HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.21.19
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:01 pm A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San
Francisco was held on Tuesday, May 21, at the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo
Drive, South San Francisco, California.
II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Holt, Lock, and Uy
Absent: None
Staff: Greg Mediati, Parks Manager Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager Danielle Sanderson, Business Manager
Brian Crume, Facility Manager
Jacob Gilchrist, Landscape Architect Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE APRIL 16, 2019, MEETING: No changes and approved by motion as written. Motion: Lock /Second: Uy.
VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: included under Civic Campus Update. Attendees included Judy Bush, David and Morena Gallagher, Nenar Nicolas, Sean Garrone, etc. VII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE: Nenar Nicolas, and Sean Garrone were in attendance. Sean stated that there was nothing new to report as no meeting was held in
May.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS: A. Community Civic Campus Update
Assistant City Manager Marian Lee stated that she was excited to present the work
that SmithGroup, Project Master Architect team has been working on. The last
presentation was a rough schematic design of the interior space of the joint Parks
and Recreation and Library building. Assistant City Manager (ACM) Lee stated
that the focus of this presentation would be to share the exterior design that is
functional, and a signature project that the community will be proud of. The design
will include a park, building and City Council Chambers. She said that
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of May 21, 2019
Page 2
SmithGroup is planning to present to City Council at their June 12 Regular Council
Meeting. She introduced the Architect Ken Litwin, Landscape Architect Erin
Trumpeter, and Senior Designer Peter Buffington. ACM Lee reminded the
Commission that it is a three-phased project with the Police Station, Parks and
Recreation and Library Building, and Fire Station. The Library and Community
Center phase of the project is expected to cost $120 million dollars, include 3
stories, a park, and 220 parking spaces.
A model of the building was displayed on a table in front of the Commission and
the SmithGroup team referenced the model and a visual presentation of the site
plan. A few of the criteria mentioned about the design were: inviting, engaging,
light, airy, memorable quality, visual excitement, recognizable entry point,
sculptural element, and transparency.
SmithGroup Landscape Architect Erin Trumpeter reviewed the park design which
included a playground for various ages and a 6,000 square foot synthetic field for
non-programmed play. She also highlighted a butterfly garden, small seating areas
and the use of topography to include additional seating or slides. Architect
Trumpeter spoke about a paved parkside promenade, fitness stations, shade trees,
and trees with pops of color for seasonal interest. She mentioned a bio infiltration
planter for storm water treatment of water runoff near the building.
SmithGroup Architect Ken Litwin spoke about the Police Station and that it is
planned to be completed early next year. The cost will be $56 million dollars for
45,000 square feet of space. It will have a secure parking lot with trees, solar
vehicle canopies, 911 Emergency Center, firing range, and administration space.
The station is categorized as an essential services building, and has strengthened
code requirements.
Manager Mediati reminded the meeting attendees about the speaker cards and
Assistant Patea provided a card to an attendee who inquired about the promenade
width on the parkside. The attendee did not submit a speaker card.
Commissioner Holt inquired about ADA accessibility. Landscape Architect
Trumpeter reported details and reassured the Commission that they are working
closely with Parks and Recreation staff to address all accessibility needs.
ACM Lee reported that the turf area and playgrounds are not currently funded and
staff members are applying for grants.
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Commissioner Firpo asked about seating and Landscape Architect Trumpeter said
that there will be seating throughout the parkside promenade and a seatwall along
the parking area with more opportunity to add seating in the plaza area.
Commissioner Lock asked, “what if funding is not obtained for the park area?”
ACM Lee stated that minimal landscaping, trees and pathway will be the minimum.
Landscape Architect Gilchrist emphasized that the pathways are critical to be ADA
compliant.
Commissioner Lock questioned the traffic flow leaving the Police Station and
turning left onto Chestnut Avenue. He also said that the design is nice but he is
concerned about the maintenance cost especially with the skin element and the
weather conditions in the City. There was discussion about the pedestrian entrance
from El Camino Real and Landscape Architect Trumpeter said that the goal is to
give everyone equal access. Landscape Architect Gilchrist mentioned the Grand
Boulevard Initiative that will make El Camino Real more pedestrian friendly.
Commissioner Uy noted that the turf was originally larger and rectangular.
Landscape Architect Trumpeter said that she has gained input from Director
Ranals, Manager Mediati and Landscape Architect Gilchrist about the needs of the
field and the possibility of a youth soccer field. She mentioned grading constraints,
topography, accessible space and making the playground larger and turf smaller to
appeal to as many people as possible.
Commissioner Camacho mentioned that there is not a playground in Sunshine
Gardens neighborhood and in theory, Orange Park with the Cal Water property
would be the main soccer field. She questioned if there is space for Movie Night at
the Community Civic Campus grounds and if synthetic turf is right or would
natural turf be best. Landscape Architect Gilchrist stated that balance is key.
Orange Park is an active park and the Community Civic Campus grounds should
serve the building and recreation center as well as connect pedestrians to
Centennial Way. He said that synthetic turf is durable except if it is lit on fire.
Commissioner Camacho thanked Smith Group for their presentation and asked if
the clear skin is attached to the roof. The Senior Designer Peter Buffington said that
it is easy to clean and will dig into more details at the next presentation.
Commissioner Camacho asked about a roof garden. Senior Designer Peter
Buffington said that he could design a garden but it is not currently in the budget.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of May 21, 2019
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Commissioner Camacho asked about the El Camino Real entrance. Senior Designer
Peter Buffington joked that his children call him Captain Safety. He will ensure
that safety for staff and patrons is the top priority. Discussion about grading of the
parking lot from Antoinette Lane and the 100-year flood plan took place.
Discussion about the importance of bonds to cash flow the project. ACM Lee said
that bonds will be issued this year. At the June 12, City Council Meeting, Smith
Group will present this schematic design.
Chair Battaglia thanked Smith Group and called a recess at 8:00 p.m.
At 8:10 p.m., the meeting resumed.
B. Gardiner Park Update
Landscape Architect Gilchrist showed a visual presentation of the Gardiner Park
design and noted that this is his third presentation on this project to the
Commission. He noted that grants and reimbursements are in process to help fund
this project. A muralist is still in the plans to paint something in the upper terrace
area and he was able to add a hillside safety rail and stroller parking; noting that
was a safety concern from the Commission.
Commissioner Lock said great rendering. Commissioner DeNardi questioned the
rock climbing stubs. Architect Gilchrist reassured her that they are for climbing but
people could also walk down the stubs in a skillful way.
C. 2019-20 Proposed Fee Increases – Update
Manager Sanderson reviewed the staff report and spreadsheet and noted that credit
card usage over $1,000 will be subjected to a 2.2% fee. She invited questions from
the Commission.
Commissioner DeNardi noted on page 7 the Bocce Court fee of $75 could be much
higher. This is full use of the courts, tables, and a great space. Manager Mediati
explained that this is a permit fee only, not a rental fee, and that IACC oversees the
rental activities as a co-sponsored group. The City cannot make money off a public
service and IACC provides a public service.
Commissioner Camacho questioned the summer camp fee. Manager Duldulao said
that the fee remains as published and the increase will occur next year. Manager
Sanderson noted that it is the same for picnics and rentals. Fees increase on July 1.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of May 21, 2019
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Manager Mediati noted that revenue projections will start seeing increases in the
fall.
Manager Sanderson said that the increases will be voted on by City Council on
June 12.
IX. NEW BUSINESS: None
X. FRIENDS OF PARKS AND RECREATION:
Assistant Patea reported on the Friends meeting of May 2. There was not a quorum and
the group will agendize changing the meeting date/time to accommodate more Board
Members. Shirley and Karen with the Oyster Point Dragons (OPD) attended the Friends
meeting in May and reported that they have 80 members ages 12-72. OPD is looking to
expand their South San Francisco member base and would like to apply to become a co-
sponsored group once their South City residents’ numbers increase. OPD is struggling
with storage for their training equipment at Oyster Point and are communicating with the
contractor on site as well as applying for grants.
Friends is designing a t-shirt for a fundraiser. The theme is Plant a Tree / Hug a Friend.
At the recent Streets Alive/Parks Alive event, Commissioner DeNardi offered succulents
to attendees that signed up to become members. Dan DeNardi sold cookbooks during the
event and Vice Chair Holt greeted visitors. Supervisor Cullinan and Assistant Patea
attended a Parks and Recreation Foundations meeting in Burlingame to share ideas with
other foundations and City nonprofit groups. We learned that Burlingame Foundation
funds projects such as water bottle filling stations, outdoor fitness equipment, dugout
fencing, etc. The group identifies needs throughout the City and then maps out their goals
to provide equity throughout the City.
X1. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Vice Chair Holt attended the Cultural Art Quilt Show, Streets Alive/Parks Alive,
Volunteer Luncheon for the Senior Services program, Cultural Arts Commission
meeting, and the PD Pancake Breakfast at Magnolia Center. He thanked Supervisor
Cullinan and her staff for hosting great events.
Commissioner Firpo attended Arbor Day, noting that planting trees is a lot of work and
fun. He attended Streets Alive/Parks Alive, a City Council meeting, and drop in
recreation classes including Pickleball.
Commissioner Denardi attended the Cultural Art Quilt Show, Streets Alive/Parks Alive,
noting that the dog program was great, Arbor Day, Farmers’ Market, Youth Scholarship
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of May 21, 2019
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Luncheon, and the Senior Services Volunteer Luncheon. She thanked Manager Mediati
for the wood for the Bocce Ball area planters and Eastern Redbud tree.
Commissioner Uy attended Streets Alive/Parks Alive, Farmer’s Market, and said that his
kids really enjoyed the Aquatics program.
Commissioner Lock noted that the playground equipment at Terrabay is rusting. Manager
Mediati advised the Commission that other elements at Terrabay such as light poles and
benches are also rusting. Commissioner Lock inquired about the drainage in the lawn
area. Manager Mediati stated that there is a natural spring in that area and perhaps it may
be updated to a riparian spring garden someday. Commissioner Lock inquired about the
landscaping work being done at Magnolia Center. Manager Mediati advised that a 3’ tall
retaining wall is being built and planting around the parking lot is in process.
Commissioner Lock later in the meeting inquired about space at the Miller Parking
Garage and why Parks and Recreation cannot use the vacant space. Both Manager Mediati
and Architect Gilchrist acknowledged and advised that it would be a capital project and
the space is managed by the Economic Community Development Department.
Commissioner Camacho said the planted medians around the City look great and inquired
about the status of the Urban Forest Master Plan. Manager Mediati said that he will share
the draft with the Commissioners as soon as possible. Commissioner Camacho inquired if
Sellick Park playground is part of the Parks 11 project. Architect Gilchrist said yes with
funding planned for 2022.
Chair Battaglia thanked the Commissioners for their event support and participation. She
said that Arbor Day was great and could have been better if it was a warmer day. She
enjoyed the dog contest at Streets Alive/Parks Alive.
XII. ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Manager Mediati reported that a baseball tournament is being planned for Memorial Day
weekend by the youth baseball league and staff is busy preparing the fields.
Manager Duldulao advised the Commission about the summer STEAM program hosted
by South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD), and that 400 applications
were received, and childcare staffing levels can only support 70 applicants at this time.
Manager Mediati thanked Assistant Patea for coordinating Arbor Day and the Circle 3.0
program. He thanked the Commissioners that were able to volunteer and plant trees. He
mentioned that the Irish Town Greens area is being overseeded to improve the site.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of May 21, 2019
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A. June Calendar of Events - reviewed
B. Administrative Update - reviewed
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
8:58 p.m. by Chair Battaglia
Respectfully submitted by Marie Patea, Administrative Assistant II