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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.16.2022 PR Comm Minutes CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 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, August 16, 2022, via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, and Uy Absent: Chair Lock Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Acting Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II Laura Armanino, Acting Recreation Manager Devin Stenhouse, Recreation Supervisor Erin O’Brien, Business Manager Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects Sharon Ranals, Asst. City Manager Consultants: Marco Esposito, SWA John Baker, Swinerton Clarance Mamuyac, ELS III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE June 21, 2022, MEETING: Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Camacho / Seconded: Commissioner Uy. VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Citizens present spoke about the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Concept Design and were registered as: Jacquelyn So Vera Priego Patricia Althaus Miryan Gregor-Navarro SSFFAC Anna Bill Zemke Michael Kloefkorn Dana iPad (3) Jane Stahl Matt Sanford Edward Toatley Woody’s iPhone Roz Patricia Althaus Kim-Van Truong Flora Nicholas Toni Allen Sylvia’s iPad Rosana’s iphone Maribel Reyes Julia (Karim Baba) Danny Camacho Brian Mansell (Patty) Adrian Lindsay Raike Chen Jiang Rosaura Cynthia Woodrow’s iPad Pauline Sy VII. Old Business A. 2022/23 Annual Co-Sponsorship Renewals Business Manager O’Brien shared the continuation of annual co-sponsorship renewals with the following list which identifies groups whose renewal applications have been approved, groups pending renewal approval, one new co-sponsorship applicant, and groups to be presented at a future meeting. Approved • Historical Society of South San Francisco • Italian American Citizens Club Requesting Approval • South San Francisco Aquatics Club • South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang/Pee Wee Baseball • South San Francisco United Youth Soccer League New Co-sponsorship Applicant • San Mateo County Athletic Club Approval Withheld – Scheduled for Future Meeting • South San Francisco Mother’s Club • South San Francisco Youth Baseball Managers Association CO-SPONSORED RENEWAL GROUP SUMMARIES 1. South San Francisco Aquatics Club President: Anna Koswara Vice President: Chen Jiang Membership: 87 (60% South San Francisco residents) Activities: The South San Francisco Aquatics Club is a competitive swim team that practices year-round at Orange Pool. The team competes in swim meets twice a year. The Club collects monthly dues from its members to pay for use of Orange Pool and a lifeguard during practice times. Membership dues are $110 to $140 per month. Board meetings are held monthly. 2. South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang Baseball President: Woody Rael Secretary: Cathy Burton-Meza Membership: 162 (83.33% South San Francisco residents) The South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang/Pee Wee Baseball League is a youth baseball league for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The League meets every other month on the third Thursday of the month beginning in January. Teams meet twice a week for practice from February – June and play games four times a week from April – June. The League hosts one tournament a year over the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 2 Memorial Day weekend. The League also hosts a fundraiser during the season. The annual registration fee is $160. 3. South San Francisco United Youth Soccer League President: Patty Gomez Vice President: Mario Ayar Membership: 314 (70.70% South San Francisco residents) Activities: The South San Francisco United Youth Soccer League is a co-ed recreational and competitive soccer program. Games and practices are hosted at Orange Memorial Park and Hillside Ballfield, and the Department also makes arrangements for the group’s use of school district fields. Membership dues are $140 per year. Board meetings are held quarterly during the months of February, May, August, and November. NEW APPLICANT 1. San Mateo County Athletic Club President: Brian Mansell Vice President: Jaime Gomez Secretary: Patty Gomez Treasurer: Amado Garcia Officer: Mario Ayer Membership: 84 SSF Residents The San Mateo County Athletic Club promotes affordable, accessible, and quality sports and recreational services to youth through competitive soccer play. While this year will be a startup year for the South San Francisco club, it should be noted that current rosters indicate that over 80 members enrolled in programs along the Peninsula already reside in South San Francisco. The acceptance of the club as a co-sponsored group of South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department will allow SSF youth, already enrolled in the program, the opportunity to practice and play in their hometown. The San Mateo County Athletic Club teams will be made up of predominately South San Francisco residents keeping well within the Department’s 51% and above resident requirement for co-sponsorship status. The club’s league will run through both the Spring and Fall seasons and consist of weekly practices and 5-6 games. Staff will monitor for continued compliance with the Co-Sponsorship Policies. The San Mateo County Athletic Club’s letter of intent can be found attached to this packet. The club membership fee is $800.00 per year. Commissioner Camacho shared her concerns about equity issues and further inquired if San Mateo County Athletic Club would absorb SSF United down the line. Patty Gomez shared that while that was a potential future opportunity for the league, she would hesitate to move in that direction unless it was absolutely necessary to continue the league as SSF United has a long history and a proud legacy in SSF. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 3 Commissioner Uy made a motion to provisionally approve the San Mateo County Athletic Club’s South San Francisco Chapter for this year, provided that they comply with monthly submission of rosters to ensure that there is a 51% South San Francisco residency, as well as all other requirements of a co-sponsored group. Commissioner Camacho seconded the motion which carried unanimously. B. Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Concept Design Deputy Director Vitale provided a recap of the existing conditions at Orange Pool, which opened in 1970 and continues to serve as a community-wide destination for residents of all ages. Despite the City’s attentive custodianship of the building, overall, the building’s age and heavy use have resulted in very worn condition of the shell and interior. The facility is well beyond the point of meriting replacement. In 2021, staff presented to the Budget Standing Committee the Orange Memorial Pool Feasibility Study by Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects with recommendation of the construction of a new two-pool facility. Staff engaged Group4 Architects from the City’s on-call architecture firm list to explore alternative Aquatic Center locations within Orange Memorial Park and validate construction costs. Working from the two-pool facility approach identified in the Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects study, Group4 refined the program to include an 8-lane/25-meter pool, separate teaching pool, swimmer’s lounge, rentable multi-use/party room, staff and pool director offices, locker rooms, and support spaces for mechanical equipment within a 28,500 SF single-story facility. In February 2022, Council authorized the execution of a professional services agreement to ELS Architecture and Urban Design for design of the new aquatic center. Community engagement for design of the new Aquatic Center kicked-off in early Spring 2022 with a series of public workshops, online surveys, focus group meetings with stakeholders including the Aquatics Club, seniors from the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center, and supporters of therapy pools. Staff and members of the design team shared information about the project and gathered feedback at public events in Old Town and Movie Night at Orange Memorial Park. Information about the project, including presentations and workshop summaries, and links to online surveys are available at www.ssf.net/newpool. Based on this public feedback, Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center’s preferred concept at this time is an indoor and outdoor aquatic facility working to meet the wide variety of our community’s needs. The building plan fits within the southeast corner of Orange Memorial Park and works to encompass the City’s future ideas of an ongoing park master planning process, as well as to maintain the operation of the current Orange Pool until the new aquatic center opens for use. The Center offers a six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, which is combined with a zero-beach entry and other possible fun-water features. The lanes support a multitude of programming options such as learn-to-swim, water aerobics, water walking, lap swimming, etc. The Center will also include an Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 4 outdoor 25-yard by 25-meter pool which includes 10 lap lanes. This pool offers increased space for additional programming, swim meets, water polo, artistic swimming, and possible diving boards. Based on feedback received from City Council and the Commission, a wind consultant has been engaged to review the site, building, and proposed landscape features, and provided recommendations to reduce wind impacts to the outdoor pool and deck area. At the conceptual level, these elements may include a combination of landscape berms, trees planted alongside and atop the berms, and a windscreen of impact-resistant glass and metal to run atop the mound. Based on wind models, other design alternatives may be proposed. The Center’s new building proposal includes an entry lobby, indoor and outdoor locker rooms, three family changing rooms, public restrooms, staff offices, storage, an activity room, and a multi-purpose room. The location of the new Aquatic Center requires relocation of the Veterans Memorial and Eternal Flame sculpture. Staff will engage a focus group of South San Francisco veterans and supporters to explore relocation opportunities for these elements as they relate to the new Aquatic Center and Orange Memorial Park Master Plan. Citizen Participation continued as follows: Don Appleton: If offering water polo as part of the new complex is truly an aim of the complex, the pool should be designed to accommodate real water polo and not a recreational sub-type. Pool depth at least six feet with accommodations for officials and USA Water Polo requirements. If a shallow part is a necessity, then plan the design so it is not in the field of regulation play. Matt Sanford: On the solar gain, he is curious how the design team will address indoor air temperature. As far as doors to the exterior, how will winds be addressed? Is concerned that leaves are going to blow in the pool and create other maintenance issues. Maribel Reyes: Noted that locker room size is only proportionally increasing in relation to building size. She is concerned with overcrowding as a result of the limited locker room space. Vera Priego: What is the reason the second pool does not have a roof? Was the wind protection part of the $49 million cost or is that something additional? Are all the locker and changing rooms indoor? What protection will you have on the south side of the pool? As a swimmer for several years, she stopped using Orange Pool because the water is too warm. A 50-meter pool would rise in popularity of the aquatic community. An outdoor pool concept sounds fantastic and many people who are in aquatics, whatever type of activity, would enjoy an outdoor pool. Unfortunately, having been a resident in South San Francisco for almost 30 years, she believes that it is not practical because of the weather. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 5 Toni Allen: Toni has lived in SSF for 35 years and is a masters swimmer in the morning. Toni is also a swim teacher at La Petite Baleen for 25 years and that pool serves infants to adults. She would like to see ledges opposed to the zero entry which wastes a lot of space. The outdoor pool does not sound like it is going to work well with the wind in South San Francisco. Edward Toatley: Will the outdoor pool have an entrance without having to go through the building? Has staff considered conical wind generators on the roof, to help with electricity? Lindsay Raike: Lindsay is the CEO of Warm Water Wellness and part of the pool’s focus group. She would like to know what the water temperature will be for the indoor pool and asked about accessibility accommodations. Michael Kloefkorn: Michael is a resident in South San Francisco, a swimmer, as well a father of an 11-year-old who went to swimming classes at Orange Pool and is now on the swim team. Michael spoke in favor of a 50-meter pool to host swim meets and encouraged the project to be all electric to reduce the carbon footprint. Rosalind Stewart: Noted she is grateful for considering gender neutral locker rooms. Steve & Jane Stahl: Regarding the wind issue for the pool, would like consideration for moving the building on the west side of the outdoor pool so it could shelter the outdoor pool. Bill Oliver: Leaves will be an issue with the outdoor pool. An indoor pool would be preferred for water polo. More deck space is needed for competitions. The pool depth needs to be at least seven feet deep. The pool needs to be squared off, so that you can have markings on the bottom of the pool both ways, the 25 yards and the 25 meters. Starting blocks are needed. Miryan Gregor-Navarro: Miryan has two children on the swim team now and uses the pool every morning. Wants pool to be inclusive and provide additional lanes for swimmers. Staff has subsequently reported a FAQ page has been updated on the City’s website to address many of the questions: https://www.ssf.net/departments/parks-recreation/recreation-division/aquatics/new-aquatic-center-at-orange-memorial-park ACM Ranals thanked everyone for their input and shared that the City is trying to balance recreational needs of the residents citywide. The critical function of the pool is learn-to-swim programs. Attempting to put in a 50-meter pool might result in the elimination of soccer fields, which the City uses to host hundreds of children in the soccer leagues. Providing additional amenities like water polo, additional swim team Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 6 functionality, larger locker rooms, etc. will be addressed as much as can be accommodated within the available footprint and budget. This design is for a municipal pool, not for a college/university. Providing learn-to-swim programs, recreational activities, and senior programs will be considered in the final design decisions. Commissioner Uy reiterated points made by ACM Ranals, acknowledging the needs of the entire community need to be considered and the City cannot fulfill everyone’s requests. He further stated that he does not understand why we would build an outdoor pool. Commissioner Camacho shared that she grew up in South San Francisco and agrees with the wind issue. She stated that function should take priority over design. Commissioner Burgo inquired about how the City would prevent trespassing/vandalism for the outdoor pool. Deputy Vitale shared that the design/construction team will work closely with SSFPD and P&R staff regarding security concerns. Commissioner Burgo further commented that the locker rooms are too small and too crowded. She requested more information regarding diving boards, maintaining cultural aspects of the building, and if the outdoor glass barrier could be frosted. Vice Chair Firpo shared that he was surprised with the outdoor pool option but had the opportunity to discuss the options with staff and looks forward to hearing about the wind studies and how it will work. C. Concert in the Park Update Acting Recreation Manager Armanino updated the Commission with plans for the Concert in the Park, which will take place at Orange Memorial Park on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will feature: • Main Stage performances by award-winning bands, Pacific Mambo Orchestra and Rick James’ Stone City Band • Community Stage performances by five local, cultural performing groups • Family Fun Zone • Food and drink concessions • Exhibitor booths Exhibitor Booth Update As presented at the May Commission meeting, staff plans to host an exhibitor area featuring 48 booths. Participation will be granted on a space available basis, giving priority to City of South San Francisco and affiliated/co-sponsored groups, other government entities, and local non-profit groups. Jacqueline So inquired if there is any booth space available. She’s with the SSF Aquatics Club and would like to recruit new swimmers to the team. Acting Recreation Manager Armanino directed her to the webpage to submit the application online and shared that co-sponsored groups have priority over other groups. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 7 Commissioner DeNardi inquired what size table was available for the vendors. Acting Recreation Manager Armanino shared that they get a 10-foot pop up tent, a 6-foot table, and two chairs. The vendors may bring additional tables as long as they stay within their enclosed area. Commissioner Burgo inquired about the official name and suggested for future events, “South City Fun Fest.” Director Mediati shared that the official name for this year is Concert in the Park with a subtitle Culture and Community Festival, and has been advertised as such, but staff welcomes feedback in the future. Vice Chair Firpo inquired about food trucks or booths. Acting Recreation Manager Armanino confirmed that there will be food trucks, similar to previous events. Commissioner Camacho inquired about the plan for hand sanitizers especially around the Family Fun Zone, near the food and drink concessions, and the restrooms. Acting Recreation Manager Armanino confirmed that all areas will have hand sanitizers. Hand washing stations will also be around the park. Vice Chair Firpo shared that he is looking forward to this event. VIII. New Business A. After School Program Expansion and New Paradise Valley Kid’s Club Program. Acting Deputy Director Duldulao shared updates with the Commission about the new Paradise Valley Kid’s Club program and expansion of the Buri Buri After School Program. Paradise Valley Kid’s Club In March 2022, staff learned of the merger of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girls Club, and Boys and Girls Clubs of North San Mateo County, into one overarching organization - the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. In May 2022, staff met with the Boys and Girls Club leadership. At this time, the Club noted that the Paradise Valley Park clubhouse would be closed, and all services offered at this location would be moved to their clubhouse at 201 West Orange Avenue. The Paradise Valley Community Center, which is City property and was leased to the Club at no cost, would be relinquished back to the City. Staff worked with the Boys and Girls Club to enroll students displaced by the program in two ways: participants were offered placement in the City’s ASES funded REAL After School Program at Martin Elementary School, or could be transported to the Orange Avenue Clubhouse by the Boys and Girls Club. Since the initial efforts to support displaced families took place, Parks and Recreation Department and City Manager’s Office staff have met and drafted plans to offer near- term services at the Paradise Valley Community Center. At least for this coming year, Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 8 as a pilot program, staff is offering an after-school, class-based program called the Paradise Valley Kid’s Club. As currently envisioned, the program would operate five days per week, from bell time to 5:30 p.m. Each day will have a different theme, for example: Monday - Baseball, Tuesday – Movie Marathons, and so forth. Staff hope to serve up to 40 children at this site when at full capacity. Children can be enrolled in one to five days per week, and registration will take place on a quarterly basis, similar to other recreation classes. The first session of classes is scheduled for August 10 to October 14, 2022. Staff have a tentative plan and schedule for future sessions pending evaluation and feedback of the first session. At this time, kindergarteners may not enroll due to school ending earlier than other grade levels, and given the drop-in in nature of the classes. However, kindergarteners may enroll in the REAL Program, also operated by the Department at Martin Elementary School. Program Development Staff worked on a short timeline to implement the Paradise Valley Kid’s Club, beginning on July 1, 2022, with the goal to open the program on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, which coincides with the first day of school in the South San Francisco Unified School District. Boys and Girls Club vacated the Paradise Valley Recreation Center on June 30, 2022. Soon after, the Department’s Facility Maintenance Division worked quickly to perform minimal renovations with the goal of activating the facility by mid-August. Renovations included new vinyl and epoxy flooring, classroom furnishings, interior and exterior painting, and other minor facility updates. On the program development side, City Council approved the budget for the Paradise Valley Kid’s Club on July 27, 2022. Budgeted staffing for this program includes one limited-term Recreation Coordinator which may be full-time after a longer-term program is established, part-time program staff, and an hourly Custodian. The total budget request approved for the Paradise Valley Kid’s Club in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 included: Annual Cost One Time Cost Staff $246,100 $0 Supplies/Services $32,300 $95,700 Deferred Maintenance and Facility Planning $0 $150,000 Subtotal $278,400 $245,700 Program Grand Total $524,100 Fees for the class are assessed at $5.70 per hour, the same fee as other City-operated after school programs and parallel with several children’s classes. For this pilot program, staff are adopting a subsidy model in which a sliding scale fee structure has been established based on family size and income limits developed by San Mateo County. Confirmation of household income would require little documentation, similar to the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 9 model used by the Big Lift funded Little Steps Preschool at the Community Learning Center. Given most neighboring residents will likely qualify for a fee waiver, staff is only anticipating a modest $10,000 in revenue this year for this program but will adjust revenue targets at mid-year based on actual revenues realized. Community Outreach Efforts Given the short turnaround time to implement the Paradise Valley Kid’s Club, staff began publicizing the program on Monday, August 8, 2022. Thus far, publicity for this program has been limited to the Martin Elementary School community, past Boys and Girls Club participants in the area, and shared as a resource to the City’s promotors to share with their contacts in the Old Town/Paradise Valley neighborhood. Youth Enrichment Services Supervisor Kimberly Morrison has been working closely with the principal at Martin Elementary School to keep him apprised of this new program and collaborate on enrollment. Staff will report on an enrollment update at the Commission meeting. Buri Buri Elementary School After School Program Expansion The existing Buri Buri Elementary School After School Program operated by the City of South San Francisco has a capacity of 130 children. Due to a great deal of growing need, SSFUSD has requested the expansion of the Buri Buri ASRP to accommodate 50 additional children. This request was approved by the City Council on July 27, 2022. Any consideration for expansion must be able to meet the licensing requirements for space allocation, which is a formula that dictates the square footage of space made available to each child in a licensed program. SSFUSD and staff have identified the appropriate spaces on the Buri Buri campus that meet these requirements. Given that SSFUSD is able to meet this threshold, staff has developed a proposal that considers staffing needs, one-time startup costs, annual licensing fees, staff fingerprinting fees, and a snack and supply budget. The total budget for the Buri Buri ASRP expansion is $152,648 for the first year of the expanded program (Fiscal Year 2022-2023), and $142,648 for each subsequent year, not including additional labor-negotiated wage increases. This includes funds for hourly Recreation Leaders serving as child care aides, custodial support, classroom and cleaning supplies, fingerprinting, and licensing fees. This does not include indirect costs associated with the existing full-time Coordinator, Supervisor, or other administrative overhead, which can be absorbed by the Department’s operating budget. Costs for the first year of the program include a budget for $10,000 in one-time startup costs. The revenue earned from user fees from the additional 50 children is projected to be $130,000, depending on enrollment. Commissioner DeNardi shared her appreciation of the programs and that the flyers have been translated into Spanish. Commissioner Burgo shared that she will be assisting with the community outreach and is excited about these new offerings. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 10 Commissioner Camacho shared that the new offerings with the variety of once a week to five days a week flexibility was a nice change for families that allows flexibility. IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Acting Deputy Director Duldulao thanked Friends for selling snacks at movie night. Next will be beer/wine sales at Concert in the Park and they are seeking volunteers to assist with concession sales – reach out to Marie Patea. X. Beautification Committee: Director Mediati reported that there are no updates at this time. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner DeNardi expressed her joy regarding the artistic expression created on the snack and bathroom buildings at Alta Loma Park. Commissioner Battaglia was pleased with the opening of Paradise Valley Recreation Center and enjoyed movie night. Commissioner Burgo inquired why the picnic tables and shelter are unavailable to rent during Concert in the Park. Staff shared that due to parking limitations and crowd sizing, rentals were restricted during large events. Sometimes, staff may take over the spaces for logistical reasons as well. She further inquired about why movie night starts so late as little kids often fall asleep. It was explained that movie night starts after dark for viewing purposes. Commissioner Uy attended the Gene Mullin renaming of the Community Learning Center. He inquired about an area at Terrabay Recreation Center playground that has been blocked off. Director Mediati shared that the water leak that caused the area to flood has been found, repaired, and now staff is waiting for the area to dry out. Commissioner Uy further shared positive experiences with the City’s Summer Camp programs. Additionally, he has been walking along Oyster Point and enjoys the recent upgrades. Commissioner Camacho concurred that the Oyster Point area is gorgeous. She shared her concerns about the two-pool expansion, specifically the impacts on staffing. Vice Chair Firpo was glad to hear that the Terrabay water leak has been fixed. He shared that pickleball class at Terrabay on Monday nights is popular and wondered if additional nights should be added. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Events Director Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events. B. Administrative Updates Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 16, 2022 Page 11 Vice Chair Firpo inquired if Commissioners had any questions related to the previously shared administrative updates. None were shared. Director Mediati shared that the Department has onboarded two new administrative assistants – Jeanette Yoshida and Keren Solano. Acting Recreation Manager Armanino shared that the recruitment for three Recreation Coordinators has been opened for the Youth Enrichment Services , Seniors, and Aquatics programs. Business Manager O’Brien shared that the Cultural Arts Program will kick off a survey for the Public Art Master Plan at Movie Night. Additionally, the following staff had been promoted since the last meeting in June: Brian Noce as the Aquatics Program Supervisor, Kasey Jo Cullinan as the Senior Services Program Supervisor, and Kimberly Morrison as the Youth Enrichment Services Program Supervisor. XIII. Adjournment: 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II Next Meeting: September 20, 2022