HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2001.08.23MEETING MINUTES
Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, August 23, 2001
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chairman Ed Larios at 7:06 p.m. in Conference Room "A" at Burlingame City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Dittman, Erickson, Heathcote, Kahn, Larios, Lawson, Minderman
and Muller; Youth Commissioners Martindale and Warden
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Acting Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz
Others Present: Dan Anderson, 728 Vernon Way, Burlingame; Brian Firenze,
1240 Oak Grove, Burlingame; Peter Koras, 2741 Summit Drive,
Burlingame; Bill Laskey, 1252 Drake, Burlingame; Jon Mays, San
Mateo Daily Journal; Charles Voltz, Burlingame, Diana Warden,
Burlingame.
Chairman Larios congratulated Warden on her appointment as a Youth Commissioner.
MINUTES
Minutes of the June 21, 2001 regular meetings of the Commission were approved as submitted.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Teen Center Study Committee. Commissioner Dittman reported that the Teen
Recreational Facilities Committee reached consensus on a plan for new recreational facilities and
that the plan will be presented to the Commission at the next meeting. She outlined the plan
which calls for a 24,000 sf facility to be constructed at the southwest corner of Washington Park,
the purchase of properties next to the Park for activity areas and parking, the restoration of the
Recreation Center site back into parkland, the relocation of two tennis courts to the Parks
Corporation Yard and the construction of a new Parks Corporation Yard north of Broadway.
Dittman also stated that each of the committee members agreed to represent their constituencies
and to back the agreement.
After discussion, the commissioners agreed to the following timeline:
❑ September 20t' meeting — receive report from committee co-chairs
❑ October 18t' meeting — architects present, public hearing, commissioners can ask
questions of the committee and/or architects.
❑ Novermber 15`h meeting — architects present to answer any questions that may have
required field study, public hearing
Chairman Larios stated his hopes that by the November or December meetings the
commissioners would be able to make a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner
Heathcote said that there is no need to rush the process and should take the time necessary to
make their best recommendation. Staff reported that the co-chairs, facilitator, staff and City
Manager will be meeting to discuss the format of the presentation to the Commission.
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Thursday, August 23, 2001 - page 2
B. Report on Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Youth Advisory Commissioner
Martindale reported that the YAC has not had a meeting over the summer, but will have a
training session on September 5t'. He also stated that the YAC will be hosting a new basketball
tournament this year, that the YAC will play an important role in the revised Youth in
Government Day event and that the YAC sold hamburgers and hot dogs at the Music in the Park
concerts.
C. Dog Exercise Park. Acting Director Schwartz reported that "Dog Adoption Day" is
scheduled for the Dog Exercise Park on September 22, 2001. The event is being co -sponsored
by the Parks and Recreation Department, the Peninsula Humane Society and Bad Rap.
Following the event, signs will be posted at the City's neighborhood parks informing or
reminding dog owners that the Dog Exercise Park is the only public place in Burlingame where
dogs are permitted off leash. The Police Department will then conduct sweeps through the
neighborhood parks giving warnings or citations to violators of the City's leash laws.
Dittman stated that many dog owners bring to the Park small children who get in the way of
running dogs. The commissioners discussed the purpose of the Park, the priority of use for dogs
vs. children, liability issues and the condition of the grass area. Ideas discussed to publicize the
message that dogs may be off leash at the Dog Exercise Park included public service
announcements on channel 27 and the assistance of the YAC. Staff suggested a meeting
between a sub -committee of the Commission, the dog park users and staff to establish rules for
�. the facility. Such a meeting will be held at the end of the year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dan Anderson thanked Chairman Larios and the members of the Teen Recreational Facilities
Committee for their hard work and commented that he was very pleased with the plan the
committee agreed upon. Anderson said that he hopes that the integrity of their plan will not be
lost as it goes through the process.
Bill Laskey, President of the Burlingame Girls Softball League, informed the commissioners of
some improvements the League would like to make at Ray Park prior to next year's season.
These include the installation of two scoreboards, painting of the snack shack and the leveling of
the field. Laskey noted that the Burlingame Girls program is very competitive on a regional
basis and deserved equal consideration to the boys baseball program. Staff distributed a letter
from Laskey that was received too late to be placed on the agenda and suggested placing the item
on next month's agenda. Larios asked staff to give notice to the Ray Park neighbors that the
suggested items would be discussed at the September meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Acting Director Schwartz presented a letter to the commissioners from George Canon, 1545
Howard Avenue, Burlingame. The Canons, neighbors of Pershing Park, have had numerous
tennis balls, golf balls, baseballs, etc. flying over the fence into their yard. Chairman Larios
asked staff to agendize the item for the next meeting so the commissioners can discuss possible
regulations for Pershing Park.
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Thursday, August 23, 2001 - page 3
REPORTS
A. Capital Improvement Project Status
1. Trenton Tot Lot. Acting Director Schwartz reported that the low bid will go before City
Council at the next meeting for approval. Construction should begin by the end of
September.
2. Washington Park Ballfield Improvements. Schwartz reported that the project's
architect has submitted 90% plans and specs for review by staff, Burlingame High
School's baseball coach and the coaches of the Burlingame Youth Baseball Association.
It is anticipated that work at the facility will begin during the second week of October.
3. Burlingame High School's Athletic Field. Chairman Larios reported that the gravel
layer on the new field is in place, the track facilities are now in place and the field will
begin to be laid within the next week. Construction should be complete in time for the
opening day of AYSO (Sept. 8th) and the first BHS football game (Sept. 14t`).
4. Proposed Skateparks in Millbrae & Coyote Point. Neither the City of Millbrae nor
the City of San Mateo has contacted staff with an update to either project since the last
Commission meeting.
B. Parks Division Report — see attached.
C. Recreation Division Report — see attached.
D. Commissioners
1. Commissioner Dittman asked staff to add some lines to the basketball
courts at Ray Park.
2. Dittman also noted that her term, as well as that of other commissioners
expires in October and that she is interested in remaining on the
Commission. Staff outlined the reappointment process and suggested that
Dittman contact the City Manager's Office.
3. Commissioner Muller asked staff if the grass at Bayside Park # 1 could be
cut more often for the softball players. Staff will investigate the
possibilities.
4. Commissioner Kahn asked if the Commission would be producing future
editions of the Senior Resources Handbook, originated by the Senior
Commission. Staff suggested that the item be agendized in September for
discussion by the commissioners.
5. Commissioner Lawson asked about the condition of the flooring in the
locker rooms at the Burlingame Aquatic Center. Staff reported that the
District's facility construction company is considering some alternatives
for the flooring.
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Thursday, August 23, 2001 - page 4
6. Commissioner Heathcote reported that he attended three of this season's
Music in the Park concerts and complimented the performance quality, the
YAC's barbecue and the Burlingame Art Society's show.
7. Commissioner Erickson asked about the attendance and revenue levels of
the Burlingame Golf Center. Staff reported the revenue, while currently
breaking even, is not yet up to the levels desired by City staff. Staff and
the Center's operator are working on marketing methods, including new
signage for the facility. Commissioner Kahn asked if anything can be
done to reduce the impact of the lights on the City's residents. Staff
responded that the electrical engineer is currently examining some lighting
possibilities.
8. Chairman Larios introduced Teen Recreational Facilities Co -Chair,
Charles Voltz, to the commissioners. Larios complimented Voltz, stating
that it was his research and information that allowed the Committee to
reach consensus.
9. Larios noted the increase in recreation programs offered this summer and
complimented staff on the quantity and quality of the programs.
HANDOUTS
❑ Friends of Mills Canyon Newsletter
❑ June and July 2001 Recreation Collection Report
❑ Memo from staff regarding types of programs offered by the Recreation Division for senior
citizens
❑ Recreation Division's Senior Discount Report from the Spring 2001 semester
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday,
September 20, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Chairman Larios adjourned the
meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Randy Schwartz
Acting Parks & Recreation Director