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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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