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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.2017MINUTES CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, August 15, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 pm A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San Francisco was held on Tuesday, August 15, 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, Recreation Manager Kelli Jo Cullinan, Recreation Supervisor Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. AGENDA REVIEW: Chair Camacho requested that items X. Beautification Committee, be moved to after VII. Presentation. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Camacho requested a typographical correction be made to the minutes under VI. Presentation. Chair Camacho replaces Chair Woo who asked her fellow Commissioners to assist with the presentation of the awards. Under VIII. New Business B. Commissioner Flores replaces Chair Camacho who suggested having a co-sponsored group sponsor a tree. Commissioner Battaglia made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 20, 2017, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting with the requested corrections. It was seconded by Commissioner Uy and unanimously approved. VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Luis A De Paz Fernandez who resides at 841 Olive Avenue #1 and is on the Beautification Committee and Measure W Oversight Board addressed the Commission. Luis stated that he enjoys riding his bicycle and wants to begin a discussion with the Commission on how Parks and Recreation can help with public education with regards to bicycle and pedestrian safety. He noted the benefits of helmet use, the recent increase in dog and drone traffic and posed the question on how to educate the public and keep everyone safe. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 2 Chair Camacho thanked Luis for bringing his points to the Commission and requested to agendize this topic for an upcoming meeting. VII. PRESENTATION: Certificate of Recognition Sports Division Coordinator, Bill Stridbeck presented a certificate of recognition to Arlene del Rosario, recipient of the Harmon & Sue Scholarship. Junior Giants organization awards ten $5,000 scholarships annually and Arlene is the first South San Francisco resident to win. The scholarship is based on grade level, participation, application and an essay. Arlene is beginning 8th grade this year and has played with Junior Giants for five years. Chair Camacho congratulated Arlene and thanked her parents stating, “you should be very proud and you have made SSF very proud!” Director Ranals noted that City Council will invite Arlene to an upcoming City Council meeting to acknowledge her accomplishment. VIII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Jo Zemke represented Beautification Committee and provided the Commission with an update on the beautification awards, noting that it has been a challenge to find beautiful landscapes this year; since the drought has impacted turf and plants. She encouraged the Commissioners to provide addresses of residences or businesses with improved landscape and the Committee will send a letter of acknowledgement advising them that people have noticed and people care! Jo invited the Commission to the Bay Front Cleanup at the end of Haskins Way on Saturday, September 16, from 9 am to 11 am. Chair Camacho requested that the Beautification Award winners be listed in the citywide newsletter and other social media outlets to create visibility and increase awareness. IX. OLD BUSINESS: A. Follow-up on Joint P&R Commission and BPAC Meeting – Oyster Point Director Ranals reminded the Commission that the parameters for phase I were set in 2011. The designer did their best to incorporate the requests of the Commission in the plans and plan for infrastructure so amenities could be incorporated when budget is available. Director Ranals reviewed an overlay map that was handed out; noting that it is a draft plan. Commissioner Lock asked if American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements have been incorporated into the plan and Director Ranals confirmed. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 3 Commissioner Flores asked what Noted means in the comments chart and Director Ranals said that the architect will do their best to accommodate. Chair Camacho said that she appreciates the information and wishes that the Commission could have provided feedback earlier in the process. She stated that she would rather see more picnic benches instead of circular seating areas and that it would be a better use of space. Chair Camacho later stated that a walking tour of redevelopment would allow residents an opportunity to learn the history of the site, provide input and create “buy in.” Director Ranals stated that for phase II the walking tour would be good for visioning of the park area. Commissioner Garrone said that he supports not developing a site fully in order to keep it open for the next great thing. Commissioner Battaglia inquired about hotel parking. Director Ranals said that a parking structure will probably be built but it will depend on the chosen hotelier and design. B. Update on Status of Monte Verde and Buri Buri Before and After School Expansion Acting Manager Cullinan, reminded the Commission that City Council approved increased capacity at both sites. It was a collaborative effort between the City, licensing, and Fire Department with a quick turnaround. Buri Buri went from 40 to 80 with 86 families being served. Monte Verdi went from 150 to 200 with 204 families being served. She mentioned since Buri Buri is under construction, the program site will move from the multi-use room to portable when possible. She reported that all families were accepted in to the program that were on the wait list and/or waited to register and we still have an established wait list. Acting Manager Cullinan, pointed out that preschool numbers have dropped due to recent graduations but will increase again in September. Commissioner Lock inquired about the Community Learning Center (CLC) program and headcount. Acting Manager Cullinan reported that this program is part of the Grant-funded After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) and that there are 55 students per day at CLC, in addition to the 50 per day at both Martin and Los Cerritos Elementary schools. Chair Camacho said that she applauds Acting Manager Cullinan and her staff for this program. Acting Manager Cullinan thanked Laura Armanino and Kim Morrison for their work in serving the community. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Uy said that he too applauds Acting Manager Cullinan. He attended the Preschool orientation program and it was very well done and organized. Chair Camacho said that Acting Manager Cullinan has a skill with being reassuring yet firm. She asked if Acting Manager Cullinan is concerned about the Little Steps program and budget cuts and asked if the Commission can do anything to assist with funding. Acting Manager Cullinan said that the City is looking into a fee based program and is currently working with South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) and referring families accordingly. Director Ranals mentioned that $300,000 is the annual funding needed for the Little Steps program. Chair Camacho thanked City Council for their support and loved the article with Mayor Gupta’s photo. She noted that early childhood development is important to communities. C. Update on Status of Civic Campus Project Director Ranals advised that the land conveyance has been secured. Nine architect firms are planning to bid on the project and one should be selected by October 1. The design timeline allows for 12 to 18 months and a chance that staff could occupy the building in 2020. Chair Camacho said that she was contacted by an architect firm and that the City Attorney advised that she not comment at this time. Director Ranals commented that at this time all correspondence must be transparent. All architect firms must receive the same information and if any Commissioners are contacted, please let Director Ranals know. Chair Camacho learned at a recent Friends of the Library meeting, that they are setting funds aside for building improvements and suggests that Friends of Parks & Recreation may want to do the same thing. X. NEW BUSINESS: A. Report on Junior Giants Program – Summer 2017 Coordinator Stridbeck reported that this is the seventh year for the Junior Giants program in the City. He noted that Commissioner Holt, Manager Mediati, and Assistant Patea have been Junior Giants coaches. This year 144 players participated on 12 teams with minor and major league age brackets. He provided background on the program and noted that this year the SSF Library assisted with the reading program and provided prizes for extra reading rewards. September 12, is the festival at AT&T Park and all teams will be participating. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 5 Next year, a T-ball age division for the Junior Giants program is being planned for South City. With this age bracket, staff is anticipating that new coaches should join and continue coaching throughout the program. Two coaches and one team parent per team is the ideal ratio per Coordinator Stridbeck. The City has been challenged recruiting coaches in the past. Coordinator Stridbeck mentioned that coaches are now self-pitching instead of using a pitching machine. Commissioner Holt noted that his grandson is now five years old and beginning baseball in the East Bay. Commissioner Holt enjoys talking with the Commissioners about their baseball programs and will help with the SSF programs as needed. Commissioner Lock offered to work with other city commissions as needed to gain feedback on their program. Chair Camacho inquired about how the City can best acknowledge coaches and encourage new participation. Coordinator Stridbeck said that he currently rewards coaches with game tickets, pins, etc. Chair Camacho suggested including Arlene del Rosario, scholarship winner, in upcoming City newsletters as well as activity guides to educate the community about the program and volunteer opportunities. Supervisor Mulkerrins thanked Coordinator Stridbeck for all of his work with the Junior Giants program to make it a success. B. GRANTS UPDATE: Director Ranals announced that $256,950 was awarded to the City and will be used to renovate Gardiner Park. She said that persistence pays off; the grant was rejected twice before being accepted and then awarded. Acting Manager Cullinan spoke about the ASES grant. It is based 100% on quality review. The grant renewal pack is not available yet but staff is optimistic that the City will be approved, Director Ranals spoke about a Measure K grant through David Canapa’s office for Sign Hill. Chair Camacho thanked Director Ranals for applying for grants and her eloquent words. C. DEPARTMENT STAFFING UPDATE: Director Ranals, Manager Mediati, and Acting Manager Cullinan spoke of staff vacancies in their program areas. The Department has a total of thirteen full-time vacancies currently. Commissioner Holt requested for new hires to be introduced to the Commission at an upcoming meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 6 D. SAN MATEO COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ON SYNTHETIC TURF: Director Ranals provided a report that was directed to school districts and thought that it would provide relevant background information for the Commission. She noted that the report leans towards natural turf and it is a complex topic. The Beach Chalet in San Francisco has artificial turf and it is wildly successful. Director Ranals also noted that the number of fields listed in the report is incorrect. Commissioner Lock inquired about what caused the report to be written. Director Ranals replied that it was safety concerns. He also asked for a future discussion on maintenance costs of artificial and natural turf. Chair Camacho requested to keep the Commission informed about field renovations and she would be happy to attend school board or liaison meet ings as a resident. Commissioner Garrone noted that many fields are currently not safe and several are on school district property. Director Ranals reminded the Commission that South City is under-fielded and our fields are overused for natural turf. Community buy-in is critical and a lot of outreach will happen before a decision is made. She also noted that “Parks 11” Project is highlighted in the City newsletter. Park design will occur this year and implementation next year. Commissioner Lock requested a timeline on projects and to be included in meetings. E. SILICON VALLEY FOUNDATION REPORT ON SHORTAGE OF PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES: Director Ranals advised the Commission that an estimated $40,000 of space is needed to accommodate one preschool child. Converting the West Orange Library into a preschool facility was discussed. Chair Camacho would like to see a preschool program in the new Measure W Building; utilizing potentially two million dollars to accommodate 20 participants and would help the immediate community need. The cost ratio is the same to retrofit the Main Library and accommodate 200 participants at approximately twenty million dollars but the timeline and likelihood are questionable. Director Ranals will check with the City Finance Department about childcare impact fees status. XI. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITEE Commissioner Holt reported that Friends President, Judy Bush attended a San Mateo County Foundations meeting with other cities. He thanked Chair Camacho for her feedback on what the Friends of the Library are doing with their funds to support the new Measure W building. Friends is hosting a chili cook-off fundraiser on September 9, and the beer, wine and water booth at Concert in the Park on September 23. He thanked staff, Commissioners Flores, Camacho, and Battaglia plus Jeannette and Eddie’s mother for their help with movie night; noting $1500 was raised from snack and beverage sales. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 7 Commissioner Holt also advised that Friends has purchased a popcorn machine and no longer needs to rent or borrow machines from others. He noted that two volunteers attended a recent Friends meeting; Linda Grassi and Ruth Dunardi are enthusiastically planning to help at upcoming events as volunteers. He reported that Friends sponsored classes in July in celebration of Parks and Recreation month and to encourage new participants to try classes. Seventy people participated and positive feedback was received. XII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION Commissioner Holt: Jeannette is the school district chair and they had their kick-off meeting and he attended. He attended movie night, Junior Giants games, and said goodbye and thank you to Janice Hill on her last day in the office; noting that she was extremely helpful to him. He observed while in Minnesota, visiting his two year old granddaughter, that there are more beach volleyball courts in parks than other courts. Commissioner Battaglia: She attended oversite committee meeting, Cultural Arts show, movie night, Meet and Greet at Peet’s Coffee, and the San Mateo County F air with the Senior Services Program; noting that the bus ride was a kick in the pants. She also planted with the IPP group at JoAnn’s Triangle. Commissioner Flores: He attended Friends of the Library meeting, movie night, and Cultural Arts show. He requested to add to an upcoming agenda about a youth representative for Parks and Recreation Commission. He is interested in anything else that this commission can do to collaborate with Cultural Arts; noting one team united. Chair Camacho invited him to attend a collaboration meeting. He also attended the Peet’s Coffee meeting with the Director and City Manager; noting that 15-20 people attended and he enjoyed speaking with Pedro and Eldie Gonzalez. They shared parking concerns near their home. Commissioner Flores thanked Manager Mediati for taking notes on requests, following through and delivering! Commissioner Lock: He was invited to join Florence Fang Community Garden in San Francisco. It is a garden on top of the Caltrain Tunnel at Williams and Diana. There is no charge for the garden space. Participants grew over one thousand pounds of vegetables in July and donated to the Pantry Food Bank. The goal of the group is to convert the garden into an urban farm. He sees land that is not utilized in South City and opportunity to form a partnership with the community and food bank. He also mentioned the National Office of AARP and adding action statements to city advertisements. He visited a community event in Santa Ana called Mile Square; it was their first year of hosting this event. He is hopeful that someday South City can use the sewage plant reclaimed water for parks and trees. Commissioner Garrone: He thanked and congratulated Jeri Ward for the recognition that she recently received noting that she is a sweetheart and a rock! She has quite a fan club at the Orange Memorial Pool. The interaction that she has with staff and the public is a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 8 special thing. He was on an annual camping trip in Bernie Falls which is between Lassen and Shasta Mountains. Commissioner Uy: He visited four summer camp locations and was very impressed. He particularly liked the integrated swim program with camp. It was convenient and effective. Enrichment camps, sports camp and traditional camp at Ponderosa were great; noting that the talent show was very cute and well put together. He said that the value and experience in SSF exceeds all other camps! He is hoping bring a SSF Tennis Club back to the City. He requests a larger no smoking/drinking signs in Westborough Park. Manager Mediati advised that the sign crew recently installed four more signs in Westborough Park. Commissioner Uy requested that City job announcements be listed on the City website. Chair Camacho requested to add the local Police Department phone number on signs. Chair Camacho: She stated that it was her first summer camp experience and her son loved enrichment camp and was exposed to sports camp too. She said it is a wonderful program and especially likes the weekly community adventure day. She requested a survey be sent to summer camp participant’s parents via email. The values that are being instilled in the participants is worth sharing with City Council members. Chair Camacho will pass on information to Acting Manager Cullinan about a trash can fire at Buri Buri Park from hot coals. Chair Camacho commented on the Hawaiian themed movie night and said that it was great. She encouraged tying in class programs with the movie night events whenever possible. She happily reported that her son was a poster contest winner in “Keeping SSF Clean!” Xavi was also the winner of naming the dragon sculpture on West Orange Avenue and Westborough Boulevard and he will be receiving recognition at the August Cultural Arts Commission meeting. She loves seeing kids getting involved with art projects and loves seeing Parks on the front cover of the City newsletter. A. CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Attached B. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE Director Ranals reported that the Improving Public Places Committee earned $1600 at the San Mateo County Fair. She thanked Assistant Patea for coordinating the volunteers and creating the displays. Commissioner Flores suggested adding Five Prime to Friends volunteers list and other citywide volunteer lists. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 15, 2017 Page 9 Other administrative updates discussed were as follows: Bimbos Bakeries sponsoring a new water fountain and interpretive signage on Centennial Way; Grand Boulevard Landscape Project between Hickey to Westborough and Noor to Spruce. Parks staff and San Mateo County Probation crews are working to clear the shrubs and weeds on Sign Hill that are blocking the letters; San Francisco Water is working on Centennial Way on August 16, between Spruce Avenue and West Orange Avenue on weed and encampment abatements. XIII. Adjournment 9:36pm Respectfully submitted by: Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant NEXT MEETING: September 19, 2017