HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2006.11.16MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chairman Dittman at 7:05 pm at Burlingame City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Dittman, Muller, Hesselgren, Shanus, Castner-Paine (left at 7:50 pm),
Comaroto
Commissioners Absent: Larios
Staff Present: Randy Schwartz, Parks & Recreation Director;
Joleen Butler, Account Clerk III;
Victor Voong, Assistant Engineer
Others Present: Sunny Wong, 1840 Sequoia Ave; Sarah O'Connor, 1556 Balboa Ave.;
Marc Friedman, 748 Walnut Ave.; David Whiting Jr. (no address given);
Bobbi Benson, 550 El Camino Real, #103; Bill Smith, 1557 Balboa Ave.;
Joe LaMariana, 1336 Balboa Ave.; Ed & Eleanor Gonzalez, 1560 Balboa
Ave.
MINUTES
The minutes of the October 19, 2006 regular Commission meeting were approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bobbi Benson of Friends of Mills Canyon (FOMC) updated the Commission on the status of the FMOC
organization. Bobbi is the outgoing chairman of the group, which consists of nine board members. The
organization has not obtained non-profit status with the State of California, but will continue to pursue
that avenue and will let the Commission know once it has been received. FMOC offers free hikes the
second Saturday of every month at 10 am at the Adeline entrance to the Canyon. The group has had 59
Burlingame High School students register for the Gateway toVolunteers program. The volunteers are
tackling the ivy in the Canyon that is overgrown. The group has another offer of a donation of a bench
for the Canyon and FMOC will be contacting the Parks Department regarding placement of the bench.
FMOC's goal for 2007 is to remove poison oak from the Canyon. Director Schwartz mentioned that the
Civilian Conservation Corps has worked to put stairs and a retaining wall on the trail around the slide
area that occurred last winter. FEMA has re-imbursed the City for this work.
Charles Voltz spoke about concerns regarding the slow loss of green space in Washington Park over the
past 20 years. He expressed the need to make a plan to keep on top of the replacement plan to insure
green space replacement of the trees lost to time. He hoped that in the upcoming budget money could be
set aside to restore green space with a variety of trees. Chair Dittman asked staff to report on the trees
and green space of Washington Park at the next Commission meeting.
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006 Minutes — page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Burlingame Girls Softball's Use of Ray Park on Sunday Afternoons
Director Schwartz stated that Marc Friedman, Co -President of Burlingame Girls Softball (BGS)
approached staff about the use of Ray Park on Sundays for make-up games. Staff, citing previous
Commission direction on the use of Ray Park, denied the request. Schwartz told Friedman that BGS
would need to appeal the prior decision to the Commission.
Friedman and Joe LaMariana (Co -President) stated that BGS has more that doubled in size over the past
four years and is now over 400 girls, mainly due to the addition of younger age divisions. They also
discussed the impacts of BHS's new school schedule (softball fields not available to BGS on school
days) as the reasons for requesting Ray Park on Sunday afternoons for the makeup of rainout games and
as a fallback for missed practices. The Sunday games would be for the 8 & under and 10 & under age
groups and would be held at 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm. Burlingame Girls Softball's season runs from
March 10-Memorial Day (end of May).
LaMariana stated that rainouts are huge for the 10 & under groups because there is no other field of the
proper size in the City they can use for make -ups. 10-12 age groups can still use BHS field for make-
ups. BGS would like the use of Ray Park as a safety net to schedule rainouts here in Burlingame as the
snack shack is a source of revenue for the group that keeps the cost down for the girls.
There was then discussion of the use of other fields in Burlingame but there are problems with distance
of base pegs and pitching mounds for the younger age groups.
LaMariana mentioned that the popularity of Lacrosse is picking up and that their practices and games
take up space on the same field that could be used for softball practice or games. Friedman stated that
currently the younger age groups are being sent to Millbrae to play rainout games and the parents are
complaining about the games not being played in Burlingame.
Chair Dittman opened the discussion for public comment.
Sally O'Connor, 1556 Balboa Ave., lives across from the diamond and says that the ball hitting the
backstop during practices during the week is very loud and she would not like to allow use of the field
for practice on Sundays also.
Bill Smith, 1557 Balboa Ave., congratulated BGS on their growth, but would like at least one day a
week of relief from the constant use of the park by this group. The biggest impact is the traffic and the
parking of large vehicles in a small neighborhood; that a woman from the league used to help with this
problem. He suggests that space be made available at Cuernavaca Park after 1:00 pm on Sundays if
possible. Staff pointed out that Cuernavaca Park is assigned to Burlingame Youth Baseball Association
on Sundays.
Eleanor Stephens, 1560 Balboa Ave., has not had any problems with traffic and feels the park should be
available for use if at all possible and is in support of BGS using it on Sundays.
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006 Minutes — page 3
Davis Frank, 1540 Balboa Ave., was unable to attend the meeting, however submitted an email that was
distributed and summarized by staff. His email highlights concerns regarded the traffic issues that
impact the area during high park use times and offers possible solutions.
Staff reported that Paul Wetzel, also unable to attend the meeting, phoned the Parks & Recreation
Offices to lodge his opposition to any additional use of the park on Sundays.
Dittman closed the discussion to public comment.
Schwartz said that this may be a one-year problem as BHS' backfield should be available by September
2007 and that a synthetic grass field at Bayside Park has been on the Department's Capital Improvement
Project list for several years. Synthetic grass as Bayside would create two fields to be used for a
combination of soccer, lacrosse, baseball or softball. Schwartz also stated, in reference to Mr. Smith's
comments, that BGS used to have a parking coordinator on their board to lessen the impacts on the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Hesselgren asked if a traffic monitor can be assigned by BGS to work when they use the
park. Freidman stated that the league can add a parking coordinator and added that, as a member of the
school board, he would work towards allowing parking on Lincoln School property on non -school days.
Commissioner Comaroto asked LaMariana what would happen if the Commission did not approve the
league's request. LaMariana stated that the league would not be able to make up the games lost.
Commissioner Shanus pointed out that Ray Park is used on a drop -in basis by other groups including a
Cricket group on Sundays.
In response to a question from Dittman, Schwartz summarized the options available to the Commission:
- Deny the request, acknowledging the impact on the neighbors
- Approve the request by BGS, with limits clearly defined
- Table the item if the Commission needs more information
Shanus stated that every field is scheduled to full capacity. He would be more inclined to approve use of
the field in a pinch but not to schedule it regularly on Sundays. He acknowledged that this is the one
park used for practice and games in Burlingame that is in the middle of a neighborhood.
Hesselgren said she was inclined to vote for approval of the use of the park with a traffic coordinator on
Sundays due to the fact that BHS' schedule has caused problems.
Commissioner Muller felt that the residents had a right to a day off from scheduled practice at the park.
Motion made by Comaroto (seconded by Hesselgren) — "Burlingame Girls Softball is permitted for
a trial period of one year, the use Ray Park diamonds 1 & 2 on Sundays for rain out games only that
cannot be made up at other Burlingame fields. Game times will be at 12, 2 & 4 pm and a traffic
monitor must be present to assist in controlling parking and congestion on Balboa and Devereaux.
BGS is not allowed to conduct practices or use ball machines on Sundays" Motion passed: Yes: 4
No: 0 Abstain: 1 (Dittman), Absent: 2
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006 Minutes — page 4
Preschool Program Refund Request — Sunny Wong
Mr. Wong registered his son for the Learning Links Preschool program sponsored by the Recreation
Department. He claims to have never been notified either written or verbally of the cancellation fee
associated with the program. He stated that the cancellation fee is listed in the Recreation Guide but was
not listed on the flyer with which he learned about the Learning Links program and which led to his
registering his son for the program.
Director Schwartz stated that Karen Hager, the supervisor in charge of the program, had spoken with all
of the registered parents shortly after they completed their registrations. Schwartz stated that the
cancellation fee applies to all preschool classes regardless of where they are held. The cancellation fee
is in place to discourage people from holding spots in the highly popular preschool program and then
backing out at the last minute.
Commissioner Comaroto asked Mr. Wong if he withdrew his child to register him in another program.
Mr. Wong said that his child was not eligible for the program because he was not toilet trained.
Schwartz replied that he offered to keep Mr. Wong's child in the class but Mr. Wong chose to withdraw
his child.
Motion by Muller (seconded by Hesselgren): "The cancellation fee should remain with the
Department and not be refunded to Mr. Wong" Motion passed: Yes: 4 No: 1 (Shanus) Abstain: 0
Absent: 2
Condition of Burlingame Avenue Sidewalks
Victor Voong, Public Works, Engineering Department, reported that he, Butler and Schwartz walked the
area on Burlingame Ave. that was of concern at the last meeting. He noted that the City crews have
done some work to make the sidewalks safer on the block from East Lane to Myrtle Road. He also
presented the following options to improve the condition of the sidewalks between Myrtle Ave. (Lions
Hall parking lot) and the Entrance to the Parks & Recreation Center.
1) The area could be patched to "ramp" the areas lifted by tree roots that are currently a
tripping hazard.
2) The area could be completely re-covered in asphalt with meandering areas away from the
lifted tree root areas, similar to the area from East Lane to Myrtle Ave.
Voong stated that there was no money placed in the City budget to repair public sidewalks. Then the
discussion continued involving alternative surfaces, sidewalks around City Hall, cost for residents and
cost for concrete vs. asphalt. Voong agreed that the work should be done but stated that there was no
funding for the project and suggested the Commission request the funds from Council. The Street
Department repairs sidewalks on a rotational basis. Dittman stated that City facility sidewalks need to
be higher on the priority list to protect pedestrians and lessen the City's liability. Comaroto suggested
adding something to grade the severity of the area on a temporary basis until the scheduled work in
2008.
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006 Minutes — page 5
Motion by Muller (seconded by Hesselgren): "The Commission chair send a letter to Council
requesting funding for this project be moved up to have the work done in 2007."Motion passed: Yes:
5 No: 0 Absent: 2
Commission Rotation
Karen Dittman will be the Chairman for the upcoming year and Carol Muller will be the Vice -Chair.
Status of December 2006 meeting
December Meeting Status. Motion by Hesselgren (seconded by Muller): "No meeting will take place
in December. The next meeting will be January 2007". Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Capital Improvement Projects
Director Schwartz explained that the Bayside Park snack shack is being constructed in Oregon. The
project will not be completed in November as anticipated, due to the need for State approval, but must
be completed per contract by the end of January.
Schwartz also reported that work has begun on the Washington Park Ballfield infield per Council action
at the request of Burlingame Youth Baseball Association.
Art in the Park — Plot Plan
Director Schwartz reported that staff met with the food and beverage vendors — local non-profit
organizations — to discuss sales and placement of booth spaces for the 2007 Faire. Due to the lateness of
the evening, the Commissioners asked to move this item to the January meeting of the Commission.
REPORTS / HAND-OUTS
Staff
See attached.
Commissioners
1. Commissioner Comaroto would like to have future Parks & Recreation Commission
meetings tape recorded. Chair Dittman directed staff to place this item on an upcoming
agenda.
Parks & Recreation Commission
November 16, 2006 Minutes — page 6
2. Commissioner Shanus inquired as to how the Intramural Program run by the Recreation
Department was going at Burlingame Intermediate School. Schwartz reported the program
started two weeks ago and was only taking place on non -rainy days. He would check with
staff regarding the status and report back.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, January
18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Burlingame City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Joleen Butler
Parks & Recreation Account Clerk III
City of Burlingame - Parks & Recreation Dept.
850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010
BiJRLINGAN7E
phone: (650) 558-7300 • fax: (650) 696-7216
recreationgburlin ag me.org
Date: November 14, 2006
To: Parks & Recreation Commissioners
City Council
From: Randy Schwartz
Re: Monthly Report
Parks Division
1. CCC is continuing to work in Mills Canyon building a new trail over slide area
2. Washington Park infield renovation is scheduled to start the week of Nov. 13
3. Tree planting has been completed; crews planted 130 trees in the past 2 months
4. New annuals have been planted at SP circle, City Hall and on Burl Avenue
5. "No Smoking" stickers have been placed on all appropriate Park Signs per the new parks use rule
6. Tree Crew has started '06-'07 grid pruning from Sanchez to Devereaux and ECR to Vancouver
Recreation Division
Preschool
1. Began Learning Links Preschool in partnership with Community Gatepath and Burlingame School
District
2. Playschool Villagers took a field trip to Lunardi's
Youth Programs
3. Began Show Choir at BIS for 6, 7 and 8 graders at the zero period - - winter concert on Dec. 14.
4. Began lunch time intramural program at BIS
5. Completed elementary (6 flag football teams/6 volleyball teams) and intermediate (6 football teams/6
volleyball teams/50 cross country runners) school fall sports.
Adult Programs
6. Shakespeare in the Park — SF Shakespeare Company performed The Comedy of Errors in Washington
Park and approximately 130 people attended.
7. Tennis — Every class for both sessions was held for a total of 84 tennis players.
8. Artists Workshop — A weekly class using nude models for art students to sketch and paint, was full with
14 students.
Senior Citizens Programs
9. Successful trips to Jackson (40 people), Gilroy outlets and dinner (18 people)
10. Drop -in program still averages 25 people each week for the movie and 3 tables for Bridge
11. Bridge Tournament had 40 seniors enter
12. Emeritus speaker "Active for Life, be Healthy be Strong" had 10 people
13. Flu shot (approximately 350 people)
14. Older driver traffic safety seminar had 50-65 seniors attend
Upcoming Events
1. Fall Fashion Frills —senior citizens fashion show —November 29th — 11:30 to 2:OOpm