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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - PR 2023.06.15• City of Burlingame BURLINGAME CITY HALL 501 PRIMROSE ROAD BURLINGAME BURLINGAME, CA 94010 F I� Meeting Agenda - Final Parks & Recreation Commission Thursday, June 15, 2023 7:00 PM Burlingame Community Center 850 Burlingame Avenue / Zoom Consistent with Government Code Section 54953, this City Council Meeting will be held via Zoom and in person. To Attend the Meeting in Person: Location: 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010 Members of the public may view the meeting by logging into the Zoom meeting listed below. The meeting video will be uploaded to the City's website after the meeting. Members of the public may provide written comments by email tojhelley@burlingame.org. Emailed comments should include the specific agenda item on which you are commenting or note that your comment concerns an item that is not on the agenda or is on the Consent Calendar. The length of the emailed comment should be commensurate with the three minutes customarily allowed for verbal comments, which is approximately 250-300 words. To ensure that your comment is received and read to the Parks & Recreation Commission for the appropriate agenda item, please submit your email no later than 5:00 PM on June 15, 2023. The City will make every effort to read emails received after that time but cannot guarantee such emails will be read into the record. Any emails received after the 5:00 PM deadline which are not read into the record will be provided to the Parks & Recreation Commission after the meeting. You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: June 15, 2023 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89334806982?pwd=NzFKRHBpSjFtK01VeHFRMOtmWWIsZz09 Passcode: 624630 To Access the Meeting by Phone: Dial 1 669 444 9171 Webinar ID: 893 3480 6982 Passcode: 624630 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes City of Burlingame Page 1 Printed on 6/9/2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda - Final June 15, 2023 a. May 2023 Draft Minutes Attachments: 05.18.2023 PRC Minutes DRAFT 4. Correspondence 5. Public Comments Members of the public may speak about any item not on the agenda. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State and local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are asked to fill out a `request to speak' card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff, although provision of a name, address or other identifying information is optional. Those wishing to comment via Zoom should utilize the "Raise Hand" option in the application. The Chairperson may limit speakers to two to three minutes each. 6. Old Business 7. New Business Off Leash Options for Rav Park Field Attachments: Staff Report 8. Staff and Commissioner Reports 9. Future Agenda Items 10. Adjournment Next Meeting: Thursday, July 20, 2023 NOTICE: Any attendees wishing accommodations for disabilities should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (650) 558-7323 at least 24 hours before the meeting. A copy of the agenda packet is available for review at the Community Center, 850 Burlingame Avenue, during normal office hours. The agendas and minutes are also available on the City's website: www.burlingame.org. City of Burlingame Page 2 Printed on 6/9/2023 R C1TfY ti o� `ls Rvoawreo PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION DRAFT Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Pappaj ohn at 7:01 pm. 2. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Holzman, Brunello, Pappajohn, Chang, Milne, Yu (arrived at 7:03pm), and Wettan (arrived at 7:15pm) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Recreation Coordinator Bliss, & Recording Secretary Helley OTHERS PRESENT: Youth Advisory Committee Members Shaina Lubasrsky, Dylan Aguinaldo, Adrian Su, Penny Reed, Ashley Fong, Liz Forsell, Dylan Lachance, Sophia Bella, Zach Wong, Sylvie Olson, and Hannah Osinski 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Brunello made a motion to approve the March and April minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Milne, and the motion was approved. 5-0-2 (Wettan & Yu absent) 4. PRESENTATION Recreation Coordinator Bliss introduced herself and noted she oversees the Youth Advisory Committee, also known as YAC. The group presented to City Council on Monday and is excited to present at Commission tonight about their work this year. She congratulated the graduating seniors and thanked them for their countless hours of service, Ethan Wan and Claire Guglielmi, who could not be here tonight due to the Senior BHS awards dinner; and Shaina Lubasrsky, Dylan Aguinaldo. She then turned the presentation over to the YAC members. Parks & Recreation Commission DRAFT Minutes May 18, 2023 The members introduced themselves and presented a power point detailing what the group is and how they contribute to and affect the community. The Youth Advisory Committee is comprised of 13 teens who go to school or live in Burlingame. The group meets monthly to plan events around a yearly initiative and volunteer at community events. The group's initiative this year is Belonging in Burlingame. A few of the events the group participated in were Cookies & Presents, which involved baking cookies for administrators and wrapping presents near the holiday season with Moms Against Poverty for underprivileged children; the Muddy Mile, Annual Tree Lighting, Kids Night Out, Senior Valentine's Dance and the Royal Ball. The group also hosted an Anti -Hate Movie night which included discussions. The group's final event of this year is a Mills Canyon clean-up that takes place this Saturday to clean up after the recent storms. 5. CORRESPONDENCE None 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Art in Public Places Policy Director Glomstad stated the City established an Art in Public Places policy in 2007. The City Council is interested in updating the policy. Per the policy, an ad hoc committee comprised of two members from the Parks and Recreation Commission, Beautification Commission, and the Library Board is to review the changes proposed in the policy before review and approval from the City Council. Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Pappajohn has appointed Commissioner Holzman and herself to the Ad Hoc committee. 9. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. Parks & Recreation Department Reports Director Glomstad asked for volunteers to assist with an upcoming Senior Bingo on June 15 from 3-5 pm. Additionally, due to the rains, the weeds in the parks are at an all-time high. Glomstad noted that the Parks division is still very busy catching up after the storms and that the Department plans to launch a campaign to have community members help pull out weeds as they see them in the parks. 2 Parks & Recreation Commission DRAFT Minutes May 18, 2023 The City Council will be funding a batting cage softball as part of the FY 23/24 Capital Improvement Program. Other potential upcoming projects include Laguna Park Playground renovation and Cuernavaca Field Synthetic Turf. b. Commissioners Reports Commissioner Brunello — No Report Commissioner Wettan — The ribbon cutting for the new Burlingame Intermediate School gym is on June 6, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Commissioner Chang — No Report Commissioner Holzman — No Report Commissioner Yu — No Report Commissioner Milne - No Report Commissioner Pappajohn— No Report 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm. The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 16, 2023, at 7:00 pm in person. Respectfully submitted, Joleen Helley Recording Secretary 3 Parks & Recreation Commission DRAFT Minutes May 18, 2023 BURLINGASTAFF R • ;ti o Avovwi To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: June 15, 2023 From: Nicole Acquisti, Parks and Recreation Manager — (650) 558-7337 Subject: Off -Leash Options at Ray Park Field RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission review the staff report, listen to public comments, and determine if the recommendation of the Dog Park Committee should stand. BACKGROUND The Ray Park Athletic Field was reopened in March 2021 after a $1.4 Mil field renovation. The project included removing existing sod and irrigation, updating the existing softball field dugouts and warmup areas to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, laser leveling the field, installing new irrigation and sod, and associated landscaping. Staff was aware that there were dog owners that wanted an off -leash area in the park. Therefore, in early 2022, based on input from the community during the Ray Park Master Plan process and approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission, Ray Park Dog Park was designed, built, and opened. The off -leash area is located behind the tennis courts and under four eucalyptus trees. The Dog Park has received mixed reviews. There is an appreciation for the off -leash area; however, some dog owners prefer the grass field. In November 2022, Parks and Recreation staff met with Burlingame resident Craig Darling, who lives near Ray Park. He is a dog owner and part of a group of residents who use Ray Park ballfield grass as an area to run their larger dogs. He was representing a group of dog owners who regularly use the field. He requested that the Parks and Recreation Department staff consider allowing dogs off -leash on Ray Park ballfield grass. Currently, the Burlingame Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 does not allow dogs off -leash on Ray Field. 9.04.014 Prohibited conduct. No owner or possessor of any animal shall cause or permit it to do any of the following: (a) To be upon any public street, sidewalk, park, school ground, any public property or upon any unenclosed premises in a city unless the animal is properly licensed, if such licensing is necessary under this chapter, and under the control of the owner by being saddled, harnessed, haltered or leashed by a substantial chain, lead rope or leash, which chain, lead rope or leash shall be continuously held by some competent person capable of controlling the animal. All cats are exempt from this subsection. Notwithstanding this subsection, the owner or possessor of a dog may permit 1 Off -Leash Options at Ray Park Field June 15, 2023 a dog to be on the upper field at Cuernavaca Park or the easternmost lawn in Washington Park between the hours of 6:00 am and 7:30 am each day without being harnessed, haltered, or leashed, so long as the owner or possessor of the dog exercises control over the dog as otherwise required by this chapter and Chapter 10.55; However, the Burlingame Police Department, Parks and Recreation Field Monitors, neighbors, and field users have noted to Department staff, dogs off -leash on the field is a daily occurrence, mainly in the morning and early evening hours. DISCUSSION In February, the Dog Park Committee (previously named the Dog Park Task Force) convened to discuss the request from Craig Darling. During the meeting, the Committee discussed a variety of options, including: • Permitting off -leash dogs during certain hours • Fencing a dedicated space somewhere on the field for dogs • Not allowing off -leash dogs on Ray Park Field Throughout March and April 2023, staff attended the Burlingame Girls Softball (BGS) and Burlingame Youth Baseball Association (BYBA) Board meetings. Staff asked for input on the possible impacts on their organizations. Both groups were concerned about the care and quality of the athletic field if dogs were allowed, especially given the grass on Ray Field is still relatively new. They also had concerns about having a permanent fence in the middle of the field. The impacts of moving the older age groups to other City fields would result in younger players from BYBA using Ray Field. Both organizations would no longer have a "home" field and would need to invest league funds to purchase site -specific equipment and a storage shed. Additionally, staff contacted Lincoln Elementary School administration since they are regular field users during school hours. Staff learned that the school uses the field daily from 10 am-1 pm for recess. They also use the field for school -related events and activities throughout the school year. Lincoln Principal Laura Afshar said, "Folks using the field are quick to leash up or redirect their dogs off the field without us intervening when the students use the field. It's hard to anticipate what would happen without leash requirements. I'm sure the group seeking off -leash access includes Lincoln families who are respectful of students using the field. Perhaps we could include a clause in the agreement for folks to leash up and/or use the dog park just adjacent to the basketball courts when students are present on Ray Field." The pros and cons heard from the Committee and user group meetings are listed below. 1. Permitting off -leash dogs during certain hours (Example: Washington Park 6am - 2pm during the school year) a. Pros i. A large grass area for off -leash dogs. ii. No scheduling conflict with field users if hours are adhered to. b. Cons i. Damage to grass (burnt grass patches from urine, holes from digging) 2 Off -Leash Options at Ray Park Field June 15, 2023 causes more expense, time, and City resources to repair. ii. Safety hazards to field users and Lincoln Elementary students from damage and feces not being picked up. iii. Possible conflicts with maintenance staff, children and dogs (when mowing staff has had significant issues with off -leash dogs "attaching" equipment and dog owners not being mindful of the maintenance activities). iv. Depending on the allowed hours, it may not address the dog owner preferred hours. 2. Fencing a dedicated space on the field for dogs a. Pro i. Create a dedicated area for dogs. ii. Reduces the damage to the remaining grass area for athletic use. iii. Reduces conflicts between dogs and other park users. b. Con i. Creates divided spaces on the athletic field. 1. It would impact the ages of the players that could use the ballfield and require Girl's Softball and Boy's Baseball to shift where their players traditionally play and could impact other user groups due to the shift in play locations. 2. It would stop the Parks and Recreation Flag Football after -school program from using the field. 3. Increases maintenance costs and staff time to maintain the area. ii. There would be quicker and more intense damage to the grass in the localized fenced area, likely resulting in more closures to retain the grass in the off -leash area. 3. No off -leash dogs permitted on Ray Park Field a. Pro The new grass would be able to continue strengthen and develop its root system. ii. There would be no impact on field users or Lincoln Elementary. b. Con i. No large grass area for dogs off -leash. In late April 2023, the Dog Park Committee reconvened to discuss the input from BGS and BYBA and re -review the options. After a thorough discussion, the Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission that the current Ordinance should remain for Ray Park Field. The reasons for their decision include the following: • An existing dedicated off -leash area is open at the same hours as the park. • The field is still relatively new, and the damage to the ground and grass can be substantial as it continues mature. • Dog waste and digging creates holes that result in hazardous field conditions. • The Burlingame community is bearing the cost for the maintenance and staff time required for the ongoing repairs of Ray Park field. 3 Off -Leash Options at Ray Park Field June 15, 2023 By allowing some hours, dog owners may take it as an opportunity to use the field at any time leading to more conflicts between dog owners, field users, and maintenance staff. This has been evidenced at Washington Park and Cuernavaca Park. • There are several other off -leash locations in Burlingame (Washington Park, Skyline Park, Bayside Exercise Park and Ray Park). If the Commission determines the Dog Park Committee's recommendation stands, no further action will be taken. However, if the Commission decides that one of the other options or a new option is the better course, the item will be brought to the Council for discussion and final approval. FISCAL IMPACT The decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission will determine fiscal impact. EXHIBITS None C