Commissioners Absent:
Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz,
Account Clerk Butler
Others Present: John Kevranian, 1241 Broadway
Julia Bott, San Mateo Co. Parks Foundation
MINUTES - The Minutes of the December 2, 2007 special meeting were approved as amended
(typo on second page, 7' bullet "us of carbon fiber" should be "use") and January 17, 2008
regular meeting were approved as submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS —None
NEW BUSINESS
A. Resident Rate for Local Merchants — (This item moved up on the agenda by
Chairperson Hesselgren to accommodate the public present to discuss the issue)
Commissioner Shanus proposed the question of making a provision of a local
merchant rate equal to the Burlingame resident rate for classes to the Commission
for discussion. Shanus reported that a citizen had approached him regarding
Burlingame merchants receiving the resident rate on Recreation classes.
Hesselgren asked for confirmation and Director Schwartz confirmed that non-
residents pay 15%-20% more than residents. Hesselgren noted that you would
have to define/clarify if the rate applies to property owners and or business
owners along with merchants. Shanus suggested that perhaps when a business
pays the $100 business license, they receive a chip or card to receive the resident
rate when registering.
After some discussion, the Commission asked staff if the classes typically fill up
and if this would have any revenue impact. Schwartz stated the most of the
classes still have availability. He also said that such a fee could either reduce
revenues by eliminating the extra payments from non-residents or generate more
revenues by increasing registration.
Parks & Recreation Commission
February 21, 2008 Minutes — page 2
Commissioner La Mariana suggested that the original survey be developed more
to see how other cities monitor similar programs. Filling up programs that would
otherwise not fill is a possibility. It is also important to keep in mind the
Commission's duty to create clear policies for staff to follow.
Hesselgren then opened the discussion to the public. John Kevranian, owner of
Nuts for Candy, has owned a business with his family in Burlingame for 28 years.
His children go to Burlingame schools; however, they live in another city. His
kids participate in recreation programs and he feels the merchant rate would be an
incentive to attract new businesses. He also suggested the rate be applicable to
the business site address. He feels this benefit would attract more businesses to
the City of Burlingame and increase revenue.
La Mariana agreed this incentive would attract businesses and thank them for
doing business in the City.
Hesselgren felt there was more information needed before making a decision,
such as a distinction between property owner, business owner, realtor,
salespersons that are registered as a business in Burlingame.
Schwartz suggested that at sub -committee be formed to fully explore these areas.
La Mariana, Shanus and Hesselgren volunteered for the committee.
Commissioner Fisher suggested the committee use the following criteria:
a) easily verifiable criteria; b) set employee limit registered as a corporation;
c) narrow definition; and d) fair process.
C. Bayside Sewer Laterals — (This item moved up on the agenda to allow input from
Commissioner La Mariana before he had to leave)
Commissioner Comaroto expressed concern over the sewer back up that occurred
at Bayside Park in June of 2007. He would like to ensure that the back up does
not happen again. He mentioned that staff's response to his inquiries was
excellent.
Hesselgren stated that it was her understanding that construction debris caused the
backup and asked staff if it has happened since. Schwartz confirmed that a chunk
of concrete from the restroom/snack shack project and other debris was found in
the line when it was cleared out. He also said that, even though the park was used
through November, there were no other incidents of sewer backups. Hesselgren
stated that in an area with so many kids she was surprised that is does not happen
more often.
Parks & Recreation Commission
February 21, 2008 Minutes — page 3
Comaroto said he wanted to ensure that the sewage lateral system be safe so there
is no backup. Commissioner Castner-Paine felt that if no backup has occurred
since June of 2007, then perhaps this is a non -issue. La Mariana reported that he
had gone to the park and checked out the area and asked Comaroto if he was
concerned about the 4x4 drain or the manhole near the snack shack. Comaroto
confirmed the area of concern to be the manhole. La Mariana mentioned that a
similar situation occurred during a tournament at Ray Park and was told by the
Department of Public Works to alert them before a tournament and they will clear
out the line prior to the event each year. Castner-Paine suggested the same be
done at Bayside Park. Schwartz stated that it has already been place on the
calendar for next May.
Hesselgren said that she read the email that Comaroto asked Schwartz to send to
all the Commissioners before the meeting and asked staff for clarification of the
repairs costing $10,000. Schwartz stated that he gave Comaroto that figure in
response to a question from Comaroto. The figure refers to the cost of replacing
an older sewer line that connects to the new line of the restroom snack shack.
Because of the cost, Schwartz recommended that we just try the clear outs first
and see if there are any additional incidents of backup. Comaroto told Schwartz
that he would continue this discussion with him the next day.
D. Park for the Future — (This item moved up on the agenda to accommodate the
representative from San Mateo County Parks Foundation)
San Mateo County Parks Foundation representative, Julia Bott, presented the
Parks for the Future measure. The measure involves a 1/8 cent sales tax for 25
years to go to local parks. The funds would be for the use of Parks & Recreation
only. A two-thirds majority vote is needed for the measure to pass. Ms. Bott
asked the Commission to spread the word to constituents regarding the upcoming
vote and handed out informational packets regarding the measure.
MOTION by Comaroto (seconded by Castner-Paine): To recommend Council
support the Parks for the Future initiative. MOTIONPASSED 6-0.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Arsenic Update — Director Schwartz stated that progress is continuing on the
backfield project at Burlingame High School, but the anticipated opening date for
the new synthetic grass field is now June 1 st.
B. Tennis Court Fees — Hesselgren reported that for league tennis captains, it is
easier to allocate the cost to players if there is a set fee per season. San Mateo
offers a flat fee of $300 per team. Therefore, it has been her recent experience
that most league teams, with 90% Burlingame residents, opt to play in San Mateo
as Burlingame does not currently offer a set season league fee.
Parks & Recreation Commission
February 21, 2008 Minutes — page 4
Schwartz stated that Burlingame does have a few teams renting courts in the
morning and keeps the courts free for drop -in play the rest of the time. He also
distributed a survey of fees charged to tennis teams in neighboring cities. The
survey showed that San Mateo is the only city that charges a flat fee; while the
others all charge hourly rates, similar in price to Burlingame.
Hesselgren suggested the idea of simplifying Burlingame's fee structure for
league play and to allow the rental of the Burlingame High School tennis courts
on Sunday afternoons, when there are typically very few people using the courts,
to attract teams back to the area.
MOTION by Fisher (seconded by Castner-Paine): To open Burlingame High
School tennis courts on Sunday afternoons to team league rentals. MOTION
PASSED 6-0.
MOTION by Fisher (seconded by Carlton): To add a flat rate of $275 for team
tennis leagues and to maintain the fee structure as it stands for one -day rentals.
MOTION PASSED 6-0.
C. Art in the Park — Commissioner Carlton, the Commission's sponsorship advisor
for Art in the Park, reported that she has not been contacted by staff regarding
meeting times for updates.
NEW BUSINESS
B. 10% Surcharge for Burlingame School District — Schwartz reported that the total
due to Burlingame School District for the 10% surcharge on fall 2007 classes on
District Campuses is $10,767.00. (See attached report)
D. Preschool Rates - Shanus raised the issue of whether we are competitive with our
preschool rates. Shanus took an informal survey of local pre-schools, which
showed that our rates are on the lower end of the spectrum. Shanus opened the
discussion if a 10% increase in fees should be considered for the future. Fisher
speculated as to the effect that an increase in fees would have on the annual
fundraiser for the school. Staff will consider Commission's input for future rate
increases.
F. Overview of Parks Amenities — This item was moved to the March agenda.
Parks & Recreation Commission
February 21, 2008 Minutes — page 5
REPORTS/HANDOUTS
A. Staff Reports
1. Monthly Report — In addition to the attached report, staff reported that the
County Health Department recently inspected the large pool at
Burlingame High School and highly rated the condition of the facility and
the maintenance practices.
2. 2007-08 Revenue Report — attached
B. Commissioners
1. Linda Carlton reported to that the Playground Committee has met three
times and will meet at the Park in March. The discussion will be
regarding a theme for the new play area.
2. Chair Hesselgren reported that she and Commissioner Fisher would
represent the Parks & Recreation Commission on the City's Walk of Fame
committee.
3. Shanus asked when the fencing at Bayside Park diamond #1 would be
replaced. Schwartz responded that the project is scheduled to begin on
June 24th
4. Shanus also inquired about the replacement backstop at Ray Park that is
being replaced by Burlingame Girls Softball and asked staff to remind the
league to add padding as discussed.
5. Shanus told the Commissioners about the after school sports programs at
Burlingame Intermediate School and asked them to contact him if they are
willing to get involved as evaluators in future years. Comaroto and Fisher
told Shanus they were interested in helping with the project.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday, March 20,
2008 at 7:OOpm in Conference Room "A" of Burlingame City Hall, 501 Primrose Road.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
9:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Joleen Butler
Account Clerk III