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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.20.2020 PR Comm Minutes CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2020 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, October 20, 2020, via teleconference due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and local Shelter in Place health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Aires, Battaglia, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock, and Uy Absent: All were present. Staff: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant Erin O’Brien, Recreation Supervisor Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2020, MEETING: Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Firpo / Seconded: Commissioner Lock. VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None. VII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Deputy Director Mediati reported that there has not been a Beautification Committee meeting since February of this year and there is nothing new to report. VIII. OLD BUSINESS: A. 2020-21 Annual Co-Sponsored Group Update Manager Duldulao reminded the Commission that this is a continuation of renewing the Co-Sponsorship Groups that has been underway since July and in addition to the groups presenting this evening, there are two additional groups outstanding. The AARP group will not be meeting again until after the new year and will not be in need of any City facilities. The Ballet Folklorico group is in the process of completing their packet and are expected to present at the next meeting. She then reintroduced Kay McGough of the Italian American Citizens Club with a reminder that the Commission postponed the group’s renewal in August pending the group’s action to change some of the language and their bylaws regarding their membership required to be US citizens or legal residents. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 2 IACC President McGough informed the commission that she shared their concerns with the Board of Directors who were in agreement with the proposed changes and as of the 16th of October the changes were overwhelmingly approved. The changes to the documents have been shared with Angela and are: • Pages one and three of the bylaws that had the language related to citizenship removed. • Similar language has also been removed from their membership application. IACC President McGough requested that the Commission reconsider the approval of the co-sponsorship agreement. Commissioner Uy inquired with what the documents now say. McGough read from the documents, “all Members who paid annual dues and are otherwise in good standing have not been suspended or banned from the club have the right to vote on any subject to be decided by the membership new members will have the right to vote at the first general meeting,” and “the names of those who have extended will be placed on a ballot, a copy of which will be provided to be 11 board members for voting, the one person with the most votes will be a new board chair.” She further stated that the entire document is without any of that discriminatory language. Chair Camacho inquired for confirmation that the language has also been removed from the application. McGough read from the application, “please fill out the application and contact me for the mailing address when the application is approved by the IACC board of directors and when space is available, you will be notified to appear at the next general meeting.” Chair Camacho inquired if they had more members, since the application. McGough clarified that they have fewer members as they have not been able to take in any new members this year. Chair Camacho reminded of the SSF residency requirement and McGough explained that only SSF resident applications would be accepted until the residency requirement is met. Manager Duldulao reminded that the residency requirement also applied to board members and that President McGough has advised that elections will continue after in-person meetings resume and will address that residency requirement with the next elections. Chair Camacho requested a motion to accept the Co-Sponsored Agreement for the Italian American Citizens Club of South San Francisco. Commissioner Denardi shared that she would abstain from voting on renewal of IACC since she is a member. Commissioner Battaglia made the motion and Commissioner Firpo seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. Manager Duldulao introduced Woody Rael, President of the South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang Baseball. President Rael shared that he oversees the “rookie players,” the T-Ball players up to seven and eight year olds which are the Shetland and Pintos. The Mustangs, 9 and 10 year olds are now referred to as double A. He further explained that they accept all Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 3 players, boys and girls, teaching a little about the game of baseball, good sportsmanship and hopefully that transfers over into being a good citizen. Commissioner DeNardi inquired if he takes the team to Cooperstown or if one of the booster does. President Rael explained that is under the Cooperstown Foundation, but he provides input. Chair Camacho expressed gratitude for the efforts to get the league up and running over the pandemic. Chair Camacho requested a motion to accept the Co-Sponsored Agreement for the South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang Baseball Leagues. Commissioner DeNardi made the motion and Commissioner Firpo seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. Manager Duldulao introduced Juan Bustos, President of the South San Francisco Youth Baseball Managers Association. President Bustos shared with the Commission that he handles the 5th-6th grade and 7th- 8th grade leagues, referred to as the Bronco and Pony leagues and the Cooperstown team, which is an annual trip. Unfortunately, the trip had to be canceled this last year. Last year we had think nine teams, teams and 12 so over 100 kids participating, which was slightly lower than was the year before, but we're hoping to grow those numbers next year, and you know, hopefully, being able to get out, get out and get competitive and play some games this year, next year as well. Commissioner DeNardi inquired about the funds raised in relation to the casino event that was to take place in March and was cancelled because of the pandemic. President Bustos explained how the fundraisers are ran, with a chairperson is in charge of collecting whatever money is are donated sales are made on deck for it through our form they fill out their form turn in any checks cash. Anything else that goes along with it line item count that it goes to the team treasury. Each year the team treasurer than takes all that verifies those funds, make sure that they're all accounted for, make sure every time is collected and accounted for, then it finally goes to the league treasurer who deposits into a separate account. We do have a separate account them connected with the league and he is the one that gives the final count on. Commissioner DeNardi inquired if the separate account is a nonprofit account. President Bustos confirmed. Chair Camacho inquired if each of the accounts are audited which President Bustos confirmed that the league prepares and files their tax returns and their P&L statements each year, but doesn’t necessarily go through a formal audit. Commissioner DeNardi inquired what the plan for the monies collected for the 2020 Cooperstown Team would be, since they were unable to attend. President Bustos shared that some of the donations were returned (when requested) and the remaining funds are being considered by the team and parents for going to a tournament sometime in the spring as well as providing some souvenirs. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 4 Commissioner Firpo inquired, for clarification, if anybody that said that they wanted their donation back, received their donation back. President Bustos confirmed, that “to the best of my knowledge, yes, and some were even offered back without being asked just, you know, we know how things are right now, especially with some of them are small business owners that have been really good supporters of us.” Commissioner Uy expressed his gratitude for the program and what it does for our community. Chair Camacho requested a motion to accept the Co-Sponsored Agreement for the South San Francisco Youth Baseball Managers Association. Commissioner DeNardi made the motion and Commissioner Firpo seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. B. Capital Projects Update: Deputy Director Vitale shared an update on the Gardiner Park project with the Commission, highlighting that while the new design is similar to the previous it includes the following improvements including an accessible ramp, a couple of benches, a drinking fountain, new lighting through the whole park, the addition of seven trees, and a plan to have a mural at the rear of the site. He introduced that the artist selected for the mural is Sirron Norris, who has done public artwork in San Francisco for over 15 years, in addition to numerous other private projects. Deputy Director Vitale shared that the construction is in final inspections and a ribbon cutting event is scheduled for next week. Then, following the opening of the park staff will start an online survey for Commissioners and community members to vote on some themes to consider for the mural. In December, staff will roll out the artist’s design and alternatives based off of the selected theme. In January a final design will be presented to the cultural arts commission, Council and this Commission as well. And then from there we'll look to do installation in February. Chair Camacho shared that she is excited about the survey being done with choice ranking in lieu of having to just pick one. She further inquired if staff can video the process as the artist proceeds so that a time-lapse video could be created afterwards. Commissioner Lock shared that the work on the project is a great addition to the neighborhood and the residents that live close by are anxiously waiting for the opening. Deputy Director Vitale inquired, due to limited space, how many Commissioners would attend the ribbon cutting for planning purposes. Chair Camacho indicated that she has a conflict, Vice Chair Uy and Commissioners DeNardi and Aires indicated that they will attend. C. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Manager Duldulao shared that the state first introduced the new tiers last month, under which they are opening up counties. Since the last meeting, San Mateo County has Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 5 moved from tier one, which is widespread, to tier two, which is substantial, which is good news. The difficulty in our planning is that we don't know when we'll get to tier three which is really when we can actually realize some change in our program in terms of opening indoors and doing just doing more for the community. We're continuing many of the virtual and in person programs that I introduced to you last month, those have been going on pretty well except for the poor air quality that unfortunately hampered some of our outdoor efforts. Unfortunately, the timing of the poor air quality coincided with the timing of our opening of some of our programs. So those were a little bit slow. To start off, but now that we've had good air and some nice weather. Staff has set air quality measures for determining when to proceed or cancel programs as the air quality issues may be recurring year over year. • Unhealthy air quality level of 150 or higher: all of our outdoor activities will be cancelled, indoor activities will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and our child care programs will be closed as well. Manager Duldulao turned the floor over to Supervisor O’Brien to discuss upcoming programming. Supervisor O'Brien shared a few updates on our upcoming events and fun happening for the October Halloween season. Friday, October 23 is the Ghostbusters drive-in movie which we've had a great and the community response. We’ve met with the vendor at the site and have been able to increase our numbers to about 130 cars, which is an approximately 450 people. Cars will be able to enter the site at 5:30 p.m. and the move will begin at 6:30 p.m. Supervisor O'Brien shared that last week the Department sent out ghostly greetings, which included a couple Halloween themed activities for the community, a virtual Halloween costume contest and a great jack o' lantern hunt. In November, we are bringing our Thanksgiving fun run about as a virtual event this year. We're asking is just people can run their walk or jog a 5K on your in your neighborhood, a new part of town, or on your treadmill, and you would just record that digitally with an app. Registration is open and there'll be prizes awarded for all the age groups and they'll be listed posted on the website, once the, once the scores come in. The race itself is open from November 14 to November 22. During the month of December, with gatherings being limited the way they are, our team creatively started working on a Winter Wonderland event. Keeping social distancing in mind, the Department is bringing Winter Wonderland to Orange Park. The displays would be up through the entire month of December. Chair Camacho shared that Winter Wonderland sounds really exciting. She inquired if the sculpture garden could also be lit up with holiday lights. Supervisor O’Brien agreed and stated that staff was looking into the possibility of an interactive voice/singing light somewhere along the way and the sculpture garden was definitely worth looking into. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 6 Commissioner Lock shared that he walks with his granddaughter looking for the jack-o-lantern artwork is enjoyable. He did share that he would not attend the drive-in since there is limited capacity and would be better for more of the community to attend. He thanked staff for all of the hard work and creativity. Chair Camacho concurred, that if there is a waitlist, it would be better to turn her spot over for a community member. Supervisor O’Brien confirmed that there is a waitlist, and turning those spots over would be appreciated. Commissioner Aires inquired about the best form of communication for residents to look out for these events, as many hear about it after it is too late. Supervisor O’Brien shared that staff is always looking for new and better ways to get the word out, but that the newsletter and the Department’s social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as our www.ssf.net/rec webpage will link you to the most current happenings as well. Commissioner Battaglia inquired if you are limited to your car, or if you can get out the car during the movie. Supervisor O'Brien explained that all of the information that's gone out and it's printed on everyone's receipts and ask them that they are asked to stay in the car with the exception if you need to get out and use the restroom. Portable restrooms will be on site. Other than that, we are asking people to stay in their vehicles for the movie. Commissioner DeNardi inquired if people are able to decorate their car exteriors and trunks. Supervisor O’Brien explained that is an option, however there would not be a parade, or the ability to wander around and view all of the cars. Commissioner DeNardi further shared her excitement for the Winter Wonderland, stating it reminds her of when she was a little kid and her mom used to take her to the downtown Emporium. She thanked staff for the efforts and bringing joy and normalcy to the holidays. Manager Duldulao shared the Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead virtual art show has received 39 pieces of art from 19 artists and we're looking forward to putting that out soon with a corresponding craft that will be handed out at movie night. Manager Duldulao reminded the Commission that indoor programming will not be offered until after the New Year and staff is not printing a full activity guide, but we're sending out a post card each quarter, establishing some sort of routine, meaning we know we're going to have winter classes that will likely be virtual possibly will explore an indoor option, depending on if the tiers change. Deputy Mediati, on behalf of Manager Richardson, presented a quick update that on October 2, park restrooms and playgrounds had reopened with precautionary signage with regards to playground capacities, hygiene, and handwashing requirements. Deputy Mediati expressed thanks to staff for the efforts to reopening so quickly, within two days of the California Department of Public Health. Notice that playgrounds can reopen Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 7 based on great deal public pressure were able to reopen those quite quickly. He also thanked Recreation staff with helping with the regular cleaning of those playgrounds. Chair Camacho shared kudos to the staff and the whole team for really pulling together to make it happen. Deputy Mediati included facility maintenance staff for their tremendous efforts as well. IX. New Business: A. Cancellation of November or December Meetings Chair Camacho opened the floor to discuss cancellation of the November and/or December meetings. Deputy Mediati stated that there have been occasions in the past when both meetings were cancelled and a single special meeting has been held in place. Commissioner Firpo expressed that cancelling both meetings and allowing staff additional time off would be appropriate, considering the workload involved. He further suggested that an information only meeting could be called if necessary. Commissioner Lock concurred cancelling both meetings would be a good idea pointing out that staff would create the work to conduct a meeting if pressed to do so. Commissioners DeNardi, Battaglia, Uy, and Aires all concurred. Chair Camacho requested a motion to cancel the November and December Parks & Recreation Commission meetings. Commissioner Firpo made the motion and Commissioner DeNardi seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. X. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Manager Duldulao advised the Commission that the bench commemorating Richard Holt has been ordered and is expected to arrive in November. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Firpo shared that he is looking forward to the events coming up with this November and December, especially the Winter Wonderland. He thanked South San Francisco Fire Department and their partners for the work they did putting out the fire at Sign Hill. He gave kudos to staff for the great job they're doing. Commissioner Lock inquired when Parkway Middle School site would be open to the public. Director Ranals shared that during the pandemic the school district is not issuing any permits for any reasons at any of their sites. The City has raised this issue and it will have to be reviewed further after the pandemic ends and sites are reopening. Commissioner Lock concurred with Commissioner Firpo regarding the path and then inquired about companies that are supposed to maintain open parking slots. Director Ranals shared that Genentech has reopened lots with public stall with the exception of those affected by ongoing construction. Commissioner Lock commended the firefighters for their response to the fire, as well as Parks staff for the firebreaks that prevented further burn. Commissioner Battaglia shared that she has been walking a lot and looking and enjoying everybody's rocks that you pick up and move them to somebody else's house as a gift to them, Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 8 Commissioner DeNardi shared her appreciation of the hanging baskets on Grand Avenue and the ivy around the parking garage and neighboring businesses. She thanked staff for all their work. Commissioner Aires expressed to staff, “you're appreciated and everything that you do is valued now more than ever.” Commissioner Uy shared that his youngest son had a lot of fun playing horseshoes, lawn darts, and corn hole at the Park to Parks program. His children are enrolled in the Childcare program and the program is excellent and appreciated and should be expanded if distance learning continues much longer. He has been walking a lot and the bay trail is beautiful. A lot of people are taking advantage of the Dog Park and Centennial Way Trail. Deputy Mediati shared that the City is in discussion with BART and considering programming the trail further, but in exchange for maintaining all their lands within the City. Commissioner Uy suggested that the land south of Spruce would be ideal for paved over multi use courts so people could use it for various things like soccer/futsal. And that would want to take up a fraction of the space, but that would allow something like 40 kids to play at any given time. Commissioner Uy indicated that staff did a great job supporting the firefighters and everything else. He inquired if there was anything that staff could do to mitigate how quickly everything caught fire. Deputy Mediati explained that the grasses burn very quickly. The issue is really the larger biomass, like the big logs typically won't burn so it's the logs are smaller than 10 inches that fuel the fire to go up to the canopy and that's when we get the really big hot fires that do a whole lot of damage. We did see some of that on Friday. Removing large or a moderate size rounds of wood from the ground and pulling those out or chipping them on site is a best practice, and something we will be looking at doing. Staff has improved our defensible space and increased fire breaks in the past year. Deputy Mediati expressed a huge kudos to the recreation staff. The staff at the MSB was called at approximately 1:00 p.m. and within minutes, they opened up an evacuation center. Chair Camacho expressed her gratitude to staff. She appreciates the information received via Administrative updates and Senior Connections. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Events. Deputy Mediati briefly reviewed the upcoming items. ACM Ranals further explained the take home Wreath Making Workshop and confirmed the fees. Manager Duldulao shared a change Santa Comes to Town is not happening, but Santa will be part of the Winter Wonderland event on the 12th. Additionally, Winter Camp will not be held this year, due to COVID restrictions. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 20, 2020 Page 9 Kristy Camacho inquired if the ballet program was holding a virtual Nutcracker this year and Supervisor O’Brien explained that they are working on a DVD from the last two years and potentially posting it on YouTube. B. Administrative Updates Chair Camacho inquired if Commissioners had any questions related to the previously shared administrative updates. No questions were posed. XIII. Adjournment: 9:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II