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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2001.04.19MEETING MINUTES Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, April 19, 2001 The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Ed Larios at 7:03 p.m. in Conference Room A at Burlingame City Hall. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Dittman, Erickson, Heathcote, Larios, and Muller; Youth Commissioners. Martindale and Zhao (arrived late) Commissioners Absent: Lawson and Minderman Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director John Williams, Recreation Superintendent Randy Schwartz Others Present: Michael Bader, 1220 Vancouver, Burlingame, Mike DeMaria, 135 Occidental, Burlingame; Jon Mays, 217 B Street, San Mateo; Craig Nash, 517 Rollins, Burlingame Parks & Recreation Director Williams spoke to the Commission and noted that May 4 would be his last day of work with the City of Burlingame. He reported that City Manager Jim Nantell has appointed Recreation Superintendent Randy Schwartz to serve as Acting Director of Parks & Recreation for several months until a new permanent Director is selected. Schwartz stated that he has selected Recreation Supervisor Lynn Mutto to serve as Acting Recreation Superintendent during his tenure as Acting Director. MINUTES Minutes of the February 15 and March 8, 2001 regular meetings of the Commission were approved, as presented. OLD BUSINESS 1. Report on First Meeting of Youth Center Study Committee. Commissioner Dittman and Chairman Larios reported on the first meeting of the Youth Center Study Committee. The committee met on April 18 to plan the group's work schedule. Both Dittman and Larios reported that the committee's work will be lengthy and slow. 2. Report on Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Youth Advisory Commissioner Martindale reported on YAC activities. The group is working on dances, lock -ins and talent shows for teens. YAC representatives will participate in the upcoming training meetings with representatives of other YAC groups in the area. The Burlingame group will sponsor a booth at Art in the Park in June and will provide barbecue food at Music in the Park in July. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments from the public at this time. NEW BUSINESS Request to Ban Dogs in Children's Play Areas. Director Williams introduced a written request from Marjorie Calwell, 1035 Morrell, Burlingame, asking that dogs be banned from the children's playground at Alpine Park. Commissioners discussed the problem at length. Although all Commissioners appeared to prefer that dog owners keep their pets out of small children's play areas and active sports play areas in general, all were concerned about what options might be available to enforce such restrictions. Chairman Larios suggested asking the Police Department to enforce existing leash laws, now that a City dog exercise park is available. Commissioners agreed to table further discussion of this matter until the May meeting of the Commission. Staff was asked to request that Police Department representatives attend that meeting to discuss enforcement alternatives. Staff Proposal to Reorganize the Senior and Parks & Recreation Commissions. Director Williams reported that he had been directed by the City Council to meet with the Senior and Parks & Recreation Commissions to discuss alternatives in regards to the Senior Commission. Williams and Superintendent Schwartz reported on their meeting with the Senior Commission earlier in the day. Senior Commissioners had agreed that continuing as the Commission is presently constituted would not be productive for the City of Burlingame. Informally, three Senior Commissioners supported reducing the Commission to five members and reducing the regular meeting schedule of that commission to quarterly meetings. Four Senior Commissioners favored the abolition of the Senior Commission and the creation of two "senior" seats on the Parks & Recreation Commission for a trial period until October, 2001. Prior to October, the City Council could decide whether to formally change the Parks & Recreation Commission to a nine member (plus two Youth Advisory Commissioners) body or to not appoint two regular Commissioners at that time when three current Park & Recreation Commissioner terms expire. After discussion on this matter, it was moved by Commissioner Erickson, seconded by Commissioner Heathcote and approved (5-0-2) to invite two members of the Senior Commission to participate with the Parks & Recreation Commission for the next six months. At that time, the Commission will be happy to review Commission operations and make further recommendations regarding the future composition of the Commission. 3. Review of the Current Recreation Center Masterplan. In view of the length of the Commission agenda and the absence of two Commissioners, it was agreed to undertake a minimal review of the current Recreation Center Masterplan. Superintendent Schwartz did a brief overview of the masterplan and noted that, five years ago, the cost estimate to improve the Recreation Center according to this plan was approximately $1 Million. Staff now believes that the present cost of improvements of this magnitude will probably be about $2 Million. Commissioner Heathcote stated that he likes the idea of a single new facility which might handle all community recreation needs. 4. Review and Recommend re Coyote Point Park Skateboard Proposal. Director Williams presented a beginning proposal from the City of San Mateo for a skateboard park to be built in the County's Coyote Point Park. Under the proposed plan, the County would be responsible for providing the land; the City of San Mateo would assume responsibility for designing, constructing, maintaining and operating a skateboard park at this site. Staff has proposed that the cities of Burlingame, Foster City and San Mateo participate in the construction and operation of a skateboard park. Director Williams suggests a 1/5 cost share for Burlingame, a 1/5 share for Foster City and a 3/5 share for San Mateo. A new park is expected to cost $500-600,000 for construction. The Commission previously recommended that $100,000 be placed in the 2001-02 Capital Improvement Project budget as the City of Burlingame's share for this proposal. The City Council will consider the C.I.P. Budget and 5 Year Plan in June. Craig Nash, a Burlingame resident and a student of Burlingame High School, spoke in favor of the proposal to build a skateboard park at the Coyote Point location. As an employee at C.I.T. Sports in Burlingame, he believes that C.I.T. Sports will also be supportive of the project. He noted that transportation will be an issue for young people at the proposed Coyote Point location. He also made some suggestions about the design and operation of a skateboard facility. Nash stated that he believes that such a proposal will attract young people who presently skate at local banks and business places. A park will provide a safe and attractive place for skaters and reduce problems for local businesses and the Burlingame Police Department. Chairman Larios spoke in favor of the skateboard park proposal and Youth Advisory Commissioner Martindale spoke in favor of this project. It was moved by Commissioner Muller, seconded by Commissioner Dittman and approved (5-0-2) to recommend to the City Council that planning proceed on the proposed skateboard park at Coyote Point Park which is presently being considered by the cities of Burlingame, Foster City and San Mateo and by the County of San Mateo. REPORTS Capital Proiect Status. A. Bayside Park. Director Williams reported that all phases of Bayside Park are now in full use by the community. Many good compliments have been received from users of the new dog exercise park and the new ball diamond. A dog exercise park users group is being formed by Recreation Supervisor Karen Hager and it is hoped that the group will provide assistance in the operation and maintenance of the facility. Chairman Larios complimented Director Williams and Superintendent Schwartz on the successful grand opening of the dog exercise park and ballfield on March 24. A good time was had by all. B. Trenton Park. Williams stated that project architect John Cahalan is completing final plans and specifications for the renovation of the Trenton Park tot lot. Construction on the project should begin this coming summer, after the start of the new fiscal year. C. Washington Park Ballfield Improvements. Schwartz indicated that improvements on the ballfield lights, fencing and grass infield should be completed by the start of the high school baseball season in 2002. D. Aquatic Center Parking Lot and High School Athletic Fields. Williams reported that the new parking lot is complete and in use. Several Commissioners noted that the lot is attractive and a good addition to the school and pool. Schwartz noted that he will be meeting with School District staff on April 24 to discuss the question of artificial turf for the high school football field. To date, no official proposal has been received from the District. Staff is concerned that the City's share of the project cost has now escalated. 2. Parks Division Report. Commissioners had received a written report from Parks Superintendent Tim Richmond. Recreation Division Report. Schwartz reported that registration for Summer recreation programs has increased heavily this year. Although much of the program growth has been in aquatics, other programs have also seen strong increases. A new summer kindergarten readiness program, introduced for the first time this month, filled -up in less than three hours. The Summer program brochure will be distributed next week. 4. Commissioner Reports. A. Commissioner Erickson stated that he was very pleased with the dog exercise park and ballfield openings. He is pleased with all the new facilities that have been developed for the community. B. Commissioner Dittman indicated that she also enjoyed the last Bayside park opening . C. Commissioner Muller asked if trees could be planted in the dog exercise park. She also expressed concern about dogs being turned loose to run in the new ballfield. Muller noted that the area near the south entrance to the dog exercise park needed a public restroom facility. Schwartz reported that a new semi -permanent portable toilet has been installed in that area this week. D. Commissioner Heathcote complimented Director Williams on his performance and on his accomplishments as Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Burlingame. E. Youth Advisory Commissioner Martindale asked how lines are marked on the proposed artificial turf. Chairman Larios replied that lines are sewn into the turf when it is manufactured. Different colored lines are used to designate lines for different sports. F. Youth Advisory Commissioner Tong asked about dog safety in the dog exercise park. Schwartz responded that several park users have asked for the development of a small dog area. That is being considered by staff. G. Chairman Larios indicated that he and his dog have been to the dog exercise park 17 times since it opened. Both dog and master enjoy the park very much. Larios stated that he supported the idea of a small dog area. He expressed his concern that some parents seemed to "turn -loose" their small children in the dog exercise park. Small children and dogs need to be supervised at all times in the dog exercise park. He also asked that staff consider the addition of another drinking fountain at the north end of the dog exercise park. Chairman Larios complimented Director Williams on his service to the City of Burlingame as Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Burlingame. Williams, in turn, thanked the Commissioners for their support of the City, of City staff and of himself as Director. He appreciates the fact that the City of Burlingame has been well served by the Parks & Recreation Commission during his tenure in office. He also expressed his thanks for the support of the Parks & Recreation Department staff, under the direction of Superintendents Tim Richmond and Randy Schwartz. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Larios adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, John W. Williams Parks & Recreation Director t