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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.15.2022 PR Comm Minutes CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 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, February 15, 2022, via teleconference due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and local health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock, and Uy Absent: All were present Staff: Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II Erin O’Brien, Business Manager Brian Noce, Acting Recreation Supervisor Laura Armanino, Recreation Supervisor Kimberly Morrison, Assistant Supervisor Kelli Jo Cullinan, Recreation Supervisor III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 18, 2022, MEETING: Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Camacho / Seconded: Commissioner Battaglia. VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None. VII. Old Business: A. Capital Projects and Minor Maintenance Projects Update Manager Richardson shared that the proposed project at Irish Town Green to create walking pathway connections from Armour Avenue and Airport Boulevard and replace much of the perimeter fence is presently on hold indefinitely due to an unforeseen and conflicting project by PG&E, who owns the site. As part of their ongoing gas line safety project, PG&E intends to pressure test gas lines in the area and use this site as a laydown yard for equipment during that project. This testing will occur once every five to seven years and they intend to stage equipment for future projects there as well. Parks staff were previously told that this site would not be re-activated by PG&E for the foreseeable future, but unfortunately, this position has changed. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 2 At this time, staff do not believe it’s prudent to continue the improvement project until this is resolved. The Grand Avenue Breezeway Project, located between Fourth Lane and Grand Avenue near the Miller Avenue Parking Garage, started February 14. This project will remove a majority of the fencing that currently exists at the site and will pave the open area behind the fence with Granitecrete. A small area will remain fenced, which can be opened during special events as a small gathering area, or be used for storage. The project is estimated to be completed in three weeks or so. When this project is completed, the wider breezeway will allow for events and gatherings to occur, helping bolster the downtown community and businesses on Grand Avenue. Parks staff have been preparing baseball fields in the off-season prior to the start of practices in mid-February. Staff are on schedule to complete work on all scheduled ballfields. Westborough, Paradise, Callero, and Hillside (Terrabay) Ballfields are not yet completed but will be shortly. Westborough Ballfield will be used by South San Francisco High School for a portion of their season this year as they increase the height of the perimeter netting along their newly renovated field to mitigate foul balls that were damaging private property. Earlier in the year, staff knife-aerated the entire outfield to help level uneven turf areas and reduce the amount of broadleaf weeds in the outfield. This process requires that the field rest for a considerable amount of time to allow the grass to re-establish. The field will be playable again in late March. The warm weather has triggered an early emergence of gophers citywide. Gophers are somewhat dormant during the winter months, but the unseasonably warm weather recently has caused an early and abundant amount of gopher activity. Parks staff have been focusing on fumigating and trapping gophers to help limit their numbers prior to mating season. The Parks Division is planning to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the Westborough Pathway Rehabilitation Project in the coming weeks to begin the process of repairing the upper walking paths at Westborough Park which are currently a tripping hazard area. The pathway has degraded over the years and has been damaged by large tree roots to the point that the entire path must be milled down to base rock and paved. Division staff have been waiting to issue this RFP towards the end of the winter due to weather concerns delaying the project. Once bids are received and the contract is awarded, staff will provide a timeline for when the work will be done. The walking path will need to be closed for a considerable amount of time during the length of this project. Numerous trees will also need to be removed prior to the project. The City is moving forward with the purchase of the green spot at 700 Linden Avenue and the parking lot at 616 Linden Avenue from the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency, with the plans to develop them as parkland. The Parks and Recreation Department has been working on drafting high-level conceptual plans, and once the site is purchased, will engage the community for design input. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 3 ACM Ranals clarified that Council approved right to negotiate, but has not yet purchased the parcels. Commissioner Camacho inquired about the environmental conditions of the Linden lots. Manager Richardson shared that lot 616 was a car repair station and will need remediation and that lot 700 is clean. Director Mediati shared that a phase 1 assessment has been completed that the clean up cost estimated at $300-$400 thousand dollars is built into the appraised value of land totaling $1.6 million dollars. ACM Ranals shared that the cleanup required for park land is less than that required to build on the land (dwelling or commercial) and therefore more affordable. Commissioner Battaglia inquired about parkland per population. ACM Ranals shared that per the master plan, the goal is 3 acres per 1,000 people. Director Mediati shared that the actual parkland in this portion of the city is 1 acre per 1,000 people. Manager Richardson continued his report, noting Parks staff intend to issue a request for proposals in early spring to continue Sign Hill Fuel Load Management efforts. This project will focus on thinning the eucalyptus grove near Carnelian Road and Mountain Road, removal of dead trees, as well as completing 100’ fire breaks adjacent to homes on city property. Chair Lock inquired about the large eucalyptus logs. Manager Richardson shared that per CalFire code and feasibility logs larger than 12” diameter are acceptable to leave on site and will decompose over the years. They have been placed perpendicular to the slope to prevent rolling. Commissioner Lock suggested that staff could hire artists to create benches or artwork. Manager Richardson indicated that he is open to entertaining the idea further if the benches/artwork were adjacent to trails but not to draw hikers off of trails. The Orange Memorial Park Stormwater Capture Project, scheduled to be completed at the end of May 2022, will capture, clean, and treat runoff from Colma Creek. Two cisterns below the ballfield will be used for infiltration and water storage, which will be used to irrigate Orange Memorial Park, part of Centennial Trail, and Sister Cities Park with reclaimed water. Staff continue to look for opportunities to expand this water to future sites. As this project comes to an end, the Capital Projects Department and Parks and Recreation Department have collaborated to finalize construction documents and issued a request for proposals for construction of the synthetic ballfields that will replace the ballfields that were located where the water cistern is now located. Interstate Grading and Paving was the lowest responsible bidder and was awarded contract at the February 9 City Council meeting. The lowest responsible bidder’s proposal, along with contingency is within the overall project construction budget of $11,700,000. Improvements to the western landside area at Oyster Point Marina Park are nearing completion. Nearly 30 acres of improvements, which include a replenished beach, trail Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 4 raised for sea level rise, restroom facilities, open space areas, a large turf field, picnic and gathering areas, parking lots, and a plaza, are expected to be completed in May 2022. Once improvements are complete, the Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for maintenance and operation of this wonderful park amenity. Understanding the critical need to maintain the new park at Oyster Point at a high level, three Park Maintenance Worker positions were authorized in September 2021. Staff is studying a second, more modest phase of work to make improvements to the landscape, roadway, trail, and parking lots in the eastern landside area, which remains under the San Mateo County Harbor District’s operations and maintenance area. ACM Ranals shared that the storm drain line was moved further out and water should be clearer. Director Mediati shared The Library and Parks and Recreation Center consists of an 84,250 square foot building, 12,400 sq-ft parking garage, surface parking and 1.35-acre park. The building includes an automated library book return, spacious event rooms, teaching and catering kitchens, dance and exercise studios, classrooms for all ages, art and craft spaces, contemporary library spaces for all ages, a discovery center including a maker space, a community room and digital studio, administrative offices and the new City Council Chambers/community theater. The park includes a playground, synthetic turf field and a garden. Beginning in January 2021, Swinerton Builders accepted site control. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 30 months and will be completed mid-2023. The steel framing and concrete slabs have been completed. Contractors are currently fireproofing the steel beams, installing conduit for utilities, and beginning to frame interior walls. The curtain wall, or exterior glass skin, is scheduled to be installed in early spring – an excited and monumental step forward in construction. Director Mediati shared an update on the Westborough Neighborhood Preschool. Staff engaged Sim Architects, one of the City’s prequalified on-call architects, to begin programmatic design work for the facility in May 2021. In late 2021, consultants completed a geotechnical analysis of the site, which would inform structural engineering for the new facility and the type and depth of the foundation. During that analysis, it was found that not only was the site closer to several major and tributary fault lines than expected, but the park is also located on up to 70 feet of fill, meaning foundation piers would need to be placed to that depth to reach bedrock. The site is now considered financially infeasible for construction of a new childcare facility. Staff are now exploring alternative sites to fund in lieu of this site, including the West Orange Library, which will be vacated in mid-2023, among others. Staff will provide future reports on alternative sites as details are known. Commissioner Uy inquired about the cost of retrofitting the West Orange Library. Director Mediati shared that staff had conducted a feasibility analysis and in today’s dollars looks Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 5 to be about $15 million to retrofit and service about 180-200 students. The site is more central to all of the neighborhoods and can accommodate more students. Director Mediati noted Orange Pool is South San Francisco’s only indoor municipal swimming pool. Opened in 1970, it continues to serve as a community-wide destination for residents of all ages. In October 2021, City Council directed staff to move forward with solicitation of an architectural design team to plan a new pool, with a budget not to exceed $34 million. Funding for this project and the Orange Memorial Park ballfield project would be financed via a third tranche of bonds, backed by the Measure W sales tax measure. In December 2021, staff issued a request for proposals for qualified design firms. Staff received five proposals, of which three qualified for interviews. Of those three firms interviewed, two have been shortlisted. Staff are currently continuing interviews with the two firms, visiting comparable project sites, and speaking with references to determine the most qualified firm for this project. Award of contract for design is anticipated to be completed by March, allowing design to commence. Commissioner Camacho inquired if the current pool would remain open during the construction of the new Aquatic Center. Director Mediati confirmed that the intention was to keep the current pool open as long as feasible during the new construction process. VIII. New Business: A. Mid-Year Budget Update Director Mediati shared that the beginning of each calendar year marks the mid-point in the fiscal year and the City revisits the status of its operating budget, and reviews and amends the budget based on actual expenditures, revenues, and internal and external factors that may impact City operations. Several mid-year budget items were presented to the City Council Budget Subcommittee on February 8, 2022, including: • Study of Expanded Reclaimed Water Reuse on Centennial Way Trail: $30,000 • Concert in the Park: $150,000 • Grand Avenue Breezeway Improvements: $72,000 • Vehicle Replacement Program: $820,000 Director Mediati further shared that it is assumed that the Department will be asked to increase fees in the Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget commensurate with cost of living increases and consumer price index (CPI) adjustments as per the past practice. Commissioner Burgo inquired if the existing vehicles would be retained. Director Mediati clarified that most of the equipment would be new inventory, but if any were replacement than the old would be surplussed. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 6 Commissioner DeNardi inquired about the currently breezeway lighting. Manager Richardson explained that the current lighting is high pressure sodium and is not sufficient and staff would propose more string lights which would run on a solar cell and will coordinate with Electrical Division (Public Works). Chair Lock inquired about EV charging stations. Director Mediati shared that there are about 35 EV charging stations. Commissioner Camacho inquired why there were no new staff requests, specifically custodial with the new building to maintain. Director Mediati shared that staff has been asked to table that discussion and monitor and report how it works with the current staffing. The Department is bringing on more hourly maintenance staff while gauging amount many more full-time staff will be needed. IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Manager Duldulao shared that there are no updates at this time. Chair Lock requested that staff update the Commission with the current officers. X. Beautification Committee: Director Mediati reported that there is nothing new to report. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Burgo introduced herself, and shared that she has lived in South City for about 20 years. She volunteers with a group called Friends of Old Town and has a particular passion for Parks and Recreation. Vice Chair Firpo shared his enthusiasm for an enhanced Concert in the Park event as well as the future park areas out by the Bay Trail. Secretary DeNardi shared resident’s concerns about the men’s restroom areas and if there were plans to remodel. Director Mediati shared that the park restrooms are difficult to maintain due to vandalism and illegal activities. She shared that she observed a yoga class at the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center and was overjoyed to see classes starting again. Commissioner Battaglia shared that she is excited about the new pool. She has visited the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center where the participants were playing pool, ping pong, and using the lending library. She was up on Sign Hill and noted how beautiful the flowers are and that the logs mentioned previously are not so noticeable. Commissioner Camacho shared that the General Plan meeting is coming up. She inquired about the changes with mask mandates and how it will apply to programs. Director Mediati shared that the City would be following San Mateo County with exceptions to programs with unvaccinated youth. Commissioner Uy shared that the parks are very busy and the tennis courts are getting used quite a bit. He shared that the lighting is old and problematic if you don’t press the button Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2022 Page 7 in time it results in a 15-minute wait. Director Mediati indicated that he would add tennis court lighting as an issue to look into further. Commissioner Uy inquired about limiting the courts, specifically for private instructors, so that individual residents wanting to play tennis wouldn’t be blocked out an entire day by a private instructor using the public courts to run their business all day long. ACM Ranals clarified that the private instructors are not permitted to run their classes on the public courts and would need to obtain a permit to rent out the courts. Commissioner Uy expressed his disappointment that middle school sports had been cancelled for the rest of the season. Chair Lock shared his enthusiasm for 2022 and highlighted what has changed and what we have to look forward to. He inquired why Paradise Field isn’t utilized by the youth leagues. Manager Richardson shared that that field is typically utilized by the Jr. Giants Program and the leagues may not be utilizing it do to a drop in membership, however Supervisor Mulkerrins would be better able to address which fields are used. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Events. Director Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events. B. Administrative Updates Director Mediati congratulated Erin O’Brien on her promotion to Business Manager, shared that the Administrative Assistant II position was open for recruitment, and reminded the Commission that the CPRS District IV annual banquet has been rescheduled to May 5. The City has submitted for two awards, the first for the Senior Connections Newsletter and the second for the Kiwanis Club. Manager Duldulao shared a COVID update. Aquatics will be providing limited services to those that were unable to take classes during the Winter Session and offering additional recreation swim times. The interruptions due to COVID have made it difficult to maintain staffing levels as well as to plan in advance for sessions. Childcare – the rate of exposure is continuing to drop, and the closures are expected to decrease as the rules continue to change. Rentals – staff opened the picnic sites one month early to take advantage of the great weather and provide outdoor opportunities for residents to gather. Seniors – Adult daycare is now open and will be slowly expanding. Commissioner Camacho inquired about Sunday swim lessons. Supervisor Noce shared that Sunday lessons were offered pre-COVID and ended due to budgetary cuts. Right now, finding swim instructors is also a significant challenge. Chair Lock inquired if Commissioners had any questions related to the previously shared administrative updates. None were shared. XIII. Adjournment: 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II