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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.15.2024 - PR Comm Minutes CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 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 15, 2024, in the Council Chambers at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Rey, Camacho, DeNardi, Lock and Uy Absent: Commissioner Burgo Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Laura Armanino, Recreation Manager Erin O’Brien, Business Manager Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Completed. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: Item two on agenda moved to item one. V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: PUBLIC COMMENT – NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Resident Olga Perez addressed Commission reading from the letter submitted. “Before I begin, I wish to provide a copy of my letter to the SSFUSD because I neglected to copy this Board on my letter to the City; and copies of the Daily Journal's Letters to the Editor. The letter is about the utter shock of watching the Sept 28th Council meeting, where the SSFUSD Board Vice President Amanda Anthony, states that she is "super excited" and supportive of a park to be built on contaminated soil and site of toxic vapors, and closing of a street without proper permits. I hope that you all learn from my letter about the background that started with the fateful call from Sharon Ranals, the City Manager, seeking support of this new park and in soliciting my signature for the letter that she wrote, to the State seeking funds. Ms. Ranals and the entire City staff omitted the most crucial information about the contaminated history of 616 Linden and of the existing toxic conditions that exist at both 616 and 700 Linden, which definitely would have been THE determining factor in supporting this park. Before this, I met Traffic Commissioner/Friends of Old Town Hermes Monzon after hearing Councilmember Addiego's statement of taking away our only playground at Cypress and Pine. Mr. Monzon was very aggressive and threatening while pointing his fingers in my face stating that he had made a trade deal with the City of trading our playground for the two Pine lots and closing off Pine Avenue in the process. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 2 Since I'm a true believer in democracy and do not take the liberties that are granted here in the U.S., I started an online petition to save our only playground and lifeline to recreational opportunities for Old Town. This was the beginning of the City's behind closed doors conversations without the public's knowledge in being determined to deceive an entire community, regardless of who was in the way and to use any means possible, including an innocent advocate and defender of her family and her community. • During the 2nd outreach event, I witnessed Mr Noe Noyola from MIG persuade my mom into choosing the option of closing off Pine Avenue. I brought it to the City's attention and didn't receive a response. • By chance, I visited the City's website after shockingly seeing the only two options remaining that included closing off Pine. This is when I first learned about the contaminated history of 616 Linden Avenue. I emailed the City and Council two hours before their 8/28/24 meeting, which resulted in the environmental summary report. • District 5 Rep Flores then had a Q&A with Mr. Philip Vitale, which resulted in further attempts of providing a false sense of security and safety. He did not call upon Fire Chief Samson or Director of Public Works Kim, nor has the City provided signed permits for the permanent closure of Pine Avenue. I brought to the City's attention about gas leaks and fires on our street, and the proximity of transmission lines on Airport Blvd and the lack of response from PG&E. I await a response. I don't share this information freely, but I too was a public city servant for over 30 years. It was never just a job for me that ended at 5 pm. It was about serving the people of South City, the city that I was born and raised, raised my 3 children, and care for my parents. This City is not at all what it used to be or the caring and conscionable leaders it once had! The City has definitely lost its soul and heart and worse, is committing many sins!! Why would the City not be transparent with crucial information and behind-closed-door plans? Do we not live in a democratic country where we have a voice ? Aren't our elected officials and leaders supposed to look out for our best interests, rather than place us in direct harm's way? Why would the City purposely omit the contaminated history of 616 Linden? Why would the City purposely not disclose the soils reports and do so, only after an email from me, that only produced a summary, rather than the full reports? Why won't the Fire Chief and Director of Public Works disclose and make public their written approval and permits for permanent closure of a street? Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 3 Why does the City have no regard for human life? Why does the City continue to marginalize and dehumanize Old Town? Just today, I became aware of the State Water Resource Control Boards GeoTracker and of the July 21, 2021 soils report. I refer you to Pages 33- 35, which is highly alarming, even more so than the summary. I invite all to research these reports and to learn of all of the code enforcement violations from our very own City of South San Francisco former Code Enforcement officer Rich Disanto, whom I had the honor to work for, in regards to 616 Linden? The City has yet to provide a reason for not forever committing to saving our neighborhood park at Cypress and for its deplorable condition, while this Board and the City continues to approve renovations and upgrades for other parks throughout SSF. Besides the issue of MISUSE of State funds that were received for this new park and ISSUE OF ENDANGERING OUR LIVES, Cypress Park sits on elevated ground, which provides safety to children. I sincerely hope that this Board separates itself from the City's actions and stands for humanity in that this park project will most definitely be a threat to all human lives and a threat to our democracy in this city. NO ONE PERSON OR AGENCY BODY HAS THE RIGHT TO ENDANGER ANY HUMAN LIFE Chair DiNardi, I hope to believe that you too, as well as this entire Board, are being innocently placed in the same position of being deceived for the support of this project. It is just too coincidental that I received an invitation from you to take a nature walk, after briefly having met you once, soon after my first Public Comment submission for the August 20th meeting. Please remember that Every Life Matters and Every Minute Counts in Saving a Life, Olga Perez” VI. PRESENTATIONS 1. Concert in the Park: Family Fun Fest Event Recap Manager Armanino gives a recap of the concert event and highlights all the behind- the-scenes efforts by staff and how each division contributed to the success of the event. Manager Armanino shares results from an online survey that captures community feedback about the event. Commissioner Camacho believes that the event went well despite the smaller footprint. She suggested speaking with Police next year to help enforce not smoking in the park. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 4 Commissioner Rey appreciated the new location and the rest stations for seniors. She suggested having additional smaller, but quick, food options and opening the farmers market parking lot a little sooner to help with more parking. She would like to see both high schools involved in the event. Commissioner Lock comments that the location was great. He agreed with Commissioner Rey that there should be other quick item foods. The hot dog truck and pizza did well because of the quick turnaround but people got impatient with the others. The kids’ zone was great, but seniors expressed they would have liked some activities also held in the kid’s zone. The tables near the food truck were a great idea. Chair DeNardi comments that the preparation of the park and the teamwork to make the event happen was impressive. She felt the meadow was the perfect location and there seemed to be plenty of space. Chair DeNardi gave some suggestions on some additional food and drink ideas and chair yoga for the seniors. 2. Capital Projects Update: A. Centennial Way Park South: Director Mediati shares that Centennial Way Park South recently opened. The grand opening went well and there was great feedback on the park along with some great publicity in SFGate, Thrasher Magazine and an article coming out soon in the Daily Journal. B. Oyster Point IIC: Director Mediati shares that they had a punch list walk last week to inspect the site. They will start mulching and planting soon. The target date for the grand opening will coincide with the Thanksgiving Fun Run. C. Karyl Matsumoto Plaza: Director Mediati shares that the plaza opened the same day as Concert in the Park. There are a few punch list items that are being worked on like correcting some lighting issues, some additional ADA seating in the plaza and the installation of the bronze plaque. D. Orange Memorial Park Aquatics Center: Director Mediati shares that the project is progressing nicely. Geofabric was installed and soil is being backfilled and compacted. Work is progressing on schedule. There were some safety concerns from the public and commission about pedestrians crossing Tennis Drive, so the project is considering adding some rumble strips and additional signage there. E. New Park at Linden and Pine: Director Mediati shares work is progressing on the concept design. There will be a presentation at the next City Council meeting. The design team will share the concept plans and ask Council for feedback. An environmental scientist, San Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 5 Mateo County Health Department representative, traffic and civil engineers along with representatives from Police, Engineering, Capital Project and Fire and will be prepared to speak to design, and public concerns regarding fire access, police access, utility access and soil conditions to help people better understand the report. Director Mediati also shares that since the last update, there have been a few outreach events which include, a merchants meeting, an outreach held at the Centennial Way Park opening, and at Morelos Hall there was a presentation in Spanish. Commissioner Lock comments that it was amazing to see so many skaters at the park. Regarding Linden Park, he was somewhat disappointed that the consultants who had a booth at Concert in the Park did not have materials addressing the contamination issue and showing that it had been remediated and tested multiple times available to the public. Commissioner Uy comments that staff did an amazing job with Centennial Trail South and the community involvement is also amazing. The skate park provides modern skaters with what they want and need. The park is on social media now and people are really excited about it. Commissioner Uy then comments on Linden and Pine Park. He thinks it’s great to have so many experts speak at City Council but feels like there still needs to be an email or mailing that is bilingual and is very simple to read, noted the site has been remediated and has been safe for years. He shares that he thinks Oyster Point looks great, but there is always a large amount of litter. Secretary Camacho commends staff on the Centennial Trail Park and how they took the feedback from the community and skating community so well. Secretary Camacho then shares that she received some comments about Linden Park and people are hoping to have a restroom. She realizes that the cost for the restroom may take away from the features that people had said they wanted and at some point, there will be a give and take unless there is a grant that we can apply for to support both. Director Mediati responds that it has come up several times and it’s something the design team will look into. Commissioner Battaglia was excited to be part of the park opening. She was surprised to see how many adult skaters there are. She shares that she also attended the Karyl Matsumoto Plaza opening. Chair DeNardi shares that she also attended the Centennial Way Park ribbon cutting and it was well attended. She loved the design, especially with the repurposed trees and the sculpture that was relocated there. Commissioner Rey comments that the collaboration on the park was great and the park is already getting statewide attention. 3. Calendar of Events Director Mediati gives a brief update on the Calendar of Events. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 6 4. Administrative Updates No other updates other than memos included in the packet. VII. FRIENDS OF PARKS AND RECREATION No updates at this time. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Motion to approve meeting minutes from September 17, 2024. Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Camacho / Seconded: Commissioner Uy Commissioner Rey abstained due to absence at the last meeting. IX. ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION Commissioner Battaglia shares that she attended a Center for Age Friendly Excellence workshop in Redwood City and many of the programs they were talking about are programs that we already have here in South San Francisco. She also attended the recent Age-Friendly community engagement session at the Fernekes Building. Commissioner Battaglia thanks the senior program staff for doing a nice job. Commissioner Uy comments that one of the pickleball nets at Buri Buri is bent and broken and makes it almost unplayable and the Sellick Park ones aren’t great either. He asks if there is any way to get heavier duty nets, so they don’t get damaged so easily. He noticed while at another facility that they have new lights for their pickleball and tennis courts and this may be something to look into since the Orange Park lights keep going out. Commissioner Uy shares that he noticed that San Mateo offers pickleball classes where people are taught more basic gameplay. In Foster City they have leagues for different age groups which also may be something to look into as we build courts. Commissioner Camacho really enjoyed the recent art show, the theme was well thought out, the artists were talented, and she got to meet one of the artists. She also felt that the Brentwood Park tree planting event went well and it was nice to see the tight knit community. Commissioner Lock welcomes Commissioner Rey. He shares that he also attended the Age-Friendly community engagement session and is hopeful that the next meeting at Rotary will have more people in attendance. Commissioner Lock then asks if the branches of some trees on Maple Ave and Miller Ave should be trimmed because they are close to the building. Director Mediati responded that they can look at them and that Manager Richardson would know when they were last trimmed, but in general, having branches over a building is not necessarily cause for alarm. Chair DeNardi asks if there are any plans in the future for the use of Paradise Valley Recreation Center because it would be nice to have monthly nonprofit organizations that the community can benefit from, for example Star Vista. Director Mediati responded that it is being used in the afternoon for the ELOP program but there could maybe be some Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of October 15, 2024 Page 7 opportunities during the daytime. He shares that at one of the recent community meetings, staff met a board member from NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness. Staff are working with them to operate out of the Teglia Center after hours when the senior center closes. Manager Armanino adds that they are looking at adding this program from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., two to three days a week, to provide services for residents. Staff are working to hire a building attendant who will work those hours, which will also open it up for senior activities in the evening. X. ITEMS FROM STAFF Director Mediati shares that because there were some Capital Project updates that they couldn’t get on the agenda this time and are timely for November, they will need to keep the November meeting on calendar. He also gives an update on the Brentwood Park planting event and shares that volunteers and staff planted 20 trees and 100-150 native grasses. Director Mediati reports that there is some budget for updating the playground at Dundee Park and a community meeting was held there last week. There were 20-25 people in attendance with some high-level feedback from residents in that neighborhood. XI. ADJOURNMENT: 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II Next Meeting: November 19, 2024