HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 1994.01.20BURLINGAME PARK and RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, January 20, 1994
The regular meeting of the Burlingame Park and Recreation Commission, under
t the direction of chairman Ron Burks, convened at 7:42 pm.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners: Burks, Marshall, Nyhan, Pere
Absent
Staff: Directors Quadri and Wagner
Guests: Lorenzo Bernardini, 1004 Park Ave., Burlingame
Joseph Bernardini, 1004 Park Ave., Burlingame
Pat Bowling, 1033 Laguna, Burlingame
Marti Knight, 455 Chatham Rd., Burlingame
Commissioners: Kelly, Roberts, Yawn
MINUTES
The minutes of the November 18, 1993 were approved as submitted.
COMMUNICATION
1. Lorenzo Bernardini: Regarding After School Sports
Mr. Bernardini sent a letter to the Commission questioning the policy that
would not allow his son to play after school sports on the Washington
School 4th grade basketball team. His son Joseph attends St.
Catherine's School and is currently enrolled in the 3rd grade. The
recreation department runs the program for the four elementary schools
in Burlingame and the program is only for 4th and 5th grade boys and
girls. Mrs. Bernardini registered the boy as a fourth grader and his
registration was accepted. When the grade discrepancy was brought to
the attention of the sports supervisor, his parents were called and the boy
was removed from the team. Director Wagner reported to the
Commission that the recreation department invited St. Catherine's and
O.L.A. to play in our leagues and they have participated since the 1960's.
Mr. Bernardini's son was not allowed to play at St. Catherine's because
he was a third grader. The recreation department has made exceptions
to allow private school children participate when they were in the proper
grade and had no school team to play on. The Commission voted 3-1 to
back the department's policy (Marshall against), but requested the
recreation director to clarify the advertisement for the program stating
clearly that the program is for fourth and fifth grade boys and girls only
attending Washington, McKinley, Lincoln or Franklin Schools.
-2-
Communication/Cont.
2. Burlingame Mothers Club: Easter Party_ Director Quadri presented
a written request from the Burlingame Mothers Club to have an Easter
party including a small petting zoo on Sunday, March 27 at Washington
Park. The petting zoo will be placed on the patio at the recreation center
and any children in the park would be welcome to participate. The
provider of the zoo has full insurance and will name the city as additional
insured. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the request.
OLD
BUSINESS
1. Village Park Playground:
Director
Quadri reported that plans
for a
new renovated playground at
Village
Park are being prepared.
The
playground equipment will all
be new
and will be in compliance
with
Americans With Disabilities Act
of 1990
and accessible to everyone.
It is
hoped that plans will be available
by late February and that the project
_ will be completed in the Summer.
2. Franklin Field: The park department had a geotechnical evaluation of
Franklin Field. Core samples were taken and potential drainage
problems were identified. The firm recommended the use of a sub
surface drainage system. Cost estimates and a site plan should be
available for City Council approval by early March. If approved the
construction should begin in June.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Non-resident Fees: Director Wagner prepared a non-resident fee
philosophy statement for the Commission. The subject was discussed
briefly and tabled for next month when the entire Commission will be in
attendance.
FROM THE FLOOR
1. Pat Bowling, President Burlingame Girl's Softball Association:
Pat reported to the Commission that registrations have gone well. The
league will have about 23 teams this year and have fewer non-residents
participating.
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, February 17, 1994
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 pm.
LORENZO A. BERNARDINI
1004 PARK AVENUE
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
January 7, 1994
Chairman Ron Burks
BURLINGAME PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
501 Primrose Avenue
Burlingame, Ca 94010
Dear Mr. Burks:
This letter is in response to the attached copy of a letter that I received from Mr. Wagner. In his
letter he attempts to explain why my son was not allowed to play on a basketball team sponsored
by the City of Burlingame and the Burlingame Elementary School District. I believe what he has
written is discriminatory! I would like to make it perfectly clear that I am a resident of
Burlingame in the Washington School District ands indeeda taxpayer for both the City
and the School District. Based on Mr. Wagner's actions and letter, it is evident that I am a victim
of discrimination because I have chosen to send my child to a parochial school.
What Mr. Wagner fails to explain in his letter is that I paid $40.00 during the sign-up period for
this activity. My $40.00 was accepted. No one said that the team was for children attending
Burlingame Elementary Schools only. Nowhere is it written that the activity is for children
attending Burlingame Elementary Schools only. I have attached a copy of the Burlingame
�- Recreation Department Fall Program 1993, where we leamed of this basketball activity. As you
can see, it does not say anything regarding the activity being available "ONLY TO CHILDREN
ATTENDING BURLINGAME PUBLIC SCHOOLS". When did Mr. Wagner come up with this
rule? IF one even exists, why was it not written in the attached program description?
My son went to his first practice and was allowed to practice. After practice, I was told by a
coach that 3rd graders are allowed to play because there were not enough 4th graders that
registered to play, however, there may be a problem because my son attends St. Catherine's
School. I told the coach to have the person in charge call me. A few days later, Mr. Wagner
called and told my wife that our son cannot play. This was a situation where a 9 year old boy was
devastated because he was removed from a team that he thought he was on and removed from an
activity that he really wanted to do. This was done solely to make room for other 3rd graders
based on the school of attendance. These 3rd graders were added to the team after all sign ups
were accepted. In addition, these 3rd graders had not registered as my son did. My questions is
when did the Burlingame Recreation Department start playing favorites? This is a tax funded
department of recreation activity! Are other people's taxes better than mine?
When my wife first talked with Mr. Wagner, she requested that he put the fact that my son would
not be allowed to play, based on his school of attendance,in writing. He refused. When I talked to
him, he again refused to put the reason he could not play in writing. It was not until I spoke with
the City Manager that I received the aforementioned in writing. What was Mr. Wagner trying to
hide? Why did he refuse to put it in writing? The fact that I got an explanatioryin writing,after
speaking with the City Manager speaks for itself and is evidence that Mr. Wagner has acted
irresponsibly. Please be advised that the conversation I had with Wagner turned into a shouting
match. At one point, I said that I was going to take my son to practice regardless of his decision.
BER
Chairman Ron Burks
BURLINGAME PARK& RECREATION COMMISSION
January 7, 1994
Page 2
His reply was that he know I am a police officer, and that if I show up he will have the
Burlingame Police Department there. I never mentioned that I was a police officer and there is
certainly no reason to feel threatened because I am one. What kind of a statement is that? Why is
he threatening me? What does the fact that I am a police officer have to do with any of this? It is
completely irrelevant to this situation.
Attached you will also find a schedule that was given to my son when he was led to believe that
he was on the team. If he was already on the team roster, why not just let him play? This event
was devastating to my 9 year old who does not understand why he is being discriminated against.
As you can see, my wife and I are extremely upset over this matter. First, I believe our rights
have been violated, therefore, a copy of this package will be sent to my attorney. Again, I am a
taxpayer in the City of Burlingame, a taxpayer of the Burlingame School District, and I am in the
Washington School boundaries. Second, the manner in which Wagner handled this situation was
appalling (Eliminating my son from the team he was assigned to, the manner in which he talked to
my wife and myself, and the refusal to put the explanation in writing). I believe he needs to be
�— reprimanded, in writing, at minimum.
I request to appear before the commission immediately to discuss these issues in hopes it never
happens again to anyone. It would be a terrible shame foran injustice by the City of Burlingame
Recreation Department to continue these discriminatory practices. It would be equally as bad to
put some other family through the insensitivity and irresponsibility that my family has had to
endure.
I look forward to your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Lorenzo A. Bernardini
LA/ab
Enc.
3urfingame �Rerrea ivn Pepartrajent
850 BURLINGAME AVENUE
BURLINGAME. CALIFORNIA 94010-2858
(415) 344-6386
November 23, 1993
Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo Bernardini
1004 Park Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Bernardini:
I am responding to your request to have your third grade son that attends St. Catherine's
-)chool play on the fourth grade basketball team at Washington School.
As I told you on the phone, this is a program co -sponsored by the City of Burlingame and
the Burlingame Elementary School District. We offer sports programs for boys and girls from 4th
thru 8th grades. The program offered at the five schools (Franklin, Washington, McKinley,
Lincoln, and Burlingame Intermediate School) is available only to children attending the
Burlingame Elementary Schools and in the proper grade.
Your son is registered in the third grade at St. Catherine's School and is ineligible to
participate in the Washington School program.
We have to. be extremely careful in regards to exceptions to the rule. As you are aware,
the fourth grade team at Washington School had only four boys register for the program. We did
not want to eliminate the program for the 4 fourth graders so the program supervisor agreed to
take four Washington School third graders to fill the team. There were more third graders that
showed an interest but we did not accept their registrations so we were not offering a third grade
program at one school and not the others.
We feel we are not discriminating against the private schools because we allow St.
Catherine's, Our Lady of Angels, and other schools to enter teams in our Saturday leagues. St.
Catherine's and O.L.A. pay $60 to enter teams in the league and play 10 to 12 games providing
no gymnasium and no officials. Many years ago, before the parochial schools offered a fourth
grade program, the city provided coaches and a 4th grade basketball opportunity for the boys at
St. Catherine's and O.L.A.
The refund for your son's registration was mailed yesterday. If you have any further
questions in regards to the policy please contact the Burlingame Park and Recreation
Commission, Chairman Ron Burks, c/o 501 Primrose Avenue, Burlingame.
Sincerely
Ray -Wagner_
cc: Dennis Argyres, City Manager
Ron Burks, P&R Commission
*1993.1994 4th-5th GRADE AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS
AGE:4Jh/5th Grade Boys & Girls
FEE: $40 per sport
LOCATIONS: McKinley -Lincoln -Franklin -Washington Schools
INSTRUCTORS: Staff
The Burlingame Recreation Department will run flag football
and basketball leagues for 4th-5th grade boys and girls at McKinley,
Lincoln, Franklin and Washington schools during the Fall and Winter
Practices and games will beset up after sign-ups are taken. Flqig
football games are played during the week at Ray Park. Basketball games
are played on Saturdays at Burlingame High School. All participants are
given a jersey which they keep. For further information contact Mid e
Ciardella at 344-6397. i
17-500
WASH. FOOTBALL
M-F
3:00-4:00 pm
9113-10/39
17-501
WASH. BASKETBALL
M-F
TIMES VARY
11/15-30
17-502
MC KIN.FOOTBALL
M-F
3:00-4-00 pm
9/13-10/20
17-503
MC KIN.BASKETBALL
M-F
TIMES VARY
11115-3/4
_ 17-504
LINC. FOOTBALL
M-F
3:00-4:00 pm
9/13-10/29
17-505
LINC. BASKETBALL
M-F
TIMES VARY
11/15-3/4,
17-506
FRANK. FOOTBALL
M-F
3:00-4:00 pm
9/13-10/29'
17-507
FRANK.BASKETBALL
M-F
TIMES VARY
11/15-3/4
\ 'UNDERSTANDING THE GAME OF FOOTBALL FOR WOMEN
AGE: Teens & Adults (1 class)
FEE: $13 Residents, $16 Non-resident
LOCATION: Recreation Center
INSTRUCTOR: John Gilmore
If you area weekend football widow, this class is for youl Learn
how to watch and understand the exciting game of football. The four hour
class will cover offensive and defensive terminology plus officiating and
other intricacies of the game. John Gilmore, Varsity Football Coach at
Burlingame High School will instruct the class. All money collected from
this class will be donated to the Burlingame High School Football
Program.
22-702 FOOTBALL Th 6:30-9:30 pm 9/23
1993 FALL ADULT FULL COURT BASKETBALL LEAGUES
(Sept. 21 -Nov. 11, 1993)
TEAM FEE: $285 per team. Non-resident players will be charged an
additional $10/player. 4 games plus playoffs. All teams make the playoffs.
LOCATION: Burlingame High School Boys Gym
LEAGUES: 15 teams will be broken down into a'C2' Division,
'C3' Division and'D' Division. No height limitation. Games will be played
on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
REGISTRATION: for the 1993 Fall Adult Basketball Leagues
will be taken on September 8 and 9 for Burlingame resident teams, and
on September 10 for the non-resident teams. All registration will be taken
at the Burlingame Recreation Center from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
BROCHURES for the 1993 Fail Basketball Leagues will be available on
August 1, 1993. For further info, contact Mike Ciardella at 344-6397.
BASKETBALL OPEN PLAY
`AGE: 10 yrs. thru Adults
lNO FEE
LOCATION: Burlingame High School
OPEN PLAY Sat — _ 11:00am3:00pm 9/11-10/30
'CO-ED VOLLEYBiiLL PLAY (13 classes)
AGE: Teens & Adults (No children under 15 allowed in gy4L
FEE: $26 Residents, $31 Non-residents
LOCATION: Burlingame High School Small Gym
COORDINATORS: Smith & Paragas
(TUESDAY Is for INTERMEDIATE players). Team play and
strategies will be stressed as well as an opportunity to improve on
individual skills.
I (WEDNESDAY Is for ADVANCED players). Players, who in
the opinion of the coordinators are not advanced will be asked to change
to Tuesday night. No ciasseswill be held on Sept 29th or in December.
32-930 INT. VOLLEYBALL T 7:00-9:00 pm ' 9/21-1/18
32-931 ADV. VOLLEYBALL W 7:00-9:00 pm 9122-1/26 r'
-TEAM VOLLEYBALL (13 weeks)
AGE: Teens & Adults (NO children under 15 allowed in gym)
FEE: $130 per team - Team roster must be submitted
LOCATION: Burlingame High School Small Gym
COORDINATORS: Maher and Paragas
Team nights will be held on Mondays for Co-ed Teams and
Thursdays for womens teams. NO CLASSES WILL BE HELD IN
DECEMBER.
Six teams will be allowed to play each night. Team rosters must
be submitted with your entry fee. Minimum of six (6) players- maximum
of ten (10) players. Registration will be taken Wednesday, September8
and Thursday, September 9 for Burlingame Resident Teams - (if 50%or
more of your players living in Burlingame.) Non-resident teams may
register on Friday, September 10. All registration will be taken on a first
come/first served basis from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm atthe Recreation Center.
New teams entering are advised to contact the appropriate coordinator to
discuss skill level.
CO-ED TEAM VOLLEYBALL M 7:00-9:00 pm 9/20-1/24
WOMENS TEAM VOLLEYBALL Th 7:00-9:00 pm 9123-1/27
'BADMINTON PLAY (13 classes)
AGE: Teens & Adults
FEE: $16 Residents, $19 Non-residents
LOCATION: Burlingame High School Boys Gym
COORDINATOR: Dave Nardini
Badminton play for players at all levels of ability. Six courts
available for play. Must provide your own equipment. Players must
be registered. NO CLASSES IN DECEMBER. (ALSO OMIT 1/17)
i BADMINTON PLAY M 6:30-9:00pm 9/20-1/24
Registration Information is on page 3 1444, Holiday Schedule is on page 42
Burlingame Recreation Department
1993 Elementary School Basketball
.November 6, 1993
TO: Elementary School Basketball Players
FROM: Mike Ciardella, Recreation Supervisor
The following Is the practice schedule for your school's basketball team.
�shinaton
School Basketball
Teams
----- -
^J - - -
G 86O
Dlvi3ion�SX6
?JfIl@
11
P�6�
4th
GMs
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:00-5:OOpm
McKinley
5th
Girls
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:cC 5:00pm
McKinley 1
4th
Boys
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:00-6:00pm
M.:;Kinley
5th
Boys
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:00-6:00pm
McKtnl?-., _
McKinley School
Sat=
Basketball
Teams
Dw
Time
P1ii
division
4th
Girls
Fridays
3:00-4:00pm
McKinley
5th
Girls
Fridays
3:00.4:00pm
McKinley
4th
Boys
Wednesdays & Fridays
5:00-6:00pm
McKinley
5th'
Boys
Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:10-4:00pm
McKinley
5th'
Boys
Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:10-5:00pm
McKinley
Uncoin School
Basketball
Teams
2111do
Division
2"a
Time
Sm
4th
Girls
Mondays &
3:10-4:00pm
Uncoln
5th
Girls
Tuesdays & Thursdays
e:o.-_7:00pm
Uncoln
4th
Boys
Mondays & Wednesdays
5:00-6:00Nrt
Uncoln
5th
Boys
Mondays & Wednesdays
6:00-7:00pm
.jncoln
_ Franklin School
QUWQ
Basketball
Teams
DBA
Time
PA'j
WiLim
4th
Girls
Mondays & Thursdays
5:00-6:00pm
FrankM
5th
Girls
Thursdays & Fridays
4:00-5:00pm
Franklin
4th"
Boys
Mondays & Wednesdays
'3:00-4:00pm
Franklin
4th"
Boys
Thursdays & Fridays
3:00-4:00pm
Franklin
5th
Boys
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:00-5:00pm
Franklin
• The McKinley 5th Grade Boys will have two teams. The first week of practice they will
practice from 3:10-5:00pm and they will then be split into two teams. One will practice
from 3:10-4:00pm and the other from 4:10-5:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Franklin 4th Grade Boys will have two teams. The first week they will practice
on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:00-4:00pm. They will split Into
two teams. One team will practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm and the
other team will practice on Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00-4:00pm.
650 Burlingame Avenue
Ur
�1Q?• eudino... I oaulo. I. Q4010
f Phone 344.6386
To: Ron Burks
From: Ray Wagner
Re: Letter of Complaint Enclosed
M E M O R AN D U M
January 11, 1994
Please find enclosed my November 23 letter to Mr. Bernardini. The bottom line
of the problem is that Mrs. Bernardini, when registering their boy to play, showed his
grade as being 4th not 3rd. Mike Ciardella accepted the registration. The boy would
have not been accepted in the first place if his parents placed his proper grade (3rd)
on the card.
In mid -November a Washington School parent complained that her 3rd grade
boy from Washington School was not allowed to play, but we were allowing a 3rd
grader from St. Catherines to play. Upon investigation we found that Joseph
Bernardini was a 3rd grader and not 4th grader as shown on his card. The coach
contacted the parents and explained that the boy could no longer participate. (This
was during the first week of practice).
I would like to respond to my only conversation with Mrs. Bernardini. I listened
to her concerns and explained the department's policy. She requested that I send to
her the policy in writing and I told her I would only respond in writing to a written
complaint or request. Our conversation was very calm and civil. A few days later Mr.
Bernardini called and was very upset. I tried to explain our department's position and
he did not want to take no for an answer. As he became louder I am sure that I also
raised the vocal level of my voice. He threatened that "he would bring his son to
practice and what could I do." I told him that it was an unfair position to put the coach,
his son, and the other boys in and the coach would be told not to have a practice if he
showed up. I then stated that I heard he was a police officer and if he bothered the
coach or the team I would inform the coach to call the Burlingame Police Department.
Mike Ciardella, Recreation Supervisor will attend the meeting to answer any
specific questions in regards to the youth sports program that we run for the
elementary schools.
RW:pa
encl.
\/
Burlingame Recreation Department • Activity Registration Form
PLEASE READ REFUND/CREDIT POLICY (pg. 3) CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING
yetus or up, Please Print
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Burlingame Recreation Department a Activity Registration Form
PLEASE READ REFUND/CREDIT POLICY (pg. 3) CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING
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