HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.2017
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:01 pm
A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San
Francisco was held on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at the Municipal Services Building, 33
Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, California.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Camacho, Garrone, Flores, Holt, Lock, and Uy
Absent: none
Staff: Sharon Ranals, Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Parks Manager
Kelli Jo Cullinan, Acting Recreation Manager
Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. AGENDA REVIEW:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
V. Commissioner Holt made a motion to approve the minutes of September 19, 2017, Parks
and Recreation Commission meeting. It was seconded by Commissioner Flores and
unanimously approved.
VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
VII. PRESENTATION:
A. Introduction of New Employees
Director Ranals had Parks Manager Mediati introduce two new Park Maintenance
Workers, Alyssa Kiely and Mike Kilmartin. He also introduced Josh Richardson who has
been promoted to Parks Supervisor. He replaced Drew Arzaga who retired. Josh
Richardson had been acting Parks Supervisor.
Director Ranals then had Acting Recreation Manager Cullinan introduce three new
program coordinators. Brian Noce, Program Coordinator at the Orange Memorial Park
Pool, Francisco “Pancho” Rodriguez, Program Coordinator for the REAL Program at
Martin and Los Cerritos School, and finally Chrystal Bowdry, Program Coordinator at
Monte Verde School.
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They all gave brief introductions about themselves and expressed how happy they were to
be working for the City of South San Francisco.
Chair Camacho stated she is excited to have them on board.
B. Oyster Point Development Update
Billy Gross, Senior Planner addressed the Commission on the next phase of the Oyster
Point Development, Phases 3 and 4 which will consist of a residential development. He
stated this was approved by City Council in 2011 which includes approximately 2.25
million square feet. He stated ground breaking was last week. He then introduced Richard
Kennedy, Landscape Architect with James Corner Field Operations (JCFO), who
presented a power point presentation on the project.
In his presentation, he described how they will keep the low key character of the area. He
also noted that some of the water’s edge will be retained and that they would like to keep
the uniqueness of the area. It will have a main inclusion of new housing and retail space.
It will include 1,191 residential units a mixture of studio/one bedroom and three
bedrooms. They will have for sale and rental units with pedestrian walk ways connecting
to the bay trails as well as bike lanes. There will be green spaces and an east west
connector out to the water. There will be local shops and meeting areas for people to get
together. They will have trees planted along the walk ways for wind protection. He stated
that there will also be recreational areas, picnic areas as well as a water-front park.
Commissioner Uy asked which units will be for sale and which will be rented. Joe
McCarthy, Oyster Point Developer, answered this question. He stated two thirds will be
condominiums for sale and one third will be rentable apartments. Chair Camacho asked if
there will be low income units. He stated that there will be about 30 units that will be low
income. Commissioner Flores asked about the maintenance of the area; trash and such.
Richard Kennedy stated that there will be recycling bins visible and accessible.
Commissioners asked about the maintenance of the grounds. Richard Kennedy responded
that they would use drip line systems and use drought resistant plants. Richard Kennedy
stated that they use of the best drip lines available. Commissioner Flores asked about
lighting on the Bay Trail. Richard Kennedy stated that they would have pole lighting with
lights shining down. Chair Camacho stated who would be responsible for the maintenance
of the landscaping. Joe McCarthy responded to this question. He stated that it is privately
funded and the developers would be responsible.
Commission Uy asked about public transportation and Richard Kennedy responded that
they would keep the existing shuttle service and Ferry Terminal as well as continuing to
work with SamTrans. Chair Camacho also asked about installing street lighting; since it
gets very dark in that area. Senior Planner Bill y Gross stated that it would depend on
what will be going on in the area. Flash lights are currently being used in the area.
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Commissioners liked the idea about the area being designed as a multi-use residential and
retail development and stated that it could make the traffic issue better. Commissioner
Flores stated that parking could be an issue and that alternative ideas should be considered
such as Uber and more bike lanes.
Commissioner Holt asked about the green spaces. Richard Kennedy stated that there
would be park spaces where people could picnic and barbeque. Trees would be situated to
protect against the wind. Commissioner Holt thanked him for his great presentation.
Chair Camacho stated that the green spaces could be used as open areas for soccer or
other children’s activities like San Francisco offers. Richard Kennedy stated that the high
winds in the area would have to be considered because the wind could be a hindrance.
Commissioner Uy also mentioned installing basketball courts that could be used as soccer
fields.
Chair Camacho also asked if a bike share program was initiated would they have input.
Senior Planner Billy Gross stated that it would go through the Design Review Board same
as with Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project. She also asked if the Palm Trees did not do
well would they be replaced. Richard Kennedy stated that they would use the best species
for the area and make sure that they are planted properly. Senior Planner Bill Gross also
responded by stating that if this were to happen, it could be amended. He also stated that
if the Commission has follow-up questions or suggestions that they be forwarded to the
Planning Division before the proposal goes to City Council to vote on. Chair Camacho
stated that the Commission’s main suggestion is that there definitely needs to be more
activity space for children to play and to do activities. Director Ranals stated that the
Commission can forward their questions and suggestions on to her directly.
Vice Chair Garrone commented that the residential development will change the pattern
of traffic which will be a good thing. The Commission thanked Billy Gross and Richard
Kennedy for their great presentation.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Concert in the Park Recap
Manager Mediati reported that an estimate of 2,500 people attended Concert in the Park.
He attributed this to the fact that last year’s band was a bigger draw. The professional
bands Pete Escovedo and Malina Moye were well received. South San Francisco and El
Camino High School bands were also a great draw. Friends of Parks and Recreation
contributed a $250 stipend to each of the high school bands as a thank you for their
participation. The survey results stated that 81% of participants were SSF residents and
91% of the participants were satisfied with the event. Friends of Parks and Recreation
sold beer, wine, and bottled water and made $4,421 net profit. Manager Mediati stated
that even though more people attended the 2016 concert, net profits were comparable,
since expenditures were down. He also reported that the food trucks were well received.
Commissioner Flores stated that it was a great event and that the collaboration with the
Cultural Arts Commission went very well. He also commented that there were long lines
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in the children’s areas and that next year they could take advantage of this by possibly
selling items like snow cones to increase their net profits. Chair Camacho also stated that
it was a great event. She commented on the staff hours for the event. Acting Manager
Cullinan stated that a lot of hours go into events like this, especially by full time staff as
well as part-time staff. It is definitely required. Parks Manager Mediati thanked all of the
staff this year. He stated that it was much easier than last year, since everyone knew
exactly what they needed to do.
A continued item from the Oyster Point Update occurred as follows:
Chair Camacho asked that when this is presented to the Planning Commission and City
Council that the Parks and Recreation Commission concern about not having adequate
areas for children’s activities be addressed. Commissioner Uy also commented that the
Oyster Point Development does not seem to be geared toward families.
IX. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Cancellation of November, December 2017 Meetings
Director Ranals stated that in the past the Commission has usually canceled the November
and December meetings due to the holidays. Commissioner Garrone made a motion to
cancel the November 21, and December 19, meetings and have a special meeting on
December 12. It was seconded by Commissioner Flores and unanimously approved.
X. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITEE
Vice Chair Garrone stated that he was not able to attend due to a family emergency.
Parks Manager Mediati reported that they discussed meeting dates for next year and had
finalized the letter of congratulations to go out for the Beautification Award winners.
XI. FRIENDS OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Commissioner Flores stated that they made $4,421 from their beverage sales and that
The collaboration with the Cultural Arts Commission volunteering went very well.
Jeannette Holt stated they will be having a Wine and Paint event on January 25.
Additional details to follow and she invited the Commission to attend.
XII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
- Commissioner Holt attended the IPP Planting on October 7, Concert in the Park, Quilt
Show and the Fall Family Festival put on by Kaiser. He stated that it was well
attended.
- Commissioner Battaglia attended the SSF Grand Walking Tour and the Library Book
Fair. She stated that she would like to attend the Thanksgiving Fun Run this year. She
also attended the last South San Francisco Women’s Networking Forum where Elaine
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Garbarino, Kum Kum Gupta and Kristy Camacho spoke. She enjoyed it and is
planning on attending the next one.
- Commissioner Lock stated that the California Parks and Recreation have chosen a new
Executive Commission Director, Jim Simmons. He also reported that he and his wife
are first time grandparents.
- Commissioner Flores attended Concert in the Park and stated that it was very well
done. He also did the South San Francisco Grand Walk. He stated that he would like
to see the History Walk done again and other walk locations done by the Parks and
Recreation Department.
- Vice Chair Garrone could not attend the Bay Front Clean Up. He however heard
comments from volunteers about how much garbage there was around the nearby
office buildings. He is planning to attend the planting event with Bimbo Bakeries on
Monday, October 23. He stated that that drinking fountain is very nice.
- Commissioner Uy stated that he is happy to see Futsol offered at Terrabay on Friday
evenings, but he said he did not see information on the City webpage. He said you
should be able to find this information using our Park and Recreation page. He also
rode a Spin Bike and found it very easy to use. He also stated that he was approached
by one of our Tennis Instructors who stated that they would like to get a pay increase.
Acting Recreation Manager Cullinan stated that the recreation instructors get yearly
evaluations with a 3 to 5 percent increase depending on what the salary budget is
allocated for.
- Chair Camacho attended Concert in the Park and stated that it was a great event. She
also stated that she would like to see private donations for Concert in the Park.
Possibly corporate sponsorships. She thanked Parks Manager Mediati for letting the
South San Francisco Mother’s Club do a volunteer planting event at Buri Buri Park.
The children enjoyed it very much. She also stated that when Alta Loma Park is close
to being finished she would like to have the Mother’s Club involved in another
volunteer planting event if there is an opportunity. She noted that the topic of
ballfields was discussed at the last South San Francisco School District meeting and
asked if city staff had been informed of this. Director Ranals stated that they had no
notification. Chair Camacho asked that the South San Francisco School District be
told to keep the Parks and Recreation Department updated when parks and recreation
items are discussed.
Chair Camacho stated that she also attended the Measure W facilities tour. She found
it very interesting. However, she stated that she did not see anything regarding Park
and Recreation facilities. She stated that she would like the Commission more vocally
involved in the process. Director Ranals stated that as soon as an architect is chosen
that they will have workshops to participate in.
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Chair Camacho stated that she also attended the Quilt Show and said that Specialist
Santos did a great job. She also wanted to make sure that the thank you letter would be
sent out to Mr. Toy from Westborough Middle School for bringing his kids to the Bay
Front Clean Up.
XIII. ITEMS FROM STAFF
A. Calendar of Events
Acting Recreation Manager Cullinan informed the Commission about the Halloween
Extravaganza happening this Saturday, October 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She
invited the Commissioners to contact her for tickets. Acting Manager Cullinan informed
the Commissioners of the Holiday Boutique on November 3 and Thanksgiving Fun Run
on November 18. She also highlighted that Santa Comes to Town on Saturday, December
2 and the Wreath Workshop hosted by Improving Public Places, is on Sunday, December
3. Chair Camacho asked when registration was starting. Director Ranals stated that she
will confirm and notify the Commission.
B. Administrative Update
Acting Recreation Manager Cullinan and Parks Manager Mediati reviewed the
information provided in the update. Manager Mediati highlighted that the Alta Loma
Playground improvements had begun. The old playground had been removed. Acting
Manager Cullinan noted that the Childcare Program recently received a generous donation
and that Monte Verde Afterschool recently participated in “Station Day;” which occurs
twice a month. Station Day has various activities that include: cooking, art, and STEM.
She also mentioned that the Childcare Program is currently doing a See’s Candies
fundraiser.
Parks Manager Mediati stated that the Buri Buri Park scoreboard has been installed and
the electrical hook up is pending. He also highlighted the planting project at Sellick Park
that was the culmination of the Bay Friendly Landscape Certification course that staff
completed.
Director Ranals stated that an offer letter has been sent for the position of Landscape
Architect. She is hopeful that the candidate will accept.
C. Cultural Arts Commission Minutes –August
Minutes were attached to the October Agenda packet.
XIV. Adjournment 9:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by: Susan Filereto, Administrative Assistant
NEXT MEETING: December 12, 2017