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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2007.05.17MEETING MINUTES Regular Meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, May 17, 2007 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: Dittman, Muller, Hesselgren, Shanus, Larios, Castner-Paine, Comaroto Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz; Account Clerk III Joleen Butler; Sr. Planner, Maureen Brooks; City Manager, Jim Nantell; Public Works, Engineering, Jane Gomery Others Present: John Cahalan, Los Gatos; Jennifer Pfaff, Burlingame; Diane Condon-Wirgler, Burlingame; Steven Hamilton, Burlingame; Charles Voltz, Burlingame; Tom Paine, Burlingame; Fiona Hamilton, Burlingame; Rosalie McCloud, San Mateo; Terry Nagel, Burlingame, Bobbi Benson, Burlingame MINUTES The Minutes of the April 19, 2007 regular meeting were approved as submitted. PUBLIC COMMENTS — Bobbi Benson inquired as to the plans for the Fragrance Garden in the northeast corner of Washington Park. She said it appears to be taking quite some time to establish the garden and proposed that the area be a Sensory Garden instead. She offered her services in the planning and planting process to get the garden started. NEW BUSINESS (Moved up on the agenda by Chairperson Dittman) A. Centennial Plaza — Public Discussion Schwartz explained to the public the process that led to the decision of a community plaza in front of the train station as the project for the City's Centennial monument. Maureen Brooks stated that the main goals of the project are to: • Create a space designed for public use and events, such as Farmers market or a place for a band to play • Maintain the historic view of the train station from Burlingame Ave • Use the parking lot of weekday commuters & public events on the evenings and weekends Complement the work being done by Caltrain as a part of their platform renovation project Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 2 She explained the process to hire a landscape architect, to help with the planning phase of the project. John Cahalan, who formerly had his office in Burlingame, was chosen for the project. Cahalan presented to the Commission and public his idea to enhance the building with a European -Mediterranean style plaza. Included in the plan is colored concrete banding to designate parking spots and add landscaping. The main entry plaza would retain the current round planter with a new stucco finish to compliment the building. New items must not overpower the historical building or be confused as being part of the original structure. New landscaping would include a decorative iron fence along California Drive and up lighting of the tower and the palm tree. Tom Paine asked if consideration was give to extending to South Lane. Maureen responded that the scope and cost was decided by the committee. Schwartz added that the project dimensions given to Cahalan only included the planter area and the parking lot immediately to the north. Steven Hamilton of the Citizens for a Better Burlingame presented some ideas for inspiration that were created a couple of years ago by a local architect. Steven pointed out that the area around the station was originally designed to be a "Square" as evidenced by the surrounding streets. He felt the area should be multi -use but be a pedestrian priority area where the public and gather and relax. Steven's thoughts are that the plaza or square is our Gift to 2nd &3rd Century Burlingame's residents. Bobbi Benson pointed out that the Caltrain plan will close off South lane to auto traffic. She suggests that parking be eliminated from the plaza and people should use the parking over by the donut shop. The curbs should be eliminated and seating be added. The area should be flattened out to create a place to sit and be available day and night. Trees should be added and the area used for more than just special events. We should be thinking on a bigger scope. Bobbi reminded those present that the station will soon be Burlingame's museum. Jennifer Pfaff suggests that parking be eliminated; however, if it cannot be eliminated then rolling curbs could be installed. Cahalan responded that traffic and pedestrians could be separated with flush parking bollards. She pointed out that the drainage problems need to be dealt with. She suggests there be resting places as opposed to traditional benches. She inquired if the flag pole could be moved from its current spot. She presented a sponsor or donation idea for the plaza — a "Ribbon" of the history of Burlingame. The Ribbon would be flat on the pavement with sections having historical facts about the City of Burlingame and include the sponsor or donors name. This could be a chance to "Buy a moment in Burlingame". Kids and Adults could learn about Burlingame from the "ribbon". She also mentioned that there are three markers around the station that need to be preserved. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 3 Diane Condon-Wirgler feels there must be a safety zone of pedestrians to the cars however, it should not block the view to the station from Burlingame Ave. She would like to see materials used that will stand the test of time and be maintained to insure safety and cleanliness. She also thinks that water for landscaping and electrical inputs are a must. She feels that the entry area should be Phase One on the project instead of the parking area to the north. Schwartz read an email from Jeriann Fleres who could not be at the meeting. She suggested putting in a clock, gazebo or an arbor with speakers. Perhaps some vintage street lights for the evening lighting. Include in the design lots of greenery, ivy, geranium and lavender with running water to feed the planters. Multi colored tiles could be used to mix with the terra cotta tile of the building to add color to the plaza. Jane Gomery, with the City of Burlingame, has been working with Caltrain on the station platform project. She noted that pedestrians will still have access to South Lane and there will be a demarcation line to show where the old roadway was located. Improvements funded by Caltrain is a huge area, however, there is a small strip on the back of the station owned by Caltrain that they will not be improving but they do not mind if the City of Burlingame wants to develop it. Charles Voltz seconded the need to keep the flow of pedestrian traffic open and make the area more attractive and safe for walkers. He does feel that parking areas can be moved but when a "natural" gathering place starts to emerge it should not be ignored but rather developed. Commissioner Castner-Paine does not think the idea of a fence in front of the station would be a good idea if it blocks the view to the station and asked if it could be vegetation instead. She also thinks the trees chosen should not block the view to the station or the view which acts as an invitation to the entrance to Washington Park. She feels that redwood trees would be a good option. She asked why the slope on the entry area needs to be eliminated. Cahalan replied that the slope was too severe to be a plaza slope. He mentioned that the fence would be a small decorative fence and that a vegetation hedge was most defiantly an option. Commissioner Muller mentioned that she could see confusion for residents over the parking if it is unavailable on the weekends after being open all week. She asked Cahalan how he would suggest dealing with this issue. Cahalan replied there could be flush removable poles or banners and awnings to make people aware of the status. Commissioner Larios asked about the issue oil stains from cars on a plaza that doubles as a parking lot during the week. Commissioner Comaroto reiterated the need to keep plaza users safe. Commissioner Hesselgren thought parking could be limited to 10 minutes. She did not like the idea of a town clock as people will constantly be calling for maintenance if the time is off by a minute or two. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 4 Fiona Hamilton stressed the need for trees to sit under and lighting for evening use and safety. Schwartz explained that staff would take feedback from the Commission and the public regarding the presentation that will be taken back to the Centennial Executive Committee in order to have some sort of plan to present to the public at the June 2 Kickoff Parade. The main ideas and concerns from the discussions are as follows: Public Comment SCOPE/PHASING OF PROJECT ❖ Should consider extending the project boundary to include the "kiss and ride" parking area to the south. ❖ Look at the big picture — should be looking to restore the original 'Burlingame Square". ❖ Would like to see the center section considered as Phase One, it is the most prominent. ❖ Should include the sidewalk area on Caltrain property in front of the train station as part of the project, this area is not included in the Caltrain platform project, it is in poor condition, but retain historic markers within this area. ❖ Have very few public spaces available, if we do something nice, it will be a boon to the commercial area as well as to the high school and residents in the area. ❖ Make sure there is a common vision with the Caltrain proposal so it will not look disjointed, should be part of a bigger vision for the area surrounding the train station. PARKING ❖ Should eliminate the existing parking altogether and make it all a plaza, would not need to be curb separation since there would be no parking; would also make the entire space available for activities during the day and night. ❖ Parking could be eliminated, commuters do not park there, should look at current usage and see if it could be eliminated. ❖ If parking is to stay, could have locking, removable parking meters. ❖ Need a transition/safety zone from parking area to prevent cars from hitting the train station building. ❖ Could parking be changed from two-hour to 10 minute for dropping off? SEATING ❖ Need to include permanent places to sit. ❖ Rather not have circular bench, but should include seating, resting places, could use large slabs of granite for seating. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 5 LANDSCAPING ❖ Could plant a seedling from "Tom the Tree". Needs to include something green, growing, small trees. BORDERS AND FENCING ❖ Should keep entire plaza area on one grade, consider using bollards instead of curb and change of grade between parking area and rest of plaza. ❖ Concern that fence will create a barrier between downtown and Washington Park, want to entice people to visit the park. ❖ Need to have some barrier next to roadway to delineate edge of plaza, could use something to separate other than a fence. DRAINAGE AND GRADING ❖ Make sure that in changing the grade and designing drainage that the water will flow away from the train station building, there has been water damage in the past; consider a decorative channel to direct water flow. WATER FEATURE ❖ Like idea of water feature that is flat and has water at specific times. ❖ Like the fountain idea, but concerned with safety, with small children running around it 20 feet from California Drive, would have to be barrier. ❖ Water feature would be high maintenance and an attractive nuisance. ❖ Fountain idea — can be cool but not here, hard to maintain, would be okay if include small, easy to maintain water feature. LIGHTING ❖ Make sure to include enough lighting so plaza is attractive at nighttime. ❖ Could include vintage streetlights. DONOR RECOGNITION ❖ To acknowledge donations, could design a timeline in the pavement, could be a river, marking historic events in Burlingame history, each marker could be engraved with the name of the donor/sponsor, could offer an opportunity for learning history as well as commemorate the centennial. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 6 MATERIALS ❖ Plaza should be multi -color mixed with terra cotta. ❖ Materials used should be durable, should last at least 100 years. ❖ Pavement materials should be easy to maintain, particularly concerned with oil stains from cars in parking area; surface should be texture that will prevent slipping. SAFETY ❖ Safety should be a primary consideration, this area is bordered by two transportation corridors, cars travel faster than 35 mph on California, should be some separation. ❖ This will be a nice gathering place, will attract young people, some features may be an attractive nuisance, need to address OTHER FEATURES ❖ Could place a centennial clock on the side of the train station building. ❖ Concerned with clock idea, would have to be responsible to maintain correct time. ❖ Could include a gazebo where a band could play, or at least a raised area to act as a stage. ❖ It is important to have electrical outlets available, could include an outdoor speaker system built in & Cable TV hookup. ❖ Could include Wi-Fi access. ❖ Concern that the area directly in front of the train station be left open, do not include anything tall in that area. OLD BUSINESS A. Policy for Use of Private Barbeques in Cites Schwartz reviewed the discussion at the last Commission meeting; the points that were agreed upon and that staff was charged with bringing recommendations back to the Commission as to where BBQ's with grills no larger that 24" in diameter could be placed at the City's larger parks. Schwartz stated staff s recommendation that private barbecues with grills no larger than 24" in diameter be allowed in City parks on even, paved areas that still allows at least four feet of paved walking area around the barbecue for those in wheelchairs or strollers. He gave examples of where those areas would be in Village Park, Ray Park, Victoria Park and Cuernavaca Park. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 7 Commissioner Comaroto raised the question of providing or requiring a fire suppression method to be included in the policy. Commissioner Larios agreed with Comorato's concern and suggested that the policy include a recommendation of a fire extinguisher be present when BBQ is used in the park. MOTION by Comaroto (seconded by Larios): Add to BBQ ordinance the recommendation of afire extinguisher be brought with BBQ's due to fire danger. MOTION PASSED 7-0 MOTION by Larios (seconded by Comaroto): Accept staffs recommendation that private barbecues with grills no larger than 24" in diameter be allowed in City parks on even, paved areas that still allows at least four feet of paved walking area around the barbecue for those in wheelchairs or strollers. MOTION PASSED 7-0 B. Arsenic Update Schwartz reported that the Department of Toxic Substances is planning on cleanup at the High School beginning on June 4. Lead cleanup will begin at that time and it will not affect Art in the Park. The arsenic cleanup will begin in the middle to the end of June. Plans for access to the campus by summer camp participants is ongoing and the expectation is the campus will be fully accessible for program use. C. Update on Centennial Celebration Schwartz reported that the Opening Day Parade and Vintage Baseball Game are set for June 2. There are 1,200 to 2,000 participants in the parade with over 85 groups entered to walk. The parade will begin at 9:20 am at Roosevelt Elementary School on Vancouver Ave, move down Broadway, turn right onto California Drive, left onto Floribunda and continue to front of City Hall where there will be staging areas and a Ceremony by City Council. The parade will then continue down Primrose Ave, taking a left onto Burlingame Ave with an announcer introducing the participating groups. The parade will then cross over California Drive and enter Washington Park and proceed to the baseball stadium for the Vintage Base Ball Game. D. Art in the Park Update Schwartz stated that the number of artist booths participants is up this year from last year, however local sponsorship was low and outside sponsors are being sought. Sponsor booths will be intermingled among the artist booths in small clusters. There will be a few food booths with professional restaurants running them and they will donate their proceeds to non-profit organizations. There will be a new Kids Creative Corner with activities and games that will be run by the Youth Advisory Committee. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 8 NEW BUSINESS B. Athletic Field Use Policies Schwartz stated that, because there have been several new group requesting use of the City's athletic fields in the past couple of years, staff has been working with the non- profit leagues to update the Athletic Field Use Policy. He outlined the suggested updates and asked the Commission for feedback on the policy. Commissioner Shanus asked if Mercy High School would fall under the prevue of the policy to be considered a resident user group. Schwartz responded that they would, as tone of the changes recommended is to define residency as anyone who lives or attends an accredited school in Burlingame. Comaroto asked if any of the changes to the policy would negatively affect the current users. Schwartz said that Coyotes Lacrosse may be affected. He said the Parks & Recreation Department tries to find field space for the smaller sports, such as lacrosse, since there are few opportunities to play on the Peninsula. As the sport's popularity in the County increases, the neighboring cities will have teams and the percentage of Burlingame residents in the program will dramatically increase. Comaroto also asked if scheduling was priority based. Schwartz responded it was. Larios said that as we increase their opportunity to grow, they also require more field space and then field space availability goes down. Schwartz agreed and said the City is looking to increase field space by adding an all-weather field at Bayside Park and the backfield at Burlingame High School should be ready in the next year. Larios said we should give priority to "In Season" sports to encourage multi -sport participation. Schwartz also said that the non-profit groups would like to see (1) Validated User Groups be those that operate full programs, not just individual teams and (2) new organizations prove that their sport or offering is different from an existing program. The Commission will review the draft policy and discuss the matter again at next month's meeting. REPORTS/HAND-OUTS A. Monthly Staff Report — see attached B. 2006-07 Monthly Revenue Report — see attached C. Commissioner Reports 1. Commissioner Shanus reported that the concrete slab for the scoreboard that was donated by BYBA & the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) has been laid and is hoping the installation of the board will be complete by June 14. The board is for multi -sport use and has on it the City of Burlingame and the Parks & Recreation Department logos. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes May 17, 2007 — Page 9 2. Commissioner Hesselgren inquired if the Laguna tennis courts were finished being resurfaced. Schwartz reported they were completed earlier in the day. 3. Commissioner Dittman asked about the status of the El Camino Historic Grove trees and Caltrans. Schwartz said he has met with Jennifer of the Historic Arm of Caltrans and they assured us they recognized the trees as a protected grove and that they will be responsible for maintaining them. The City will be following up with Caltrans to ensure the work is on their schedule. 4. Commissioner Castner-Paine asked about the status of the arborist report on the Camphor trees along Burlingame Ave. Schwartz reported that he would check with the arborist and report to the Commission on the matter. (The origin of the decline of the trees at 509 Burlingame Ave is from root damage resulting from sidewalk repairs done three years ago. The decline is not from verticillium wilt. The rest of the trees are scheduled for evaluation to determine the cause of their decline) NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Burlingame City Hall. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:53 pm. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Butler Burlingame Parks & Recreation Account Clerk III