Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.18.18 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, September 18, 2018 I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 pm A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San Francisco was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, California. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Camacho, Garrone, Flores, Holt, Lock, Uy, and Battaglia (7:58) Absent: None Staff: Sharon Ranals, Director of Parks and Recreation Greg Mediati, Parks Manager Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JULY 17, 2018 & AUGUST 16, 2018, MEETINGS: Commissioner Camacho noted an addition under items from Staff XII. After Director Ranals provided an update on the City Council study session about the Community Civic Campus, Vice-Chair Battaglia stated that having surface parking is not what was voted for by the Commissioners. Commissioner Camacho then stated if Commissioners do not agree with the Council’s direction, they should attend a City Council meeting and voice their concerns. With this addition, the minutes were approved by Commissioner Camacho with a second by Commissioner Flores, unanimous. VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None VII. PRESENTATIONS: A. Recognition of Oyster Point Dragons Shirley Lau, Team Captain of the Oyster Point Dragons (OPD) addressed the Commission and stated that she is absolutely thrilled to bring a large group of kids and their parents to this meeting. In May 2018, she brought the team before the Commission as they were preparing for the World Cup Championships in Hungary. Preparations included fundraising, training and a lot of work! Shirley introduced Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 2 Martin, who was too young to go to Hungary and then each student introduced a teammate to share their Hungary experience with the Commission. Gift bags were presented to each Commissioner. Shirley continued to state that Martin started with OPD nine months ago. Martin’s mother and her three daughters strolled the Oyster Point trail during the trainings and the whole family joined the OPD team in Oakland for a recent competition. Martin lives in SSF and was introduced to the OPD team through the Parks and Recreation program. Shirley stated that this is a team and family sport. Martin said honestly that dragon boating was boring until he saw a seal. He said that racing in Long Beach was amazing and that they won 2nd place in the Junior High Division. He said that the Lake Merritt race was a lot of fun and he thanked the Commission for the opportunity. Arcadia spoke of her experience in Hungary. She said that on July 13 they arrived and visited Budapest and Zagreb. The complex was filled with paddlers. Eight months of training, high anxiety, new experiences and nerve racking competition lead to a great time and that she is looking forward to competing again in 2020. Justin Thang is 13 years old. He said that he had a fantastic time on the trip. A twelve hour flight to Hungary, movies on the plane, salty Hungarian food, and two days of sight-seeing. Justin is the Team Manager and said that it is a lot of team work. OPD team competed against students that are (Junior A) which are 4-6 years older than our boat paddlers. Justin enjoyed trading jerseys with other countries and won 6 medals. Yvonne is a sophomore at St. Ignatius Preparatory school in San Francisco and she said that she has a dedication for the sport of paddling. She said that she had so much fun competing against other countries in the World Championships. She thanked the Commission and Department for supporting OPD. Carina said that she has been paddling for three years. She started paddling with her mom and at first everyone on the team was fifty years older than her. She thanked the Commission and said that she enjoyed paddling in Long Beach, Canada and how paddling has helped her in all aspects of her life. Benjamin Leong said that because of paddling for OPD he has gained life skills in leadership, logistics, creating lineups, being part of an organization, being a Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 3 captain/leader within a team, how to think on his feet and how to be flexible, and has learned how to adapt. He said that the Lake Merritt International Festival brought paddlers from Germany, Australia, and over 120 crews. OPD was the only crew that had paddlers with an age range of 10 through over 70 years old. OPD won a gold medal in Division D for their recreational team. He said that the volunteers are doing a good job of promoting the sport of paddling. He said that OPD is training future leaders with this successful program. He hopes to have more people next year and noted that the program is inclusive, diverse, and that anyone can learn to paddle. He said that two boats fit forty people and that OPD currently has seventy active members. OPD is trying to find club house resource. Chair Garrone thanked OPD for their accomplishments and their presentation. He then read the certificate of recognition and invited the Commissioners to provide feedback. Commissioner Holt stated that this is a great program, and that he is still trying to raise funds for OPD. He thanked the kids for their great stories! Commissioner Lock thanked OPD for the great, warm stories and said that these experiences, that were shared, will be treasured for years. He also said to please let the Commission know what we can do to support OPD. He thanked OPD for representing SSF. Commissioner Uy thanked Shirley and the OPD program for creating leaders, combining sport and culture (sharing Chinese heritage) with our community. OPD shared the world stage and did an amazing job. He congratulated OPD on the great accomplishments and hopes that Parks and Recreation can support OPD more. Commissioner Flores said that OPD is an exemplary group! OPD is about showing up, on time, preparing, training and competing with passion. He stated that it is not about winning or losing. He agrees that recruiting new members to the OPD team is great. Commissioner Flores acknowledged the parents for their hard work. He congratulated the team and said that he will continue to support OPD anyway that he can. He is proud to be SSF resident. Commissioner Camacho said that OPD also makes her proud to be a SSF resident. She said that she is incredibly impressed by OPD and stated that the speakers were great. Commissioner Camacho said that she knows some parents that were in the audience and noted that their children have grown into amazing young adults. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 4 Certificate of Recognition was presented to the OPD team from the Parks and Recreation Commission and a photo was taken. VIII. OLD BUSINESS: A. 2018/19 Annual Co-sponsorship Renewals (SSF Aquatics Club) Manager Duldulao reported that she is feeling a little nervous because the kids did such a great job presenting on their Hungary trip. She introduced the Aquatics Club President Khai Vu. Khai reported that the SSF Aquatics club is 160 kids strong, with varied skill levels, who compete against another teams along the peninsula. Over 20 USA officials participate in club competitions. He stated that he is proud of the club’s parent involvement. Parents supply food for officials, and manage the snack bar to raise funds for the club. He has been with the SSF Aquatics club for 10 years. Khai has four kids and his oldest is in college and still swims for exercise. Chair Garrone stated that his daughter swam this weekend in the SSF Aquatics program. He said that it was a well-run meet. Chair Garrone stated that he swam in high school and had not remembered how overwhelming it is at the club level. He restated that the SSF Aquatics Club pulled off a great meet. The Commission unanimously approved accepting the SSF Aquatics Club as a co-sponsored group. IX. NEW BUSINESS: A. Update on Storm Water Capture Project Director Ranals introduced Justin Lovell, Public Works Administrator who then introduced the Storm Water Project Steering Committee of Robert Dusenbury, Principal, Lotus Water, Rosey Jencks, Project Manager, Brown and Caldwell and Mo Sharma, Project Manager, CSG Consultants. Robert with Lotus Water explained that City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) is mandated by state legislation with strict requirements to clean water and take out polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury prior to water going into the Bay. The multi-jurisdictional location being discussed is in Orange Memorial Park. Caltrans has right of way funding for this project. It is potentially a $9.5 million dollar project. Over the last eight months, Robert with Lotus Water reviewed and proposed solutions that may offer potential benefits to the City of South San Francisco. Robert discussed an option of diverting water from Colma Creek, clean it and reuse it; while receiving funding from Caltrans. It is an opportunity to achieve the state mandated goal and help the environment without disturbing Orange Memorial Park. Robert also discussed an infiltration chamber on the old Greenhouse site/Mazzanti property (behind Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 5 Orange Park) and there would be issues with seismic stabilization. Lastly, he discussed a passive diversion with water reuse focus under the baseball field. This solution would have upside long-term benefits of using water to irrigate fields, Centennial Way, rebuild new fields, and Caltrans will fund the project. Robert showed examples of the storage containers, qualified and quantified the alternatives. He and his team have met with the steering committee and everyone agrees that the highest priorities are water quality improvements, flood reduction, prevent operation and maintenance burdens, enhance park with improvements, minimal impacts on park and neighborhood, and the re-purpose of clean water. At a recent community meeting, twelve residents expressed support for the under the ballfield option for the storm water capture project. Justin noted that the group is planning to go to City Council with a recommendation on October 24. Commissioner Lock thanked Justin and the Steering Committee for the great presentation. He asked if the City’s Water Quality Control Plant (WQCP) treats the water. Justin explained WQCP treats sewage water but not storm drain water. Storm drains currently flow straight to the Bay. Commissioner Lock asked if the project would include filtering recycled water in to the park and Richard said yes. With the planned water capture, more than just the fields could get irrigated. The full park and Centennial Way Trail could be watered. An additional filtration system may be needed. Richard explained that the expected duration of non-field use is 18 months and both fields would be impacted because of equipment staging. Chair Garrone inquired about low water flow times of the year. Richard said ½ cubic foot per second of water is collected throughout the year and he is not concerned about low flow times. Chair Garrone also questioned the lifespan of the system with sediment from Eucalyptus trees and possible root penetration. Robert said that a grit chamber is built in to keep sediment out before getting into the system. Root barriers may be needed depending on the exact site of the project. Chair Garrone inquired about less costly solutions to keep the trash out of Colma Creek. Please note that at 7:58pm Vice Chair Battaglia arrived. Robert stated yes, nets are available to keep trash out of the creek. Chair Garrone questioned the Palm trees along the creek and asked if they may present a problem. Robert said, no. No tree removal is currently planned as part of the project. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 6 Robert noted that 13% of annual flows are diverted and treated and this meets county’s requirements for permit targets. Chair Garrone asked about the likelihood of Caltrans paying for field improvements. Justin said that he is working on this over the next couple of months to see if they are willing to make that happen. Chair Garrone asked if alternative locations have been identified for the baseball teams and leagues if Orange Park ball field is selected for the storm water project site. Director Ranals replied that Westborough Park ball field is currently rented to Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory school. If South San Francisco High School is interested in Westborough Park ball field, then the agreement with Sacred Heart will be reevaluated. Southwood ball field was also discussed and Director Ranals noted that adult softball could take a hiatus from Terrabay ball field for the time period necessary as an option. Proposed timeline for the storm water project: end of October to receive direction from City Council to Lotus Water. Design and project planning by Lotus Water is November – spring 2019. Project construction is to begin in late summer of 2019 with the project to be completed in the summer of 2020. Director Ranals mentioned that natural turf versus artificial turf continues to be discussed. Last quote was $14 million dollars for a multi-purpose field. She noted that there may be advantages of natural turf versus artificial turf. Chair Garrone noted that wear and tear is an issue as well as irrigation for a natural turf. Director Ranals said that gophers are a challenge with natural turf and that the City is under fielded. Staff is very excited to have the field upgraded but we need to understand the challenges. She noted that purple pipe is already in place along Centennial Way. Commissioner Camacho stated that the sample size was very small on the survey that the steering committee provided and asked if they are trying to get more surveys from stakeholders. Robert with Lotus Water said yes, they want all that they can get. Commissioner Camacho suggested posting it on Facebook as a way to get a broad range of feedback. Director Ranals mentioned a ballfields meeting tomorrow night at the Fernekes Building. Chair Garrone asked for staff input on this project and to please keep the Commission informed. B. Concert in the Park Update Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 7 Manager Duldulao presented preliminary plans for the event at the July Commission meeting and stated that now staff is ready to move on with the event. She stated that there is general excitement about the concert. She directed the Commissioners to look at attachment #1 which highlighted the main stage performances. 11am El Camino High School Jazz Band, 12:15pm SSFHS Jazz Band, 3pm welcome by a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Mayor, followed by a performance by Malo. Other events occurring are: free bocce lessons, family fun zone with a petting zoo, train, jumpers, obstacle course, karaoke, photo booth, bubble zone, with shuttles between SSFHS and OMP. She reviewed attachment #2 which included food and drink options with Friends of P&R having a tent and selling beer, wine and water. Matagrano offered to sell Friends of P&R beer at cost and to help with logistics such as signage, tents and a sponsorship donation. Armstrong Brewing Company will also be selling beer with a special brew of Orange Park beer. Full of Fun program will be hosting a snack booth on the family fun side of the park. They will be selling ice cream bars and child friendly food. The City has collected over $20k in sponsorships. Manager Duldulao referenced attachment #3 with the donations and noted that $10k came from Genetech and they will be recognized in the program, and on stage and that we are very grateful. The donations have allowed the City to offset costs. The Department was able to purchase an ice cream cart, and walkie talkies that staff can use for future events. Commissioner Flores asked why the family fun zone is closing at 3pm? Manager Duldulao noted that it takes time to breakdown the attractions and advised the Commission that the imagination playground and bubble zone will continue until 4:30pm. Commissioner Camacho asked if staff could cover the imagination playground depending on the weather. Manager Duldulao said that the Fernekes Building will be open to escape the elements. Commissioner Camacho asked why there is a hand wash station behind the Friends booth. Manager Duldulao said that it is a health code requirement. Manager Duldulao requested that the Commissioners arrive by 2:45pm to be announced. She noted that reserved parking will be available. Chair Garrone said that he will be there between 1pm – 2pm only because he has to work. Vice Chair Battaglia agreed to do the necessary announcements. Manager Duldulao proclaimed that it is great that Manager Mediati is here and has been super helpful and supportive during the concert planning process. Director Ranals said that she expects that it will be a wonderful event and should be about 70 degrees. She noted that Mayor Normandy wanted the family fun zone and hopefully it will be a great success. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 8 C. Scheduling of a Special Joint Meeting with Library Board, November 2018 Director Ranals explained that the Architects would like to present an update on the Community Civic Campus to the Parks and Recreation and Library Board after presenting to City Council on October 24. Director Ranals noted that the October 24 City Council meeting will be a critical meeting and the building floorplan design should be presented. The Commission discussed November 13 as an option for the joint special meeting. The Library Board meets at 6pm and Commissioner Uy requested 7:30pm. D. Cancellation of November, December 2018 Meetings Director Ranals continued the discussion of the Special Joint Meeting and incorporating a regular meeting. Commissioner Camacho made a motion to cancel the Regular Parks and Recreation Commission meetings on Tuesday, November 20 and Tuesday, December 18 and have a Special Joint Meeting with the Library Board on Tuesday, November 13 with a Special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting immediately following the Special Joint Meeting; seconded by Commissioner Lock and Commissioner Holt, unanimously approved. X. Beautification Committee Jo Zemke reported that Coastal Cleanup was phenomenal this year. She reported that 110 students from Westborough Middle School were in attendance and it seems that people are getting more excited to come out and clean up. Jo also reported that there was a lot less trash especially big items to be picked up. In 20 minutes she and Bill had filled up only 3 inches of their bucket with trash. Jo reported that Beautification Awards were presented at a recent City Council meeting and three recipients came to the City Council meeting. She reported that nomination forms for 2019 are on the back table and requested that if a Commissioner drives by an address that someone has put in extra effort in their landscape, to please send in a form and that they will then be acknowledged with a letter and also nominated for an award. XI. Friends of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Flores reported that he was not at the recent Friends meeting. He reported that Paint & Wine Night was very successful and thanked Jeannette Holt and all Friends members for their support. The event helps to bring in the necessary funds to support Parks and Recreation programs. He stated that he is happy to be engaged in raising funds at Concert in the Park with beer, wine and water sales. Commissioner Holt mentioned raising funds to encourage Baden High School students to participate in Concert in the Park. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 9 XII. Items from Commission Commissioner Holt attended the Senior Barbeque and two-stepped with Stephanie King. He said that it was very fast and she made him look good. He attended Paint and Wine night, Cultural Arts Commission sculpture dedication and Movie Night. He stated that Friends were busy selling pizza and hotdogs. He attended the August 8 City Council meeting and gave a shout out to several Commissioners who spoke at the meeting and said that he is proud that we spoke and helped to make a difference to get covered parking at the Community Civic Campus. He thanked his wife, Jeannette and Commissioner Camacho for their outreach and support. He attended the Cultural Arts Summer Barbeque and said that it was a great event. He volunteered at the Community Health Fair and Expo and attended the Joint special meeting with Cultural Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. He said that he is looking forward to Saturday. Commissioner Lock inquired about an update on SSFUSD projects, such as Buri Buri School Field. Commissioner Camacho noted that she heard about a Buri Buri School neighborhood meeting on October 16. Commissioner Lock asked if we are satisfied with the scope of work with the field. Director Ranals said yes, and stated that staff met with the school district and made a lot of comments. Parks staff will be maintaining the field and noted that costs doubled after the first go round of comments from Manager Mediati and Landscape Architect Gilchrist. Commissioner Lock thanked Manager Mediati for block trimming trees for efficiency. He questioned the landscape at southbound El Camino Real near the Church and the weeds in cracks of the sidewalk. Manager Mediati stated that it is the property owners’ responsibility and the area probably belongs to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Commissioner Uy inquired about field usage and the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with SSFUSD. Director Ranals stated that the City and school district are in agreement and she is waiting for the final JPA and will verify that official co-sponsored groups will get a permit from Parks and Recreation, P&R will submit the permit to SSFUSD and then other groups can apply. In good faith, it should work that way per Director Ranals. Commissioner Flores attended the Cultural Arts Commission barbeque and was very happy that the Commission was able to raise funds. The GIANTS tickets that were in the live auction were great and his friend won them. He congratulated staff for Fiesta Patrias and SSFUSD. He said that is was very well attended and a well done event with a nice ceremony. He said that he is looking forward to participating in Concert in the Park and acknowledged Mayor Normandy for the great family fun zone idea and support. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 10 Commissioner Camacho said that she had a great time at Paint & Wine Night. She thanked Jeannette Holt, Assistant Patea, and Mayor Normandy for attending and supporting the event. She liked that Parks and Recreation had a table at Sunshine Garden’s Back to School Night, noting that it is a great way to educate the community on Parks and Recreation programs. A Commissioner mentioned that the Youth Baseball Board was trying to schedule practice time at Avalon Park and St. Veronica’s team and/or another school was there. There was a slight communication issue on availability and timing. Director Ranals noted that staff should know all of the times and schedules for the co-sponsored groups. XIII. Items from Staff A. Calendar of Events Director Ranals reviewed the events and noted that September 28, 3pm School District/City liaison meeting and everyone is invited. October 14 is an Improving Public Places planting event at Sellick Park and she thanked the Commissioners for coming out to the August 8, City Council meeting and stating their concerns under public comment. Manager Mediati mentioned that the Urban Forest Master Plan stakeholder interviews are scheduled for next week for 30 minutes. Chair Garrone and Commissioner Camacho are both interested in participating. Commissioner Battaglia said that her trip to the Northern Lights was great! She said that she returned about an hour ago. One item of interest on her trip was a Pop up Park in the City. The park had painted tires, tee-pee tents, and was really fun. There was a nearby storage unit and she said that the park elements were probably stored in there. Also in the small town of Yellow Knife with a population of 20,000 they had a Comfort Garden which was a nice element for personal reflection. Director Ranals said that a comfort garden is a nice idea for the Miller Avenue Parking Garage Breezeway or an area next to City Hall. Chair Garrone said that he is pleased that the Full of Fun program will run the snack food sales during Concert in the Park and that is great for life skills building. He noted that RAPP basketball is starting and asked if the City would consider reaching out to the Golden State Warriors to make a bigger basketball program in South San Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 2018 Page 11 Francisco; similar to JR GIANTS. He noted that the Warriors offer clinics and is hosting one at El Camino High School (ECHS) this year and last year it was at South San Francisco High School (SSFHS). Director Ranals mentioned the Ballfield Town Hall meeting on September 19 and said that it is being recorded. She also mentioned the SSFUSD / City Liaison Meeting is the last Friday of every other month, if Commissioners are interested in attending. Director Ranals asked for a headcount of who can attend the October 20 Commissioner workshop. Commissioner Holt is attending and asked to with Sharon. Manager Duldulao said that Jerry Ward with Aquatics is retiring at end of month. She has worked in Aquatics for over 40 years. She invited the Commissioners to attend a celebration on Friday, September 28 between 1 – 3pm. Some Commissioners offered to donate funds towards the refreshments. Manager Duldulao said that she has flyers for Jerri’s celebration and has commissioner jackets, polos and presales of hat and t-shirts. Commissioner Camacho thanked Manager Mediati for his help with designing and purchasing South City t-shirts and hats that will be used for a fundraiser to support the Community Civic Campus. Items can be purchased for $20 each. Commissioner Camacho thanked Manager Duldulao to pass on to Coordinator Stridbeck and Supervisor Mulkerrins a big thank you for their great work with JR GIANTS program. Working with volunteers and making the program special for the kids is not an easy task. Director Ranals noted that recruiting volunteer coaches is a big challenge for us and any help that the Commission can help is appreciated. XIV. Adjournment by Chair Garrone at 9:11 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant II