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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PR - 2022.04.21CITY 0 Raoawteo PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 21, 2022 1. CALL TO ORDER The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Holzman at 7:01 pm via Zoom meeting. 2. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Milne, Ardito, Chang, Holzman, Pappajohn, and Wettan COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Brunello Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Manager Acquisti, Supervisor Vega, Coordinator Bliss, Parks Supervisor Holtz & Recording Secretary Helley Youth Advisory Committee Members: Liz, Dylan, Sylvie, Sophie, Sophia, Ethan, Charene, Zack, Kylie, and Ashleigh Commissioner Wettan requested a change to the March 17, 2022 minutes. Item 8b, Staff Commissioner Reports, paragraph six should read that Commissioner Wettan reported his attendance at the March 10, 2022, North Rollins Road Taskforce meeting and suggested that the other commissioners look at the preliminary plans, particularly for public spaces, when they have an opportunity. Commissioner Wettan made a motion to approve the March minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Milne, and the motion was approved. 6-0-1. (Brunello absent) 4. CORRESPONDENCE None 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 None Presentation: Youth Advisory Committee Recreation Coordinator Bliss, who advises the Committee, introduced the Youth Advisory Committee and noted they are an enthusiastic and hard-working group that has accomplished various projects over this past year. Members introduced themselves: Liz, Dylan, Sylvie, Sophie, Sophia, Ethan, Charene, Zack, Kylie, and Ashleigh and provided the following information. With COVID and distance learning in the past year, many teens have struggled with mental health. The initiative for the Youth Advisory Committee this year was to educate and support teens all over Burlingame with ways to better their mental health. Various events were hosted during the year to support this goal by prioritizing our teens' well-being and creating a more inclusive and sympathetic community for all. The group volunteered for several city -sponsored events, including the Muddy Mile, by handing out wristbands, assisting children, and checking participants into the event. More recently, the group helped at the annual Tree Lighting, where they passed out headbands, directed people, helped with the photo booth, and more. Lastly, the group helped out at Night Under the Stars and the Family Camp Out. One of YAC's first events was Eggtober, where families received goody bags with candy and crafts inside assembled and delivered to their homes by YAC members. The event was a huge success and was a good way to put a smile on families' faces during the month of October. Keeping in mind that teenagers have endured a copious amount of stress, especially considering the strains of the pandemic on their social lives and hobbies, YAC partnered with the Peninsula Humane Society to host Thera -Puppy in the Park. This event allowed the community to consult with local mental health professionals while also unwinding with some dog love. With this event, teenagers could go outside and socialize after being confined to isolation for quite some time. The group also hosted an hour-long movie discussion after watching the movie Kindness is Contagious, which is influenced by the book by Catherine Ryan Hyde — Pay It Forward. Author Ryan Hyde was present at the event and explained her thought process behind the book and the effectiveness of simple acts of kindness and answered questions from the audience. The group attended the Bi-Annual YAC Attack event that brings together YAC groups from all over the peninsula and has various workshops and speakers. The Burlingame YAC delivered a presentation on Mindfulness and posed questions for teens to discuss while they crafted macaroni necklaces. The goal was to create a relaxed environment where teens could reflect on the importance of mental health. On April 23, the group will be having their second -year cleanup in Mills Canyon. Last year, the group cleared invasive ivy from over 80 trees and cleared over 500 feet of debris from drainage canals. This is a continuation of last year's clean initiative and a way for the group to impact the environment positively. 2 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 This YAC team excels at bringing together youth, teens, and adults alike. YAC is one of the best ways for teens to get involved in implementing the different initiatives that can truly benefit everyone. The group thanked the Commission for hearing their presentation and invited any questions. Chair Holzman thanked the group and opened questions. Commissioner Milne applauded the group for being a fantastic resource and asked if they had given any thought to opening the Mills Canyon cleanup event to the community. Ethan responded they had considered this and will consider this in the future to be more effective. Commissioner Pappajohn noted she liked the breadth of activities. She asked about the number of YAC members and if it was the appropriate number, and how they heard about YAC. Liz noted that in addition to the Committee, there is also the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) for those members that would like to participate but cannot commit as much time as the Committee members do. The current number of members, thirteen, is appropriate and allows the members to get to know each other, strengthen relationships, and be heard. One member noted that it is her first year on the Committee, and she learned about the group from the Burlingame Brochure. Another member noted he learned about the group after being involved in the Leader in Training Program through the Recreation Division. Commissioner Holzman asked if the group had any suggestions for the Commission on how to reach out to the community when looking for feedback on issues. Ethan stated the best way to reach out is to physically be at events so you can talk to people and use social media. Commission thanked the group for the well-done presentation and the thoughtful information. 6. OLD BUSINESS None 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Pickleball Updates and the Proposed Installation of Four Permanent Nets on Washington Tennis Court #1 and Lining Laguna Tennis Court to Allow for Pickleball Use and Tennis Use Recreation Manager Acquisti noted that staff is requesting direction on whether to move forward on the community engagement to install four permanent nets on Washington Tennis court #1 and the proposed addition of pickleball court lining for Laguna Tennis courts and get input from the Commission about Pickleball lines at Ray Park and Village Park. She reviewed the background of Pickleball in Burlingame as stated in the staff report. She noted that installing four permanent Pickleball Courts on Washington Tennis Court 1 would require modifying the Tennis Court Policy of keeping 50% of the courts open for drop -in use, reducing tennis availability on Washington Courts. However, it would allow for Pickleball use Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 seven days a week and until IOpm at night. The cost to permanently line Court 1 is estimated to be $18,000. There are currently no funds identified in the Department budget for this project. She also informed the Commission that community members had lined Laguna Tennis Courts (one Pickleball Court per Tennis Court) for Pickleball play. To line the Tennis Courts with two Pickleball Courts would be approximately $1,600. Commissioner Ardito noted she sees people out playing Pickleball all the time. The sport is growing, and she wants to see more permanent options for the users. She asked what staff s number one choice based on feasibility and economics to achieve this goal. Acquisti noted that the economic portion is always the most challenging. She recommended the installation at Washington Court #1 as it has the lights and the divider that keeps Pickleball separate from tennis. Glomstad noted the challenge is getting funding. Ardito noted that with the opening of the Community Center in June, there would be increased traffic for all sports. Adding options would serve the increased number of participants for all sports. Acquisti stated that if additional drop -in pickleball hours were added, staff would need to re -assess the $5 drop -in program to ensure it covered staffing costs. Commissioner Milne asked if there was a reason Laguna Courts couldn't be lined now, and if funding becomes available for Washington, then add courts there at that time. Glomstad noted that the courts could be lined for Pickleball now. Commissioner Chang asked if there have been any noise complaints at the Laguna courts as they are neighborhood courts. Acquisti noted no complaints had been received. However, if Commission decides to move forward with this option, the Department would reach out to those neighbors before any action. Chair Holzman inquired how much of the issue could be addressed by adding drop -in hours. It seemed the requests were primarily for evening and weekend options. In one of the previous discussions, there was the option of a drop -in card or punch pass to eliminate the need for staff to collect cash. Acquisti reported the option of the drop -in pass is offered; however, only a handful of participants have purchased them. Acquisti noted that it takes about 45 minutes for staff to set up and break down the seven nets for the drop -in program. Holzman asked if it was a liability issue to have a volunteer take care of the setup/breakdown of the nets. Glomstad noted we have nets that can be borrowed. However, the options are limited until we are open again during the requested hours. Holzman noted her concern that removing the one court at Washington would affect league tennis play. Glomstad noted the league uses three courts. If one of the courts is a pickleball court, that location will not have an open play tennis court available. This would also limit the court use during the summer mornings while the Department uses the three courts for programming. Chair Holzman opened the floor for public comments. 4 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 Tam Madden — Has been going regularly to Pickleball on Mondays and Wednesdays. It has been a great community with so many people, and she would love to have permanent courts. The fees were mentioned earlier, and she wanted to note that the basketball and tennis players do not have to pay fees. She stated this is inequitable and wanted Commission to consider this. Glomstad noted the only time someone would pay for the tennis, basketball courts, or picnic areas is if they want to reserve a specific use. So if there were permanent courts on Washington Court #1, there would be no fee for that unless someone wanted to reserve it only for their use at a specific time. Pickleball players are paying a fee to recoup the cost of staff time for the setup/breakdown. Arvind Raghavan — Echoed the sentiments of Tam. He favors permanent courts, and he currently also plays at the Laguna courts and uses the net that is currently there. He thought a fundraiser could be started to pay for the costs to convert Tennis Court #1 to 4 Pickleball Courts. Barbara Niss — She has been in Burlingame for a year now and started to play Pickleball during the pandemic and loves to play. She would love to have permanent courts and evening and weekend drop -in hours. She would be happy to be part of a fundraising effort. Shelia Krekow — Has been playing for about a year and wanted to note that the game's social aspect is invaluable. She said better notice to the players about the fees is needed since many of them don't know there is a fee. Holzman noted if anyone is interested in volunteering to email Nicole Acquisti at nacquistinburlin ag me.org. Linda Hower — Requested the addition of Friday drop -in would be a good temporary fix until it is decided what will be done. Glomstad noted it would be helpful for volunteers to assist with the setup as, at this time, the Department is shorthanded. Glomstad read the chat comments. Can Serve and Splash program be extended to Pickleball? Glomstad noted the Department is always open to new programming for all ages. Instructors would be necessary. Please reach out to Manager Acquisti if interested. 2. Can portable nets be left in the courts until permanent solutions are decided upon? Glomstad noted that it is possible; however, they could be taken. However, if a volunteer wants to manage the nets, the staff would welcome it. Commissioner Ardito loves the idea of community members volunteering to put up the nets and wondered if they could also collect the five dollars. In addition, if 10-15 people are standing around waiting to play, they could have a group of people raise funds by selling coffee or smoothies to those waiting. 5 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 Commissioner Milne inquired about the issue of the five -dollar drop -in to hand out disposable wrist bands to identify those who have paid and to let people know there is a fee. Commissioner Milne asked if the Commission could form a subcommittee to address the ideas and concerns of the Pickleball community. Glomstad said yes. MOTION by Milne to create a subcommittee to work with the Pickleball community and bring ideas back to the Commission at a future meeting. Motion seconded by Ardito. Motion approved 6-1-0. Brunello absent. Commissioners Milne, Ardito, and Pappajohn volunteered to serve on the Pickleball Subcommittee. MOTION by Milne to move forward with the public process to add Pickleball lines at Laguna courts. Motion seconded by Pappajohn. Motion approved 6-1-0. Brunello absent. MOTION by Ardito to move forward with scheduling additional pickleball drop -in times either in the evenings or the weekends, contingent on finding a volunteer to do the setup and breakdown of the nets. Motion seconded by Pappajohn. Motion approved 6-1-0. Brunello absent. b. Review of Scholarship Program Supervisor Vega presented the staff report. In 2021, staff formed a committee to review the current program. Changes were made to simplify the application process, improve marketing, and increase the language availability of the application to serve more families. To evaluate the new program's effectiveness, staff sent out a survey to participants. The results showed that most participants heard about the program from the school district and that without the program, their children would be unable to attend the classes. Staff also compared the last full non-Covid year to the current year's participation. The participation increased from 38 to 51 families. The amount awarded increased by over 50%Overall, the total awarded amount increased by over 50%. Staff has requested $20,000 from City Council in FY22-23. Staff expects that the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Foundation will continue to fund $5,000 for in-house camps and after -school enrichment, and in-house after -school sports programs through the Doug Friedman Legacy Fund. Commissioner Wettan inquired how the scholarship participation numbers compare to the number of participants in the Subsidized Lunch program at the schools. Vega noted that is a good question, and staff will look into it. Wettan also inquired about the high dollar amount allotted to preschool. Glomstad noted this was due to the cost of the preschool program. Wettan also suggested having customers given the option to pay double to assist other students who may not be able to afford the programs. Glomstad noted that customers have donated extra in the past. c. Recent California Legislation Affecting Parks Operations 6 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 Supervisor Holtz presented the information in the staff report regarding legislation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to the climate crisis. These bills affect parks operations in terms of providing service and increasing costs. The trash and recycling receptacles will need to be recolor-coded and include compost receptacles. He also relayed information on Assembly Bill 1346, which eliminates the sale of SORE equipment under 25 horsepower. Parks staff rely on small -motorized equipment to perform their tasks. This includes 50% of blowers, 33% of walk -behind mowers and hedge trimmers, 25% of ride -on mowers, and 10% of chainsaws. While these are great steps towards the future ban, significant challenges lie ahead. These include cost (battery -powered equipment is significantly more expensive to procure in some cases), strength (while the technology is evolving, some present manufacturer offerings are underpowered compared to their gas -powered counterparts), and availability (much of the equipment targeted by this bill is typical lawn and garden tools). Unfortunately, for some commercial and specialized equipment that Parks staff operate, there are no non -gas engine options. This includes aerators, de -thatchers, medium and large -sized chainsaws, rototillers, post -hole augers, trenchers, and other similar types of equipment. Barring any significant manufacturer development or exemptions provided for these types of equipment, significant modifications to how Parks staff perform service will need to be made. He noted the Parks Division staff would continue to adapt to changing legal requirements. The City has been well -positioned to make these changes thanks to City Council's support via Capital Improvement funding for waste receptacles and beginning the transition to battery -powered equipment. Parks staff will remain diligent in communication with decision - makers to maintain compliance and better serve our community. 3. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. Parks & Recreation Department Reports Director Glomstad reported the ribbon -cutting for the new Community Center would be on June 15 at 3:30 pm, followed by an open house from 4-6 pm. There will be instructors and vendors in the building. Snacks will be available. On Friday, June 17, from 11:30-1:30pm will be a Senior Lunch, and Glomstad requested commissioner volunteers. She also asked for volunteers to assist with setting up for a donor event on June 14, from 5:30-7:30. The new Community Center won an award from Peninsula Clean Energy for its all -electric building. The presentation of the award will be on Wednesday, May 11, via Zoom. b. Commissioners Reports Commissioner Ardito — No report Commissioner Chang — No report Commissioner Milne — Milne noted he could not attend the last Foundation meeting; however, he reported the Foundation volunteer members had been able to install chalkboards at Paloma Park. That was a great volunteer effort and kudos to the Foundation. Commissioner Pappajohn — No report 7 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022 Commissioner Wettan — Asked if benches would be added at Ray Park Off -leash area and if the fence would be painted. Glomstad replied that yes, two benches would be installed. She also noted the chain -link fence would not be painted. Wettan further inquired if the benches could be installed closer to the tennis courts so a parent/guardian could watch their children on the courts and on the playground at the same time. Staff responded that placement under the tree canopy would have more debris and bird droppings on the benches. Chair Holzman — Inquired about a waste/bag dispenser for Ray Park. Supervisor Holtz reported that staff is working with the Girl Scouts on the waste/bag dispenser for the Mills Canyon, and maybe they could make one for Ray. She thanked Commissioner Wettan for distributing flyers on Broadway for the capital campaign. She also reported that the Anson Burlingame Public Art event was successful and that she enjoyed seeing people using the area. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 pm. The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 7:00 pm via zoom webinar. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Helley Recording Secretary 8 Parks & Recreation Commission APPROVED Minutes April 21, 2022