HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.21.2021 PR Comm Packet FINAL Agenda
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TELECONFERENCE MEETING NOTICE
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Welcome to the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. If this is your first time, the
following is a general outline of our procedures:
Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this meeting is teleconference only, and will be conducted
pursuant to the provisions of the Governor’s Executive Order N29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, allowing
for deviation of teleconference rules required by the Brown Act and pursuant to the Order of the Health
Officer of San Mateo County dated March 31, 2020.
The public may view or comment during this meeting from a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone:
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 832 1432 2922
Passcode: 746949
The purpose of conducting the meeting as described in this notice is to provide the safest environment for
staff and the public while allowing for public participation.
Commissioners Aires, Battaglia, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Vice Chair Lock and Chair Uy and essential
City staff will participate via Teleconference. Members of the public may submit their comments on any
agenda item or public comment via email or Parks & Recreation main line.
PURSUANT TO RALPH M. BROWN ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, ALL VOTES SHALL
BE BY ROLL CALL DUE TO COMMISSION MEMBERS PARTICIPATING BY TELECONFERENCE.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public
record, relates to an open session agenda item, and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular
meeting will be made available for public inspection at the Parks and Recreation Department in the
Municipal Services Building. If, however, the document or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting
to which it relates, then the document or writing will be made available to the public at the location of the
meeting, as listed on this agenda.
Public Comment:
Please note that dialing in will only allow you to listen in on the meeting. To make a public comment during
the Zoom session, join the meeting from your computer or mobile device, enter your name, and request to
comment through the “Chat” function and a staff person will add you to the queue for comments and unmute
your microphone during the comment period. In the alternative, you may also provide email comments
received during the meeting will be read into the record. Please be sure to indicate the Agenda item number
you wish to address or the topic of your public comment. California law prevents the Commission from taking
action on any item not on the Agenda (except in emergency circumstances). Your question or problem may
be referred to staff for investigation and/or action where appropriate or the matter may be placed on a future
Agenda for more comprehensive action or report.
COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for your cooperation.
Remote Public Comments:
Members of the public wishing to participate are encouraged to submit public comments in writing
in advance of the meeting. The email and phone line below will be monitored during the meeting
and public comments received will be read into the record. The City encourages the submission
of comments by 6:00pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, to facilitate inclusion in the meeting
record. A maximum of 3 minutes per individual comment will be read into the record. Comments
that are not in compliance the Commission’s rules of decorum may be summarized for the record
rather than read verbatim.
Email: [email protected]
Electronic Comments received by email will be monitored during the meeting and read into the
record. We ask that you limit your electronic comments so that they comply with the 3 minute time
limitation for public comment.
Parks & Recreation Hotline: (650) 829-3837
Voice messages will be monitored during the meeting, and read into the record. Your voicemail
should be limited so that it complies with the 3 minute time limitation for public comment.
If you have special questions, please contact the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Director will be
pleased to answer your questions when the Commission is not in session.
ROBERT UY
CHAIRPERSON
WILLIAM LOCK STEPHEN FIRPO
VICE CHAIR SECRETARY
MICHAEL AIRES BETTY BATTAGLIA
COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER
KRISTY CAMACHO RUTH DeNARDI
COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER
SHARON RANALS
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
GREG MEDIATI
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Agenda
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Teleconference Meeting
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
7:00 p.m.
A G E N D A
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Agenda Review
V. Approval of Minutes of the August 17, 2021 Meeting
VI. Citizen Participation (Citizen comment on items not agendized/informational only)
VII. Old Business
A. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
VIII. New Business
A. Restoration of Departmental Position Budget
B. Cancellation of November or December Commission Meetings
IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation
X. Beautification Committee
XI. Items from Commission
XII. Items from Staff
A. Calendar of Events
B. Administrative Update
C. Discussion of Paperless Commission Packet Delivery
XIII. Adjournment
Next Meeting:
Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m.
A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San
Francisco was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, via teleconference due to the COVID-19
pandemic and local health orders.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Aires, Battaglia, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock, and Uy
Absent: All were present
Staff: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager
Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II
Erin O’Brien, Recreation Supervisor
Laura Armanino, Childcare Supervisor
Brian Noce, Acting Aquatics Supervisor
Kelli Jo Cullinan, Senior Services Supervisor
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped.
IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JUNE 15, 2021 MEETING: Approved by motion.
Motion: Commissioner Camacho / Seconded: Commissioner Lock
VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
None.
VII. OLD BUSINESS:
A. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
Manager Duldulao shared that staffing is increasing as the Department prepares to
reopen, requiring additional time training new staff and retraining returning staff.
Administration – offices and public counters opened to the public on August 2 for in-
person services. In-person City Council meetings resumed in the Council Chambers
with limited seating and masks required for attendees. In-person meetings for boards
and commissions will most likely take place in early 2022 as the City considers options
for offering hybrid meetings in which city leaders, staff, and community members can
choose to participate in meetings in-person or virtually.
Aquatics – Orange Pool transitioned to the fall schedule on Monday, August 9, with
additional morning hours for lap swim and adult recreation swim. Staff continues to
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 2
offer parent and baby recreation swim on Mondays and Fridays along with a drop-in
Aqua Zumba class on Wednesdays. Swimming lessons and exercise classes will
resume on Tuesday, September 7. Staff is planning to resume swimming pool rentals
for birthday parties and other events on Saturdays starting at 2:45 p.m., as long as there
is adequate staffing during these times.
Childcare –Before and After School Expanded Learning (offered at Buri Buri, Monte
Verde, Ponderosa and Spruce Elementary Schools) and REAL Programs (offered to
families at no cost at Los Cerritos and Martin Elementary Schools) reopened on
Wednesday, August 11.
All the childcare programs are targeting a 50-60% capacity this fall (of pre-pandemic
numbers) due to the delta variant surge to help curb the surge and protect children who
are not yet eligible for vaccines. Staff hopes to be at 75% to 100% capacity after winter
break pending any new surges, variants, guidelines, safety, and staffing.
Classes – Registration for the fall program period of recreation classes began on
Monday, August 9 for residents and opens Monday, August 23 for non-residents.
The Classes Program is no longer restricted for the number of people permitted in City
facilities. However, in recognition of the recent increase in positive cases of the delta
variant, staff have voluntarily decreased the maximum capacities of several classes to
allow for improved social distancing. Per County and City mandates, the Department
is also requiring all individuals who participate in indoor classes to wear face coverings.
PPE will be available for use at each class, air purifiers and fans will be utilized
whenever possible, and an emphasis on disinfecting high-touch surfaces will be
practiced by building attendants.
Cultural Arts - The Cultural Arts Commission plans to continue its next art exhibits in
a virtual format, including:
• Virtual General Art Exhibit – “A Study in Contrast,” Friday, July 23 – Tuesday,
August 31
• Virtual Quilting & Fiber Arts Exhibit – “One Scrap at a Time,” October 15 –
November 30
• The first 2022 exhibit is expected to take place in February
• Jewelry auction as a replacement fundraiser. Commissioner Camacho inquired
if additional pieces can be provided.
Rentals – All picnic sites (except for sites #3 and #5 at Orange Park) were open in June
to reservations at their full capacity through the end of the usual picnic season with
over 400 permits issued. Due to high demand, staff has extended the rental of picnic
shelters through November.
The Department resumed indoor rentals to “blanket groups” (long-term relationship
with the Department for recurring rentals of City facilities) in mid-July with 50%
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 3
capacity restrictions, all of whom have returned with the exception of one of the regular
church groups.
Private rentals began in August, and the Department is choosing to move slowly. The
Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building and Terrabay Gymnasium and Recreation
Center will be closed to the public through September.
Seniors – The Senior Services Program has opened its doors to the public with senior
yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, knitting and crafts on Mondays and Wednesdays,
mahjong on Fridays, and drop-in gym and billiards programs which are open during
the daily operation hours.
Senior Services staff continues to support the community remotely through
wellness/socialization calls, supporting Second Harvest Food Bank with distribution of
food boxes, delivery of activity packets, and information and referral services.
The Department also looks forward to reopening the Adult Day Care Program and
resuming transportation services for clients in September.
Sports – The 11th season of Jr. Giants closed on August 7, with over 190 players and
60 volunteers. Sports Coordinator Bill Stridbeck did an amazing job organizing and
coaching this outstanding annual program. This summer, the Sports Program was able
to add a softball division for ages 7 to 9 with two teams. A virtual dugout season, like
last summer, was an option for parents who were concerned about their child playing
with other children outside their household.
Due to several cities lack of participation or restrictions due to the delta variant
outbreak, the NCRL will only be offering intramural sports for the fall season, but is
still planning to have a full regular season with 7th and 8th grade basketball beginning
in November if the COVID status improves. Sports Coordinator Bill Stridbeck will
offer intramural volleyball and flag football in September for South San Francisco
middle school students and will communicate with other cities that have no restrictions
about the possibility of playing some scrimmages against each other during the fall
season.
The elementary school RAPP 3rd-5th grade basketball program will begin in
September with the practices moved to the Terrabay Gymnasium.
The co-ed adult softball summer league returned this summer with six teams
participating and concludes at the end of August.
Special Events – On 7/20, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted the “SSF Field
Day” event at Orange Memorial Park designed to gather and thank the community for
their continued support during this past tumultuous year. Over 400 attendees enjoyed a
variety of lawn games, a free Zumba class, and hot dogs.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 4
The first installment of the Summer Movie Night was on Friday, July 16 at Orange
Memorial Park with approximately 400 community members that watched Raya and
the Last Dragon. The next Movie Night event is scheduled on Friday, August 20 at
Martin School Ballfield, featuring Onward.
Parks and Facility Maintenance - The Parks and Facility Maintenance Divisions have
been operating at full capacity and continue to do so, increasing regular cleaning,
disinfection of surfaces, and improving air quality for employee and patron safety.
Deputy Mediati shared that with the reopening of facilities citywide as well as the
lifting of expenditure restrictions from last fiscal year, staff has experience an uptick in
their workflow.
Commissioner Lock shared that while the virtual art gallery is outstanding it would be
nice if there is a way to enlarge the artwork to full screen. He inquired how long will it
take to staff up the restored positions? Deputy Mediati shared that several recruitments
are underway, and that staff is going to council on September 8th for additional
positions.
Commissioner DeNardi shared appreciation to Parks Maintenance Division on the new
signage at the tennis courts and that the graffiti at the Poplar entrance at Sign Hill had
been cleaned up.
Commissioner Firpo enjoyed movie night but missed hot chocolate and coffee
distribution and wondered if it would be at the upcoming event? Manager Duldulao
explained that due to challenging logistics there wouldn’t be any distribution of food.
Commissioner Battaglia shared her appreciation that staff is offering a vaccine pop up
at the movie night. ACM Ranals advised that vaccine recipients at the event would
receive $40 gift cards valid at local shops as well as goodie bags.
Commissioner Camacho mentioned that she did see a flyer about movie night on
Facebook but no mention about the popup vaccination clinic.
Chair Uy shared that Field Day was well attended, but that the virtual General Art
Exhibit is not mobile friendly
B. Carter Park Preschool Update
Deputy Mediati shared that the Department’s Childcare Program serves nearly 1,200
children and young adults annually through its three licensed preschools, four
licensed After School Recreation Programs, two State grant-funded REAL
(Recreation, Enrichment and Learning) Programs, and seasonal and special needs
camps.
There are over 700 children on the City’s preschool waiting list, including unborn
children, and approximately 200 families are added to the list each year. Enrollment
can take place at any time over the course of a year, movement off of the waiting list
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 5
typically takes place over the summer when approximately 60-70 children graduate
to kindergarten.
Deputy Mediati further reviewed the operating budget, grant funding, and revenues
of the existing programs (pre-pandemic) as well as the 2001 adoption of Chapter
20.310 in the SSF Municipal Code which collects impact fees from commercial and
residential developers for the future funding of expansion of childcare facilities.
Deputy Mediati shared that the City Council authorized the construction of a new
preschool facility in the Westborough neighborhood in 2020, where the greatest
density of individuals on the wait list resides. The Childcare Master Plan, which
began in May 2021, will study where the most need exists. Carter Park was selected
for the site due existing conditions related to vehicular and pedestrian circulation,
parking, location of nearby utilities, geotechnical conditions, and adjacent land uses.
Staff engaged Sim Architects, one of the City’s prequalified on-call architects, to
begin programmatic design work for the facility in May 2021.
Preliminary site analysis, cost estimating and program planning has been completed
for serving a minimum of 60 children and is expected to include three classroom
spaces each serving 20 children, office and staff support areas, a small kitchen, and
adult and children’s restrooms. On the exterior of the facility, a private patio area will
allow space for large motor skill development. A new 2–5-year-old playground, a
requirement for licensing, will serve the program and also be made available to the
public when not in use by the preschool, benefitting the larger neighborhood.
Staff and consultants studied two delivery methods: traditional (stick-build)
construction or modular (or pre-fabricated) construction (not portable buildings). The
pros and cons of each method were shared. While new construction would provide
the most flexibility in design, staff recommends pursuing modular construction due
to the benefits associated with project cost savings and compressed construction
duration.
Deputy Mediati reviewed the fiscal impact of the options as well as City Council
feedback to explore the addition of a fourth classroom.
Commissioner Camacho inquired about the difference between the lifespan of the
different options as well as provided feedback about the kitchen location in relation
to the afterhours classrooms. Deputy Mediati shared that the difference in lifespan
was comparable up to 50 years. Staff shared that the classrooms have snack areas but
would look into the layout of the kitchen in relation to the classrooms.
Commissioner Lock expressed his agreement with Commissioner Camacho and
inquired why Carter Park is sometimes referred to as Cal West Park. Deputy Mediati
explained that it’s a Google Mapping service issue.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 6
Commissioner Firpo expressed his support for the extra (4th) classroom and inquired
about are there adult and children’s restrooms and if not can they be used for adult
classes as well in the future? One classroom is being designed for additional storage.
Commissioner DeNardi expressed her support for the modular design as well as for
the time that staff has taken to share the pros and cons of price and usability.
Chair Uy inquired if there would be future renovation cost difference for modular.
Deputy Mediati shared that it would be similar between both, but with less
customization.
7:50 – 5 minute break.
VIII. New Business:
A. Childcare Master Plan Sub-committee
Deputy Mediati shared that staff has selected Kathleen White to assist staff as a
consultant to draft a comprehensive Childcare Master Plan to improve the reach,
quality, and impact of early childhood education programs, childcare, and youth
services for South San Francisco residents. Feedback from the public, various
agencies, care providers, and City legislative and advisory bodies will guide the
plan’s priorities and it is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission
establish a subcommittee as a stakeholder group for this endeavor. Due to Brown Act
considerations, no more than three members of the Commission may serve on this
group.
Chair Uy and Commissioners Camacho and DeNardi shared their support as well as
their interest in being on the committee. Commissioner Lock agreed and offered to
be a substitute. Commissioner Aires shared his support and thanks to the other
members for taking on the task.
IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation:
Manager Duldulao shared that there are no updates at this time and ACM Ranals thanked
Friends for sponsoring hot dogs for Field Day.
X. Beautification Committee:
Deputy Director Mediati reported that there is nothing new to report.
XI. Items from Commission:
Commissioner Camacho enjoyed the virtual art exhibit and while she misses the in-person
showings, she likes that the virtual show lasts longer and allows residents to fit it into their
schedules and hopes to see the online virtual showroom continue to be available even after
the in person shows resume. She further shared a General Plan update with June/July off
and last week about zoning code changes. She can’t make the September meeting but
Commissioner Firpo will attend as alternate for the topic on climate change.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 7
Commissioner DeNardi shared that Field Day was well organized. Movie night was a
success and allowed for multi-generational family gathering. The Master Plan open house
zoom meeting was interesting. The Los Cerritos school exterior looks uplifting.
Commissioner Battaglia shared that Field Day was really nice, and staff did a wonderful job
organizing the special event.
Commissioner Aires expressed thanks for communication on events, Field Day was fun and
he was glad to see focus on childcare. Thanks to Devin and Veronica for all of their
assistance and professionalism with the gardening class which concluded last week.
Commissioner Firpo shared that Field Day was fantastic. Thanks to Devin, Brian, Austin,
Mike and the entire crew. He asked about the skate park where one kid was skating alone
and fell. He expressed concern about the area being isolated and is there signage warning
residents not to skate alone.
Commissioner Lock expressed his gratitude to the City for seeking public comment and
engagement. At Alta Loma Park there were at least 18 people walking around and 6 families
playing in the playground. Clay Ave Park was packed. Can that park be replicated in the
Linden area? Orange Park has trucks moving earth in and out and the street sweeper right
behind the trucks, but they weren’t spraying water. Centennial Trail and Orange Park people
are out walking. He inquired if the City would consider not doing all four corners
simultaneously when replacing the curb cutouts as it makes it difficult for pedestrians to get
around and it’s not safe.
Chair Uy shared that Field Day was spectacular, and that Childcare is exceptional. He
inquired about picnic tables, which staff has ordered for Sellick Park and that he would like
staff to consider creating parks as destinations, similar to the water park in
Dublin/Pleasanton.
XII. Items from Staff:
A. Calendar of Events.
Deputy Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events.
B. Administrative Updates
Chair Uy inquired if Commissioners had any questions related to the previously
shared administrative updates. None were shared.
Manager Richardson provided a summary of the City’s use of Roundup, and from the
experience of staff and of the City’s Licensed Pest Control Advisor, there is not a
safer or comparably effective product on the market.
The Parks Division has several employees who are licensed by the State of California
Department of Pesticide Regulations to oversee the mixing, calibration, and use of
pesticides, including Roundup. Staff also work closely with a Licensed Pest Control
Advisor and the County Department of Agriculture to provide recommendations on
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 17, 2021
Page 8
safe chemical use. In an abundance of caution and transparency, staff post herbicide
applications in public areas 72 hours in advance to make sure that residents are aware,
and staff monitor sprayed areas to ensure people do not access them until the product
is dry. Staff are very progressive in our approach to landscape management (all maintenance staff and managers are certified as Sustainable / Bay‐Friendly
Landscapers, and the management team all have educational and professional
backgrounds in environmental sciences and policy), and are continuously researching
and exploring alternatives.
We very well may also adopt at a practice were we no longer use it in parks, but only as part of our integrated pest management program in medians/right‐of‐way areas
where there would be no public contact to lessen public anxiety.
Commissioner Camacho inquired about the negative effects of removing Roundup
from use in parks. Manager Richardson shared that the growth during the infield
resting would start to look like a lawn and require more manual work to keep up.
Chair Uy shared his preference for safety of residents over ease of managing the
fields.
XIII. Adjournment: 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II
Staff Report
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the status of
Departmental modified operations in response to COVID-19.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the August 17, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, staff reported on the City of
South San Francisco’s reopening of offices and public counters on August 2, 2021, as well as
expanded programming by the Recreation Division. Since that report, the Department has continued
to progress in its return to pre-COVID operations, and staff have found some relief that public health
guidelines under which the Department can operate have remained mostly steady. Throughout
COVID, one of the biggest challenges to the Department were the ever-changing public health
guidelines, which made it difficult to make long-term plans, and put staff in a stressful position to
pivot operations to accommodate the latest policy changes.
Some of the main COVID-related challenges the Department is experiencing now are related to
children going back to school in-person, restoring a team of part-time employees to support
recreation programs, and adjusting to the “new normal” for operations.
Children Return to In-Person Learning
Although public health guidelines have remained steady for most of the Department’s operations,
the Childcare Program is one area in which this was not the case during the first month of school.
The South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) returned to in-person learning this
school year, a feat that understandably faces a multitude of challenges. SSFUSD started the school
year with COVID protocols in place, taking guidance from the San Mateo County Coalition for Safe
Schools and Communities: Pandemic Recovery Framework. The framework includes guidelines
under which students can follow modified quarantine procedures, which allows students who have
been exposed to COVID-19 to continue attending school as long as they are asymptomatic. See
Attachment 1 for a flow chart from SSFUSD’s Reopening Plan, which outlines decision points in
Staff Report
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
Page: 2
instances of COVID exposure in school, as well as a complete definition of modified quarantine.
Under modified quarantine, students may attend school, but should otherwise quarantine from all
other extracurricular activities. After several conversations with San Mateo County Public Health
officials, it has been determined that on-campus after school programs are considered part of the
school and could be eligible for modified quarantine if the after-school program follows the same
framework required of schools. These standards are currently under review, and staff hope to be
able to offer modified quarantine to participants in our after-school program.
Restoring Staffing and the “New Normal”
The Department is fortunate to have many returning part-time employees and continues to hire new
employees where needed. While this is going well, there are challenges to training a new workforce,
dealing with the fast pace of reopening, managing COVID exposures and concerns, implementing
post-COVID operating procedures, and reacquainting new and seasoned staff with being back in
business.
Upcoming Special Events
City Hall 101st Birthday Concert
Saturday, October 25, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
400 block of Grand Avenue
In 2020, the City of South San Francisco had planned a 100th birthday celebration for City Hall
including a fireworks show, but this was put on hold due to COVID. This event has made a
comeback in 2021 celebrating City Hall’s 101st birthday, except without the fireworks. Community
members will enjoy music from headliners Orquesta Borinquen and Tainted Love. In addition to
the two performances on the stage located on a closed-off Grand Avenue, the event will also feature:
• A free vaccination clinic on the patio of the Grand Avenue Library;
• Tours of the Mayor’s office in City Hall and a chance to take pictures from the balcony;
• Food trucks (taco truck and an ice cream truck);
• City-sponsored information tables, including a table seeking information for the Orange Park
and Centennial Way Master Plans;
• Vendors from Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, including food vendors and retail such
as greeting cards, Latin culture novelty items for the home, vintage clothing and housewares,
jewelry from recycled materials, and paintings on Grand Avenue near Spruce;
• A photo booth on Grand Avenue;
• The Library’s Learning Wheels outside, and children’s activities in the Grand Library;
A bubble play artist, face painter, and balloon twister; and
• The Parks and Recreation Department's Mexican Folklorico and Hawaiian Hula dance
programs.
The production of this event is in collaboration with staff from the City Manager’s office and other
City departments. See Attachment 2 for a flyer for this event.
Staff Report
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
Page: 3
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, South City!”
Saturday, October 23, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Orange Memorial Park
The Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to once again bring Halloween festivities to the
South San Francisco community. Previously, the Department hosted the annual Halloween
Extravaganza at the Municipal Services Building with over 1,000 people in attendance, however, in
light of the continued spread of COVID, staff thought it best to rethink the event as an outdoor
celebration. The Parks and Recreation Department looks forward to hosting the community at
Orange Memorial Park on Saturday, October 23 for an event titled, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, South
City!” Attendees of all ages will be delighted with games, a pumpkin patch, a spooky “Zombie
Zone,” and more. A flyer for this event is available in Attachment 3.
Halloween Extravaganza funding was among the Department’s budget cuts during the initial
COVID outbreak in fiscal year 2020-21, and this budget item was not fully restored in the fiscal
year 2021-22 budget. Fortunately, the Department has been able to supplement funding for this
year’s Halloween event through generous donations.
Conclusion of Monthly COVID Updates
Given that the Department has reached some stability in its post-COVID operations, this report
concludes the Department’s monthly COVID update, barring any major COVID-related news
resulting in major changes to the Department’s operations. Any notable shifts in operations will be
brought to the Commission’s attention and may also be covered under the Administrative Update.
By:
Angela Duldulao
Recreation Manger
Staff Report
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Restoration of Departmental Position Budget
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the restoration
of the Departmental Position Budget.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of 150.74 full-time equivalent staff positions,
including 79 full time staffers and over 400 hourly employees that serve the community through
high-quality enrichment and recreational offerings and maintenance operations. As the
Department is largely tasked with direct customer service, 76% of the Department’s $16.7 million
operating budget is dedicated to payroll; program delivery without this corps of dedicated staff
members would be infeasible.
As the Commission is aware, the Department’s current organizational structure includes an
Administrative Division, consisting of business services and departmental leadership; a Recreation
Division consisting of several discrete program areas (Cultural Arts, Facility Rentals, Sports,
Childcare, Senior Services, Classes, Special Events, and Aquatics), and the Parks Division and the
Facility Maintenance Division, each responsible for the safe and sustainable operation of over 300
acres of parks and open space areas and over 500,000 square feet of occupied civic buildings.
In March 2020, due to the anticipated economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19
pandemic, the City established a temporary hiring freeze for all vacant positions within the City.
Following direction from City Council, vacant positions were authorized to fill on a case-by-case
basis, where it was determined necessary in order to continue essential operations and respond to
emergency needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This strategy allowed the City to retain
current staff while implementing a temporary reduction in payroll expenditures by leaving vacant
positions unfilled. Within the Department, there currently are the following frozen positions:
Staff Report
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: Restoration of Departmental Position Budget
Page: 2
• Parks and Recreation Director
• Business Manager
• Administrative Assistant II
• Building Maintenance Custodian
• Arborist Technician
Fortunately, due to rebounding tax revenues and funds projected to be gained through the Oyster
Point Community Facility District (CFD) tax assessment, Parks and Recreation staff, in
coordination with the City Manager have studied existing and projected operational changes and
prioritized several positions for restoration and creation.
The following positions will be administratively unfrozen without any City Council action as they
are currently within the Department’s position budget.
• Parks and Recreation Director
• Business Manager
• Building Maintenance Custodian
General Fund Position Budget Requests
The additional positions identified below have been prioritized and did require City Council
authorization to be added to the position budget, which was approved at their meeting on
September 8, 2021.
Estimated expenses for these positions for the fiscal year assume the staffer will be on-boarded
mid-year, however these will be adjusted based on actual conditions when budget is added at mid-
year.
Position Estimated cost for FY21/22 Cost FY 22/23
Building Maintenance Stationary Engineer $ 97,522 $195,044
Recreation Supervisor – Childcare $ 84,117 $168,234
Total $181,639 $363,278
The Building Maintenance Stationary Engineer is a new position anticipated to be a management
level employee responsible for the care and management of complex mechanical and building
systems, and will serve as the commissioning agent for the new Police Headquarters, Library /
Parks and Recreation Center, Carter Park Preschool, and all new facility development projects. It
is envisioned that the creation of this position will also establish a supervisor level employee to
oversee skilled craftswork and carpentry and contractual building systems support (i.e. HVAC and
other complex building systems preventative maintenance and repairs), allowing the existing
Building Maintenance Supervisor tasked with this to focus more on custodial maintenance for the
growing inventory of municipal building areas.
The additional Recreation and Community Services Supervisor will allow for the division of the
current Childcare program area into two distinct programs: a Preschool Program and a School-
Aged Youth Services Program (i.e. after school learning and enrichment programs and summer
camp). In the past 10 years, the Childcare Program has grown significantly – with an operating
budget growing from $1.7 million in 2011, to over $3.8 million in 2021 – more than double. In
Staff Report
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: Restoration of Departmental Position Budget
Page: 3
this same time, the program has grown from 800 children served to over 1,400, prior to public
health and safety enrollment limitations driven by COVID-19. The program currently has 150
staff under one Recreation Supervisor, a far reaching span of control.
Oyster Point Community Facility District Position Budget Requests
Understanding the critical need to maintain the new park at Oyster Point at a high level, which
will become a City maintenance obligation at the terminus of construction in early 2022, several
Park Maintenance Worker positions were requested, and also approved by the City Council on
September 8.
Position Estimated cost for FY21/22 Cost FY 22/23
Lead Park Maintenance Worker $ 69,583 $139,166
Senior Park Maintenance Worker $ 64,246 $128,492
Park Maintenance Worker $ 61,030 $122,060
Total $194,859 $389,718
The Lead Park Maintenance Worker will be responsible for skilled maintenance and repair work at
Oyster Point, which consists of nearly 30 acres of new parks and right-of-way areas, including
commissioning, maintenance and repairs of irrigation systems, park furnishings, trails, and plant
material. The Lead Maintenance Worker will provide field supervision for a Senior Park
Maintenance Worker, who will be tasked with progressively more skilled maintenance activities,
and one entry-level Park Maintenance Worker who will perform more basic maintenance
functions.
Additional budget will be needed for maintenance material costs, fleet, specialized services such
as environmental monitoring, utilities, and Public Works Maintenance staff. These costs are still
being evaluated and may be added at mid-year or in FY22-23 once true costs are better known.
Oyster Point CFD Cash Flow Projections
The following table illustrates the projected cash flow by fiscal year for the newly established
Oyster Point CFD. The full revenue potential of the CFD is not expected to be realized until
FY27-28. The projected annual shortfall in expenses will be absorbed by the General Fund or
reserves, which will be more closely evaluated at mid-year.
OPD CFD Cash flow Fiscal Year Total
Phase I 22-23 $231,000
Phase II 24-25 $564,000
Phase III 26-27 $721,000
Phase IV 27-28 $896,000
Over the next several months, staff will continue studying current and projected staffing needs for
both General Fund and CFD areas of responsibility, and may present additional position requests
and restorations of frozen positions before the City Council as revenues allow.
Staff Report
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: Restoration of Departmental Position Budget
Page: 4
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated total cost for this staffing proposal is estimated to be $376,500 for the balance of
the fiscal year. The Department’s Operating Budget presently has ample funding to absorb this
expense until additional budget is authorized at the mid-year budget adjustment period in early
2022.
By:
Greg Mediati
Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Staff Report
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Cancellation of November or December Meetings
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss the potential cancellation of the
November or December Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
As done each year, staff is agendizing this item as an opportunity to cancel one or both of the regular
Parks and Recreation Commission meetings scheduled for November 16 and December 21, if so
desired.
By:
Greg Mediati
Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR
Month: September 2021
Day Date Event Time Location
Wednesday 01
Thursday 02
Friday 03
Saturday 04
Sunday 05
Monday 06 Labor Day/Programs Closed
Tuesday 07 Fall Class Session Begins
Wednesday 08
Thursday 09
Friday 10
Saturday 11
Sunday 12
Monday 13 Improving Public Places Committee meeting
5:30 p.m.
Corp. Yard conference
room or Online
Tuesday 14 Election Day
Wednesday 15
Thursday 16 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Online
Friday 17
Saturday 18 Coastal Cleanup Day 9:00 a.m. End of Haskins Way
Sunday 19
Monday 20
Tuesday 21 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Online
Wednesday 22
Thursday 23
Friday 24
Saturday 25 Downtown Concert
Roberta Cerri Teglia Center Naming
Ceremony
12:00 p.m. –
5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
City Hall
601 Grand Ave. (formerly
Magnolia Center)
Sunday 26
Monday 27
Tuesday 28
Wednesday 29 LPR Site Visit (tentative) TBD TBD
Thursday 30
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR
Month: October 2021
Day Date Event Time Location
Friday 01
Saturday 02 Citywide Cleanup Event 9:00 a.m.-
3:30 p.m.
Corp Yard
Sunday 03
Monday 04
Tuesday 05 LPR Site Visit (tentative) TBD LPR
Wednesday 06
Thursday 07
Friday 08 Entry deadline or first 50 entries: Virtual
Quilting & Fiber Arts Exhibit – “One
Scrap at a Time” (event date: Oct. 15 –
Nov. 30, 2021)
www.ssf.net/culturalarts
Saturday 09 Anne Waters Playground Dedication
(tentative)
TBD TBD
Sunday 10
Monday 11 City Holiday/Programs Closed
Tuesday 12
Wednesday 13
Thursday 14
Friday 15 Virtual Quilting & Fiber Arts Exhibit –
“One Scrap at a Time,” Oct. 15 – Nov.
30, 2021 (Entry deadline, October 8 or
first 50 entries)
www.ssf.net/culturalarts
Saturday 16 IPP Event: Karyl’s Corner 9:00 a.m. –
12:00 a.m. Corner of
Westborough/W. Orange
Sunday 17
Monday 18
Tuesday 19 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Online
Wednesday 20
Thursday 21 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Online
Friday 22
Saturday 23 Alice Bulos Center Naming Event
The Great Pumpkin, South City!
1:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. –
5:00 p.m.
2380 Galway Drive
(Formerly Westborough
Recreation Center)
Orange Memorial Park
Sunday 24
Monday 25 Citizen’s Academy – Parks and Recreation 6:00 p.m. –
9:00 p.m.
Joseph Fernekes
Building
Tuesday 26
Wednesday 27
Thursday 28
Friday 29
Saturday 30
Sunday 31
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR
Month: November 2021
Day Date Event Time Location
Monday 01 Improving Public Places Committee meeting
(tentative)
5:30 p.m. Corp. Yard
conference room or
Online (TBD)
Tuesday 02
Wednesday 03
Thursday 04
Friday 05
Saturday 06 40th Annual Holiday Boutique 10:00 a.m. –
4:00 p.m.
MSB
Sunday 07 Daylight Savings Time Ends
Monday 08 Election Day
Tuesday 09
Wednesday 10
Thursday 11 Veterans Day/Programs Closed
Friday 12
Saturday 13 2021 Thanksgiving Fun Run TBA TBA
Sunday 14
Monday 15
Tuesday 16 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Online
Wednesday 17
Thursday 18 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Online
Friday 19
Saturday 20 Orange Park / Centennial Way Open House
#2 (Tentative)
10:00 a.m. –
1:00 p.m.
Fernekes Building
Sunday 21
Monday 22
Tuesday 23
Wednesday 24
Thursday 25 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed
Friday 26 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed
Saturday 27
Sunday 28
Monday 29
Tuesday 30
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR
Month: December 2021
Day Date Event Time Location
Wednesday 01
Thursday 02
Friday 03
Saturday 04 IPP Wreath Workshop (pre-registration
required)
9 a.m. to 12
p.m.; 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m.
Fernekes Building
Sunday 05
Monday 06
Tuesday 07 City Council Reorganization 6:00 p.m. MSB Social Hall
Wednesday 08
Thursday 09
Friday 10
Saturday 11
Sunday 12
Monday 13
Tuesday 14
Wednesday 15
Thursday 16 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Online
Friday 17
Saturday 18
Sunday 19
Monday 20
Tuesday 21 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Online
Wednesday 22
Thursday 23
Friday 24 Christmas Eve/City Offices Closed at Noon
Saturday 25 Christmas Day/Programs Closed
Sunday 26
Monday 27 Recreation Administrative Offices Closed
Tuesday 28 Recreation Administrative Offices Closed
Wednesday 29 Recreation Administrative Offices Closed
Thursday 30 Recreation Administrative Offices Closed
Friday 31 New Year’s Eve/City Offices Closed at Noon
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 19, 2021
TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update
Remaining August Event Reminders
Cancelled: Friday, August 27 – Senior Health Fair
This popular annual event co-sponsored by Kaiser Permanente has been cancelled due to recent
changes in COVID conditions and out of concern for the health of our aging community members.
Tentative plans to host this event in March 2022 are in progress.
Friday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29 – Cultural Arts Commission Virtual Jewelry Auction
The Cultural Arts Commission is hosting its first virtual jewelry auction fundraiser. The auction
will open Friday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m. and close Sunday, August 29 at 9:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit
South San Francisco cultural arts programs. Browse the twenty-five elegant jewelry pieces, or
simply setup your bidding account ahead of the August 27 auction opening at
https://event.gives/ssf. More information is available at www.ssf.net/culturalarts.
Friday, July 23 to Tuesday, August 31 – “A Study in Contrast” Virtual General Art Exhibit
There are only a few days left to enjoy the Cultural Arts Commission’s Virtual General Art Exhibit.
Artwork can be viewed at the links below:
• Gallery One - https://bit.ly/Genart1ssf
• Gallery Two - https://bit.ly/Genart2ssf
Bi-Weekly Update
August 19, 2021
Page 2 of 3
Fall 2021 Recreation Class Registration
Registration for the fall session of classes began for South San Francisco residents on Monday,
August 9 and registration for non-residents will begin Monday, August 23. Classes for the fall
period will begin Tuesday, September 7, and operate through Sunday, December 12. The fall
session will be the second consecutive season the Department will offer a majority of in-person
indoor classes. Six out of 200 classes are being conducted online.
Registration was successful, and staff were able to respond to the usual customer service questions
related to payments of overdue balances, address changes, and user account updates. The
Recreation office was also open to the public for in-person registration, which was also appreciated
by community members. Most in-person transactions took place in the morning (21) and only four
in-person transactions were taken in the afternoon. This suggests that participants are becoming
more comfortable registering for classes online when compared to the 281 online transactions that
took place on the first day of registration. Even prior to COVID, the Department had noticed a
shift to more customer transactions being completed online in recent years, especially after the
Department upgraded its recreation management system to a more modern, user-friendly system.
Sports Program Update
Junior Giants
The 11th season of the Junior Giants program came to a close on Saturday, August 7. This year,
over 190 players and 60 volunteers participated in the no-cost in-person program. Sports
Coordinator Bill Stridbeck does an amazing job organizing and coaching this outstanding annual
program. This summer, the Sports Program was able to add a softball division for children ages
seven to nine. Boys were allowed to play as well in the softball division, and there were two boys
who played alongside their sisters, which made it easier for their parents. Staff hope this will grow
into more softball teams for next summer! T-Ball was the biggest division with seven teams and
over 90 players involved but overall, there was lower enrollment this year from previous seasons
due to COVID-19 conditions. A virtual program, like last summer, was also an option for parents
who were concerned about their child playing with other children outside their household.
Middle School Sports
Some cities within the North County Recreation League (NCRL) decided not to participate in
volleyball, cross country, or flag football league play this fall due the recent outbreak of the
COVID-19 Delta Variant.
For the time being, the NCRL will only be offering intramural sports for their fall season where
South San Francisco teams will only play other teams within the city. The NCRL is still planning
to host a full regular season for seventh and eighth grade basketball beginning in November if the
COVID conditions improve. Sports Coordinator Bill Stridbeck will offer intramural volleyball and
flag football in September for South San Francisco middle school students and will communicate
with other cities that have no restrictions about the possibility of playing some scrimmages against
each other during the fall season.
Bi-Weekly Update
August 19, 2021
Page 3 of 3
RAPP Basketball
The elementary school RAPP third through fifth grade basketball program is moving forward as
normal and will begin in September with the practices moved from Spruce Elementary
Gymnasium to the Terrabay Gymnasium.
Adult Co-Ed Softball
The Co-Ed Adult Softball Summer League returned this summer at Hillside Field and with six
teams participating. The season will conclude at the end of August, and participants are very
excited to be back to playing softball again.
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 2, 2021
TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update
Movie Night – Onward
On Friday, August 20, approximately 250 community members of all ages gathered to enjoy our
free Summer Movie Night with Disney/Pixar’s film Onward. This annual event was hosted at
Martin Elementary School Ballfield, a new location that was chosen in order to serve a greater
number of community members in the Old Town neighborhood of South San Francisco. During
this event, San Mateo County Public Health held a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic, where nine
community members received their first dose. Also stationed at the community resource tables
were the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) who distributed PPE
supplies, JobTrain of South San Francisco, and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Announcements throughout the event were made in both English and Spanish.
In preparation for movie night, the Parks Division completed numerous field improvements, and
added a total of 32 cubic yards of topsoil. Staff also thanks the South San Francisco Unified School
District and Martin Elementary School for collaborating with the Department on use of the
school’s parking lot and restrooms, and to the Police Department for providing event security.
The community members in attendance were very happy to enjoy the movie at a new location, and
graciously expressed their thanks both in-person and through social media for this annual event.
Bi-Weekly Update
September 2, 2021
Page 2 of 5
Full of Fun Summer Camp Program
Childcare Program staff were excited to host Full of Fun Camp for two weeks this summer. Full
of Fun is a camp specifically designed for young people with disabilities, where teen volunteer
aides and campers participate in all aspects of the camp together.
Using teen volunteers who accept the campers and value each of them as a person, and who
demonstrate their acceptance in public, allows them to celebrate each individual's achievements.
All teens teach and learn from each other because they are familiar with each individual's strengths
and weaknesses. They also provide important social support to each other, as well as help each
other participate fully in activities and support each individual's unique interests.
Camp took place during the weeks of July 12 and July 26 at the Westborough Recreation Building.
In attendance were 28 campers, along with 29 volunteers who welcomed campers and their
Bi-Weekly Update
September 2, 2021
Page 3 of 5
families back to Full of Fun Camp. Staff, campers, and volunteers enjoyed having everyone
together again. While camp looked a little different this year, the group still had many activities to
enjoy.
Campers and volunteers took part in different art projects, such as 3D painting, creating kindness
rocks, and building a marble maze, which was the favorite project of the summer. Participants had
a blast with indoor games like bingo, connect four, ping pong, and much more. The group enjoyed
time outdoors on the playground and basketball courts, as well as playing cornhole. The group
even celebrated a camper’s 30th birthday with a movie and cupcakes. Campers also enjoyed a visit
by Mister Softee’s ice cream truck, where all campers and volunteers got to enjoy a special treat.
Even though camp was different this year, everyone was grateful to have spent that time together
playing, dancing, doing projects, forming friendships, and having fun.
Orange Pool Fall 2021 Registration
Resident registration for aquatics programs recently began. With continued demand for swimming
lessons, most group lessons were full within minutes of registration opening. Over 330 participants
have registered, with 217 registrants enrolled in our level 1-5 child group lessons, 71 in our infant,
toddler, preschool classes, and 44 adults registered for group lessons. Registration is not yet back
to pre-COVID capacity as staffing the lessons has been challenging, however, the Department has
been able to hire a few new staff members over the past few months. Registration for session two
of fall classes begins on Wednesday, October 6. Participants who were unable to find availability
in session one will have another opportunity to register. Staff looks forward to growing our
programs and reaching pre-COVID participation in 2022.
Bi-Weekly Update
September 2, 2021
Page 4 of 5
Parks Division Update
City Hall Concert Preparation Work
Parks staff have begun efforts to improve the City Hall campus in preparation for the 101st
Anniversary of City Hall scheduled for September 25. Recently, the irrigation mainline was
compromised, resulting in the drying up of turf around City Hall and the Library. This repair has
been completed, and the current work will address rehabilitating turf areas by aerating, top
dressing, and over-seeding all turf on the City Hall block. Additionally, staff will be hedging,
weeding, mulching, and pressure washing throughout the site.
Siebecker Turf Installation
Parks staff and contractors recently installed synthetic turf at Siebecker Preschool. Previously this
area was vacant of any appreciable landscaping, with no operable irrigation, and was not very
useful for the children. Now the area is an appealing and safe play area for all children. The
Recreation Division received a $5,000 grant for this project, and the Parks Division paid for the
balance and coordinated the project. This was a great opportunity for the two divisions to work
together and to better serve the community and the children that attend the preschool.
Facilities Update
Council Chambers Dais Barriers
Building Maintenance staff received a request to install plexiglass on the dais in the Council
Chambers for members of the City Council. Since there wasn’t an off-the-shelf product for this
installation, staff were tasked with custom fabricating the barriers. Plexiglass was purchased in
large sheets and cut to size, metal brackets were cut and welded in-house, and the barrier was then
installed by staff.
Bi-Weekly Update
September 2, 2021
Page 5 of 5
Siebecker Preschool Building Door Rehab
The front doors at Siebecker Preschool were also recently restored by Building Maintenance staff.
The old oak laminate facia was aged and deteriorated beyond repair. Working with Childcare
staff’s availability, Craftsworkers repaired and painted the doors a burgundy color to match the
existing building trim.
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 9, 2021
TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update
Parks Update
Westborough Park Tennis Courts
Beginning on September 7, the Westborough Park tennis courts will be closed for resurfacing. The
play surface degraded over time and warranted wholesale replacement. The paving will take
approximately one week, and then the asphalt must cure for 30 days. Once cured, the courts will
be colored and painted with tennis court lines and striping for four new pickleball courts as well.
The courts will remain closed for the duration of the resurfacing, curing, and painting process.
Westborough Playground Surfacing
The tot lot playground at Westborough Park has recently had all new surfacing installed. The larger
playground also had spot patches repaired in areas that had been degraded from regular use.
Repairing these surfacing issues has mitigated trip hazards for users of the playgrounds and given
the playgrounds a bright new appearance before being dedicated in honor of Anne Waters.
Facilities Update
Magnolia Senior Center Dedication Preparations
Per City Council’s direction, the Parks and Recreation
Department has been working with contractors to
design and develop signs for renaming two of the
recreation buildings – the Westborough Recreation
Center and the Magnolia Center. The Magnolia
Center will be dedicated and renamed the Roberta
Cerri Teglia Center. In addition to the new name
signage on the building, a plaque, peripheral signage,
and awnings will all be replaced at the Senior Center.
The building name will be created using 10” bronze
letters and installed at the entrance. This sign is
scheduled to be installed on September 14. In the
meantime, both awnings have been replaced. The
front awning shows the street address and the rear
awning shows the new building name. Staff will also
be working in and around the building sprucing it up
for the dedication ceremony on September 25.
Bi-Weekly Update
September 9, 2021
Page 2 of 2
City Hall Restroom Lock Project
As part of the reopening of City facilities to the public, Building Maintenance staff was tasked
with installing electronic code locks in the men’s and women’s restrooms at City Hall. The locks
have codes that will be provided to the City employees occupying the City Hall building. The
purpose of installing the locks is to provide another layer of safety for the City employees and
controlling the timing and amount of occupancy in the restrooms. City staff will be granting public
access to the restrooms on an as needed basis.
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, South City!” – Saturday, October 23
The Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to once again bring Halloween festivities to the
South San Francisco community. Previously, the Department hosted the annual Halloween
Extravaganza at the Municipal Services Building with over 1,000 people in attendance, however,
in light of the continued spread of COVID, staff thought it best to rethink the event as an outdoor
celebration. The Parks and Recreation Department looks forward to hosting the community at
Orange Memorial Park on Saturday, October 23 for an event titled, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, South
City!” Attendees of all ages will be delighted with games, a pumpkin patch, a spooky “Zombie
Zone,” and more. A flyer for this event is available in Attachment 1.
Halloween Extravaganza funding was among the Department’s budget cuts during the initial
COVID outbreak in fiscal year 2020-21, and this budget item was not fully restored in the fiscal
year 2021-22 budget. Fortunately, the Department has been able to supplement funding for this
year’s Halloween event through generous donations.
Cultural Arts Commission – Invites Entries for a Virtual Quilting and Fiber Arts Exhibit
The Cultural Arts Commission presents its final 2021 art gallery exhibit, a virtual quilting and
fiber arts showcase titled, “One Scrap at a Time.” Entries by quilters and textile art enthusiasts are
invited. Eligible media includes, but is not limited to, quilting, crochet, knitting, weaving,
macrame, basketry, and wearable art. Two image entries per artist are allowed. Entry fee is $5.00
per entry. The online exhibit is open to San Francisco Bay Area residents, 16 years and older.
Entries are limited to the first 50 applications or the entry deadline of Friday, October 8, whichever
occurs first. Artists interested in submitting entries may download the complete guidelines and
submit their entries from the “Current Opportunities for Artists” page at www.ssf.net/culturalarts.
The virtual exhibit will open on October 15 and run through November 30. The online gallery will
be available at www.ssf.net/culturalarts. Viewing is free. A flyer for this event is available in
Attachment 2.
Damage to Windswept Sculpture
On the morning of Friday, September 3, staff discovered that the sculpture titled Windswept had
been damaged in a vehicle accident. Windswept was located on a median on Westborough
Boulevard at the I-280 offramp. The sculpture is currently stored at the Corp Yard until the damage
Bi-Weekly Update
September 16, 2021
Page 2 of 4
can be assessed by the artist. Staff hopes it can be repaired and relocated. In the meantime, staff
will seek subrogation from the driver’s insurance provider. Photos of damage to the sculpture are
available in Attachment 3.
The City purchased Windswept for $18,000 from artist Brian F. Russell. The value of installation
is estimated at $2,000. The sculpture was installed on June 29, 2018 and dedicated on August 4,
2018.
Cultural Arts Commission Virtual Jewelry Auction Recap
The Cultural Arts Commission hosted their first virtual silent auction on the weekend of August
27. The auction featured a collection of 25 jewelry pieces collected and donated by various
commissioners. Twenty-three pieces were sold in the auction with 68 bids made throughout the
three-day event, totaling $810. Those who participated in the virtual auction had positive feedback
about their experience, including one winning bidder who stated, “I love jewelry and was so
excited to be able to participate in my own city. I hope next time you will have even more pieces.”
Thanks to all those who donated, participated, and helped spread the word. All earnings support
the Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship and other vital art programs.
Adult Softball Summer Recap
Adult coed softball returned this summer after an 18-month hiatus due to COVID, with six teams
competing in a six-game season. Four teams entered the playoffs, with teams Julianna’s Journey
and Fog City winning their first-round games to play each other in the championship game.
Fog City won the championship game and captured their fourth championship in the past five
seasons. Players Rice and Matt lead the team in hitting with three hits apiece in the final game.
The next adult softball league will resume in the spring of 2022.
FOG CITY, 2021 Summer Softball Coed League Champions
Bi-Weekly Update
September 16, 2021
Page 3 of 4
Senior Services Program Update
Expanded Programming
Magnolia Center began a soft reopening of in-person services on August 2. The activities that are
currently operating with limited enrollment include yoga, mahjong, knitting and crafts, Hawaiian
dancing, as well as drop-in billiards, gym, and the computer lab. There is a new adult “little library”
that serves as a book exchange and allows visitors to pick up a free book to read on-site or take
with them. Staff continues to provide information and referral services, wellness calls and packets,
and outstanding customer service. In addition, staff is temporarily hosting the JobTrain program
on premise until December 2021.
Over 350 individuals visited the Magnolia Center in the month of August to take part in classes,
activities, and services. As the Senior Services Program moves into the fall months, staff will begin
to slowly increase in-person services as well as increase the maximum enrollment in activities.
Some of the classes still to be restored in the coming months are ping pong, zumba, tai chi, bingo,
movie showcases, board games, special events and luncheons.
After approval from the State of California Community Care Licensing Division, the Adult Day
Care Program is tentatively opening in October, and the team is thrilled and excited to welcome
clients back and in program.
Senior Connections Newsletter
The Senior Connections Newsletter pivoted during COVID by offering additional editions filled
with information on many services to assist older adults and seniors during this challenging time.
The newsletter also shifted from being a paid, printed mailer to being offered free to subscribers
in both printed and digital form, a practice that will continue into the foreseeable future.
Subscriptions have steadily increased from 190 subscribers in 2020 at the beginning of the
pandemic to over 260 subscribers, and the list is growing every day. The Department will also
resume mailing the newsletter to the over 60 business subscribers with the next edition, which will
bring the total subscribers to 320 to date. With reopening of in-person services, staff will still offer
information on community services, but can also report on the great things happening at the
Magnolia Center, as well as continue to offer puzzles, riddles, and other fun activities. The
Department acknowledges staff editor, John Lau, for producing this community resource.
The October edition of the Senior Connections Newsletter can be downloaded at
www.ssf.net/seniors.
Holiday Boutique – Saturday, November 6
The Senior Services team is busy preparing for the 2021 Senior Holiday Boutique, which will be
held on Saturday, November 6 at the Municipal Services Building from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Staff is currently accepting vendor applications and preparing for this festive event. There will be
a variety of vendors and crafts where each customer can find that very special gift for the very
special people on their holiday list.
Bi-Weekly Update
September 16, 2021
Page 4 of 4
Childcare Program ASES Grant Update
For nearly 20 years, the Department has been a recipient of funding from the State of California’s
Office of Education’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant, which funds the
Department’s afterschool programming at Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools and the
Library’s Homework Club at the Community Learning Center serving children from Spruce
Elementary School. These programs are offered at no cost to the participants at Title 1 schools. In
a typical year, this program provides 175-185 students with free academic support and after school
care.
In June, Governor Newsom approved the state budget allocating additional dollars to ASES, 21st
Century Community Learning Centers Elementary/Middle (21st CCLC), and the 21st CCLC High
School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) program grants, for a rate
increase effective July 1, 2021. Staff expects to see a 14.6 percent increase in grant awards this
year, resulting in an increase from $247,700 currently awarded to approximately $283,800. Staff
awaits the final recalculated grant amount and updated grantee agreement, at which time staff will
come before the City Council to amend the program’s operating budget.
For more information visit: www.ssf.net/rec
Join Us
Saturday, October 23, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Orange Memorial Park
For questions call: (650) 829-3800 or email at [email protected]
One ScrapOne Scrapat a Timeat a Time
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
Quilting &
Fiber Arts
ENTRY INFORMATION
FREE
VIEWING
EXHIBIT DATESOctober 15 -November 30, 2021
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
S.F. Bay Area residents
16 years & older
Entry Fee: $5.00 per entry
ENTRY DEADLINE Friday, October 8, 2021 orfirst 50 entries received
GALLERY LOCATION
www.ssf.net/culturalarts
Complete Entry GuidelinesVisit www.ssf.net/cultural artsSelect "Current Opportunities for Artists"
FOR INFORMATIONErcie Santos, Cultural Arts SpecialistEM: [email protected] PH: (650) 829-3810WEB: www.ssf.net/culturalarts
SSF Parks and Recreation DepartmentPH: (650) 829-3800
Photos of Damage to Windswept Sculpture
(Formerly located on median off of Westborough Blvd./I280 offramp)
Newly installed
Windswept on June 29, 2018
Above: Windswept knocked down
Left: Closeup, minor nicks to sculpture,
circled in red
Bottom: Closeup, Windswept detached from its base