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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.21.2023 P&R Comm. Packet Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, March 21, 2023 7:00 p.m. Welcome to the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, California. If this is your first time, the following is a general outline of our procedures. 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: For those wishing to address the Commission on any agenda or non-agendized item, please complete a Speaker Card located at the entrance to the Chamber and submit it to the Director of Parks and Recreation. 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. When your name is called, please come to the podium, state your name and address (optional) for the Minutes. COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for your cooperation. 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. STEPHEN FIRPO CHAIRPERSON RUTH DeNARDI KRISTY CAMACHO VICE CHAIR COMMISSIONER BETTY BATTAGLIA BRITANNY BURGO SECRETARY COMMISSIONER ROBERT UY WILLIAM LOCK COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER GREG MEDIATI ANGELA DULDULAO DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, March 21, 2023 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 February 21, 2023 Meeting VI. Citizen Participation (Citizen comment on items not agendized/informational only) VII. Presentations A. Recognition of Francisca Guevarra, Senior Services Program Retiree VIII. Old Business B. 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Update IX. New Business A. California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 4 Award Nominations X. Friends of Parks and Recreation XI. Beautification Committee XII. Items from Commission XIII. Items from Staff A. Calendar of Events B. Administrative Update XIV. Adjournment Next Meeting: Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:01 p.m. A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San Francisco was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Uy, and Firpo Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager Kari Jung, Management Analyst I Erin O’Brien, Business Manager Kasey Jo Cullinan, Recreation Supervisor Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II Devin Stenhouse, Acting Recreation Manager III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped due to the virtual meeting setting. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: Change made to agenda regarding presentation of recognition of Francisca Guevarra. This will be agendized for the March meeting instead. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 17, 2023, MEETING: Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Uy / Seconded: Commissioner DeNardi VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None were present. VII. Presentations Francisca Guevarra was not available to attend the meeting this evening. The presentation will be rescheduled for the March meeting. VIII. New Business A. Mid-Year Budget Appropriation Requests for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Manager O’Brien gives information on the mid-year budget request for fiscal year 2022-23. Staff has gone before the City Council Budget Subcommittee and all the items brought forward at this meeting have been approved by them and will be going forth to the full City Council at tomorrow’s meeting for approval. A summary of those requests was presented. Costs are estimated for just the remainder of the fiscal year. Management Analyst II (1.0 FTE) – The L|PR Community Resource Analyst will be a shared position with the Library. This position will oversee community resources for the campus, help identify potential grant opportunities and support additional city outreach efforts. Amount: $53,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 2 Recreation Leader III (hourly) – 3.09 FTE • L|PR Community Resource Clerks (2.0 FTE) – Clerks will be shared with the Library. They will provide the welcoming presence on all floors and help with the volume of calls or inquires specific to this building. • L|PR Building Attendants (0.5 FTE) – They will help monitor and support rentals and classes programs. • Seniors Congregate Meal Program (0.4 FTE) – In July, staff received a grant from San Mateo County for a senior meal program. This request is to help support the needs of that program. • SF Opera Event Support Staff (0.19 FTE) – Staff support will be needed in various areas during the three-day event. Total amount for the Recreation Leader III positions: $64,000 Recreation Instructor (hourly) (3.0 FTE) – Based on time needed for onboarding and to properly train new class instructors, this is being requested now prior to the facility opening. Amount: $51,000 Recreation & Community Services Coordinator (1.0 FTE) – This is a budget correction. It was erroneously removed from last year’s budget and was later caught. Amount: $70,000 Park Maintenance Worker – Civic Campus (1.0 FTE) – This is to help maintain the L|PR park and Police Station. There are roughly 6 acres of landscaping needing to be maintained. Amount: $32,000 Park Maintenance Worker – hourly (1.30 FTE) – This is another budget correction. It takes into consideration some missing hours as well as a cost-of-living wage increase that was not applied properly. Amount: $113,000 Senior Building Maintenance Custodians (2.0 FTE) – These would be specifically for L|PR and Police Department. The site adds approximately 80,000 square feet of building area and these staff would be needed to maintain current service levels. Amount: $61,000 Building Maintenance Custodian (4.0 FTE) – These would also be specifically for L|PR and Police Department, similar to above. Amount: $111,000 Commissioner Camacho asked if there is a cap on positions being approved, and if the shared positions would count against the Department’s cap. Manager O’Brien responded in the negative, noting the positions being approved were done so on merit. Manager O’Brien then presents the supplies and services appropriation requests. Corporation Yard HVAC system repairs – The current HVAC system is not working and needs repairs. Amount: $25,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 3 Upgrade MERV 13 HVAC filters in various city buildings – Filters were upgraded from MERV 8 to MERV 13 rated filters due to COVID. This previously was not budgeted. Amount: $80,000 Police Station bird deterrents – Currently birds are landing on the roof and leaving droppings near the buildings air intake as well as exterior windows. Amount: $40,000 MSB fire sprinkler deficiency repairs – Fire sprinkler repairs are needed, and required as long as the building is occupied by the Fire Department or Parks and Recreation. Amount: $41,000 New Pool Pump – In September, the circulation pump for Orange Pool stopped working because the pump bearing wore out. The pool code required the pump to be run 24/7 and maintain a 6-hour turnover rate so the pump had to be replaced immediately in order for the pool to reopen. Amount: $11,000 Support for the SF Opera event – This event is hosted in partnership with the San Francisco Opera. There are costs associated with equipment rentals and decking to protect the lawn during the wet season. Amount: $30,000 Consulting services for the implementation of the Child Care Master Plan – We feel it is important to retain consulting services to help guide and implement the goals detailed in the recently adopted Child Care Master Plan. Amount: $150,000 Manager O’Brien adds that there is another item which in error was not included: consulting services for the L|PR strategic plan. This was not included in the report submitted to the subcommittee, and therefore will not be on the report to Council tomorrow. She explains that they will put in a separate request as a standalone item. Amount: $100,000 Manager O’Brien goes on to share the next list for fiscal year 2022-2023 which is the Proposed Non-General Fund Appropriation Requests. Oyster Point Maintenance Supplies – This is for material costs for the ongoing maintenance of the new park at Oyster Point. Amount: $20,000 Oyster Point water cost adjustment – Water utility costs for Oyster Point. Amount: $51,000 Orange Memorial Park restroom refurbishing – This would include new fixtures, flooring and painting of the restrooms at Orange Memorial Park. This was previously shared by the Commission as an area needing improvement. • Orange Memorial Park Ballfield restroom: $41,000 • Orange Memorial Park Tennis Court restroom: $50,000 • Orange Memorial Park Basketball Court restroom: $50,000 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 4 Repaving tennis courts – This includes repaving of various tennis courts in City parks. Amount: $94,000 Chair Firpo asked for clarification that the water cost adjustment is for the new park at Oyster Point Marina, and if it is using reclaimed water. Director Mediati responded that yes, it is for the new park area, but it is not reclaimed water. He explains that there have been discussions about expanding reclaimed water here in the future and that they installed purple pipe and irrigation heads for reclaimed water in the event that were to occur. B. Roberta Teglia Center Water Valve Failure and Flooding Update Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse gives update on the flooding event at Roberta Teglia Center on February 9. A pressurized water valve in the bathroom on the third floor broke, resulting in flooding that went down all the floors below. All floors sustained some damage. Response was swift. The Full of Fun program was going on at the time and staff and volunteers were able to help evacuate everyone safely. A disaster restoration contractor was called out that night and has been treating the building ever since. A month to two-month closure is anticipated for the building at this time but we are working to restore as many of the programs as possible at other locations. The Congregate Meal Program was able to operate as a “grab and go” program. The Tax Program was able to continue as scheduled at the Terrabay Gymnasium. The majority of programs were able to be relocated to other locations. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse notes that the damage is still being assessed. Work and restoration will most likely take place starting with the third floor and working down. We are looking into possibly getting the Fernekes Building permitted by County Heath so that the Congregate Nutrition Program can be served out of that facility. It’s not easy getting theses approved with the County in a timely manner. Same goes with the Adult Daycare Program at the Bulos Center. Commissioner DeNardi asked how many people have signed up for the Congregate Meal Program. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse responds as of last week it was at 90 and the cap is 95. Recreation Supervisor Cullinan adds that as of today, 10 more applications were received which puts total applications received over 100. Given the timeframe from now until June, serving twice a week, we can serve up to 95 meals per day. Commissioner DeNardi commends staff for their quick response to the flood and also working to make sure there are no breaks in programming and services by finding temporary homes for all the different services offered. Director Mediati adds that Facilities Manager Brian Crume and staff responded the night of the flood and had contractors come out that night to start drying out walls and floors. Most of the equipment drying out the facility should be removed tomorrow which means restoration and repairs can begin. This event will likely result in an insurance claim so it shouldn’t impact the operating budget. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 5 Commissioner DeNardi thanks staff who responded so quickly, noting most importantly no one was hurt. Chair Firpo also thanked the staff. He asks if there is transportation for people to the different facilities. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse responded that he doesn’t believe so because adult daycare has not been relocated and that is the program that the van drivers were driving for. When looking for where to relocate some of these programs they are looking for locations that were relatively close to public transportation. IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Manager O’Brien gives update that Friends of the Park will be partnering with the Cultural Arts Commission for fundraising efforts for the San Francisco Opera event. They will be selling beer, wine and water at the Opera and are looking for volunteers to help. If anyone is interested in volunteering, they can reach out to Marie Patea to sign up. X. Beautification Committee: Director Mediati reported there are no updates at this time. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Uy talks shares his experience speaking with people from the baseball leagues and they’ve been talking about the issues with holes on the fields. They state that they’ve had to start bringing their own dirt to cover up the holes that are potentially dangerous to the kids. Commissioner Uy asks if we can coordinate with the baseball organizations how we can work together to make sure the fields are taken care of, and holes are covered. He goes on to say that one of the people he spoke to mentioned that he is happy with the gopher trapping but there is still work to be done. Commissioner Uy said he understands that this is a constant battle but maybe we coordinate with them more to make sure the fields are safe. Commissioner Uy shares about hearing that the lights at Orange Park going out. Commissioner Burgo reports she’s heard no comments or complaints from the community. Commissioner Battaglia congratulates Devin for representing us in the Day of Healing program in Washington DC. She inquired about relocating Adult Daycare to the Bulos Center. Commissioner Battaglia also thanked Director Mediati for letting everyone know about Shane Looper’s passing and that she will be sorely missed. She also shares that she attended the “Day of Remembrance” event and found it very interesting. Director Mediati responded that the Bulos Center is currently only licensed for childcare but not adult daycare. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse adds that they’re still waiting on the county to approve the license and it takes some time. Commissioner Camacho talks about the multi-generational benefits of co-located preschool and senior programs. Commissioner Camacho acknowledged the passing of Shane Looper, and what a wonderful person she was. She congratulates Chair Firpo and Commissioner Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 6 Battaglia for being reappointed to the Commission. She also congratulates Manager O’Brien for becoming the CPRS District 4 Vice President. Commissioner DeNardi shares items from the community. Some community members who play bocce and pedro at the bocce facility have expressed concern about not being able to see out because of the new windscreen put up around the bocce facility recently. It presents a security concern and isn’t inviting to people walking by. Commissioner Camacho asked who put the windscreen up. Director Mediati clarifies that IACC installed the wind screen. It was communicated with IACC that in the future, they should seek written permission for any improvements. Commissioner Uy agrees that it is very unwelcoming and should be removed. It serves as a barrier. Even at the tennis courts with wind screens, you can still see activity in the courts. Chair Firpo noted he went by the bocce courts and agreed it should be made more transparent so people can see inside. He then noted that he’s driven by Jack Drago Park a few times recently and even though he’s not on the Cultural Arts Commission, would like to suggest putting some art up there. Jack Drago was responsible for starting up the Cultural Arts Commission. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Events Director Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse provided updates on the registration dates being pushed back. The vendor who prints the guides is delayed, so we won’t have the guides to send out when expected. The resident registration dates will be pushed out by one week. The non-resident registration dates will stay the same. Commissioner DeNardi suggests putting copies of the guide at the libraries and at Orange Pool. Acting Recreation Manager Stenhouse responded that they are printing our class offerings in house and posting them at those and other locations. Commissioner DeNardi also suggested adding a family fun day at the bocce facility as a program once a month. B. Administrative Update Director Mediati takes a moment to acknowledge what a wonderful person Shane Looper was and how involved she was with the Department and community. Manager Richardson gives an update on some of the parks projects. Westborough Park had fences erected around the upper pathways for the pathway repaving project. There are 40 working days in the contract to complete the work. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of February 21, 2023 Page 7 Manager Richardson provided an update on Brentwood Park. The back portion of the park has been closed since the storms in early January. Access to the park to clean up the area to reopen was not possible because of the wet conditions. Today was the first day crews were able to work in the park. Then, during the windstorm today, the crew was called out of Brentwood Park to help with approximately 10 to 12 tree incidents elsewhere. During the time the crew was gone, another tree fell at Brentwood Park and crushed the backstop on the baseball field. Luckily that area was still closed. The leagues have been informed about this incident. Manager Richardson also responds on Commissioner Uy’s comment about the holes at the baseball fields. He’s been in contact with the new league representatives and has told them that they can contact him directly with any issues. The new representatives are very collaborative. Director Mediati reminds everyone that next month’s meeting will be in person. Manager Richardson gives update that he has initiated the Sign Hill Master Plan process. A consultant has been onboarded and the Commission will be stakeholders in the process. Manager O’Brien notes that there is information in the packet for the Commission regarding the Cultural Activity Grant. Applications are due by March 15. Chair Firpo requests a minute of silence in memory of Shane Looper. XIII. Adjournment: 8:35p.m. Respectfully submitted by Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II Next Meeting: March 21, 2023 Staff Report DATE: March 21, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Erin O’Brien, Parks and Recreation Business Manager SUBJECT: 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Update RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission be apprised of the Department’s approved mid-year budget appropriation requests for the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION At the beginning of each calendar year, which also marks the mid-point in the fiscal year, 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. The Parks and Recreation Department identified several appropriation requests pertinent to the current Fiscal Year. At the time of preparation of the new Fiscal Year Budget the Department had been advised to submit requests related to the Community Civic Campus at mid-year. Requests submitted in this package related to the Community Civic Campus have been identified as time sensitive for the upkeep of the campus and successful opening of the Library | Parks and Recreation Center. Mid-Year Funding Requests Approved for Fiscal Year 2022-23 Several mid-year budget items were presented to the City Council Budget Subcommittee on February 15, 2023, and before the Parks and Recreation Commission on February 21, 2023. The following requests were reviewed and approved by the City Council at their regular meeting on February 22, 2023 meeting. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: March 21, 2023 Subject: 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Update Page: 2 FY 2022-23 Proposed General Fund Personnel Appropriation Requests Approved for City Council Consideration Request FTE Amount Management Analyst II – L|PR Community Resource Analyst – shared with Library 1.0 $53,000.00 Recreation Leader III (hourly) • L|PR Community Resource Clerks (2.0) – shared with Library • L|PR Building Attendees (0.5) – shared with Library • Seniors Congregate Meal Program (0.4) • SF Opera event support staff (0.19) 3.09 $64,000.00 Recreation Instructor (hourly) – L|PR classes 3.0 $ 51,000.00 Recreation & Community Services Coordinator – budget correction 1.0 $70,000.00 Park Maintenance Worker – Civic Campus 1.0 $32,000.00 Park Maintenance Worker (hourly) – budget correction 1.30 $113,000.00 Senior Building Maintenance Custodian – Civic Campus 2.0 $61,000.00 Building Maintenance Custodian – Civic Campus 4.0 $111,000.00 Total $555,000.00 FY 2022-23 Proposed General Fund Supplies & Services Appropriation Requests Approved for City Council Consideration Request Amount Corporation Yard HVAC system repairs $25,000.00 Upgrade MERV 13 HVAC for various city buildings $80,000.00 Police Station bird mitigation $ 40,000.00 MSB fire sprinkler deficiency repairs $ 41,000.00 New pool pump $11,000.00 Support for the SF Opera pop-up series $30,000.00 Consulting services for the implementation of the Childcare Master Plan $150,000.00 Total $377,000.00 FY 2022-23 Proposed Non-General Fund Appropriation Requests Approved for City Council Consideration Request Funding Source Amount Park Maintenance Worker – hourly Common Greens $1,000.00 Oyster Point maintenance supplies Oyster Point CFD $20,000.00 Oyster Point water cost adjustments Oyster Point CFD $ 51,000.00 Orange Memorial Park Ballfield restroom refurbishing Infrastructure Reserve $ 41,000.00 Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: March 21, 2023 Subject: 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Update Page: 3 Orange Memorial Park Tennis Court restroom refurbishing Infrastructure Reserve $50,000.00 Orange Memorial Park Basketball Court restroom refurbishing Infrastructure Reserve $50,000.00 Repaving tennis courts Infrastructure Reserve $94,000.00 Total $307,000.00 Recruitment for these numerous positions will begin shortly, prioritizing positions required prior to the opening of the new Library | Parks and Recreation Center. Additionally, a request for a joint master plan between the Library and Parks and Recreation Departments on seamless program delivery at the new Center will be brought before the City Council in the coming months. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Requests Additionally, staff has already begun planning for the new fiscal year budget. Requests will be submitted this month to the Finance Department for internal review, prior to being presented before the City Council Budget Subcommittee. Below is a summary of some high-priority items for the coming fiscal year. • Hourly staff for the oversight and programming of the new Orange Memorial Park Sports Field • Additional hourly staff for Parks Maintenance services • Consideration of permanently funding the Natural Resources Specialist • Reclassifying the Business Services Manager to be parallel with other peer division managers in the Department • Supplies and services for on-going and preventative maintenance of City facilities • Additional minor maintenance funding to enhance ballfield maintenance and repairs • A citywide parks deferred maintenance study • Updating of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan • Staff uniforms • Additional staff support for the Cultural Arts Program • Continued funding for the Cultural Programs Grant • Continued funding for activities at the Paradise Valley Recreation Center (previous funding was for fiscal year 2022-23 only) • Supplies and hourly staff to support the L|PR ribbon cutting event • Hiring incentives for recruitment of hourly staff • Branding, communications, the activity guide and site and program photography • Matching funding for the congregate meal program • Formalization of a scholarship program supported by the general fund A comprehensive listing of requests will be shared with the Commission prior to adoption, along with any potential fee increases, assuming there are any. Staff Report DATE: March 21, 2023 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Erin O’Brien, Business Manager SUBJECT: California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 4 Award Nominations RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission be apprised of the Department’s nominations for the CPRS District 4 Awards. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 4 will honor unique innovation, and outstanding individuals for their professional and volunteer contributions to the fields of parks, recreation, and human services. The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department is proud to share our 2022 nominees, scheduled to be honored at the May 11, 2023 awards dinner in Burlingame. Award of Excellence: South San Francisco Oyster Point Marina Park Key to the Community: South San Francisco Restoration of Operations Plan (ROOP) Committee Professional Merit: Francisca Guevarra Volunteer & Sponsor Citation Award: Sign Hill Stewards Award of Excellence: South San Francisco Oyster Point Marina Park First envisioned in 2011, the City of South San Francisco and development partners have recently completed improvements to the Oyster Point Marina Park – creating nearly 30 acres of new parkland along the San Francisco Bay. The project features a rehabilitated beach, trail raised to address sea level rise, new state-of-the-art restroom facilities, open space areas, a large turf field, picnic and gathering areas, parking lots, and a plaza. The park was designed by renowned landscape architecture firm, James Corner Field Operations, who are also responsible for revolutionary projects including New York’s Highline Park, Chicago’s Navy Pier, and San Francisco’s Presidio Tunnel Tops. The site of the park was once tidal marshlands, rich with diverse species of plants and animals – including the namesake oyster, which was a key source of food for the indigenous Ohlone who once thrived on its shores. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: March 21, 2023 Subject: California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 4 Award Nominations Page: 2 In the 1950s through 1960s, the pristine marshland was unfortunately destroyed, and used as a dump for residential and industrial waste. Landfill closure activities took place in the 1980s. The closed landfill then became the site for development of the Oyster Point Marina Park. In addition to the park amenities, a new ferry terminal and more than 300 vessels are berthed here adjacent to architecturally impressive research and development biotechnology facilities. Marshland lush with pickleweed and other native plants has been restored along the site’s northern shore. Over a mile of new trails have been constructed along the San Francisco Bay to provide residents, visitors and those employed by nearby technology campuses with places to recreate. The restored beach provides spaces for residents to come in contact with the bay, windsurf, paddleboard and kayak. An open lawn is enjoyed by many for resting and exercising alike. A new three-acre open space area will provide spaces for active and passive recreation activities and events. Picnic areas provide spaces for families and groups to gather and build community. A central plaza can accommodate outdoor special events, food trucks, concerts, and fairs. Today, this once spoiled site now managed by the Parks and Recreation Department serves as an inspiration for ecological restoration and recreation. Key to the Community: South San Francisco Restoration of Operations Plan (ROOP) Committee When the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a nationwide shut down in March 2020, City Manager Sharon Ranals, who was the City of South San Francisco’s Assistant City Manager at the time, was the City’s top official to guide the City’s COVID-19 response. Given the all-encompassing nature of how the pandemic impacted the operations of all City departments, Sharon’s first order of business was to assemble a committee comprising of City department heads and key staff who would guide the City’s continuity of operations through the pandemic. Over time, this team became known as the ROOP (Restoration of Operations Plan) Committee, not only looking at how to continue operations through COVID-19, but also eventually coordinating the restoration and recovery of City operations and services. The ROOP Committee started out meeting more than once a week as necessary at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, the meeting frequency tapered off to once every other month as City operations and COVID-19 guidelines reached a point of stability. Other key leaders on the ROOP Committee included Christina Fernandez, who was the Assistant to the City Manager at the time and now Deputy City Manager, and Ken Anderson, Emergency Services Manager. Cristina, Ken, and Sharon represented the City in meetings with State and County officials to bring the latest news and information to the ROOP Committee. During ROOP Committee meetings, every City department had the opportunity to share information and raise questions and concerns to guide day to day operations, and inform important topics related to setting up COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, addressing fiscal constraints, personnel exposure and sick leave protocols, and messaging to the workforce and community at large. Looking beyond COVID-19 and considering that the City has reached operational stability, the ROOP Committee no longer meets on a regular basis. However, the committee has formed a template for the City to respond to other emergency situations, such as wildfire season which caused Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: March 21, 2023 Subject: California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 4 Award Nominations Page: 3 significantly poor air quality in the Bay Area, and the recent storms in January 2023 in which the City was impacted by numerous road closures and flooding. In the best case scenario, the ROOP Committee will not have to be activated in the near future, but a team of dedicated staff are readily on standby in the event that the group is needed again. Professional Merit: Francisca Guevarra Francisca (Fran) Guevarra, a part-time hourly Recreation Leader, has retired after 17 years of service in the Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services Programs in South San Francisco. Fran has been instrumental in many aspects of the Senior Services programs since joining our team in 2005. Fran helped write and developing the volunteer program manual as well as securing and tracking volunteers. She has assisted with the planning and implementation of special events, such as the Senior Health Fair, Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Holiday Boutique, and has been the leading force behind the Valentine’s for the Troops event for many years. Because of her passion, our military men and women overseas have received thousands of valentines over the years. Fran also worked closely with the students at Skyline College for our Technology Assistance Program, which is a program that partners students with seniors to teach and assist the older adults on how to use their computers, lap tops, phones, and other devices. Throughout her 17 years here, Fran has been involved in the day to day operations of the classes, programs, and activities at the Senior Center. She has also participated in working the city-wide special events, and during COVID, when our services had to pivot, Fran, along with the Senior Team made hundreds of phone calls daily to keep in touch with our participants and to provide information and referrals for much needed services. We thank Fran for her 17 years of service to our seniors and the City of South San Francisco. Volunteer & Sponsor Citation Award: Sign Hill Stewards Sign Hill Stewards work to protect the environment for the people and wildlife of South San Francisco. Not only is Sign Hill Park the largest public open space in the City, it is also home to rare plants and endangered butterflies including the mission blue and callippe silverspot. Sign Hill Stewards help to combat the invasive plants that threaten the existence of these species, and restore native grassland habitat. In 2022, volunteers contributed over 450 hours of hard work on Sign Hill removing invasive plants, clearing scrub and tree encroachment, and planting native plants. By gathering to protect our most precious shared natural resources, Sign Hill Stewards exemplify how thriving communities can support healthy ecosystems. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: March 2023 Day Date Event Time Location Wednesday 01 Thursday 02 Friday 03 Saturday 04 Sunday 05 Monday 06 Improving Public Places 5:30 p.m. Corp Yard Resident Class Registration 6:00 a.m. Online/Rec. Tuesday 07 Wednesday 08 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 09 Friday 10 Youth Art Show 6:00 p.m. MSB Saturday 11 Summer Camp Registration (rescheduled) 6:00 a.m. JFRB Youth Baseball Celebration and Parade canceled due to weather 9:30 a.m. Alta Loma Park Youth Art Show 10:00 a.m. MSB Sunday 12 Monday 13 Non-resident Class Registration 6:00 a.m. Online/Rec. Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 Aqua. Class Reg. Res. canceled due to pool maintenance Online/Rec. Thursday 16 Cultural Arts Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. MSB Old PD Training Rm. Friday 17 SF Opera @ Orange Park 7:30 p.m. Orange Park Saturday 18 SF Opera @ Orange Park 7:30 p.m. Orange Park Sunday 19 SF Opera @ Orange Park 2:00 p.m. Orange Park Monday 20 Tuesday 21 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers Wednesday 22 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Aquatic Class Registration: Non-Residents (pending) Online/Rec. Thursday 23 Friday 24 Saturday 25 Sunday 26 Monday 27 Spring Classes Begin varies All Facilities Spring Camp 7:30 a.m. JFRB Tuesday 28 Spring Camp 7:30 a.m. JFRB Wednesday 29 Spring Camp 7:30 a.m. JFRB Thursday 30 Spring Camp 7:30 a.m. JFRB SSF Bocce League Begins 6:00 p.m. OMP Bocce Courts Friday 31 Spring Camp 7:30 a.m. JFRB PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: April 2023 Day Date Event Time Location TBD Spring Clean Dumping Event Corp Yard Saturday 01 Easter Bunny Photo Hop 8:00 a.m. OMP Soccer Field Sunday 02 Monday 03 2023-2024 After School Recreation Program Public Lottery Registration (April 3 – 7) Joseph A. Fernekes Building Tuesday 04 Wednesday 05 Thursday 06 Friday 07 Saturday 08 Sunday 09 Monday 10 Tuesday 11 Wednesday 12 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 13 Friday 14 Saturday 15 Sunday 16 Monday 17 Tuesday 18 Parks & Recreation Commission 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers Wednesday 19 Thursday 20 Cultural Arts Commission 6:30 p.m. MSB Police Training Room Friday 21 Saturday 22 Sunday 23 Monday 24 Tuesday 25 Wednesday 26 City Council Meeting Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 27 Friday 28 Saturday 29 Arbor Day & Earth Day Celebration 9:00 a.m. Sister Cities Park Sunday 30 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: May 2023 Day Date Event Time Location TBD Senior/PD Pancake Breakfast TBD Senior Heath Fair Monday 01 Improving Public Places Committee meeting 5:30 p.m. Corp Yard Tuesday 02 Wednesday 03 Thursday 04 Friday 05 Saturday 06 Sunday 07 Monday 08 Res. Reg. Summer Classes Online/Rec. Tuesday 09 Wednesday 10 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 11 Friday 12 Saturday 13 Sunday 14 Monday 15 Tuesday 16 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers Wednesday 17 Thursday 18 Cultural Arts Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. MSB Police Training Room Friday 19 Saturday 20 Sunday 21 Monday 22 Non-resident Registration Online/Rec. Tuesday 23 Wednesday 24 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 25 Friday 26 Preschool Graduation JFRB Saturday 27 Sunday 28 Monday 29 Memorial Day – All Offices/Programs Closed All Programs Closed Memorial Day Flag Ceremony Eternal Flame Tuesday 30 Wednesday 31 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: March 2, 2023 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Upcoming Events Youth Art Show (in partnership with South San Francisco Unified School District) Friday, March 10, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive Youth Baseball Parade Saturday, March 11, 2023 | Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Alta Loma Park, Rozzi Field SF Opera “Bohème Out of the Box” Friday, March 17, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. Orange Memorial Park, 781 Tennis Drive Recreation Division Update Little Steps Letter of Appreciation Little Steps Preschool is a grant funded preschool through the Big Lift of San Mateo County, operated by the Parks and Recreation Department at the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center. The program seeks to improve school readiness and reading proficiency, and offers high quality care and early learning experiences. Little Steps Preschool participates in the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) to ensure the program is of quality. Tuition is based on a sliding scale so that the program can serve socioeconomically disadvantaged families in South San Francisco. The letter below shows how this program has helped improve the quality of life and outcomes for just one family: My name is Jenny and I'm a single mother living in South San Francisco. My son, Alexander, has been attending Little Steps Preschool since last November. This has made a significant positive impact on our family. Alexander's father is in Mexico and cannot return to the United States due to immigration issues. He’s working to get a visa, but it will most likely be a long time before he can come back. I do have the support of my parents who live nearby. However, they both still work full time, so I carry the responsibility of looking after Alexander majority of the time. Previous to his enrollment into Little Steps, I was only able to work from home, a few hours here and there. Now, I'm able to dedicate Park and Recreation Department Update March 2, 2023 Page 2 of 4 much more uninterrupted time to work and I'm also able to study in preparation for a career change. Little Steps allows me the time to focus on building a better financial future for our family. At Little Steps, I'm confident that Alexander is learning the skills he needs to be better prepared for kindergarten. He’s learning how to interact with other children, which is especially important for him because he doesn't have any siblings or any relatives close in age. He's also experiencing a routine and a positive learning environment, which the teachers have done a great job of creating and fostering. On top of this, Alexander has really been enjoying his school days. He only has good things to say about school. I've seen the teachers interact with the students and they all do a great job of balancing structure, discipline, fun, play and nurturement. I've seen them exhibit exceptional communication skills with the students. I trust their experience and methods and have even sought advice from them on how to communicate and handle certain situations with Alexander. I’m happy to say that I feel comfortable going to them for support. I couldn't be more thankful for The Big Lift and Little Steps Preschool. These programs allow low-income families, such as ours, access to early education for our children and the ability for us parents to build a stronger financial future. With Gratitude, Jenny Spring Registration Update Due to unforeseen delays in printing the Spring 2023 Activity Guide, resident registration for spring classes has been delayed one week and will begin on Monday, March 6 at 6:00 a.m. online, and in-person at the Recreation Office at 8:00 a.m. The originally scheduled mail date for the Activity Guide was Monday, February 13; the new anticipated date is Tuesday, February 28. The complete digital version of the Spring 2023 Activity Guide is available online at www.ssf.net/classes, as well as the Department’s registration portal at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog. Staff is disappointed by this production delay and is researching alternative vendors to print future publications. The decision to delay the start of resident registration was to give those residents who do not have access to online resources the opportunity and time to thoroughly review the guide and confirm their desired classes. As a courtesy, the Recreation Division printed several read-only copies of class programming from the Spring Activity Guide and delivered them to the following locations for the public to view prior to receiving via mail: Alice Peña Bulos Community Center, Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building, Terrabay Gymnasium and Recreation Center, Municipal Services Building, Orange Pool, and the West Orange and Grand Avenue Libraries. Non-resident registration remains unchanged and will begin on Monday, March 13. Additionally, resident and non-resident registration for all aquatic classes will not be affected by the delay in printing and will remain as follows: Wednesday, March 15 (residents) and March 22 (non-residents). For questions, contact the Recreation Office at (650) 829-3800 or email [email protected]. Park and Recreation Department Update March 2, 2023 Page 3 of 4 Parks Division Update Westborough Pathway Paving The upper portion of Westborough Park was recently closed for repaving of the pathway that surrounds the baseball field. The project has forty working days, pending any weather delays, and has a stipulation that the tennis courts can only be closed for two weeks while work is done in that adjacent area. The work will include repairs to staircases within this pathway, full depth asphalt replacement, and sealing around the tennis courts. Neighbors living near the park have been notified with mailers. Families of Westborough Middle School students have also been notified. Social media and email announcements have been shared with community members. Physical postings with detour routes are posted at the park and in nearby neighborhoods. All amenities below the upper portion of the park will remain open for the duration of the project. Improving Public Places Volunteer Event The Parks Division and Improving Public Places Committee held a volunteer event on Saturday, February 4 at the Sellick Park pollinator garden. Work included weeding, planting new plants, and mulching the whole planter area. Work was also performed at the entrance sign to the park for a refresh. Despite the light rain, there were approximately 15 volunteers in attendance, and the full scope of work was accomplished in the three-hour event. The next Improving Public Places volunteer event will be the Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 28 at Sister Cities Linear Park. Park and Recreation Department Update March 2, 2023 Page 4 of 4 Brentwood Park – Temporary Closure due to Storm Damage The rear portion of Brentwood Park near the tennis court and ballfield remains closed due to storm damage to preserve public health and safety. In the storms that occurred in January and February of this year, at least five trees fell, while several more experienced failures resulting in precarious tree limbs hanging above the lawn and pathways. Most recently, one tree fell across a power line and is pending removal by PG&E, while another large pine landed on the ballfield backstop. Fortunately, no power outages were experienced during this most recent failure. Parks and Recreation staff, including three ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) staff, completed a preliminary assessment of the park to identify dozens of trees that may now warrant removal due to age, drought, bark beetle infection, and storm damage. Additional details on the number of trees and rough order of magnitude cost estimates related to tree work will be shared with the City Council in the coming days. Until tree work is complete, the back of the park will likely remain closed. Staff will continue to keep the public and City Council apprised as details are known. CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: March 16, 2023 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Parks and Recreation Hosts the Emerging Leaders Program The South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department hosted an Emerging Leaders Program for San Mateo County at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building on February 24. The Emerging Leaders Program is a 10-month professional development program for government sectors, nonprofits, and businesses. The Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building was in use from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with 45 students in attendance including two from South San Francisco. Austin Navarro, Recreation Coordinator, completed all the setup and breakdown for this event. Youth Enrichment Services Update Feburary 27 through March 3 was teacher conference week for the South San Francisco Unified School District. This resulted in extended program hours for Youth Enrichment Services, and even more time for fun and exciting activities. Children were able to participate in many off-site trips which were both fun and educational. They were able to explore their community by visiting the South San Francisco Police Station, Orange Memorial Park, and many local businesses. On-site activities included art programs, free play, bike and walking safety, nutrition, and cooking, among others. Students enjoying activities at Youth Enrichment Services Park and Recreation Department Update March 16, 2023 Page 2 of 3 Cultural Arts Commission Update "Abundance" Two-Dimensional Virtual Art Exhibit – Extended to March 31 The virtual exhibit of award-winning and other selected works from this popular art gallery event has been extended to March 31. Artists reflected on the meaning of “abundance” at the well- attended exhibit sponsored by the Cultural Arts Commission. The community has a second opportunity to enjoy a virtual display of award-winning entries and other exceptional works. Works in two-dimensional art, including photography, painting, collage and other media may be viewed in two online galleries. Viewing is free. The art gallery links and more information can be found on the “News & Events” page at www.ssf.net/culturalarts. • Gallery 1 - https://bit.ly/2D_Art1-ssf2023 • Gallery 2 - https://bit.ly/2D_Art2-ssf2023 2023 Jack Drago Cultural Arts Commission Youth Art Scholarship The Cultural Arts Commission is awarding up to three scholarships, for up to a total of $4,000 to South San Francisco Unified School District graduating high school seniors who have shown achievement in the arts and plan to continue to study art. Acceptable art forms include but are not limited to photography, sculpture, digital media, ceramics, performing arts, literary arts. Candidates should submit a completed application form with samples of their art and may use one of the following two methods to apply. • Submit by: Online Application Form (preferred) • Mail or drop off hard copy form to Ercie Santos, Cultural Arts Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080 Entries must be received by the entry deadline of Monday, April 17. Applicants can also visit the “Current Opportunities for Artists” webpage at www.ssf.net/culturalarts for guidelines and application form. Memorial for Sensei Luis Bernardo Mercado On Sunday, February 26, the Department held a special karate seminar to honor the life of Sensei Luis Bernardo Mercado of the Shinkyu Shotokan Karate program. Led by Recreation Instructor, Sue Miller, several South San Francisco class participants and participants from several Bay Area karate dojos gathered to train with a special dedication to Luis Mercado Bernardo. Luis spent most of his childhood in South San Francisco and graduated from Karate students from all over the Bay Area gathered at the Terrabay Gymnasium. Park and Recreation Department Update March 16, 2023 Page 3 of 3 South San Francisco High School. During this time, he was a regular student of the Shinkyu Shotokan Karate classes taught by the original founder, Leroy Rodrigues, and has since been heavily involved in the program from the annual promotionals to the annual tournaments. A total of 85 participants gathered and all the proceeds will go towards the Sensei Luis Bernardo Mercado Shinkyu Shotokan Scholarship Fund.