HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 06 16 P&R Commission Minutes - FINAL (2)
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 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, June 16, 2020, via teleconference due to the COVID-19
pandemic and local Shelter in Place health orders.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Aires, Battaglia, Camacho, Firpo, Lock, and Uy
Absent: DeNardi
Staff: Sharon Ranals, ACM/Director of Parks and Recreation
Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager
Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager
Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant
City Staff in Attendance:
Brian Noce, Acting Aquatics Supervisor
Laura Armanino, Childcare Supervisor
Kimberly Morrison, Childcare Assistant Supervisor
Kelli Cullinan, Seniors Supervisor
Mike Mulkerrins, Rentals/Sports Supervisor
Erin O’Brien, Civic Campus Fundraiser Co-Leader / Recreation Supervisor
Devin Stenhouse, Acting Classes Supervisor
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped.
IV. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE May 19, 2020, MEETING: Corrected to add
Commissioner Aires as present and approved by motion as written. Motion: Commissioner
Battaglia / Seconded: Commissioner Uy.
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. Budget Update and Fiscal Implications Related to COVID-19
Deputy Director Mediati reported updated the Commission on items that were reviewed
by Council at the June 9th meeting and subsequent updates including:
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Revenues show an $8.5 million shortfall
Staff may propose additional budget amendments to Council in October, after
first quarter actuals can be reviewed against projections taking into account what
restrictions are lifted by the County Health Officer and what programs and
services can be restarted.
Staff presented budget savings of $2.1 million dollars to City Council for
consideration, half from salary savings in the forms of freezing vacant positions
and reallocating existing staff dollars out of General Fund and into Common
Greens Funds. Additional savings are broken down into COVID related
reductions and non-COVID related.
o The COVID related cuts are focused on the first quarter (July-September)
based on program cancellations or modified offerings, and on County
Public Health Orders.
This is subject to change as restrictions are lifted.
o The non-COVID related cuts were proposed as cost saving measures.
Two items were added to the budget
o $300,000 Innovation Fund, essentially a Flex Fund that staff can utilize to
get programs and services up and running as restrictions are lifted or
proposals for newly modified offerings are approved.
o The proposal to close the Magnolia Senior Center on the weekends was
removed, due in large part to the feedback received from the community.
Commissioner Uy shared his concerns related to the non-COVID budget reductions
including:
Canceling a lot of the open gyms
Postponing the sports program
Middle School Sports Programs
Middle School Dances
Commissioner Uy noted that these programs provide very much needed services to our
community and kids need a way to actually be able to exercise and be able to work
together and work in youth sports.
Deputy Mediati expressed that Commissioner Uy’s sentiment is shared by staff. The
budget cuts presented were from an exercise related to recession planning, prior to
COVID-19 and focused on a 10% expenditure cuts across the board. It actually appears
closer to 12%.
ACM Ranals shared that as a whole, the City is looking at an $11 million shortfall with
two avenues to resolve: cutting expenses or dipping into reserves. The City has reserves
and Council is willing to dip into them for a portion of the savings. The only direction
given to staff was no full time employee layoffs. A large portion of the department’s
budget is for utilities, which cannot be cut. With over 400 part time employees that
deliver a large portion of our programs and services, reducing part time employees
reduces the programs and services they deliver.
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Chair Camacho thanked Commissioner Uy for his comments and expressed that she
values the diverse opinions of the commissioner’s and staff and wants to hear from all
sides so that the conversation can continue to evolve.
Commissioner Aires inquired about six furloughed employees and how soon it would
be before they can be brought back and if it’s due to County imposed limitation or
strictly budget related. He additionally inquired if staff is following up with those
employees to check on their welfare.
ACM Ranals clarified that the six FTEs equate to approximately 102 part-time
employees (FTEs are 2080 hours per year x 6 = over 12,000 hours) that are being
furloughed as of June 30th. All are being furloughed do to COVID related restrictions
resulting in program cuts. As soon as the restrictions are lifted and programs reopened
those employees will be recalled to work. Since they are being furloughed and not
released, no additional paperwork will need to be completed prior to bringing them back
in. ACM Ranals assured the Commission that Parks & Recreation is very much a family
and that staff is staying in close contact. Some of our part time staff has been with the
City for over 35 years. HR is additionally being proactive with furloughed staff and
providing assistance as needed for applying for unemployment.
Commissioner Aires inquired about the proposed drive-in movie event, which sounds
like a great idea, but appears that the expense for this item is almost twice as much as
Summer Movie in the Park would have been.
Deputy Mediati provided that the expense amount was an estimate that staff came up
with during an exercise in how we would be able to provide this type of event. Vendors
have not been requested to quote for services and the true cost is still unknown.
Chair Camacho inquired fi the Drive-in Movie event would come from the Innovation
Fund or if it is a separate line item. Deputy Mediati confirmed that it is a separate line
item. ACM Ranals further explained that this event is a proposal only, that it is not a
confirmed event. Staff is open to other community event suggestions that would be
allowable under current social distancing restrictions.
Commissioner Firpo expressed his sentiment that the Drive-in Movie proposal is a great
idea. He shared that he recently took his adult children to one, and they had never
experienced a drive-in movie before. It was a great experience. He further expressed is
support for Commissioner Uy’s statement that we need to focus activities for the
children as we start to open back up. He further inquired about the possibility of fund
recover from FEMA. He also inquired if the tennis courts at Terrabay were going to be
reopened as they have been at Orange Park as well as creating options for outdoor
activities for kids.
Deputy Mediati explained that FEMA assisted with the surge expenditures needed to
open back up, i.e. sanitizing supplies, face coverings, etc., but not with ongoing program
costs or losses. He further explained that the program at Orange Park is a pilot program
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and that staff is waiting to hear additional lifting of restrictions from county to determine
if additional courts can be opened without monitoring.
Commissioner Lock inquired about programs that are cost recovering, or if they have a
small gap – if the commission were to raise funds to cover those gaps, could they be
brought back in.
ACM Ranals explained that Parks & Recreation revenues go into the General Fund, not
into an Enterprise Fund. So closing the gap on the cost recovery with donations is not a
simple fix. Additionally, the revenue generated is not guaranteed. If a donation were
made to cover the entire cost of the program, that would be something that could be
brought forward for consideration.
Commissioner Lock inquired about Gardiner Park project being on hold. Deputy
Mediati explained that the project was only on hold for about two weeks until the
construction restriction was lifted. The construction has resumed and the City is looking
towards August for a soft reopening after some additional delays due to unforeseen field
conditions. ACM Ranals shared that some sewer lines were actually running underneath
the park that the City replaced. The mural is part of the budget, but may be delayed if
the contingency doesn’t cover the unforeseen items.
Commissioner Battaglia inquired if the Senior Center was still going to be closed on the
weekends. ACM Ranals confirmed that that cut had been eliminated.
Chair Camacho inquired about the modified operations for Seniors for July through
September. ACM Ranals confirmed that as soon as the County allowed for operations at
the Senior Center, they would continue.
Chair Camacho further inquired about which specific Middle School Sports were
affected for the July through September period. Deputy Mediati advised that Angela and
her staff would address that in the next topic. She further inquired if staff had back up
plans in place to avoid cutting the programs and not need to go back to Council for
additional funding as restrictions are lifted. ACM Ranals explained that staff was in the
process of developing alternative scenarios for programs, but the purpose of the Flex
Funds was to allow for programs to restart as restrictions are lifted.
Chair Camacho reiterated for staff that the commission and the public comments
received at the June 9th Council Meeting is to prioritize Middle Schools Sports
Programs.
Commissioner Firpo expressed that classes that can be provided in a virtual setting, like
ballet, should not be cut from programs either. And, as though classes proceed, plans for
modified in person classes should be ready, as well as plans for having to Shelter In
Place are re-introduced. Deputy Mediati explained that would be covered in the next
item.
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Chair Camacho expressed that she is aligned with Commissioners Uy and Firpo that
staff should focus on kids’ classes first and funding Middle School Sports for the entire
2020-21 Fiscal Year. She further inquired if the Innovation Fund line item was supposed
to be for the entire fiscal year or just the interim budget period for the first quarter.
ACM Ranals emphasized that the Innovation Fund had originally been proposed at
$100,000 and was negotiated up to $300,000 as result of the Budget Study session. The
COVID-19 Pandemic and the resulting ramifications are open ended and we cannot
predict when restrictions will be lifted. Council did not want to leave the department
unable to operate due to budgetary reasons if restrictions are lifted earlier than expected.
Chair Camacho requested that the cuts to the Middle School Sports program be removed
and emphasized that the program provides a positive outlet in the community for youth.
B. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update
Manager Duldulao shared a report on the sliding scale timeline created by staff on
what can be opened during the different phases of reopening and what modifications
need to be addressed as we move through the various stages as well as the budgetary
limitations. From the onset of the Shelter in Place orders, all in person have been
paused, however our programs have not stopped. Staff has reimagined what can be
offered within the limitations and imagined new ways of providing services. The
status of each Program in the Recreation Division was shared:
Aquatics – this will be one of the first in-person programs reopening as of July 1st
with a soft opening of June 29th, the Monday of that week. This program will start
with morning lap swim by reservation only from 5:30-11:30 a.m. Staff will assess
during that first week looking towards future expansion of services including evening
hours and family group swim by reservation, maintaining social distancing practices.
Chair Camacho inquired about how staff asked to return is feeling, if there are any
safety or family concerns. Manager Duldulao commented that staff throughout the
division have provided feedback and she would defer to Acting Supervisor Noce
regarding Aquatics staff specifically. Acting Supervisor Noce shared that he has only
heard positive feedback from staff returning next week, which is mostly more senior
staff. Everyone is excited to return to work and if any concerns to arise, they will be
shared for consideration.
Chair Camacho expressed her concern that staff may feel compelled to work outside
of their comfort zone and if there is any turmoil or trauma at home, staff should made
comfortable bringing up any concerns. ACM Ranals shared that there are several
avenues for employees to express their reservations and HR has been proactive about
dealing with situations on a case by case basis.
Childcare services (both Preschool and Summer Camp) opened this past Monday,
June 15th and will run through August 7th. We have received positive reports from
both staff and families who are excited to see friends again. While Preschool is
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typically a year-round offering, however we have opened up for an 8 week period to
give families flexibility in terms of continuing through the summer or not, especially
with the limited spots that we can offer, with the lower ratio of kids in order to meet
the Public Health requirements. Staff is currently coordinating with the School
District staff (upcoming study session) to determine what childcare needs will look
like during the upcoming school year.
Chair Camacho inquired if pricing for preschool and/or summer camp had been
adjusted for the modifications. Manager Duldulao advised that fees remained
unchanged, as they are set through the annual budget process and that the Master Fee
Schedule had remained unchanged for the upcoming fiscal year, but may be looked
at in October for revisions. ACM Ranals concurred that the fee structure will need to
be revisited once it is determined what the new school year will look like and how
much of a role the City will take with childcare need changes based on those new
schedules. She reminded the Commission that the School District also has a childcare
program as well as other entities within South San Francisco.
Chair Camacho further inquired about how school kids kept in pods of 12 would
maintain those pods with childcare. ACM Ranals shared that those questions were in
the process of being discussed. Supervisor Cullinan shared on behalf of Supervisor
Armanino, who was having audio difficulties, to share that Childcare and the District
were working together proactively to determine how to best serve the needs of
families. Supervisor Armanino was able to rejoin the discussion and further shared
that once a roadmap for the upcoming year is laid out, staff would look at what the
hours of operations had been and compare to the proposal to determine the differences
to be addressed. Those adjusted prices would be forwarded for consideration in a
revision to the Master Fee Schedule. In regards to operations that take social
distancing and pods into consideration, the spaces utilized would be reimagined.
Multi-purpose rooms would no longer be used for lunches, as students would be
eating in their classrooms with their pods, allowing for those larger spaces to be
redefined for additional classroom settings. Supervisor Armanino shared that there
are many layers of intricacies to consider including Community Care Licensing,
Public Health, and School District guidelines. ACM Ranals cautioned that,
ultimately, City Council would have to approve any changes that require greater
budget expenditures, even if cost covering.
Chair Camacho thanked staff for the collaborative work they are doing with the
district and emphasized that childcare is a community and public safety issue because
if parents can’t find affordable childcare they either can’t work or may be tempted to
leave children home unsupervised. ACM Ranals assured the Commission that staff is
in agreement, but program offerings would ultimately be constrained by budgetary
and Council approvals.
Commissioner Uy expressed his concerns that Council be well informed that while
there are other childcare providers available, they are not affordable, and it would be
a disservice to the community to limit or eliminate the City subsidized programs. He
further shared that not only is the childcare provided by the City affordable, it is
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actually a better program than most and creates an atmosphere of trust and respect
within the community towards the Department. ACM Ranals thanked Commissioner
Uy for his input and reminded the Commission that the subsidy that allows the City’s
childcare programs to operate at the affordable pricing is from the City Council’s
authorization to offset the actual costs with funds from the City’s General Fund.
Commissioner Firpo expressed that childcare is a priority for the Department, the
City, and the community. He is confident that staff will do the research and provide
Council with the numbers showing what the costs are compared to the affordability
of the community and help guide the tough decisions that need to be made. Chair
Camacho concurred with the caution that the City’s program is not meant to be for
profit, and comparing the City’s program with a for-profit program isn’t comparing
similar items. Rather, than price comparison, showing that childcare doesn’t just
address individual family needs, but provides a communitywide service and ensures
equal access to childcare for the entire community.
Classes – Staff has successfully piloted a virtual classes program that takes place on
the GoToMeeing platform including Belly Dancing, Hula, Knitting, Ballet, Pre-
Kindergarten, Painting, and Drawing with a core group of instructors. Staff will
publicly launch the Virtual Rec program in July as part of the “July is Parks and
Recreation” month. Additional resources for youth have been added now that summer
is here and staff is ramping up social media campaigns to highlight these resources.
Both Spring and Summer sessions were impacted as well as the offering of our Fall
session which is still to be determined.
Chair Camacho inquired if the classes were free during the pilot program and
Manager Duldulao confirmed that the classes were free during the pilot program and
will be for the “July is Parks and Recreation” month offering. Staff will consider
options for free and low cost options going forward, all of which is dependent upon
the budget outcomes.
Cultural Arts – Staff has been operating virtual resources for artists. Cultural Arts has
been impacted by budget reductions moving forward. The next Cultural Arts
Commission meeting on June 18th will include discussions regarding future public art
plans and what art initiatives will look like in the coming year. The budget for in
person art shows has been reduced by 50% in the upcoming fiscal year as well as the
frequency of their meetings reduced from monthly to quarterly.
Chair Camacho inquired about the art opportunity for Gardiner Park. ACM Ranals
shared that the art is incorporated into the project but wouldn’t be finalized until after
the construction phase is complete. Chair Camacho inquired if the art aspect could be
done as a contest wherein the winner created the art at no cost to the City and the City
provided the supplies. ACM Ranals expressed that the idea was interesting and could
be discussed.
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Rentals – Staff is excited to report that some rentals have resumed as of June 15th on
the tennis courts as Orange Park. The schedule is limited and is being run as a pilot
through July 6th. There are 26 permits issued at $6/hour for the pilot period.
Commissioner Uy commented that he reserved and used one of the courts today and
thought the program was great. Supervisor Mulkerrins shared that staff has posted on
social media accounts and several walkups had been accommodated by accessing the
site from their phones as well.
Commissioner Aires inquired about how many spots are available and if they are
filling up. Supervisor Mulkerrins confirmed that there are 5 courts available and that
26 of 33 potential permits had been issued. ACM Ranals added that the short pilot
period was set up in advance of expected changes to the orders allowing the courts to
be opened without monitoring.
Commissioner Aires took a moment to give kudos to staff about the professional
quality of social media posts on Facebook and Instagram, especially the videos. The
City is highlighting the diverse population as well as the quality of programs
provided. Staff acknowledged Veronica Ortiz as the point person responsible for the
quality of the social media posts. Manager Duldulao and ACM Ranals reiterated that
it is a team effort and everybody brings the information together to make it happen.
Chair Camacho inquired if a similar program was being considered for the basketball
courts. Manager Duldulao explained that the idea is on the radar, but right now focus
is on no to low contact type activities, as allowed by Public Health.
Seniors – This is another program area that has been impacted by the Public Health
crisis. However, Kelli Jo and her staff should be commended for reaching out to
Seniors during this time of isolation, making over 750 welfare and socialization calls
during the month of May. Additionally, staff has been supporting the Community
Volunteer Corps and the food drives, supplementing the food boxes with activity kits.
Commissioner Camacho commended staff, and Kelli Jo in particular, for being
innovative and flexible and engaging our seniors.
Supervisor Cullinan gave kudos to her staff, whose years of service are 26, 18, and
14, and are doing the bulk of the work.
Commissioner Battaglia thanked Kelli for doing the welfare checks. The person to
person communications are very well appreciated and seniors are feeling encouraged
by this contact.
Sports – Manager Duldulao shared that the Sports programs has contributed to the
bank of online videos and in partnership with the Junior Giants organization, has
offered a virtual version of the program. Postponed for now are Open Gym, Adult
Summer Softball, and basketball. Fall activities still to be determined include RAPP
basketball, middle schools sports programs and adult softball.
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Commissioner Camacho inquired about which of the Middle School sports are low
contact, offering a different grouping of sports, and flipping seasons offered. Manager
Duldulao reminded the commission that staff is currently limited by health orders as
well as how the school district operates for the upcoming school year and is therefore
in a wait and see mode. During this time, discussions have taken place about changing
seasons. Manager Mulkerrins shared that swapping Track and Flag Football was
considered for moving the low/no contact sport into the Fall and high-contact sport
into Spring. However, most track meets are in the late evening in Spring, which works
due to longer daylight hours – would pose a problem in the Fall with shorter daylight
hours.
Special Events – Manager Duldulao reported that all special events have been
postponed or cancelled. A proposal for offering a Drive-in Movie is being considered,
and staff will consider other ideas the commission may offer for special event ideas.
Our larger Fall special events would usually be well into planning stages right now.
If the restrictions were suddenly lifted it would be difficult for staff to put on the
events in the manner that everyone has become accustomed to. However, staff is
creatively thinking about how we can offer programs that bring the community
together in new ways that are mindful of social distancing and health orders.
Parks – Manager Richardson gave a brief update on the recent operations off Parks
staff. At the beginning of the SIP orders, staff had been reduced to 20%, about 5
employees to cover the entire city. About a month ago, all Parks staff were brought
back and have been focusing on catching up on the deferred maintenance from early
Spring, including weed abatement and general cleanup. Staff have been focused on
getting this done prior to July 1st, when higher temperatures and illegal fireworks
pose greater risks. We will next focus on turf maintenance, getting everything green
back up to the standards we left them in prior to the SIP. Manager Richardson then
reported on Irish Town Greens, an area off of Airport Blvd and Linden Avenue. While
plans initially called for additional work on trails with Community Development
Block Grant funds which have been diverted due to COVID-19, staff was able to
have the turf rehabilitated and an accessible pathway installed around the entire turfed
area. Staff have witnessed residents out running around the path and utilizing the turf
now that the park is open, a soft opening will be planned for July 1st, with a larger
ribbon cutting opening at a later time. And finally, Park staff opened the tennis courts
and skate park utilizing attendees, provided by rentals staff, to monitor social
distancing guidelines.
Commissioner Lock commented that Irish Town Greens looked tremendous, noting
that people are utilizing the open space and it is a huge improvement over PG&E
using it as storage space. Additionally, there is parking around the corner making the
parks accessible to the entire community.
Chair Camacho inquired about gophers, which Manager Richardson shared that staff
had purchased equipment to address gophers at fields throughout the City and staff
anticipates that all of the fields will be in better condition this year.
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Commissioner Uy thanked staff for taking steps to make the city more soccer friendly.
The community served by Irish Town Greens will utilize the park a lot. Chair
Camacho concurred.
Commissioner Aires inquired about the status of the bocce ball courts and the dog
parks. Manager Richardson shared that dog parks are specifically called out in the
county orders to remain closed at this time and that the bocce ball courts remain
closed under the shared use of equipment restrictions.
Commissioner Aires inquired about the state of the playgrounds; the wind has blown
away the caution tape and/or knocked over signage. Manager Richardson shared that
staff is continually checking on those items and re-taping is a recurring need. Due to
the windy conditions, a semi-permanent solution doesn’t really exist, as any barriers
or fencing would be blown over as well, potentially creating additional risk.
IX. New Business:
Deputy Mediati updated the commission on the Departments Return to Operations
Plan (ROOP) that Angela will report on next that includes what programs, based on
the state’s roadmap, can be reopened. Staff created a heat map to demonstrate, based
on program enrollment, the highest and lowest amounts of participation in our
programs in an effort to consider equity of access to our various programs.
ACM Ranals thanked Deputy Mediati for the presentation and wanted to highlight
the importance of the Rentals program which provides venues for important life
events like graduations, quinceañeras, anniversaries, all of which would cost up to
three times more in a hotel type rental environment. This program is 100% cost
covering and an undervalued offering.
Chair Camacho inquired about the noticeable difference on the heat maps for the
Seniors programming and whether that is related to where senior housing and/or long
term residents reside. Deputy Mediati acknowledged that with this particular
demographic comfort level with driving and transportation options may come into
consideration for utilization.
Deputy Mediati thanked Supervisor O’Brien for coordinating with the other program
supervisors and getting the data sorted and translated into these heat maps.
Commissioner Aires inquired about what time period the data was collected. Deputy
Mediati shared that the time period was a 12 month rolling period.
Commissioner Firpo suggested that the heat maps show, from a marketing
perspective, where we can do better outreach for our programs.
Deputy Mediati concurred and shared that Manager Duldulao has proposed adding a
survey to the registration platform to collect more detailed feedback and information
after the checkout process to assess from an equity standpoint if we are meeting the
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needs from the community. Chair Camacho suggested that the survey would be
optional and can collect information on what types of classes should be added.
Manager Duldulao shared a document, in its draft stage, that staff is working on to
identify what programs can be accommodated at each stage of reopening and what
steps needed to take place to restart a program so that looking forward as restrictions
may be eased and/or re-tightened, staff can use the information compiled as a sliding
scale to move forward or pull back.
X. Friends of Parks and Recreation:
Deputy Mediati shared that Genentech is making a $50,000 donation via Friends of Parks
and Recreation to offset some of the new costs associated with restarting operations under
COVID-19 and to continue to offer new programs.
XI. Items from Commission:
Commissioner Firpo shared that he attended the webinar for Commissioners and found the
discussions about advocacy for the community valuable. Most of the information was
covered by Angela when he first joined the commission, but it was really good information
and reinforcing the roles and pitfalls associated with serving the public.
Commissioner Uy shared that he has been walking the Centennial Trail and notices that
residents are doing a great job with the social distancing. However when you get closer to
the Tanforan area, there is a lot of trash that needs to be addressed as well as an elaborate
encampment. He further expressed his appreciation that the tennis courts are now open.
Commissioner Aires inquired if there was any impact to the Parks and Recreation
Department during the recent marches from City Hall to the MSB. He further inquired about
the protocol for coyote sightings in the neighborhoods.
ACM Ranals reported that she was in the EOC during the recent march and there were no
incidents reported at all, that the march was peaceful. She further shared that the coyote
issue is a complicated issue in that the wildlife was here first and should be left alone. An
attempt to remove a dominant male would it would be replaced by another, possibly more
aggressive. The SPCA would only respond to a deceased animal in the public right of way.
The Humane Society reminds residents that they do not control the wild life population and
that it is illegal to kill or trap. The best solution is to be aware, and to communicate with
neighbors when sightings do occur.
Commissioner Lock wanted to reiterate all the great comments about staff and thank them
for their efforts. He shared sad news that the National Parks and Recreation Association just
recently announced that they are laying off a substantial portion of their staff because
funding is insecure. CPRS is evaluating whether they will hold a conference next year and
CAPRCBM is looking into its survival as existing members are communicating they will
no longer be able to support membership in the organization. He further acknowledged staff
and that it is tough to have colleagues’ furloughed and uncertain future with school and
returning to work.
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Commissioner Battaglia shared that she attended the virtual budget subcommittee session.
She thanked Judy Barretto for producing the masks and Susan Filereto for taking all the
recreation calls from home. She thanked Kelli for all the work with the Seniors and
commented on how she has witnessed neighbors and neighborhoods coming together.
Chair Camacho echoed the sentiments of fellow commissioners and added that ACM Ranals
has done a great job with leading this team for the greater good of the City team and it’s
exciting to know that Seniors programming is being put back on the budget and everyone
is hopeful for the Sports programming as well. She went on to commend staff and take from
all of the community support expressed in letters to council that the services provided are
essential to the community. She thanked staff for giving consideration to her questions on
equity in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and inquired about whether the
department was going to put out a statement.
XII. Items from Staff:
A. Calendar of Events.
Deputy Mediati shared that a lot of events have been cancelled. The June 24th Council
meeting would include a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation
month. The pool will open the week of June 29th for reservation lap swim.
B. Administrative Updates
Manager Duldulao shared that most of the items shared in the Administrative updates
were also covered in her report. ACM Ranals added that the Facilities Division was
not discussed in detail this evening, but it is important to note that they had $100,000
cut from the Minor Maintenance budget and have two staff vacancies that are being
under-filled with part timers, all while staff is being tasked with much more to do
related to cleaning and sanitizing. Staff is doing an excellent job keeping the City
clean and sanitized through this.
Chair Camacho expressed congratulations to Sophia Grandov a former Siebecker
preschooler that worked in our afterschool childcare programs has now graduated
from South San Francisco High School with honors and will be attending University
of San Francisco on an academic scholarship.
XIII. Adjournment: 9:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II