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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2021.06.17R C1TfY ti o� `ls Rvoawreo PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice -Chair Holzman at 7:00 pm via Zoom meeting. 2. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Milne, Holzman, Pappajohn & Lee Ardito, Chang & Matthews Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Recreation Manager Acquisti, Recording Secretary Helley None Commissioner Lee made a motion to approve the May minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pappajohn and was approved. 4-0-3 (Ardito, Chang & Matthews absent). 4. CORRESPONDENCE None 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 6. OLD BUSINESS a. Expansion of Pickleball Court Options Recreation Manager Acquisti noted an error on the staff report in the Background section, 1: There will NOT be Pickleball lines added to the blacktop at Village Park as the motion failed at the May 20, 2021 meeting. She reported the Department is working with a contractor to schedule adding the Pickleball lines at Washington. The fee -based program will resume on August 23, 2021. When the fee -based program resumes, it will include three courts on the sports court and two courts on the tennis courts. Until that time, the sports court can be used on a first -come, first -serve basis and the tennis courts once they are lined (Pickleball players will need to provide and set up the net converter). For the fee -based program, City staff will set up and take down Pickleball nets. Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 She noted that on May 26, 2021, City staff and Burlingame Soccer Club held a trial day at the Burlingamer. Overall the feedback was positive. There was some concern regarding "dead spots" on the court. However, both the participants and the Burlingame Soccer Club are in agreement to move forward. Therefore, a pilot program at The Burlingamer will start on June 22, 2021, on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am-12 pm. She noted the drop -in program and the lines on the courts would occur around the same time in August due to the courts being programmed for the summer with recreation programs. The option of The Burlingamer for Pickleball use until that time is ideal. Director Glomstad noted that due to some confusion about the purpose of the drop -in program, staff will be out talking to the groups to educate the players on the various options for play. Courts can be reserved for a fee to ensure courts are available to play at specific times. Glomstad also noted the number of courts approved by Commissions that can be lined for Pickleball was one set per tennis court. Staff has since learned that each tennis court can accommodate two Pickleball courts, so Washington Park courts 1 and 2 will accommodate four Pickleball courts leaving Tennis courts 3 and 4 open for tennis. This will also eliminate the need for a covertanet, and players can bring their own nets. Commissioner Milne asked if the Pickleball nets are available for rental and use on courts. Acquisti confirmed the nets would be available for rental. Commissioner Holzman asked if the drop -in fee at The Burlingamer will be consistent with the drop -in fee at Washington Park and if the Pickleball community is aware that the Burlingamer option is a pilot program and that their participation and feedback is needed. Acquisti confirmed the fee would be consistent, and staff has and will continue to talk to the Pickleball players about the pilot program. It will also be advertised in the e-News, the Burlingamer, and on the Department's social media. Vice -Chair Holzman opened up the public comments section. Correspondence via email was received by the following: Jack Elward: "Kevin suggested that I contact you first to give you some perspective and (dare I say) wisdom. Space for the many activities offered by Burlingame Rec must keep everyone hopping. I am especially pleased that there is a sincere process to get more painted courts to play on. But to hold to Ms. Glomstad's decision for single courts, will turn out to be more of an embarrassment than an achievement. It is amazing to me that I have been unable to convince the leadership to do better than acceptable. I have discussed with many PB leaders and visited multiple court locations that have been converting tennis court spaces to allow double use with Pickleball. I am not sure who started the rumor that the distance from a tennis net to the back fences was not sufficient for Pickleball safety. Of course, that could be a concern. For the record, the Basketball court, surface, and backboards are a top-quality installation (Thank You). Certainly, the huge timber benches are a very real hazard. Back to the main concern of this letter. I did go to the Washington Park tennis courts with my trusty tape measure that has been used in more than 20 court conversions: both taping and/or painting. So, I ran the tape from the strap on the tennis net to the back fence (on both sides). The distance is 60'. That allows for 8' space from the net to a 2 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 Pickleball baseline, and 44' to the other Pickleball baseline, then another 8' to the tennis chain -link fence; that matches exactly 60' and passes every established requirement for safe distance. Then I sent photos from the court to Kevin. He said he would "take the issue up". I have now learned that the proclamation of one PB court per tennis court stands as the operating choice. That is an outrageous mismanagement of playing capacity. Two courts easily fit when placed end to end around the tennis net. And it provides an especially useful function in stopping balls rolling into other PB courts. Or players walking onto the playing area. There are many tennis venues that can fit 4 Pickleball courts comfortably with end -end joined with a pair of side -side courts. Attached is a diagram that could be applied to tennis Court 1 at Washington Park. All these configurations require a portable net. There are many players who have already invested in owning a net and are eager to play outdoors or indoors. One of the rules of Pickleball is that the net post MUST extend F out from the sidelines. That rule allows players to make shots that are hit around the post onto the opposite playing court area and continue the rally. The misuse of a tennis net does not allow that particularly important shot, which intermediate and above level players work hard to set up and execute against opponents. I believe that there are always many ways to operate, with clear priorities and goals. Please reconsider, and build a better, safe application of Pickleball court areas." Holzman asked if Commission had any further questions. There were none. fI�►L1`.� : II.y�I�.X� a. Exploration of an Off -leash Are in Ray Park Acquisti gave background on the item: For over ten years, City staff have been improving and expanding the dog off -leash areas throughout the City, resulting from a significant interest from community members. A Dog Park Task Force (DPTF) was established and included two City Council members, two Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and City staff. The DPTF has worked diligently and creatively to provide designated spaces for dogs to be off -leash (Bayside Exercise Park, Washington Park, Cuernavaca and Washington Ballfields, and most recently, Skyline Park) during designated hours. Outside of these hours, dogs are required to be on -leash in all City parks, per City Ordinance 9.04.014. A violation of this Ordinance can result in a ticket from the Burlingame Police Department. In fall 2017, neighbors of Ray Park were invited to participate in a survey to develop a Master Plan for the park. The survey indicated a strong need for a designated off -leash area. In May 2018, the Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the park design, including an off -leash area. Additionally, in January 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department completed a City-wide Parks Master Plan. Ray Park was again identified as an option for a designated off -leash area. The survey results from the Ray Park Master Plan provide further evidence that there is a desire to create these spaces. To address the demand, staff has researched the feasibility of installing a fenced -in off -leash area at Ray Park. The fenced -in area would include double door entries for both sections and a concrete walkway between the tennis courts and the large dog area allowing for emergency vehicle access. This identified location would still offer imaginative play areas along the south side of the fenced -in areas and east of the fenced -in area. The estimated cost for fencing and necessary asphalt is $30,000. 3 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 Acquisti mailed out 400 letters of notice to the neighborhood and presented an update to the City Council. Another option is to explore adding off -leash hours on Ray Park athletic field when it's not in use for sports programs, similar to the program at Washington Ballfield. However, this would impact the condition of the athletic field but would provide a fenced -in open grass area when not in use by programs. Commissioner Lee noted there were a lot of dogs added to households in 2020. Commissioner Milne added that the existing dogs were being walked, and there is a need for more dog parks. Commissioner Holzman stated the increase in dogs in her neighborhood as well. Commissioner Pappajohn asked about the timeline for the fence, asphalt, and budget for installing this dog area. Acquisti noted the process would take about six months. Holzman opened up the public comments section. Ann Wallach stated she lives across from the park. She stated she does not have a problem with the dogs and owners who leave their dogs off -leash on the grass. However, she never thought about what it does to the grass. She voiced concern about the possible impact of the noise level on the houses near the proposed area. She also voiced concern about seniors being unrecognized and needing a space to enjoy as well. Correspondence via email was received by the following: Ann and Paul Wallach: "Thank you for sending us notice regarding the next phase in the refurbishment of Ray Park, which involves adding two new play areas for dogs. Ray Park provides enjoyment and fresh air for Tiny Tots, Little kids, Bigger kids, Softball players, Young soccer players, Tennis players, Tennis players practicing their swing, Handball players practicing their swing, Volleyball players, Basketball players, Picnickers on the grass, Apartment dwellers, Athletes, Kids just fooling around, and Dogs. Nevertheless, from the start an entire population has been missing from this plan: Our Seniors. Who, by the way, also like to play. However there is little opportunity in north Burlingame for them to have spontaneous fun doing things they enjoy, when all they need is a small comfortable space to do it: To play card games, dominoes, chess, whatever; Do some calisthenics together, make new friends or just sit and chew the fat with their cohort. In other words, get out of the house. We all now know what that feels like. The Rec Center offers good programs. However, it is not all that convenient for everyone: It is too far from north Burlingame; for non -drivers it is complicated and perhaps costly to get to. Most activities are run on a specified schedule and require a pre -commitment to participate, and many of them cost. Not the best situation for a lot of older folks. We raised this issue at a Ray Park design roll -out. We were told that there would be new tables near the kiddie playgrounds for games and so forth. Seriously, Ms. Acquisti, most seniors are not that interested in watching or listening to other folks' grand -kids play. Especially if they're in the midst of a serious chess match. And they are not that enthusiastic about sharing a table with diaper bags, sippy cups and snacks. In fact, most days those tables are pretty much needed by moms, dads, nannies and kiddies. Which makes sense. But that's why you rarely encounter a senior in the park. Many dog owners welcome this new opportunity in Ray 4 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 Park. But it seems to us that older folks are just as deserving as our pets. They are not out and about much, possibly because they have nowhere to go. But they're still here. Why not give them their own convenient, comfortable space in Ray Park, and possibly elsewhere? Towns large and small all over the world have managed to do this. Why not Burlingame, why not now? Sincerely yours, Ann and Paul Wallach PS: Development of a structure frequently requires a Mitigated Negative Declaration to study its impact on the neighborhood. Seems a similar study would make sense here: For example, how much do playing dogs bark? How would local dogs respond to their excitement? Has the volume and variable duration of such added noise been taken into consideration? The dog run area is within earshot of a dozen homes or more. Are a similar number of homes as close to the other off - leash areas?" Kris and George Donellan: "We received your letter regarding the proposed off -leash area in Ray Park. We have a dog and love the idea. Our greatest concern is we live on the cul de sac block of Cortez that leads into this area. Since the play area has been refurbished, we rarely can find a place to park by our house. Parking has always been an issue here because of the park, the tennis and basketball courts, Lincoln school, softball, etc. Our car has been hit twice from people turning around in our driveway and our wall by the driveway has also been hit. Our neighbors' cars have been hit also. (No one has ever stopped and left their insurance info either.) The street cleaner rarely comes on our street because of all of the cars unless we call and it gets very dirty from all of the debris from the trees at the park. Part of the block is red zone, which people ignore also. A couple of weeks ago when we were in front of our house someone that we know was bringing their child to play at the park from Pacifica! We realize this is a public park, but we're just trying to let you know how popular this park is and how few parking spots there are. If this was a business such as a restaurant, all of this would be taken in to consideration before getting a permit to open a business re: how many parking spot are available (obviously not enough)! There definitely isn't enough parking as it is and can't imagine how bad it will get when this dog park would open. Obviously the main people that are impacted are the 5 families on our small cul de sac so we wouldn't have much impact on the number of people opposed. Is there any way this dog park could be located at Village Park where they have a lot more parking on California Drive or could we have the parking on this block designated for residents only? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call at 650 XXX- XXXX Thank you. Kris and George Donellan. Danica Hodge: "Thank you for your letter announcing a discussion of an off -leash dog area in Ray Park. I am unable to attend the meeting but wanted to express disapproval of this idea. I won't take your time by writing a very long note, but the reasons for my objection are as follows: 1) There are already a number of off -leash parks in Burlingame, as noted in your letter. 2) there is not enough space in the area indicated in your letter for dogs to have the range of play that they require, particularly if there are more than a couple at one time 3) It is impossible to contain dogs to this area; they are bound to run into other areas, especially where small children are playing. I appreciate that these spaces are marked as being gated, but I am not confident that the dogs can remain contained. 5 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 4) Many people, children especially, are afraid of dogs (or allergic to them), and many dog owners are not considerate of the effect their animals have on people or the environment (not to mention the mess they often leave behind). In short, Ray Park is already a multipurpose area with a lot of activity in a relatively compact footprint. The use that such an area is bound to attract is overwhelming to the available space. Thank you for your attention, Danica Hodge" Commissioner Lee thanked all the correspondents and attendees for their input. She noted there is a task force going on called the Age -Friendly City, where the group is looking at what the City needs to improve to address an aging population, such as wanting space in the park, for example. So there is going to be an Age -Friendly master plan guiding decisions like this. She invited the public to participate in a focus group for the program. Commissioner Pappajohn did not favor the off -leash area on the ballfield and felt a fenced -in area is a better option. Commissioner Lee stated, given the survey results and the increase in dogs that the demand is there in the community, and she would favor an enclosed dog area. Holzman also does not want to see the field damaged by dogs and favors the fenced -in option at a multi -use park. Commissioner Milne feels we have done extensive outreach, and we have a lot of feedback from the community. We have included this in the Ray Park master plan and the overall master plan. The dog owners are showing up at Ray Park if we have a dog park or not. If we create that space for them, there is no reason for them to ignore the off -leash rules in other park areas. Holzman noted the Commission could not address parking issues; however, she inquired if Commission could make a suggestion to the appropriate commission to assist with the issue. Glomstad noted that the neighbors could request the idea to be reviewed by the Traffic, Safety, and Parking Commission. MOTION: Commissioner Milne made a motion to go forward with the next step of putting in the two dog runs, small and large, per the Ray Park Master Plan. The motion was seconded by Commission Pappajohn and was approved. 4-0-3 (Ardito, Chang & Matthews absent). 8. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS a) Parks & Recreation Department Reports Director Glomstad reported tomorrow night is the first concert of the summer. Following a concert, the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Craft in the Park fair from 10- 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Movies in the Park are returning, with the first movie being The Great Outdoors on June 25. Summer camp starts the week of June 21 at Mercy High School. Sunday, June 20, is the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Foundations' annual golf tournament. Upcoming Park renovations are Victoria and Trenton/Alpine Parks, with the hopes of a grand opening for Victoria 6 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021 by the end of this year. Trenton and Alpine Parks planning will begin early next year. The Parks Division has re -landscaped the area on Burlingame Ave next to the tennis courts to be drought resistant and provide more social gathering areas. The construction of the new Community Center is still on target for a May 2022 completion. The Scholarship program outreach has been a huge success as evidenced by increased applications. The October meeting will be the first in -person meeting since virtual meetings began. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Library. Commissioner Milne asked about the possibility of adding another community garden. Glomstad noted staff is always looking for new areas and will add area(s) as they become known/available as long as the need exists. b) Commissioners Reports Commissioner Pappajohn — No report Commissioner Milne — No report Commissioner Lee — Reported that as of the 2010 census, 42% of the population of Burlingame was 45 and over and understood this prediction would be 28% of the population would be 65 and older by 2020. She complimented the tennis court landscaping. She also noted the Community Center Capital Campaign is coming along nicely. Commissioner Holzman — Reported she has heard from people how excited they are for the return of Music in the Park. She inquired if there is a drought policy in the City for the parks. Glomstad noted the Governor had declared a state of drought in certain counties, and our area is not on the list. At this time, there is a voluntary 10% reduction. Some areas can be let go, and others need a certain amount of maintenance as it is more expensive to completely replace, such as certain fields or areas with large trees. The Washington Park well water will be utilized as well. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 10. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm. The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 7:00 pm via zoom webinar. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Helley Recording Secretary 7 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021