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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 1997.03.20MEETING MINUTES Burlingame Park and Recreation Commission Thursday, March 20, 1997 The regular meeting of the Burlingame Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Michael Nilmeyer at 7:37 p.m. in Conference Room A, Burlingame City Hall. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Kelly, Larios, Nilmeyer, Piccetti, and Youth Advisory Commissioner Dougherty Commissioners Absent: Nyhan, Pera, Roberts and Youth Advisory Commissioner Cretan Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Williams and Recreation Superintendent Schwartz Guests Present: Marti Knight, 455 Chatham, Burlingame; Gary Nichols, 116 Costa Rica, Burlingame; Marianne Riddle, 1368 Vancouver, Burlingame; Marjorie Taylor, 701 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame; and John J. Webb, 720 Paloma Avenue, Burlingame MINUTES The Minutes of the February 20, 1997 Regular Meeting were approved as presented. OLD BUSINESS Review of Athletic Field Space and Other Facility Issues. Parks & Recreation Director Williams reported that the City Council declined to take any action at its March 3 meeting on the Commission recommendation regarding a moratorium on bayfront development until community athletic field needs are studied. Gary Nichols and John Webb reported that the community group for athletic parks (C.A.P.) will continue working with other community groups, with the City Manager and with the City Council to keep alive the issue of developing more athletic fields. Commissioner Larios noted that City Council members had stated that perhaps a staff study could look at athletic field space needs and that perhaps some developer fees could be assessed to fund the development of new athletic fields. On Commissioners asked if Director Williams could develop a staff report on facilities and needs. Williams stated that since this matter had already been to the City Council for review, he would need direction from the City Manager in order to work on such a study. Commissioners Kelly and Piccetti pointed -out the need for field advocates to convince the City Council that there is an urgent need for athletic fields in Burlingame. It was the consensus of the Commission to ask Director Williams to approach the City Manager in order to get permission to develop a study of athletic field space in Burlingame. Staff, Commissioners and members of the audience discussed the differences between master plans and City General Plans. 2. Review of bike path issues. Director Williams presented the Commission with a staff report from the City Engineer summarizing the status of five bike pathibike trail issues. 3. Mills Capon Park signage. There was no report on Mills Canyon Park signage at this time. The matter was continued to the April meeting of the Commission. 4. Dog Par k. Director Williams reported that the proposed softball/baseball field at the landfill site will not be legally closed and thus available for public use until near the end of the landfill site development process. There will probably be no available window for public use as a dog park prior to development of the field. Marianne Riddle presented the Commission with a map of the Skyline Park area adjacent to I-280 and suggested this site as a potential site for a dog park. Williams noted that the site is a potential location for emergency water tanks in the future, but might have merit as a dog park site. It was the consensus of the Commission to request that Director Williams prepare a staff report regarding the development of a dog park at the Skyline Park site for the Commission's review in April. 5. Burlingame HS swim pool rehab status. Director Williams reported that a contract was being finalized with the swim pool architect and work will begin soon on the swim pool master plan. 6. Teen Coordinator Hiring Status. Recreation Superintendent Schwartz reported that job applications are now out and that staff has had several inquiries from possible candidates. 2 7. Review recent issues at Cuernavaca, Ray & Heritage Park. Director Williams indicated that an architect has been hired to begin the study of Cuernavaca Park redevelopment. A public meeting will soon be held for park neighbors. New park lights have been installed at Ray Park and the area is now better illuminated at night. Discussions with Heritage Park neighbors will begin when some park neighbors return home from an extended trip. 8. Capital project status report. Director Williams reported that the renovated B.I.S. athletic field is now finished. The field will be in its maintenance period for two more months. The Franklin field irrigation system has been repaired; bare areas have been reseeded and the softball infield is being prepared for spring. Alpine Park rehab and Phase I of the Recreation Center remodel will begin this spring. 9. Capital Improvement Project Priority List. This item was continued to next month due to the absence of three Commissioners. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Commission. REPORTS 1. Parks. Director Williams reported that Parks staff is working on spring season tasks in the parks. Baseball and softball season is now underway. Tree planting will be done in April. The Arbor Day ceremonies went very well on March 7. 2. Recreation. Superintendent Schwartz reported that the 2nd Annual Senior Health Faire will be held at the recreation Center on May 14. The department is also working with the elementary school district on a new literacy program. The next Recreation brochure will be published on April 1. Schwartz also noted that B.I.S. will be joining Hillsborough, Millbrae and the three South San Francisco intermediate schools in dropping -out of the Mid Peninsula Athletic League and forming a new 6-school league. All 6 school programs are currently being administered by City recreation departments and the new league members are all committed to quality programs that feature playing time for all participants. There will be "A" teams at all schools in all sports, but winning will not be the primary program focus. Participation and skill building will be the primary focus. Several Commissioners commented on the program and on the change. Chairman Nilmeyer and Commissioner Kelly spoke in favor of the new league organization. 3 Commissioners. Commissioner Piccetti complimented the Parks Division staff on the excellent condition of the Ray Park fields this spring. Commissioner Kelly stated that the rehabilitated B.I.S. field looked to be in excellent condition. Kelly also suggested that the City consider selling -off the southwest portion of the Cuernavaca Park grounds in order to raise funds to develop other park facilities. Commissioner Larios suggested installing another basketball backstop at Victoria Park, now that the court has been resurfaced. PUBLIC COMMENT Marjorie Taylor presented a copy of the recent Friends of Mills Canyon newsletter to Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Chairman Nilmeyer at 9:13 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, JOI W. Williams Parks & Recreation Director rd