HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.18.2022 PR Comm Minutes
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022 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 18, 2022, via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local health orders. II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Uy, Vice Chair Firpo
and Chair Lock Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Acting Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager
Kari Jung, Management Analyst I Laura Armanino, Recreation Supervisor Devin Stenhouse, Acting Recreation Manager Kasey Jo Cullinan, Recreation Supervisor
Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II
Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped.
IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2022, MEETING: Approved
by motion. Motion: Commissioner Battaglia / Seconded: Commissioner Camacho VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None were present.
VII. Old Business
A. Library / Parks and Recreation Donor Wall Update Director Mediati provided an update on the Library / Parks and Recreation donor wall. At the beginning of development of the Civic Center Building, the City launched a capital campaign in partnership with the Library Foundation. The campaign advertised
donors at the supporter level of a thousand dollars or more would be listed inside the
building on the donor wall. Larger donors per supplemental agreements may also have spaces or something of that nature named after them. Several designs that were being considered for the donor wall were reported to the Commission a few months ago. At that time, Commissioner Camacho had suggested a digital display option and shared
some examples. Those were taken back to the design team, and it was determined that
it was best to move forward with the digital concept for general acknowledgment for a few reasons.
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• The modern and technical solution fits well with the architecture of the building
• It is prominent and doesn’t fade into the background
• It could be more noticed and could be updated with new names and images
• Can be repurposed for communicating other messages and events Director Mediati also shared that this concept was brought before the City Council Naming Committee last week and received their support and staff now wanted to share
with this Commission and welcomes any feedback.
Commissioner DeNardi expressed her view on the digital concept. She gave examples of other locations where donor walls look like artwork and names are etched acrylic tiles but is still part of the artwork and is permanent. She continues to note that her
concern with the digital concept is that in years from now, the information shown will
be at the discretion of whoever is monitoring the system at the time. If the name is inscribed on the wall, it’s permanent. Commissioner Camacho gave reasoning to why she had suggested the digital concept.
She saw a couple of digital walls that can be designed to look like art around the screens
to fit the aesthetic of the building. Names can rotate through, and all names would stay for the current campaign. Names could continue to be added and art can be added to it without taking up as much room. Ten to thirty years from now if there is another campaign, this would be a cost-efficient way of adding to it. She also suggested a digital
screen with glass panels on the sides where names could be etched for some, similar to
the donor wall at Boston Children’s Hospital. Director Mediati responded that at a cost perspective it would be hard to do both. As presented the project cost will be in the ballpark of $150,000+. That would include the
displays, cabling, and software.
Assistant City Manager Ranals added that the digital option is already at the top end of the budget, so a combination would be over budget. Assistant City Manager Ranals suggested it would be a great idea on opening day to have rolling names of all the
contributors. This would include all donors, construction workers, plumbers,
electricians, and custodians so that everyone could be recognized, and people could see the massive amount of effort that goes into something like this. She also explains that the wall around the digital display is meant to be able to display art and that the digital display is meant not to compete with art exhibits that may be mounted there over time.
Commissioner Uy voiced his concern on the price for the digital display stating that he’s seen these cost far less than $150,000. He asked why they price is so much higher. Assistant City Manager Ranals explained that the price includes the wiring, the framing
to have them recessed, the ability to still pull them out to make repairs, internet
connectivity to send messages and digital art and they need to be high resolution. These won’t be like the screens you would see in a restaurant.
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Director Mediati added that these were estimates based on other projects the designers
had worked on in the past. It could be less of a cost if technology costs continue to be reduced. Vice Chair Firpo commented that he likes the idea of the digital wall for advertising classes or events. He understands Commissioner DeNardi’s concern. He further
suggested engraving for the larger donors. Assistant City Manager Ranals responded that part the negotiations with Amgen and Genentech was to have signage that recognized their contributions in the Library along with Friends of the Library.
Chair Lock gives opinion that all donors should be listed on the donor wall no matter how small the donation is. He does not like the idea of the rectangles and suggests an idea similar to what San Francisco Chinese Hospital has for their wall; its unique and
colorful. Suggested incorporating the butterfly that is associated with the city; images
of the butterflies with names of donors floating around the wall for example. Commissioner Uy added despite his frustration with the cost, he does support the digital wall. He believes it will help save money in the long run because it can be easily
updated. It can also be used to highlight different parts of the city.
Director Mediati liked the idea of having some kind of animated feature and will follow up with the vendor to see if that is something that can be done.
Commissioner Camacho asked about recognition on the digital display for at least a
short time of community members that donated less than $1,000. Assistant City Manager Ranals explained that it was promised to donors that if the donation was $1,000 or more, they would be place on the donor wall. No promises were
made for donations under a thousand dollars, but it is something that can be looked into
for a limited period, like opening day, but would need to be discussed with the Library Foundation Board. Vice Chair Firpo suggested having a booklet with everybody’s name on it available
during opening day so if someone wanted to, they could keep instead of having names
on the digital wall temporarily. Director Mediati thanked everyone for their feedback and said he will share these with the Capital Projects team.
VIII. New Business A. Oyster Point Development Update Manager Richardson gave update on the Oyster Point Marina upgrades. The end of the project is very close with a few punch list items being finalized and PG&E is anticipated
to connect power to the site soon which will allow opening of the restrooms and running
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of the irrigation automatically. The large amount of dirt on the south side of Oyster Point
Boulevard is the location of the future Open Space Rec Parcel. Due to the surcharging of materials pulled out of the site the area has changed since the original plans, it was supposed to be a bit flatter and will be when its finally graded. It’s still in the works of being designed and will finish a bit later after this project. There will be a hill, but Manager Richardson and Director Mediati are working on what amenities they can put
there. There will be a pathway that is less than five percent grade, wheelchair accessible and will have a small parking lot in that area. Manager Richardson shared views of how much the area changed since 2016 through the project taking place. He pointed out the turf areas, landscape planters, coastal meadow, groomed beach with picnic sites and three restrooms on site as well.
Commissioner Battaglia stated that she was impressed when she recently went out there. Everything changed so much and feels that the area is bigger with more of everything to enjoy.
Vice Chair Firpo shared that he walks there every week and has watched the project take place and is impressed with the transformation. He also asked about the location of the hotel in the views being shared.
Director Mediati confirmed the hotel’s location and shared that east from the hotel is
where Phase II – C will be. This will be presented in a future update. Commissioner DeNardi shared her concern and concerns of Yacht Club members regarding chartered buses who are training, speeding through the area while community
members are out walking, and riding bikes and scooters.
Director Mediati said he will share that concern with the Police Department and Planning Division staff so they can get in contact with the tech companies that own those fleets.
Commissioner Uy has noticed a lot more people coming out and utilizing the location, which is great. Only complaint is the geese. Commissioner Camacho and Commissioner Burgo asked about the plan for the open
space parcel. Commissioner Camacho suggested having sculptures or similar on top of
the hill and Commissioner Burgo suggested a gazebo or similar. Manager Richardson explained that the hill will still be there but not as high and will be wider. The plan as of now is to have a small parking lot at the base of the hill and an ADA accessible pathway to the top, other than that it will be a grass hill for the time being. Future
amenities will be planned with community and Commission feedback.
Chair Lock reported a minor incident that occurred when he went to check out the area. A gentleman drove up the ramp onto the walking/sidewalk area because it’s new and he got lost and possibly thought it was a driveway into the next area. Suggests having some
signage to warn people not to drive through there.
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Assistant City Manager Ranals added that once the project is complete, they are planning on having a ribbon cutting ceremony. No date has been scheduled yet, but they will keep everyone apprised. Commissioner Burgo suggested trying to schedule the ribbon cutting ceremony on
weekend afternoon or morning so that more residents can make it out. B. Cancellation of the November or December Commission Meeting Chair Lock asked each Commissioner on their opinion on cancelling one or both upcoming meetings in November and December.
Director Mediati added that he spoke with staff in Capital Projects to gauge when they think they will need to engage the Commission on upcoming projects and there is a possibility that they may need a meeting later this year. An option could be to cancel
both meetings and schedule one brief meeting in the first two weeks of December if
needed. It was shared that a special meeting would be too difficult to get scheduled. A vote by Chair Lock was taken and the majority voted to have December’s meeting cancelled.
Chair Lock asked Director Mediati to share with the Cultural Arts Commission the
cancellation of December’s meeting so they may consider cancelling their December meeting as well.
IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Director Mediati gave update on Friends of the Park having a great turn out at Concert in
the Park. They brought in $5,200 in revenue of which net profit was $2,700. They sold
around 400 beverages. All the money comes back to City programs. Their booth was very well positioned, highly visible and provided good access. X. Beautification Committee:
Director Mediati reported that there are no updates at this time.
XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Burgo spoke about Concert in the Park and how much she enjoyed it and thought it went well even with the limited amount of space. She was able to attend the City
Council meeting to listen to the presentation about the Orange Park Aquatic Center. As of
right now the decision to have indoor/outdoor pool is pretty much finalized. She noted she was curious to see what the project team says about the beach entry because there was a lot of controversy and comments from the public. Commissioner Burgo was also able to attend the Commissioners workshop, which she really enjoyed and liked being able to meet with
other Commissioners. She asked if would be possible to get permanent name tags and asked about the flyers for Trunk or Treat. She also shared about a conversation she had with a resident who is in a wheelchair and the equipment available in parks for them; stating that the resident drives to Brisbane to have more equipment available.
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Director Mediati asked if the equipment was for a child or adult. He also responded to
Commissioner Burgo’s request on getting a name tag ordered for her and a jacket if she doesn’t have one yet. Commissioner Uy stated that although he was happy with most of Concert in the Park, he was not happy with was the food situation. He asked if there was a way to increase the
number of trucks. Understanding that there is a preference for local trucks, we need to start looking outside if local aren’t interested. He further suggested having a one day business license. Director Mediati agreed and commented that the day of the event Commissioner DeNardi
put him in contact with her son who is in the food industry and has lots of contacts in San Francisco and elsewhere. He also stated that he needs to work with the Finance Department to streamline the contracting process. The City does have one day licenses but its not cheap and the cost gets passed onto us anyway, so looking at doing something different would
make sense.
Commissioner Uy also shared that Director Mediati and staff did a great job with following up on a complaint he received from the South San Francisco Youth Baseball League regarding a child getting injured on the field where dogs have been digging up holes.
at Avalon Park Baseball Field.
Commissioner Camacho added a suggestion of asking local neighborhoods who may have neighborhood watches to possibly say something to the owners when they see dogs unleashed or dog waste left in the park in a respectful and approachable way. She also
commented on the Concert in the Park and how great the turn out was and really enjoyed
the community booths. She would prefer to have more of the community groups up front and center than the political groups in the future. Director Mediati responded that unfortunately, there is not a lot they can do about where the
political groups set up because it is a public forum.
Commissioner Battaglia shared that she heard from a lot of people how wonderful the music was at Concert in the Park. She shares that she was amazed on how much political signage she seen near City Hall for the Filipino Flag raising. Commissioner Battaglia asked if the
large BBQ could be used as a supplement to the food trucks at Concert in the Park. Director
Mediati answered that could be a possibility, however, that does require more coordination with County Health. Commissioner DeNardi thought Concert in the Park was a success. The cooling areas set
up at the Fernekes Building was a great idea and having an attendant near the bathroom was
amazing. She suggested contacting the food trucks that are at Tanforan every Tuesday to get information from them, so in the future there are other vendors to reach out to. She liked how there was an additional area for canopies set up in front of the pool last minute because the other area started to fill up. The community stage was amazing. Commissioner DeNardi
also shared that she attended the check presentation for the future park on Linden and the
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Commissioner’s workshop, which she really enjoyed and thought Director Mediati and
Acting Deputy Director Duldulao presented a wonderful program. She was happy to have the opportunity to network with other local Commissioners. Would love to attend something like this next year. Director Mediati commented maybe we can host next year in our new building. He also
added that at one point they had five to six vendors lined up for the food but in the days leading up to the event they had several back out. September has events planned every weekend in all the surrounding cities and believes there is systemic issue with the City’s policy and contracting process, and we might have to bring back some incentive or minimum sales amount.
Robert Uy asked if we were to have a bigger vendor that already does food events, then couldn’t they be the ones to bring in other vendors under their one permit.
Director Mediati explains that every server or vendor under their permit would still need to
get a permit. He also added that if they’re not in a food truck then each vendor must have handwashing stations, sidewalls to the tents, cleanable flooring surfaces and so forth. It’s just logistically easier to stick with food trucks.
Vice Chair Firpo said that Concert in the Park was fantastic and liked the impromptu car
show across the street. Suggested in the future having a regular vendor tent set up as a political tent that can be shared and limit the amount of signs they can put up. Chair Lock agreed it was a great event. He understands that there are some things that can’t
be controlled like the political signs and food trucks backing out last minute but suggests
looking into alternative to the food trucks because the turnaround time for food is slow. He was able to attend the City Council meeting and asked for clarification about what was said regarding soccer teams playing on the old soccer field versus the new sports field.
Director Mediati replied that there may still be some soccer practices on the old field
because there might be some overlap between soccer and baseball games and practices since they both sports are almost year-round. Chair Lock also mentioned sending someone over to take down the political signs on the
fencing around Irish Town Green. He spoke on the rubber mats in the playgrounds and
wanted to know on any plans to repair or replace them, especially in the areas under the swings. Manager Richardson responded that we do have some in house repair kits that work for
some time and his crew does periodically go through and replace those as needed. We did
try to stay ahead of the curve at the LPR site by putting synthetic turf patches under the swings and other moving objects. Chair Lock asked if Commission meetings should go back to in person in 2023.
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Director Mediati responded that it would be a city-wide policy decision.
XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Event Director Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events.
B. Administrative Updates Director Mediati shared about an offer for Aquatics Coordinator to Cynthia Lin and stated that they should be making some more announcements hopefully by the end of the week for some more vacancies.
Manager Richardson reports on the tracking of incidents at the Orange Park bathrooms near the tennis and bocce ball courts. The tracking was only done for major incidents when the bathroom needed to be closed for some time. Since February there was a total of twenty-six times the bathroom had to be closed due to a vandalism incident.
Manager Richardson also shared news of a Public Works employee, Ben Valdez, who passed away on the job last week. He and Director Mediati have been speaking about possibly purchasing a bench in his memory to be placed at Elkwood Park. His family may start a Go Fund Me that the city may support.
Manager Richardson gave update that the Westborough Pathway paving project was accepted by Council on October 12. Should be getting the project going by the end of this month or early November. There may be some pathway closures as the project moves through to remedy the issues. He also gave update on the tennis court improvement project,
stating today they demolished the tennis courts at Brentwood Park. It will be repaved
tomorrow and then Thursday the tennis courts at Buri Buri Park will start the same process. Those courts will be out of service for thirty days to allow the asphalt to cure before adding color and lines to them.
Acting Deputy Director Duldulao shared that the public art master plan survey has been
extended a month for anyone who is interested. Manager Stenhouse thanked everyone who RSVPed for the Halloween Extravaganza.
Director Mediati added that the new commission handbook at the end of the packet is just
for reference purposes. There are three new Cultural Arts Commissioners so he thought he would share the handbook with everybody. XIII. Adjournment: 9:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II
Next Meeting: November 15, 2022