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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2001.09.20MEETING MINUTES Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Ed Larios at 7:05 p.m. in Conference Room "A" at Burlingame City Hall. Burlingame Police Commander, Jack Van Etten, led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Erickson, Heathcote, Kahn, Larios, Lawson and Minderman; Youth Commissioners Martindale and Warden Commissioners Absent: Dittman, Muller Staff Present: Acting Parks & Recreation Director Schwartz MINUTES Minutes of the August 23, 2001 regular meeting of the Commission were approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS A. Teen Center Study Committee. Commissioner Heathcote noted that the Teen Recreational Facilities Committee co-chairs, Ed Larios and Charles Voltz, would be presenting the final report to the Commission. He also noted that while the public could make comments at the end of the presentation, the Commission's meetings in October and November would include public hearings on the matter. Larios introduced the members of the Committee who were present at the meeting, before outlining the process and structure of the committee. Larios noted the passion and commitment each member brought to the group and the ability of all to come to a conclusion for the common good. Voltz thanked the members of the committee for their efforts and stated that the recent events in New York show us that as a community we need to work together. Voltz then outlined the report that was distributed to the Commissioners just prior to the meeting. This outline included: ■ History of the project, starting with a Burlingame Together conference and coming back to Burlingame Together. ■ Charge given by the City Manager to the Committee. ■ The recommendation's five interrelated components: (1) new recreational facility at the site of the western two tennis courts at Washington Park; (2) acquisition of 270 East Lane for recreational classes and offices; (3) relocation of the two tennis courts to the current site of the City's Parks Yard; (4) acquisition of four properties across from the park on Burlingame Avenue for parking; (5) restoration of the current Recreation Center site to open green space. ■ The criteria used by the Committee to establish a recommendation, including transportation, parking, traffic, safety, preservation of historic sites, preservation of green space, proximity to other teen activities and schools, teen ownership, financial cost, operations of facility (single vs. split facility), synergy with other Washington Park and Burlingame High School activities, City ownership vs. acquisition of land, replacement cost and opportunity cost, impact on neighbors, matching recreational needs of community with space available and teen access to facility. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 2 ■ The progress report made to the City Council on June 13, 2001. Summary of Recreational Facilities Options and Their Elements used by the Committee at their meeting in August showing the various options considered. ■ Other items discussed by the Committee. Voltz stated that the report may not be the perfect solution, but asked that anyone who criticizes the report take on the challenge the Committee took on; develop a solution that reflects the various interests on the community. Larios recognized Betsy Vegso from the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and City Manager, Jim Nantell. He also noted the varied interests of the Committee members, that the process should serve as a model for people to solve community problems and that City government can bring out the best in people when people bring the best they can. The complete report can be viewed at http://www.burlingame.org/p_r/facility/facilities.htm or by clicking the Recreation Facilities button on the Parks & Recreation Department page of the City's website at www.burlin ag me.org. Copies of the report will also be available at the Recreation Center. The architects will be available for questions, answers and comments at the October and November meetings. Heathcote invited members of the public to speak before the Commission. ■ Dan Anderson, 728 Vernon Way, applauded the work by the Committee and said that the cost of the dual facility are in line with prior discussions, the plan gives a better utilization of space, preservation of Washington Park, supporting the teen's needs. He said that the proposal should go forth with an open attitude and that the options shown in February were met with negative comments. Anderson stated that he does not want, and will not accept without a fight, a huge recreation center in Washington Park; that his goal in life is to stop that. ■ Bill Fisher, 330 Primrose, asked what the problem is that we are trying to solve for $20 million and what usage would we get for that $20 million. He also asked what would happen to the present Recreation Center and the classes that currently take place in the facility. ■ Dr. Connie Striefinger, stated that having additional green space next to her home adjacent to the Park would be appreciated, but still has concerns that a teen center may not be helpful to teenagers because violent videos and television is not helpful to teenagers. She also stated that the issue of helping the senior citizens is a critical factor in the proposal. ■ Russ Cohen, 605 Lexington Way, thanked other citizens of the public for attending each of the Committee's meetings and City Manager, Jim Nantell, for recognizing the public's interests in the project and bringing those interests to the Committee. He asked staff to have lots of copies of the report available for the public. • Jennifer Pfaff, 615 Bayswater, spoke on behalf on a tennis player, Bill Sharer, 740 Crossway, who opposes the project except for the expense of remodeling the Recreation Center and asked not to disturb the tennis courts because the tennis leagues use all four courts. Sharer would like all residents to be able to vote on any change to Washington Park. Pfaff thanked the Commissioners for their work on the project. She said that this is a move in the right direction, but has concerns over the cost and parking issues. Pfaff added that, as a child, she took piano and painting classes through the Recreation Center at Washington School. She would like to update the current building, add a gym or other facilities to the current site, purchase the Route 66 building and does not think teens would use the facility. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 3 B. Improvements to Ray Park Acting Director Schwartz stated staff was approached by the Burlingame Girls Softball League to make improvements at Ray Park. Because of the large number of capital improvement projects currently on the Department's list, staff does not recommend using City funds for this project, but the League has agreed to handle the costs of any approved improvements. These improvements include adding some scoreboards to the facility, leveling the outfield, paint the snack shack and restrooms, and add a batting cage to the property. Also, presented to the Commissioners was a letter from Ann and Paul Wallach, 1524 Balboa Way, opposing the changes. Bill Laskey, President of the League, spoke about each of the improvements and stated that all of the improvements would be privately financed and approved by the Parks & Recreation Department. He told the commissioners that the League is pulling their request to put a batting cage on site and would be reducing the size of the infield on diamond # 1. The League will be working with architects to develop some plans. Youth Commissioner Warden asked to hear from one of the players. Katie Cory, who has played in the League for approximately 4 years, stated the scoreboards would help confusion for the players and improve the look of the field. Commissioner Lawson asked about the size of the scoreboards and if advertising would be placed on the scoreboards. Laskey responded that these boards would be similar in size to those at Bayside Park and would be angled away from the residences. Schwartz `- stated that permanent advertising would not be allowed, but that signage during games would be permitted, as it is for other similar programs. Schwartz also stated staff's objection to the proposed batting cages, due to the noise impact on the neighbors, but that the other improvements seem reasonable. Schwartz discussed the possibility of moving the Ray Park Restroom remodeling project from next year to this year on the Capital Improvement List. That would be done by putting all of the funding for Pershing Park's improvements in the 2002-03 budget instead of splitting the project over the next two years. Larios asked about the size of the program. Laskey stated that last year the League had 240 girls playing, but that the number would increase next year with the addition of a new division for five and six year olds. Larios complimented the program, commented on the benefits of the program for the girls and asked staff s opinion of the proposal. Schwartz stated that the scoreboards would have low impact on the neighbors and would have a benefit to the games; the field leveling is acceptable, though not necessary; the restrooms need to be done for ADA purposes; and that staff s only objection would have been the batting cages. Commissioner Minderman pointed out that these improvements should not interfere with the current use of the facility by the flag football program. Schwartz assured the commissioners that these changes would not affect the current uses of either the 4t'/51' `.- grade flag football or youth soccer. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 4 Commissioner Heathcote moved that the scoreboards and other improvements be allowed at Ray Park and that the restroom be done at this time under the direction of the Parks & Recreation Department. Lawson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. C. Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Report. Warden reported that the YAC has held their first meeting of the school year, introduced the 16 members to each other, set-up guidelines, elected a new cabinet. Youth Advisory Commissioner Martindale outlined the activities planned for the upcoming year including a dance on October 191', Youth in Government Day on October 22"d, Holiday Faire, Art in the Park, Music in the Park, trips and a football game. Martindale added that the YAC members have begun discussions on the Dog Park infomercial. D. Dog Exercise Park. Schwartz distributed flyers to the commissioners that highlight the City's ordinances regarding the control of dogs in public areas. He 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, a non-profit organization. All of the advertising for the event emphasizes that the Dog Exercise Park at Bayside Park is the only public area in Burlingame where dogs are allowed off leash. Following the event, the Police Department will then conduct sweeps through the neighborhood parks giving warnings or �— citations to violators of the City's leash laws. Schwartz also noted that a new type of grass from New Zealand will be used in an attempt to withstand the Park's uses and that the lights were turned on for the first time last night. PUBLIC COMMENTS George Kranen, 1902 Notre Dame Avenue, Belmont, said that he is a member of Belmont's Parks & Recreation Commission, which is considering going to a 9 member body with the addition of two youth members. He invited Youth Commissioners Martindale and Warden to attend the Belmont Commission's next meeting to make comments on the issues as they address the issue. Kranen stated having the voices of the young people heard at the commission level is important. NEW BUSINESS Items #A & B were switched to accommodate a member of the public B. Pershing Park Use Acting Director Schwartz reported that George and Mary Canon, who live adjacent to Pershing Park at 1545 Howard Avenue, contacted the Department and described the types of balls that fly over the Park fence and into their yard. Staff is having a net installed to increase the height of the fence by six feet, but certain activities such as golf and "home run derby" will continue to cause an impact on the Canon's. There is currently an �- ordinance prohibiting golf from the facility, but not baseball. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 5 �-' George Canon spoke how the Park has become a thing of joy in the past few years and thanked the commissioners for their work to the park in the past years. However, 10 to 15 tennis balls fly over the fence on a typical day in the summer, in addition to soccer balls, rubber balls, footballs and basketballs. The Canon's have fixed up their backyard and the balls break the plants and the extra netting should alleviate much of that problem. The golf balls, softballs and baseballs are more dangerous and should be banned from the Park. George also spoke about how the boys climb the basketball pole and jump from the top to the adjacent fence. His suggestion was to move the basketball hoop to the other end of the court during next year's renovation. Chairman Larios suggested adding an ordinance prohibiting the use of "batted balls" at the Park. Schwartz said that he will speak with the City Attorney and bring the issue back to the Commission for the next meeting. A. Senior Resources Handbook Commissioner Kahn gave a background on the Senior Resources Handbook. The handbook was printed three times by the Senior Commission as a resource to Burlingame senior citizens and their caregivers by listing the various agencies in the local area. The handbook has been distributed every other year in May to coincide with Older Americans' Month. Kahn asked if the commissioners would continue the project and how the work would be handled. The handbooks are distributed at the Recreation Center, Library, City Hall and through the local non-profit organizations. `- Kahn said that the entries must be updated each issue. La ios asked if the YAC could assist in the process. Youth Commissioner Warden suggested contacting Recreation Coordinator, Arlene Castro, to combine youth and seniors working together in the process. Larios suggested contacting Sue Glick of Burlingame High School to find students looking for community service projects. Youth Commissioner Martindale suggested this could be a one -day project during winter break. After discussion, the commissioners agreed that the handbook should be updated and that the work could be done as an intergenerational service event during winter break. Heathcote moved to continue the Senior Handbook as had been done previously and have it completed by May 2002. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lawson and passed unanimously. Kahn suggested starting the distribution in accordance with a special event for seniors. REPORTS A. Capital Improvement Project Status Acting Director Schwartz reported the following: ■ Trenton Tot Lot. Work should begin within the next two weeks on this project that will update the playground equipment, install a poured rubber surface, add three benches and improve the landscaping. ■ Washington Park Ballfield Improvements. Schwartz reported that bids went out today for this project that will add a grass infield and irrigation system to the Washington Park ballfield. Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 6 Burlingame High School's Athletic Field. The installation of the synthetic grass field at the Burlingame High School Football stadium is complete. Commissioners were invited to attend a ceremony just prior to the first game on the new field tomorrow night. ■ Proposed Skate parks in Millbrae & Coyote Point. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on September 22nd at the City of Millbrae and YMCA's skate park next to Mills High School's tennis courts. There has been no progress made on the skate park in Coyote Point during the past month. B. Parks Division and Recreation Division Reports — see attached. C. Correspondence 1. Senior Discount Report for Summer 2001 2. A letter from Bob and Sue Cossins, 459 Marin Drive, stating their preference for a community center to be a single structure. 3. A letter from CPRS President, Don Allen, and Executive Director, Jane Adams, regarding the importance and benefits of parks and recreation programs during our time of mourning and as we go into the new century. 4. Letters from the City Council re -appointing commissioners Dittman, Larios and Muller to new terms. D. Commissioners 1. Commissioner Minderman asked if two new basketball nets could be installed at Ray Park. 2. Commissioner Heathcote asked if the track lines would be redone at BHS along with the synthetic grass project. Chairman Larios stated the lines and gate work would be done when time permits in the field's schedule. Schwartz pointed out that, because the track is a community use facility, the City will work with the District to make sure proper signage of the work is posted. 3. Commissioner Lawson asked if soccer is using the synthetic grass field. Larios responded that the soccer lines were just painted today and that soccer will be able to use the field next week. 4. Commissioner Erickson asked about attendance at the Burlingame Golf Center (BGC) and about revenues generated from the driving range and snack bar. Schwartz stated that the revenues at the BGC are up approximately 15% over last year, but still not as high as staff would like to see. Staff is working with the BGC operator to do more marketing items, but is not completely pleased with the efforts of the operator at this point. Staff is also working on getting signs put up over Highway 101 and Airport Blvd. to advertise the BGC. The BGC is currently breaking even, but is not covering projected future improvements such as netting and artificial turf. Several discounts are in place and will be evaluated at the end of September. The City does not share in the revenues from the snack bar. Erickson asked what creative things could be done to heighten the visibility. Schwartz said that the operator just came out with some tri-fold pieces that will be Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, September 20, 2001 - page 7 distributed through the City's facilities and at the hotels, hotel guests can use clubs at no cost, the operator has held several different receptions and mixers at the site for community groups, and a public works picnic was held at BGC. Erickson asked to have the operator report back to the Commission about some of the marketing efforts and special events he will do within the next six months to increase visibility for the BGC. 5. Commissioner Kahn asked about improvements to the lighting at the BGC. Schwartz said that the electrical engineer has not yet submitted his report and staff will try to speed up that process. The idea is to determine if lights can be added to the poles around the hitting area of the range and eliminated from behind the golfers. It is the lights behind the golfers that shine into the homes of the residents. 6. Youth Commissioner Warden asked if there would be rules set up for the public hearings to be held in October and November. Schwartz stated that Betsy Vesgo, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, will facilitate the meeting in order to handle the public comments in a more time efficient manner so commissioners can discuss the proposal. 7. Youth Commissioner Martindale reported that he saw a recent news article stating the City's financial issues may affect the Community Center project. Schwartz responded that there are several major financial issues facing the City right now with Measures O, P and Q; and the drop in hotel occupancy, particularly with the recent terrorist activity's impact on the travel/tourism industry. The effect that will have on the Community Center project is unknown at this time, but will be an issue for the City Council. Martindale also stated that the teens he has talked to would like to have some attractive names for the teen facilities. NEXT MEETING The next regular meetings of the Parks & Recreation Commission will be held on Thursdays, October 18, November 15 and December 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 9:38 p.m. in memory of Pete Umland, who donated the funds for the track at Burlingame High School. Respectfully submitted, Randy Schwartz Acting Parks & Recreation Director