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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 https://ssf-net.zoom.us/j/83214322922?pwd=M2tLVHVZOHFMNW1rcUlraWFJNjJCQT09 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