HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 1998.02.19MEETING MINUTES
Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, February 19, 1998
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by
Chairman Mike Nilmeyer at 7:33 p.m. in Conference Room A, Burlingame City Hall.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Heathcote, Kelly, Larios, Nilmeyer. Youth Commissioner Getchel
Commissioners Absent: Lembi, Pera, Piccetti. Youth Commissioner Klimen
Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director John Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Randy Schwartz
Others Present: Hank Sauer, 840 Fairfield, Burlingame
MINUTES
Minutes of the January 15, 1998 meeting were approved, as presented.
COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC
There were no comments from the public.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of Proposed Batting Cage Project at Washington Park. Director Williams reviewed
the status of the proposed project. The Burlingame Youth Baseball Association has filed
plans and specifications with the City Building Department. Williams and the City Attorney
are working with BYBA and its attorney on contract language.
BYBA has distributed project notices to all residences backing up to the northeast corner of
Washington Park, even those that exceed the typical City notice limit of 300 feet. The
League received no calls from neighbors, Parks & Recreation Department staff has received
no calls or comments from the neighbors and no neighbors were present at the Commission
meeting to comment on the proposal.
Hank Sauer, Project Manager for BYBA, presented a copy of the batting cage plans and
answered several questions from Commissioners. Several Commissioners expressed their
support for the project and complimented BYBA on the proposed appearance of the
structure.
It was moved by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Larios and approved 4-0 --�
that the Commission, after reviewing the batting cage project plans, support the proposed
project, as presented.
2. Development of C.I.P. Priority List of Parks & Recreation Proiects. The Commissioners
had received a list of staff proposed capital improvement projects and probable costs.
Commissioners discussed various items that staff had proposed. It was noted that two
Commission priority projects from last year did not appear on the staff list - lighting
Burlingame High School tennis courts and constructing a bandstand in Washington Park..
Director Williams stated that he has not had any contact with other persons outside the
Commission who support the court lighting and some BHS neighbors have expressed their
opposition to lighting proposals. Commissioner Larios and others indicated an interest in a
lighting project that would light four (4) of the courts and be less obtrusive to neighbors.
Commissioner Kelly stated that he was very interested in an indoor athletic/teen center that
could be used to reduce the City's reliance on Elementary and High School District
facilities. Kelly suggested that the Commission look at a possible facility that could be
located in the area of the current Parks Division yard. The Commission discussed ways in
which the Commission could encourage the City Council to consider an athletic/teen center.
Commissioner Heathcote presented his concerns about the quality of park restrooms
throughout the City. Commissioners noted that if a good park restroom model can be
developed in Washington Park, perhaps it can be replicated in other parks.
Commissioners discussed possible locations for a bandstand in Washington in Washington
Park. Williams stated that staff was not supportive of any new buildings and structures in
Washington Park that were not driven by strong program needs. There is currently no
musical or other programs that would use such a bandstand. The current Music in the Park
concerts organized by Parks & Recreation staff only occur on four Sundays each July and at
least one or two bands each year would probably be too large to fit into a bandstand. Staff
has no plans to expand the music series.
It was agreed that the discussion re C.I.P. priority list would be continued to the March
Commission meeting so that staff can distribute its proposed five (5) year Capital
Improvement plan and so that Commissioners missing from this meeting can participate in
the discussion.
Review of Proposed Changes in West Entrance to Washington Park. Director Williams
reported that the new restroom facilities in Washington Park are planned for installation
soon. Staff is planning to proceed with lockable single user units that are becoming popular
in public areas because they offer better safety and security for users and are easier to
maintain. The new restrooms may be available in time for Art in the Park.
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Williams also explained the work planned to make the west park entrance more usable for
groups, more attractive and more accessible. The horseshoe pit area is used regularly, but
only one or two pits are ever used at a time. Staff is proposing to reduce the horseshoe pit
area to four (4) courts and to convert that space and the former boccie ball courts into a
new group picnic area. Group picnic space is one of the greatest park facility needs within
the City of Burlingame and the existing area near the Recreation Center is often unavailable
for groups wanting picnic space. The proposed new area will probably handle groups in the
40-60 person range. New water and electric sources will also be helpful for Art in the Park
each year. Commissioners were supportive of the planned improvements.
NEW BUSINESS
City Council -Commission Concerns. Chairman Nilmeyer expressed his concern about
comments in the February 2, 1998 City Council Minutes in which it was stated that "the
Park & Recreation Commission has begun defining policy instead of making
recommendations to Council, the Commission is being influenced by small groups." Several
Commissioners stated that they would like to have some explanation of the above statement
and that a joint study session with the City Council might be particularly helpful, since there
are now new Commissioners in place.
Change in Commission Startinia Time. Chairman Nilmeyer asked staff to place an item on
the March Commission agenda for discussion about possibly starting Commission meetings
at 7:00 p.m. in the future.
REPORTS
Capital Improvement Project Status Updates.
A. Recreation Center. The remodel project is nearing completion. Superintendent
Schwartz described the final steps remaining to complete the project.
B. Landfill Site. Director Williams reported that engineering and design work is
proceeding on the Bayside Soccer/Baseball Lights project. The City expects to have
all of the landfill closed except the area for the new baseball/softball field by mid-
1998. A consultant has been hired to assist staff in the development of an operating
plan for the Golf Driving Range and an RFP process for the selection of a range
operator. Plans and specifications are being completed for the new parking lot,
soccer field and golf driving range. A spring, 1.999 opening is now envisioned for
both the soccer field and the golf driving range.
Director Williams and Superintendent Schwartz answered several questions
regarding athletic field development, possible program uses and maintenance.
Williams noted that both the soccer and softball/baseball field will be developed with
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a sand based turf that enables quick drainage and reduces turf wear and tear. Staff --�
expects both lighted fields to offer many more playable hours each year than do any
other City or School District fields in Burlingame. Staff was asked to bring in
copies of the latest development plans for the March Commission meeting so that
the new Commissioners can be updated on the development.
C. Al2ine/Paloma Tot Lots. Williams reported that he expects final plans for Paloma
and Alpine Park to be received from the project architect within the next few days.
A spring bidding and summer construction schedule are still expected for the two tot
lots.
E. BHS Running Track and Aquatic Center. Commissioner Larios reported that
although running track project bids had expired, the project is still very much alive
and the Booster Club has been active in fund-raising efforts. School staff is also
concerned with the need to renovate the football field and grandstands and a
combination project may be announced soon.
Williams reported that final design work is now underway on the Aquatic Center. It
now appears as though it will be no more expensive to have the City locker room
facilities in the new City building than to have them built into the existing school
locker rooms. Locating the locker rooms in the City facility near the staff office will
greatly improve staff supervision and control in those areas. Staff will also bring in
latest Aquatic Center plans for the March Commission so that new Commissioners
can see the entire scope of the project.
2. Parks Division Report. Director Williams reported that the inside of the Washington Park
grandstand has been repainted and a new score booth (with access to an emergency
telephone line) constructed in the grandstand area. No City or Elementary School District
athletic fields are currently playable, due to heavy winter rains. Parking lot lights at Bayside
Park have recently been repaired and the lot is now adequately lit for evening events.
Sycamore tree pruning is now taking place in the south sections of the City and the City's
Eucalyptus tree pruning contractor is now working on the 1000 block of Burlingame
Avenue, near the Washington Park tennis courts. To date, the City has been fortunate that
we have had no major storm related damage or tree loss in parks or in the street tree
inventory.
2. Recreation Report. Recreation Superintendent Schwartz reported that:
A. Sports Programs. A new women's basketball league has been formed and a new
coed softball league is being organized.
B. Teen Activities. A successful teen ski trip was recently completed. Planning is now
underway for a youth picnic and car show. A 1-6:00 p.m. daily summer teen
program is being planned for Burlingame Intermediate School and Lincoln School
during the coming summer. Commissioners discussed target teen audience and
Schwartz indicated that the Division has chosen to focus teen program work with
the intermediate school and freshman -sophomore age groups. These young people
have recently participated in City sports and other programs and they should provide
a better opportunity for connections with City staff than the high school juniors and
seniors who are often focused on cars, jobs and college selection.
Commissioner Kelly suggested that staff consider promoting a "Battle of the
Bands."
3. Commissioner Reports.
A. Commissioner Larios noted that a major tree fell last week in front of Burlingame
High School but that, fortunately, no injury or major damage occurred. In response
to a question from Larios, Director Williams reported that the University of
California has not yet completed the study of the testing equipment which was
performed on Oak Grove and El Camino Real large trees last summer.
B. Chairman Nilmeyer asked if park entrance design could tie the west end of the park
to the train station and Burlingame Avenue. Williams indicated that the project
architect has been asked to do just that. The new restroom building will be a stucco
frame building and landscaping at the corner of North Lane and Carolan will be
planned to mesh with the train station (but not necessarily with the Royal Donut
Shop).
Chairman Nilmeyer adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
j lam-
John W. Williams
Parks & Recreation Director