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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 15 2020 P&R Comm Packet Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, September 15, 2020 7:00 p.m. Welcome to the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. If this is your first time, the following is a general outline of our procedures: Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this meeting is teleconference only, and will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Governor’s Executive Order N29-20 issued on March 17, 2020 allowing for deviation of teleconference rules required by the Brown Act and pursuant to the Order of the Health Officer of San Mateo County dated March 31, 2020. The public may view or comment during this meeting from a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone: https://ssf-net.zoom.us/j/84216653359?pwd=RkhITG9nWEx6WWQxTURiQ3U0V2pxQT09 Meeting ID: 842 1665 3359 Passcode: 772242 One tap mobile +16699006833,,84216653359# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,84216653359# US (Houston) The purpose of conducting the meeting as described in this notice is to provide the safest environment for staff and the public while allowing for public participation. Commissioners Aires, Battaglia, DeNardi, Firpo, and Lock, and Vice Chair Uy and Chair Camacho and essential City staff will participate via Teleconference. Members of the public may submit their comments on any agenda item or public comment via email or Parks & Recreation main line. PURSUANT TO RALPH M. BROWN ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, ALL VOTES SHALL BE BY ROLL CALL DUE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS PARTICIPATING BY TELECONFERENCE. In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public record, relates to an open session agenda item, and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular meeting will be made available for public inspection at the Parks and Recreation Department in the Municipal Services Building. If, however, the document or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting to which it relates, then the document or writing will be made available to the public at the location of the meeting, as listed on this agenda. Public Comment: Please note that dialing in will only allow you to listen in on the meeting. To make a public comment during the GoToMeeting session, join the meeting from your computer or mobile device, enter your name, and request to comment through the “Chat” function and a staff person will add you to the queue for comments and unmute your microphone during the comment period. In the alternative, you may also provide email comments received during the meeting will be read into the record. Please be sure to indicate the Agenda item number you wish to address or the topic of your public comment. California law prevents the Commission from taking action on any item not on the Agenda (except in emergency circumstances). Your question or problem may be referred to staff for investigation and/or action where appropriate or the matter may be placed on a future Agenda for more comprehensive action or report. COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for your cooperation. Remote Public Comments: Members of the public wishing to participate are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. The email and phone line below will be monitored during the meeting and public comments received will be read into the record. The City encourages the submission of comments by 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, to facilitate inclusion in the meeting record. A maximum of 3 minutes per individual comment will be read into the record. Comments that are not in compliance the Commission’s rules of decorum may be summarized for the record rather than read verbatim. Email: [email protected] Electronic Comments received by email will be monitored during the meeting and read into the record. We ask that you limit your electronic comments so that they comply with the 3 minute time limitation for public comment. Parks & Recreation Hotline: (650) 829-3837 Voice messages will be monitored during the meeting, and read into the record. Your voicemail should be limited so that it complies with the 3 minute time limitation for public comment. If you have special questions, please contact the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Director will be pleased to answer your questions when the Commission is not in session. KRISTY CAMACHO CHAIRPERSON ROBERT UY BETTY BATTAGLIA VICE CHAIR COMMISSIONER WILLIAM LOCK MICHAEL AIRES SECRETARY COMMISSIONER RUTH DeNARDI STEPHEN FIRPO COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER SHARON RANALS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION GREG MEDIATI DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Teleconference Meeting Tuesday, September 15, 2020 7:00 p.m. A G E N D A I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Agenda Review V. Approval of Minutes of the August 18, 2020, Meeting VI. Citizen Participation (Citizen comment on items not agendized/informational only) VII. Beautification Committee VIII. Old Business A. 2020/21 Annual Co-Sponsorship Status Update - September B. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update IX. New Business A. Drive-In Move Night X. Friends of Parks and Recreation XI. Items from Commission XII. Items from Staff A. Calendar of Events B. Administrative Update XIII. Adjournment Next Meeting: Regular Meeting: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, August 18, 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, August 18, 2020, via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local Shelter in Place health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Aires, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock, and Uy Absent: Commissioner Battaglia 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 Jacob Gilchrist, Director of Capital Projects Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE July 21, 2020, MEETING: Approved by motion as amended. Motion: Commissioner DeNardi / Seconded: Commissioner Aires. 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. 2020-21 Annual Co-Sponsored Group Renewals Manager Duldulao introduced Bill Zemke, President of the Historical Society of South San Francisco, established in 1980, with 220 current members. He shared the disappointment that the Society shares with the community the limits that the pandemic has placed on gathering as a group and hosting events. The Tea Committee has been working on creating smaller events that might be hosted at the Plymire-Schwarz House Museum, raffling the limited spaces as well as opening the boutique if allowed by health and safety guidelines later in the fall. Commissioner DeNardi thanked the Society for all the volunteer work maintaining the grounds and hosting wonderful events. Mr. Zemke acknowledged Sylvia Payne for her Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 2 efforts in maintaining the museum. He also shared the recent passing of Roy Bava, a very active past president who will be greatly missed. Kay McGough, president of the Italian American Citizen’s Club, introduced herself and acknowledged that the IACC has also been limited during the pandemic. She expressed her thanks and appreciation to staff for support since her induction as president in January and on behalf of her husband who was president over the previous two years. She shared improvements that the club has made recently. She further acknowledged that membership is down and have been unable to accept new members over the pandemic, but will limit new members to South San Francisco residents to meet the required resident percentages. She reviewed programs that the club runs which are currently on hold: extra food from events is donated to Safe Harbor Shelter, supporting both the Fire and Police Departments annual tournament, donate to Warm Coats, donate fabric to Glide Memorial, working with the Italian Club at South San Francisco High School with bocce lessons. Commissioner DeNardi inquired about membership requirements, “18 years and older and a US Citizen” and if that is in conflict with the Co-Sponsorship agreement provision about non-discrimination. ACM Ranals shared that the City Attorney has commented that the guidelines are not explicit regarding US Residency/Citizenship. The Department has recommended to the Club to consider changing that requirement. Kay shared that the requirement is recorded in the by-laws and efforts to have the by-laws changed have proven difficult in the past, however she would take this back to the board to review. Commissioner Uy expressed concern that the organization can’t exclude non-citizens and be welcoming to immigrants simultaneously. He further stated that many legal residents of the US are not citizens; but that anyone in the community should be welcomed if the club would like further support from the Department. Commissioner DeNardi shared that the non-discrimination clause is not new to the agreement and that it should be addressed before moving forward. Commission Aires requested to table consideration of the IACC co-sponsorship agreement until after the IACC board meets again. Chair Camacho invited Kay to return to the September meeting after the board meets again to review the by-laws and make a decision about changing that requirement. Kay agreed and advised that it may take up to six months to make the changes to the by-laws. Manager Duldulao shared that the City Attorney advised that the policy did not violate the non-discrimination clause, but it is a policy issue. Chair Camacho concurred that some of the members of the Commission take issue with the clause philosophically and requests that the Club considers removing the requirement of citizenship. ACM Ranals suggested the Commission make a motion. Commissioner Uy made the motion, Commissioner DeNardi seconded the motion. Commissioner DeNardi inquired about who is considered officers and Kay acknowledged that 17 members are officers and upcoming changes in elected officers will require South San Francisco residency for certain positions to reach the 51% compliance rated. Commissioner DeNardi Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 3 acknowledged that the Club is taking care of the courts and keeping them in excellent shape. Commissioner Firpo requested clarification about the discussions about residency. Commissioner Uy shared the difference between Green Card holders vs. H1B Visa holders. ACM Ranals further clarified the requirement of members to be 51% South San Francisco residents, regardless of citizenship status and the request to remove any reference to citizen status from the by-laws. Chair Camacho opened the floor to Khai Vu, President of the South San Francisco Aquatics Club who introduced the swim club and the offerings to the Commission. He explained that the pandemic has hurt membership and activities as they have lost many members due to the inability to hold practices and meets. The club is scheduled to host a meet in January, which typically raises a large portion of their operating funds. He shared that when the pool reopened in June, only a small portion of the team returned for practice as many had concerns about the virus and now that the pool is closing again he has fears of losing more members. Commissioner DeNardi inquired about the board and Khai confirmed that all five members are South San Francisco residents. Chair Camacho inquired about the borderline percentage of members and Khai suggested that the drop of members due to COVID would probably increase the percentage of South City residents. Chair Camacho opened the floor to Patty Gomez, president of the SSF United Youth Soccer League, who introduced their program to the commission with 571 members in 2019, 52% South San Francisco residents. They hosted 30 recreational teams and 10 competitive teams with spring and fall seasons. Commission Uy thanked SSFUYSL for the service provided to the community and acknowledged the difficulty surviving the pandemic. Commission DeNardi inquired about the percentage of officers are South San Francisco residents, which Patty confirmed that all five board members are South San Francisco residents. Chair Camacho thanked Patty for her presentation and the efforts of the club to support the community. Chair Camacho requested a motion to accept the Co-Sponsored Agreements from Historical Society of South San Francisco, South San Francisco Aquatics Club, and SSF United Youth Soccer League. Commission DeNardi made the motion and Commissioner Lock seconded. The motion was carried unanimously. B. Capital Projects Update Director Gilchrist introduced Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects, to review the renovation of Gardiner Park in the Pecks Lot neighborhood, which is within walking distance of 3,900 residents (approximately 700 children). The previous play lot consisted of aging play structures, poor sight lines, and little vegetation. The design was presented to the community and the Commission in December of 2019 with improved sight lines, new play structures, play surfaces and additional vegetation. Photos of the ongoing construction were shared, including installation of the new play equipment. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 4 Commissioner DeNardi shared praise with the project and how excited the community will be with the new play area when it opens. Commissioner Firpo inquired if the site fencing has been effective and Deputy Vitale shared that there hasn’t been a single instance of trespassing or vandalism. Commissioner Lock expressed that the neighborhood children are excited for the park to open. He inquired if the City paid extra to have the fencing installed on a Saturday. Deputy Vitale confirmed that there was not an extra charge, that the service was part of the base contract. Director Gilchrist confirmed due to COVID delays, the City is being flexible with allowing some work to occur on Saturdays. Chair Camacho commended staff on this project. ACM Ranals shared that due to the pandemic, we won’t be able to have a ribbon cutting ceremony. Deputy Mediati shared that he is discussing with Supervisor Armanino about getting one of the Little Steps preschools over to the site to enjoy the play area and for photos. Director Gilchrist shared an update on the Civic Campus that was shared with Council last week. He explained that the $124 million budget was for the construction of the main building, while the park and outdoor restroom were described as the enhanced part of the project and not included in the budget. Council was impressed with the playground design that was previously presented to Commission and is in support of funding the full $129.5M budget which includes the enhanced design of the park and outdoor restroom. Staff will continue to apply for funding in future rounds of Proposition 68 funding. The project is intended to go to bid in three weeks, opening of bids in October, award of contract to Council in November with a virtual ground breaking in December. Construction is estimated to last 27-30 months with the opening in spring 2023. Director Gilchrist reviewed the sustainability aspects of the project, including electrification of HVAC allows the utilization of clean energy, not gas, the frit design on the exterior windows are not just aesthetic, but designed to react to changes in weather throughout the day, modify shading reducing needs for heating/cooling. He further shared the digital signage and showed where it planned placement will be. Commissioner Firpo was pleasantly surprised to hear the support of Council for the enhanced site, enjoyed hearing the explanation of the exterior, and inquired about the use of the sign and a Caltrans permit. Director Gilchrist explained that due to the grading, the sign is actually placed outside the sphere of influence for Caltrans and a permit is not actually required, although the City intends to abide by some of the limitations of use. Commissioner Lock congratulated Director Gilchrist on the success of the project and inquired if the turf was included in the $129M budget. Director Gilchrist confirmed that the entire enhanced site includes the playground, turf, outdoor restroom, digital sign, and sidewalk. He acknowledged the work of the Commission and the ongoing advocating of the needs that has gained the support for the full project. Chair Camacho acknowledge staff and Council for advocacy in funding for the park. ACM Ranals reminded that the park and other enhancements are included as bid alternates and are dependent upon the amount of the bids that come in. She also credited staff for the time and effort involved with getting the project to this stage. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 5 C. COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Manager Duldulao advised the Commission that San Mateo County has been placed on the State’s watch list as of August 1st. The operations of the pool is being suspended at this time due to the updated status. Other operations are not affected, except to slow or pause further program re-openings to ensure all offerings are within health and safety guidelines. She further shared that virtual recreation programs are being organized into a fall session, scheduling coming soon. Additional programs will be added as we progress further. Addition of in-person outdoor classes are being explored as well. Manager Duldulao shared that the Summer Program for school age and preschool kids successfully ended and the childcare team taking those lessons learned and is working on setting up full day childcare program, scheduled to begin on Monday, August 24. The City should be able to accommodate most if not all families that fall into the essential worker category and maybe some additional non-essential workers. Manager Duldulao shared that there haven’t been any changes with Parks, but wanted to acknowledge the Facilities Division for the assistance with extra cleaning, replace and upgraded HVAC facilities, installed hand sanitizer dispensers, installed sneeze guards, and additional enhanced safety measures. Commissioner Lock acknowledged how well staff utilized the Fernekes Building for summer camp and was impressed with how organized staff had everything. He further inquired about basketball courts. Manager Duldulao confirmed that basketball courts are opened, but the hoops were removed at Westborough, Buri Buri and Orange Parks due to the large groups gathering for games, outside of guidelines. Manager Duldulao extended thanks to Supervisor Armanino and Manager Richardson from Parks. Chair Camacho thanked staff for efforts for the summer program and full day program supporting the community. Commissioner Uy acknowledged how difficult the situation is and that staff is providing an important service to the community. Chair Camacho inquired if there were additional sites available to expand services. Supervisor Armanino advised that it had been looked into, and the main issue is staffing to cover 11 hour days. If it becomes clear that additional sites are necessary and additional staff is available, sites may be added. Commissioner Firpo expressed his thanks to staff for their diligence with keeping everyone safe. He further inquired about testing. Supervisor Armanino explained that staff is not required to test, however if they are not feeling well, HR is exploring additional options for testing. Chair Camacho inquired about sick leave policies in relation to the length of time to getting test results. Supervisor Armanino explained the 2 weeks of COVID leave (pro-rated to average hours worked) to utilize and then other leave balances until exhausted. She further explained that staff is encouraged to stay home if not feeling well, or needing to take care of family members. Commissioner DeNardi commended Supervisor Armanino and her staff for the well-organized program. Supervisor Armanino thanked Supervisors Mulkerrins and Cullinan for transferring available (otherwise furloughed) staff over to assist with the additional duties in childcare. Chair Camacho inquired about families requesting preschool openings. Supervisor Armanino advised that additional locations would involve licensing (and requirements for outdoor space) and that there isn’t room for more families on the waiting list at this time due to limitations on social distancing. If the six foot distancing Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 6 space is decreased and more children can be accommodated, then staff will reach out to families on the waiting list. IX. New Business: A. 2020-21 Proposed Fee Modifications Deputy Mediati reported on the proposed Master Fee Schedule for fiscal year 2020-2021, pending City Council acceptance. Matrix Consulting Group was hired by the City to perform a comprehensive user fee analysis with the goal of identifying the actual cost of providing fee-related City services and understanding recovery levels for each fee. In order to determine the full cost of each user fee, extensive data was collected utilizing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Budget as well as staff time estimates and service volume data, ensuring that fee calculations followed federal, state, and local guidelines and establishing fees that reasonably recover the City’s cost to provide each service. Deputy Mediati further reviewed Propositions 218, 26, and Article XIII C of the California Constitution explaining the restrictions on local government’s ability to levy charges, including a limitation on most user fees, prohibiting them from exceeding the reasonable cost of the service for which they are collected. Most fees charged by the Parks and Recreation Department are exempt from these regulations, giving the Department some flexibility to set fees at market rate. These fees, such as those for recreation classes and childcare programs, are not listed because the fees are usually included in seasonal activity guides to reflect the specific price and offerings for each season. Most of the Department’s fees remaining on the Master Fee Schedule are related to facility and picnic rentals, which have been included to show a cost of service analysis. Historically, the Department has implemented fee increases between 2% to 5% every other year, tied to cost of living increases and/or negotiated salary increases. The past 3 fiscal year increases implemented were: • FY 2017-18 5% Increase • FY 2018-19 3% Increase • FY 2019-20 3.5% Increase In the current FY 2020-21, a 3% increase across the board is being proposed over last year’s fees in alignment with the 3% increase made to most fees citywide based on the rise of labor costs and parallels the average percentage increase in employee compensation. Commissioner Uy inquired about the numbers of non-residents that participate in programs. Deputy Mediati explained that it varies based on program and Manager Duldulao clarified that Classes and Aquatics programs opened up to residents prior to non- residents, often filling up with residents before non-residents have an opportunity. Assistant City Manager (ACM) Ranals further explained that non-residents often fill up Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 7 classes that may have been cancelled due to low participation from residents. Charging different rates for residents and non-residents would have minimal revenue impact, and could lead to administrative issues of customers using false addresses. Commissioner Firpo shared that he was unaware of the extent that the City subsidizes the programs. Deputy Mediati clarified that the subsidy shown in the report reflected both indirect and direct costs. Indirect costs include electricity in the building, Human Resource costs, and fiscal line items that do not directly lead to the delivery of the programs and services. Commissioner Firpo inquired about the open gym fees being the same for both residents and non-residents. Manager Duldulao explained that these are drop in programs and verifying residency at a gymnasium is challenging. She further explained that the Aquatics Program was testing selling punch cards / membership passes online using CivicRec allowing for the distinction between residents and non-residents. Commissioner Lock commented that fee increases have been assessed each year for the past three years. Commissioner Lock also stated that minimum wage was only recently increased for the first time in many years and now with the hard economic times many people are living off of minimum wage and six consecutive years of fee increases when they have had not had any increases sends the wrong message. He suggested that the City should go to developers to collect additional fees. Commissioner Lock expressed that the City needs to open our hearts and embrace the people of South San Francisco during these hard times. Chair Camacho expressed her shared sentiments and stated that while 3% may seem a small amount, it may make a difference in a family’s monthly expenses and abilities to pay for necessities like food. The principle of asking people to pay more given the circumstances of recent hardships that many have expressed, especially in charging more for childcare that is mostly serving essential workers, feels like we’re penalizing essential workers that have a real necessity for childcare in order to continue working without leaving their children home alone. She further clarified that the desire to keep fees affordable is not an indicator of the great quality of service provided is and worth every dollar charged. Instead of viewing Parks and Recreation’s programs as a revenue generator, they should be viewed as essential services needed by our community. Parks and Recreation needs to be recognized as providing essential community services that are needed by our residents. Commissioner DeNardi shared her agreement with Commissioner Lock and Chair Camacho, expressing that it is a difficult time for a lot of people. She also recognizes that the City is not receiving rental fees and other revenues and therefore recommends that the increases are postponed. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 8 ACM Ranals confirmed that the unemployment rate in South San Francisco is about 14.5%, which is higher than the average than San Mateo County, and doesn’t reflect the total portion of the population impacted which may be as high as 20%. But, that leaves up to 80% which may not be impacted, such as City workers or other categories. Staff doesn’t disagree that no increase would be ideal, but that with the scholarship money from the Cares Act being made available to families in need should offset any hardships that families are facing. The Department will not turn any families away for non-discretionary services with application of those funds. Chair Camacho agreed that scholarships would be helpful for families who were very low income, but expressed concern for families that would not fall into the category of qualifying for scholarships because they are still working, but are now working reduced hours and receiving reduced wages. She inquired what the proposed increase amounts would be for childcare. Supervisor Armanino shared that it’s about $21/month. Chair Camacho share that over 10 months that is $210 increase even though they are bringing home less wages for one child, and more for families with multiple children. She further pointed out that most of the Martin and Los Cerritos families, who are in our REAL programs, didn’t respond to the childcare services surveys. This indicates we are not reaching some of our city’s families who may need Parks and Recreation and city services the most. She recognizes that the City needs to generate revenues to offset the losses in sales and hotel tax revenues, but childcare services may not be an appropriate vehicle for generating that revenue. She asked if there were certain categories of fees that the rest of the Commission felt comfortable increasing while recommending that childcare fees be excluded from the increase. Commissioner Uy responded that he felt uncomfortable raising any fees at this time and requests that the Commission recommends that no fee increases are adopted as Parks and Recreation provides a community service. Chair Camacho noted she is exceptionally grateful that City Council has shown its support of the Parks and Recreation Department during COVID-19, supporting staff and keeping the department’s part timers on payroll through the end of June, which was very generous. However, keeping city staff employed during a pandemic, and charging raised Parks and Recreation fees that negatively impacts residents during that pandemic, are two separate issues. Community members have reached out to Commissioners to express their need for childcare, desire for programs, and financial hardships during recent months. The Commission appreciates City Council’s support of programs and recognizes the City’s need to generate revenues. The sentiment shared by the Commission is the timing of the proposed increases is not supported due to current circumstances. Feedback from the community right now reflects that any fee increase in Parks and Recreation would not be well received. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 9 Commissioner Firpo concurred with the optics that fee increases for childcare programs would not be received well. Rentals are elective and the full increase recommended would seem reasonable. Classes should maybe be considered for a smaller increase. Chair Camacho shared she could support increases on elective items like rentals if that is the direction the other Commissioners would like to go. Commissioner Uy expressed his concerns for equity on the elective items. If fees are increased, then only wealthier families can afford to host parties or picnics, and only children of wealthier families can afford to take piano lessons. Fee increases will impact the families that need the services the most. Parks and Recreation is the arm of the City that helps build equity within the community. Chair Camacho agreed that was a good point, and that recent public comments during Council meetings from residents has supported the idea that Parks and Recreation programs and services should be used as a means to help increase equity within our city. The revenue gains of any Parks and Rec fee increases would be minimal since the programs and services are so limited during COVID-19 times. Fee increases would primarily hurt essential workers who are in need of childcare right now, since that is the main Parks and Recreation service available right now. She believes the optics of raising Parks and Recreation fees right now would not be good optics for the city, and would be seen as the city not supporting its residents. Chair Camacho inquired about extending the grant funded half-day REAL program into a full-day program with the CARES act money. Supervisor Armanino advised that the program will be full-day, that half-day was covered by the REAL Program grant, and that there would be scholarships available for the other half of the day if needed. Staff continues to determine how CARES monies will be prioritized. She explained that outreach to the families is ongoing to ensure that families know that there is scholarship money available for those in need, and that cost of childcare should not be what prevents them from signing up so that everyone with a need will be included. ACM Ranals summarized that the Commission recommended: • No fee increases at this time • If there would be increases, that childcare and senior programs would be excluded. The Commission presented the following Motions: • Commissioner Uy motioned for no fee increases • Commissioner Firpo amended the Motion for no fee increases for childcare and seniors but proposed increases for elective services o Commissioner DeNardi seconded the Motion o The Motion did not carry:  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 10 • Commissioner Firpo motioned for no fee increases for childcare, senior services, and classes / programs for youth o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The Motion carried:  Ayes: Uy, Firpo, DeNardi, Aires, Camacho  Nays: Lock (who explained he was in favor of no fee increases for all Parks and Recreation programs and services) • Commissioner Firpo motioned for fee increases for rentals o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The Motion did not carry  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho X. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Deputy Mediati shared that the Friends of Parks and Recreation has presented wording for a plaque to order for a bench to be donated in the name of Richard Holt at Buri Buri Park, behind the home plate area. Chair Camacho expressed her thanks to Friends and to the private donors for honoring Richard Holt. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Firpo had nothing further to share. Commissioner Aires had nothing further to share. Commissioner DeNardi shared the IPP event at Sellick park was nice. She reported the light shades on Tennis Drive have been broken and chunks on the ground and wanted to know if the lights are still working even with the covers broken. Deputy Mediati advised he would look into it further and would request custodian staff to see if the lights are working. Commissioner Uy inquired if the City had plans to fix the stairs at Sign Hill. Deputy Mediati explained that the City has applied for grant funds to create a Sign Hill Master Plan that will inform the next steps for repairing or realigning the trails. Commissioner Uy further inquired about the Bay Trail and the picnic tables. Deputy Mediati explained that the Bay Trail is maintained by the property owners adjacent to the trail. Commissioner Uy inquired about the use of picnic areas. Deputy Mediati explained that the state guidelines specifically callout picnic areas to remain closed and offered to forward specific language. Commissioner Lock inquired about responsibility of the Sister Cities and Randolph Ave area. Deputy Mediati confirmed that the City’s contractor, Brightview, maintains this area, but that there is a lot of illegal dumping. He explained that Code Enforcement, Public Works and IT continue to explore solutions to abate the illegal dumping, but that camera installation just moves the problem further down the street. Manager Richardson confirmed that Brightview performs maintenance work monthly and weed abatement twice a year, but it’s largely a litter control issue. Dead tree removal in the area is ongoing. Guardrail installation punched through and damaged the irrigation lines which are useless at this time. A new lateral line would be required, but is cost prohibitive, about $150,000 or more. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of August 18, 2020 Page 11 Chair Camacho thanked the Commission for their efforts to lift the community and making equity for the community a prime consideration. She further expressed her gratitude to Commission for their willingness to discuss these issues, even if they are uncomfortable, and for doing so in a respectful manner. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Events. No questions or comments were submitted on the Calendar of Events. B. Administrative Updates Chair Camacho inquired if any Commissioners had any questions related to the previously shared administrative updates. No questions were posed. XIII. Adjournment: 10:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kari Jung, Administrative Assistant II Staff Report DATE: September 15, 2020 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Recreation Manager SUBJECT: 2020/21 Annual Co-Sponsorship Status Update - September RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update about co-sponsored groups still pending review and approval of their co-sponsorship renewal application for fiscal year 2020/21. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The following list identifies the current status of each co-sponsored group’s renewal application. APPROVED 1. Historical Society of South San Francisco 2. South San Francisco Aquatics Club 3. South San Francisco Mother’s Club 4. South San Francisco United Youth Soccer League APPROVAL WITHHELD - TO BE REVIEWED AT A FUTURE MEETING 5. Italian American Citizens Club At the August 18, 2020 Commission meeting, the Commission withheld a decision to approve the Italian American Citizen’s Club co-sponsorship application pending IACC’s response to the Commission’s request that the club remove from its bylaws the requirement that members must be U.S. Citizens or legal residents. Commissioners expressed the opinion that such a requirement could be perceived as discriminatory, although staff has confirmed with the City Attorney that the requirement does not conflict with the non-discrimination clause in the co-sponsorship agreement. Kay McGough, IACC President and presenter at the August Commission meeting agreed to bring the issue to the IACC board at their September 1, 2020 meeting and return to the Commission with the club’s response. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: 2020/21 Annual Co-Sponsorship Status Update - September Page: 2 In a September 15, 2020 meeting with Recreation Manager Angela Duldulao, IACC President McGough indicated that the board established a process for changing its bylaws pursuant to the Commission’s request. The process includes: 1) A notice in the IACC newsletter that a vote is needed; 2) mailing via U.S. Mail of the ballot; and 3) counting of the ballots, once received, to determine if approval was achieved by simple majority (50% + 1) of the members. Given the process, members were asked to respond no later than October 15. IACC expects to be able to return to the Commission with the results of the ballot by the Commission’s November meeting. TO BE REVIEWED AT A FUTURE MEETING 6. AARP Chapter 3156 – pending receipt of application 7. Ballet Folklorico of South San Francisco – pending receipt of application 8. South San Francisco Shetland Pinto Mustang Baseball – partial application received 9. South San Francisco Youth Baseball Managers Association – partial application received Angela Duldulao Recreation Manager Staff Report DATE: September 15, 2020 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Recreation Manager SUBJECT: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the current status of Departmental modified operations in response to COVID-19. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION This item serves as an update to the COVID-19 Modified Operations Staff Report from the July and August 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. Since the August meeting, Governor Newsom unveiled a plan on August 28, 2020 referred to as a Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a statewide, stringent and slow plan for living with COVID-19. The Blueprint establishes a four-tiered system with each county being designated to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate. The tier determines the extent to which restrictions can be tightened or loosened in a county. At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least three weeks before moving forward. The tiers in order of greatest to least severity are: • Widespread: Many non-essential indoor business operations are closed • Substantial: Some non-essential indoor business operations are closed • Moderate: Some indoor business operations are open with modifications • Minimal: Most indoor business operations are open with modifications More information about the Blueprint can be found at covid19.ca.gov. San Mateo County is currently in the “widespread” tier. As it relates to Parks and Recreation Department activities, the Department is putting its efforts towards outdoor and virtual programs further detailed in this report. Aquatics • Orange Pool closed as of Sunday, August 23, 2020 (The pool was open under modified operations from June 29, 2020 through August 22, 2020.) NEW Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 2 The State of California’s order in effect as of August 1, 2020 for counties on its COVID monitoring list closed gyms and fitness centers as well as other businesses, unless those operations could be modified to take place outside or by pick-up. Upon learning of this order, staff consulted with San Mateo County in order to determine whether or not the State’s order also applied to Orange Pool. This question was raised by staff who pointed out that Orange Pool was opened under the County’s June 1, 2020 public health order, Appendix C-2 for Allowed Additional Activities specific to swimming pools, and opened before gyms and fitness centers were allowed to open. The County was unable to offer a definitive response and posed Orange Pool’s situation to the California Department of Public Health for review. At that time, and given the unclear guidance on how the new order affected Orange Pool, the County further advised that it would be the City’s decision whether or not to keep Orange Pool open. Given the extensive safety modifications and limited entry at Orange Pool, and with the support of pool staff, the Department elected to keep Orange Pool open until further notice by the State or County. On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 19, 2020, staff was contacted by San Mateo County to inform us of the State’s interpretation of the COVID regulations in effect and its impact on swimming pools. The State has ordered that indoor pools are to be closed. Given this guidance, the Department closed Orange Pool beginning on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Under guidance by the State’s new Blueprint and given San Mateo County’s “widespread” tier status, swimming pools in San Mateo County can open outdoors with modifications. Staff has consulted with the South San Francisco Unified School District about the possibility of operating at one of the District’s outdoor pools. Unfortunately, the District has declined the City’s request, expressing the District’s desire to minimize the number of people on school campuses due to COVID-related concerns. While in operation from June 29 - August 22, Orange Pool served a total of 2,365 45-minute time slots for lap swim consisting of about 1,365 residents and 1,000 non-residents. In addition, Orange Pool served about 80 youth members of the South San Francisco Aquatics Club, ages 6 to 18, on a weekly basis. After announcing the pool’s closure, staff received roughly 40 emails from very appreciative patrons that emphasized how safe they felt while swimming at the facility, and giving praise to the pool’s social distancing protocols and proper disinfection. The emails also mentioned the dedication and friendliness of the Aquatics staff. Childcare • Open: o Preschool o Full Day School Age Childcare Program o Full of Fun – virtual programming on Seesaw and Zoom The Department’s new Full Day Childcare Program had a successful start on Monday, August 24, beginning a week after the official first day of school on Monday, August 17. The Full Day Program operates from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and serves elementary school-aged children. This new program extends the after school program traditionally offered by the Department to include morning childcare services while students attend school virtually. Children who were already enrolled in the after school program and whose parents identified as essential Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 3 workers were given first priority to enroll in the Full Day Program. All of the children in this group are currently being served. As is typical each school year even under normal circumstances, registration is still in progress as the Department allocates remaining spaces to families on the waiting list. It should be noted that COVID has imposed new challenges to the process as prospective families consider their risk tolerance for potential COVID exposure, manage modified work schedules, and try to understand the impact that distance learning will have on their children. The morning portion of the Full Day Program is dedicated to assisting children with their distance learning, while the afternoon portion is an extended learning component with recreation-based activities that support the educational standards of each grade. Staff have been successful in getting all of the children on their laptops, connected to Wi-Fi, and logged into their Zoom accounts to participate in distance learning. Managing each child’s unique schedule has been a challenge as children have different break times and additional meetings with their teacher as needed, or meetings with specialists, therapists, etc. Special meetings can take place during morning class time, but also occur in the afternoons as needed. In addition, depending on the type of therapy or specialist a student may be seeing, these meetings sometimes require privacy from the group requiring one staff person to be pulled away from the group as well as having to find a separate space for the child to conduct their meeting. Despite these challenges, childcare staff have proven their flexibility to respond to the different needs of each child in the program and are working with children, parents, and teachers to support children through this new experience of distance learning. The following table indicates enrollment in Preschool and the Full Day Childcare Program as of this report. Preschool and Full Day Childcare Program Enrollment as of September 8, 2020 Note: Enrollment is still in progress. These numbers are subject to change. Preschool Enrollment / Capacity Siebecker 20 / 20 Westborough 20 / 20 Little Steps 5 / 10 TOTAL 45 / 50 School Enrollment / Capacity Buri Elementary School 21 / 24 Monte Verde Elementary School 22 / 24 Ponderosa Elementary 16 / 24 Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 4 Spruce Elementary School 3 / 10 Martin & Los Cerritos Elementary School (REAL Programs) 17 / 24 TOTAL 78 / 106 Classes • Open o Virtual classes o Outdoor, in-person classes NEW o Virtual Recreation and Resource webpage (www.ssf.net/virtualrec) o Social media campaign For the first time since the 2020 winter session of recreation classes, the Department is offering a modified fall session of classes and programs. The spring session 2020 was supposed to start in mid- March, but was interrupted by the shelter in place order due to COVID-19. Given that operational restrictions remain in place due to COVID-19, the Department is producing a 10-week session that will include virtual programs as well as in-person, outdoor classes at Orange Memorial Park and the Terrabay Recreation Center. This will be the first time the Department will be offering in-person classes since the pandemic began. Public health guidelines permit outdoor recreation classes with certain provisions such as requirements to maintain social distancing, requiring mask use, adding staff to enforce policies, etc. This will also be the first time a fee will be applied to virtual classes. Free virtual classes were offered in July and August thanks to donations from the Friends of Parks and Recreation and Kaiser Permanente Northern California Benefit Program. In a survey to virtual class participants that asked if participants would be willing to pay for their virtual class, a majority of respondents indicated that they would be willing to pay a fee that was slightly less than the regular fee. The Department has also applied the Commission’s suggestion of 50% off the regular fee for virtual classes. This is a pilot program, so the fee and format of class offerings may change based on participant feedback. In-person classes are being offered at their regular fee. This fall, the Department is offering 19 virtual classes and 13 in-person classes. Some of the classes that will be produced virtually include: ballet, hula, belly dancing, kids’ yoga, pre-kindergarten classes, knitting, art, and clarinet lessons. Some of the outdoor classes include: karate, kenpo-eskrima, Mexican folklorico, private tennis, and various exercise classes. As of September 9 with registration continuing through the week, 237 participants have registered for virtual classes and 97 have registered for in-person classes. In lieu of an Activity Guide mailing, the Department mailed a postcard (see Attachment 1) to South San Francisco households during the week of August 31 to highlight the Department’s website link which will provide more detailed information about the fall schedule and other upcoming programs and services. The Department intends to resume the publication of a quarterly Activity Guide at some point, but at this time, given the need to remain flexible in response to ever changing health guidance and the limited programs this fall session, the Department will continue to use online communication tools as the primary vehicle for disseminating the most up to date information about recreation programs. Staff hopes that the postcard mailer will improve the Department’s outreach Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 5 efforts to include community members who previously may not have been attuned to the Department’s online presence, or who relied on the printed Activity Guide for information about City programs. When feasible, the Department remains committed to a printed Activity Guide to connect and engage residents in a format that online materials cannot, provides accessible materials for all residents despite socio-economic status, age and digital literacy. In addition, research has shown a general decrease in participation in activities when agencies do not produce Activity Guides. For now, the Department has published a digital Activity Guide that is available online and shared in Attachment 2. Cultural Arts • Open o Virtual “Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead” art show NEW o Virtual resources for artists on the Cultural Arts webpage o Art presence on the Virtual Recreation and Resource Center webpage • Postponed o In-person art shows The Cultural Arts Commission addressed several new goals at their August 20, 2020 regular meeting. The Future Art Plan subcommittee members developed a survey to get a better understanding of the community’s interests, trends, and objectives for South San Francisco arts programs. The Commission also approved the presentation of a Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead virtual art gallery exhibit in lieu of the in-person program that was originally scheduled. Since it will be virtual, the exhibit will be extended for a longer period, from late October through November. More details about these initiatives will be released later this month. Rentals • Open o Tennis courts by reservation o Facility use for essential services and city meetings, as needed o Sports field permits to co-sponsored groups • Postponed o Facility rentals o Picnic rentals • Pending o Permit process for outdoor activities Tennis Court Reservations The tennis court reservation program continues at Orange Park although reservations have been cancelled on days severely impacted by poor air quality from the California fires. While reservations were cancelled, the courts remained open to the public, but were not monitored by staff. There have been 421 permits issued at Orange Park for tennis court rentals since the process began on June 15, 2020. The Department will continue to offer the tennis court reservation program during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. until the end of October as staff will also assist with outdoor classes at Orange Park. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 6 Essential Services and City Meetings While San Mateo County’s Blueprint status still restricts most indoor activities, the Department has continued to open its facilities for essential services and city meetings. Most recently, the City partnered with Red Cross to host four blood drives in 2020 in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Services Building (MSB). The Department has worked with the Red Cross in finding dates, finalizing setups, staffing the event, and doing cleanup. The first two blood drives, which collected 76 total units of blood, were at capacity with all 50 appointments booked well in advance of each date. The City’s final two blood donation opportunities will be on November 12, 2020 and December 2, 2020. Community members who want to donate can sign-up through the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org, and are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible as available spots are already filling up quickly. In addition to the Red Cross blood drive, Sister Cities hosted a blood drive at the MSB Council Chambers on September 10, 2020 in partnership with Vitalant Blood Donation. Aside from blood drives, the only other activity hosted in City facilities included a South San Francisco Fire Department written exam, which took place inside the MSB Social Hall and was hosted by the Human Resources Department. All events that took place indoors were staffed by Recreation part-time staff members to ensure that proper social distancing requirements were maintained, temperature checks were being taken, as well as sanitization of each table, chair, and bathroom was being completed on a regular basis. Sports Field Permits to Co-Sponsored Groups The Department has reviewed and approved proposals from the two co-sponsored baseball leagues to operate baseball camps in accordance with the COVID-19 guidance for youth sports. The permits issued are as follows: South San Francisco Shetland, Pinto, Mustang/Pee Wee Baseball Dates: July 18 - Sept. 13 Locations: Buri Buri, Avalon South San Francisco Youth Baseball Managers Association Dates: July 13 – Oct. 10 Locations: Alta Loma, Callero Senior Services • Open o Information and referral, welfare checks by phone and e-mail o Food/meal deliveries to seniors o Distribution of activity and wellness kits • Postponed o Adult Day Care o Drop-in Recreation programs and amenities (i.e. bingo, mahjong, billiards, wellness room, yoga, etc.) Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 7 Through the several food box programs operated through the Senior Services Program, approximately 6,000 boxes of food have been delivered to over 1,650 residences and/or seniors in the community since mid-March through August 2020. Senior Services currently oversees two food box programs. One program operates in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank for food box delivery. The second program operates in collaboration with Rocko’s Produce Inc. and is made possible through monetary donations from citizens, businesses, and city employees. Donations fund the purchase of fresh produce and food boxes from Rocko’s Produce, which are then delivered to seniors in need. The fund for the Rocko’s food box program received a boost in funding with $6,021 received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and $4,000 from repurposed grant funding received from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Benefit Program. Together, these funds will allow the purchase of 180 food boxes. The Rocko’s program is continuing to accept monetary donations, which will allow the Department to continue offering this much needed service to older adults and seniors in South San Francisco. The Senior Services team has made over 1,700 outbound social welfare and check-in phone calls to the seniors who utilize Magnolia Center as well as to those who have reached out to request calls. Staff continues to reach out to Adult Day Care clients and families each week in an effort to maintain socialization and connection for clients, as well as support for their caregivers, which is very much needed for this population. The team continues to make and distribute activity and informational kits that go out with the food boxes as well as to seniors who request one. Staff is also providing information and referral for all incoming calls to Magnolia Center. Staff remain committed to providing support, assistance, and socialization for older adults and seniors especially during these very isolating and difficult times. Likewise, seniors who receive calls have expressed their appreciation for the service. Finally, the September Senior Connection Newsletter has been published. This newsletter is offered at no cost and is mailed to subscribers. It is also available online at www.ssf.net/seniors. Sports • Open o Online videos o Sports camps for youth NEW o Park to Park Program NEW • Postponed o Middle school sports (postponed until December) o Open gym at Terrabay (basketball, futsal, badminton) o Adult softball and basketball In place of youth sports programs that normally occur during the fall, such as RAPP basketball and middle school flag football and volleyball, the Sports Program is offering various outside sports camps. With limited staff, the Department is offering a 3rd – 5th grade and a Kindergarten – 2nd grade RAPP basketball camp, along with a 5th – 8th grade flag football receiving camp. These camps have been modified to comply with current health regulations. RAPP basketball will be held at Paradise Valley on the blacktop area of Martin School, which has six-foot rims that will make it easier for the children to shoot the basketball. RAPP basketball camps will run twice per week for three weeks at a time. There will be a maximum of ten children per group. The 3rd – 5th grade group will start the week of September 21 and the Kindergarten – 2nd graders will begin the week of October 19. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 8 The Flag Football Camp will be held at Orange Park and will concentrate on receiving drills and passing routes to better prepare participants for the upcoming middle school flag football league. The football camp will also operate twice per week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for three weeks. If all goes well, staff might be able to offer additional camps of the same sport, or if allowed to resume indoor activities, the Department can offer more indoor sports camps such as volleyball and badminton. The middle school league is scheduled to return in December with 6th grade basketball. In addition to camps, the Sports Program has initiated the Park to Park Program, which is designed to safely allow the community to get outdoors and take a break from all things virtual. Park to Park will bring games and sports equipment to various parks, free of cost. This drop-in program will be offered Mondays through Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The complete schedule is available at www.ssf.net/rec. Unfortunately, the first week of the program, which started on September 8, was impacted by poor air quality and the Department had to cancel two of the first three offerings. However, staff have responded to questions about the program from several members of the public who have expressed an interest in participating. Special Events • Open: o Friday, October 23 – Halloween-themed drive-in movie event o November 14 – November 21 – Virtual Thanksgiving Fun Run • Postponed or Cancelled: In-person events through December 31, 2020 As part of the fiscal year 2020-21 budget process, the Department was granted $6,000 to host a drive-in movie event. After reviewing several location options, staff have selected the vacant lot at Spruce Avenue and El Camino Real as the site to hold the October 23, 2020 drive-in movie with a Halloween theme. Staff will be working with Starry Movie Nights to determine the capacity for the selected site with a 20’x 40’screen. Also as part of the fall lineup of events, the Department will be hosting its first virtual Fun Run from November 14 – November 21. Participants will have the week to run or walk their 5k and can do it multiple times if desired. Participants can complete the walk/run on their own schedule, and can take as long as they want (a short walk each day), or they can finish it as quickly as they want in a day. Prizes will be awarded to the top participants in each age group. More details about both events will be coming soon. Innovation Fund Opportunities Given the budget reductions impacting the Department’s fiscal year 2020-2021 budget, it should be noted that many of the activities mentioned in this report are able to take place because of general fund money allocated into what has been called the Innovation Fund. The Department received significant COVID-related budget reductions assuming that minimal operations will take place in July – September, with the hope that the COVID situation would improve and more programs could be restored later in the year. The Innovation Fund has allowed the Department some flexibility in offering modified and new programs to the community. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: September 15, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Response and Modified Operations Update Page: 9 By: Angela Duldulao Recreation Manger Attachments: 1. Postcard Mailer 2. Fall Digital Activity Guide Attachment 1 — Postcard Mailing PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: September 2020 Day Date Event Time Location Tuesday 01 Wednesday 02 Thursday 03 Friday 04 Fall Resident Registration Begins Saturday 05 Sunday 06 Monday 07 Labor Day/Programs Closed Tuesday 08 Wednesday 09 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or Online (TBD) Thursday 10 Friday 11 Saturday 12 IPP Planting Event (postponed) Sunday 13 Monday 14 Fall Session Classes Begin Tuesday 15 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. Zoom Wednesday 16 Thursday 17 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Zoom Friday 18 Saturday 19 Sunday 20 Monday 21 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or Online (TBD) Thursday 24 Friday 25 Saturday 26 Coastal Clean Up Day Remote Sunday 27 Monday 28 Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: October 2020 Day Date Event Time Location TBD CAC Virtual Art Show: Day of the Dead (dates TBD October – November) Online Thursday 01 Friday 02 Saturday 03 Sunday 04 Monday 05 Improving Public Places Committee meeting (tentative) 5:30 p.m. Corp. Yard conference room (TBD) Tuesday 06 Wednesday 07 Thursday 08 Friday 09 CAC Show: Day of the Dead TBD Saturday 10 CAC Show: Day of the Dead TBD Sunday 11 Monday 12 City Holiday/Programs Closed Tuesday 13 Wednesday 14 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or online (TBD) Thursday 15 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. MSB Betty Weber or online (TBD) Friday 16 Saturday 17 Sunday 18 Monday 19 Tuesday 20 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or online (TBD) Wednesday 21 Thursday 22 Friday 23 Halloween-themed Drive-In Movie TBD Vacant lot at Spruce & El Camino Saturday 24 Sunday 25 Monday 26 Tuesday 27 Wednesday 28 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or online (TBD) Thursday 29 Friday 30 Saturday 31 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: November 2020 Day Date Event Time Location Sunday 01 Monday 02 Improving Public Places Committee meeting (tentative) 5:30 p.m. Corp. Yard conference room or Online (TBD) Tuesday 03 Wednesday 04 Thursday 05 Friday 06 Saturday 07 Sunday 08 Monday 09 Tuesday 10 Wednesday 11 Veterans Day/Programs Closed City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or Online (TBD) Thursday 12 Friday 13 Saturday 14 Winter Class Registration Begins Virtual Thanksgiving Fun Run (Nov. 14 – 21) Online Sunday 15 Monday 16 Tuesday 17 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or Online (TBD) Wednesday 18 Thursday 19 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. MSB Betty Weber or Online (TBD) Friday 20 Saturday 21 Sunday 22 Monday 23 Tuesday 24 Wednesday 25 City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. MSB Council Chambers or Online (TBD) Thursday 26 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed Friday 27 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed Saturday 28 Sunday 29 Monday 30 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: August 20, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Information Regarding Plans for the 2020-2021 School Year Childcare Program (Follow up to July 30, 2020 and August 13, 2020 memorandums) Since the memorandums shared with City Council on July 30, 2020 and August 13, 2020 on the topic of a Full Day School-Age Childcare Program, staff has been able to meet with school principals and South San Francisco Unified School District administration to confirm plans to start the school year under the 100% Distance Learning Model. The Full Day Program is confirmed to begin on Monday, August 24 from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at schools in which the Department operates a Childcare Program and using classroom spaces that have historically been assigned for the Department’s sole use. A monthly fee of $672/month has also been established. An early analysis of responses to the registration period conducted by the Childcare team during the week of August 10 indicates that the Department’s initial assumptions for program capacity may be sufficient to serve the current need for childcare under the 100% Distance Learning Model. Registration is still underway as of this report. Staff will report on exact enrollment numbers in a future memorandum. See Attachment 1 for a copy of the letter sent to families who are currently enrolled or waitlisted for the Department’s after school program. The letter was sent to families during the week of August 10 and includes registration information including information about how the Department will prioritize admission to essential employees and will conduct a lottery if the demand exceeds the supply of available spaces. In addition, the letter explains the prioritization of admission when school transitions to a Hybrid Learning Model, and for families who elect not to register for the program this year. It should be noted that many families who are not enrolling their children under the 100% Distance Learning Model have indicated that they would like to enroll their children when school changes to a Hybrid Learning Model. Attachment 1 Full Day School-Age Childcare Program Registration Information Copy of e-mail sent to currently enrolled and waitlisted families for the Before and After School Program or REAL After School Program during the week of Aug. 10, 2020 Dear Families, We hope you are doing well and wanted to provide you with new information on enrollment, policies, and procedures for the 2020-2021 school year in our childcare programs. We hope this information will help so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not you want to have your child participate in our program. As you read on, you will learn that due to limited space and social distancing guidelines, we must implement a priority system that affects enrollment and the waiting list. This letter also outlines health and safety measures that will be in place. Please note that these systems may be subject to change given the unknown, ongoing impact of COVID-19 and changing regulations. We remain committed to serving our after school families and thank you for your support and patience as we develop a new way of caring for your children. Enrollment Options At this time, we are going to prioritize currently enrolled families of essential workers and at-risk students. If we are not able to serve all the students in this priority group, enrollment may have to go to a random draw/lottery. Families who wish to enroll but do not meet the criteria will be waitlisted. If spaces open up during the 2020-2021 school year, we will contact you. Families who are not ready for their child(ren) to return to program upon the reopening, but may want to consider enrollment later in the school year can place their enrollment on hold at this time. You would be placed on the waiting list after the families who want to enroll but space was not available. Re-entry into the program is not guaranteed. Should you choose to withdraw your child from our program this school year, but want to enroll next school year you will be placed on the priority registration list with our 2021-2022 graduating preschoolers. You will not need to participate in the public lottery. The priority list does not guarantee you a space in the program for the 2021-2022 school year. Please note that currently enrolled families who were waitlisted for the 2020-2021 school year (the above two categories) will have priority over you in registering for any open spaces in the 2021-2022 school year. Program is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 24th. Please complete the attached enrollment questionnaire and submit it by Friday, August 14th so that we can process your information. You can: • Fill it out and e-mail it to [email protected] • Call or e-mail to make an appointment to drop it off at 781 Tennis Drive at 875-6900 or e-mail us • If you are unable to print you can e-mail us with the information requested on the form to [email protected] We will contact families the week of August 17th with your enrollment status and follow up with paperwork for those who are enrolled. Enrollment is for full time care. We do not have part time schedules at this time. Monthly tuition is $672 for the 5 day full day program. Program will operate 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday. When school opens for hybrid learning, currently enrolled families will automatically transition to that schedule and you will receive additional information on the hybrid schedule and tuition. Curriculum & Programming We will be assisting children in distance learning and providing them time to go online with their teachers. Each child must bring in their own charged device, charger, and head phones. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen or broken devices. Please note that while we will do our best to assist your child with distance learning, it is still your responsibility to check your child’s work and communicate with their teachers. Use of Masks We are requiring children to wear a mask. Please make sure your put your child’s name on their mask. Please send a new clean mask every day and back up masks with your child. Some children may have trouble wearing a mask all day and for each age and developmental level we will work with those children to increase their mask usage. Children will be able to take off masks when they are outside. The other strategies being implemented (i.e. screening, smaller groups, keeping same children and staff together, providing individual materials, increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, and hand washing) all work together to reduce the risk of exposure. Program Procedure Changes Daily Screening Process • Each day upon arrival all parents, children and staff will be asked questions that are designed to screen for illness. Staff and children will also be required to take their temperature. • Your child will be sent home and not permitted to enter if anyone in your household (child, parents, siblings, etc.) are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or have come in close contact with an individual who is suspected of having COVID-19, or has a confirmed case of COVID-19. • If your child is healthy and screening is completed, a staff member will meet you at the front entrance and escort your child to their room. Parents will not be permitted to enter the classrooms. • As much as possible, have the same adult drop-off and pick-up each day to reduce the number of adults who come in contact with the staff. • Drop off and pick up are not a time to have long conversations with staff. Please call for any conversations that are more than the general greeting. We want to minimize contact as much as possible. • Please make sure you allow for extra time at drop off and pick up in case there is a line and you have to wait. For pick up, please wait for your child by the classroom. Do not wait in your car after signing them out. STEP 1: SYMPTOM CHECK You will need to answer the following questions: • Do you live with anyone or have you had close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days? • Have you had a new onset of any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours, that is not explained by a previously diagnosed (and non-infectious) condition? • Cough • Shortness of breath • Chills • Unexplained muscle pain or fatigue • Sore throat • New loss of taste or smell • Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) • Has your child received any fever reducing medication in the last 24 hours? • Do you or your child(ren) have any other signs of communicable illness such as a cold or flu?* If you answer yes to any of the above questions, your child may not attend program. *Answer yes if the symptom is NEW, DIFFERENT from how your child usually is, or UNEXPLAINED. Here are some examples. Your child has asthma. They often cough with exercise or allergies. They have their usual cough--- NO, this is not new or different. Their cough is worse than usual or sounds different than usual-- YES Your child complains that their muscles hurt all over. A day or two after exercising harder or doing much more physical activity than usual. They are look well except for feeling sore. -NO, this is not new or different They haven’t done any unusual physical activity, and they look ill. - YES Your child has a sore throat. After eating a large bag of Sour Patch Kids. Their tongue hurts too. –NO Your child has a sore throat for no clear reason- YES STEP 2: FEVER CHECK If your child does not have symptoms, a staff person will take your child’s temperature to check for fever. When our staff members take temperatures, a temperature over 99 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. This is because we use a special “no-touch” thermometer that may read slightly lower, especially when used outside. Cleaning & Disinfecting We have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures to help reduce the spread of infectious illness. A staff member is dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting rooms, toys, and equipment while each group is playing outdoors. A focus is placed on high touch areas including door handles, sinks, toilets, and toys. Any toy that is difficult to clean and disinfect has been put away (i.e. plush toys, dress-up clothes, puppets). Anytime a child places a toy in their mouth, coughs or sneezes on a toy, it is taken out of rotation until it can be cleaned and disinfected. Personal Hygiene Staff and children follow a routine of hand washing with soap and water throughout the day. For example, we wash our hands when we arrive at the program, after using the washroom, before and after eating, after playing outdoors, after using a tissue, and any time hands are visibly soiled. Staff schedule hand washing routines into the day and demonstrate how to wash hands and monitor children while they wash their hands. When running water is not available, for example outdoors, children over the age of 2 years can use hand sanitizer. Staff monitor children using hand sanitizer to ensure it is applied properly. Staff will demonstrate for children how to cough and sneeze into the arm or shoulder. Anytime a child uses a tissue they are taught to discard the tissue in a garbage bin, and to wash their hands. As much as possible staff will remind children to avoid touching their face, eyes, nose and mouth. If a Child Becomes Ill While in Program In the event that a child shows any signs or symptoms of illness that cannot be explained, the parent will be called to immediately pick-up their child (you or a designated adult have to pick up within an hour of the phone call). If the parent is not available by phone, we will call the emergency contacts. If the child has siblings attending the program, siblings will also be sent home. If you do not pick up your child within the hour a $6.25 per minute, per child late fee may be charged. Reporting Suspected Cases of COVID-19 & Testing Public Health requires centers to report any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. In the event an individual is suspected of having COVID-19 the Public Health unit will advise the program Supervisor and parent of any requirements for testing, and/or self-isolation. Public Health will do contact tracing to determine who the individual came in close contact with at the center and will determine the requirement for closure of a room or center based on their findings. Parents will be notified of any exposures. Refund Policy The program WILL NOT reduce fees or provide refunds for planned absences, unplanned absences, unforeseen closures, or closures due to COVID-19. The only refunds that will be given will be for any illness where a child has been absent for more than 5 days. After the 5th day with a doctor’s note, we will provide a refund to families. Sick Policy IF YOUR CHILD HAS FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS OR A FEVER Stay home. Your child cannot attend the program that day. Contact your child’s regular doctor or clinic for advice. RETURNING TO CHILDCARE OR CAMP AFTER A FEVER OR SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 If your child is tested, they can return after • A negative COVID-19 test and • 3 days with no fever, without taking medicines to lower a fever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and • 3 days since symptoms have improved. The symptoms do not have to be completely better. You must show proof of your child’s negative test, for example, the test result or a message from your clinic or test site that the test was negative. When your child gets tested, let the clinic or test site know that you will need this. This is usually the fastest way for your child to return to their program. If your child is not tested, they can return after • 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and • 3 days since symptoms improved and • 3 days with no fever, without taking medicines to lower a fever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Exceptions: Doctor’s Note or Clinic Note Sometimes a child’s symptoms are clearly due to another cause, such as strep throat or hand-foot-and mouth disease. This is not common, but in this situation, your provider may choose to give you a note saying that your child can return to their program. This does not mean that your child does not have COVID-19. Many children with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. It only means that a definitive cause has been found for the symptoms that kept your child out of their program. The note may be an e- mail, electronic message or part of an after-visit summary. If you child is ill with non-COVID symptoms they may return after being symptom free without the use of medication for 24-72 hours. Nutrition Children will be provided with an afternoon snack. Please bring in a morning snack and lunch for your child. Parents will be required to provide their child with a bagged lunch. Please ensure all containers are labelled with your child’s name, and that any products that contain or may have come in contact with nuts are not sent. We do not refrigerate or heat up lunch items for the children. We hope this information was helpful and answered many of the questions we have been getting regarding enrollment. Please contact myself at [email protected] or 650-875-6951 or Kimberly Morrison at [email protected] 650-875-6950 for more information. Please turn in your form or provide us the information on it by the August 14th deadline. Stay safe, take care and be kind, Laura Armanino City of South San Francisco Recreation & Community Services Supervisor 650-875-6951 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: August 20, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Orange Pool closure beginning Sunday, August 23 Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, the State of California ordered San Mateo County to cease operations for the following industries or activities unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up: • Gyms and fitness centers • Places of worship and cultural ceremonies, like weddings and funerals • Offices for non-critical infrastructure sectors • Personal care services, like nail salons and body waxing • Hair salons and barbershops • Shopping malls This order is a result of San Mateo County being placed on the State’s monitoring list due to an increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases in the County. Upon learning of the State’s August 1, 2020 order forcing the closure of gyms and fitness centers, staff consulted with San Mateo County in order to determine whether or not the State’s order also applied to indoor pools, including Orange Pool. This question was raised by staff who pointed out that Orange Pool was opened under the County’s June 1, 2020 public health order, Appendix C-2 for Allowed Additional Activities specific to swimming pools, and opened before gyms and fitness centers were allowed to open. The County was unable to offer a definitive response and posed Orange Pool’s situation to the California Department of Public Health for review. At that time, and given the unclear guidance on how the new order affected Orange Pool, the County further advised that it would be the City’s decision whether or not to keep Orange Pool open. Given the extensive safety modifications and limited entry at Orange Pool, and with the support of pool staff, the Department elected to keep Orange Pool open until further notice by the State or County. On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 19, 2020, staff was contacted by San Mateo County with additional information on the State’s revised guidance for swimming pools. The State has ordered that indoor pools are to be closed. Given this guidance, the Department will close Orange Pool beginning on Sunday, August 23, 2020, and will reopen when permissible by the State and County. More information is available at https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/. Bi-Weekly Update August 20, 2020 Page 2 of 2 Below is the text from the State Stay Home Q & A: Are swimming pools open? Outdoor swimming pools are allowed to open in all counties in California. Outdoor pools must close slides, rides, or other attractions. Indoor swimming pools are closed in counties on the Monitoring List. Water parks, both indoor and outdoor, remain closed throughout the state. Saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, whether indoor or outdoor, remain closed throughout the state. When out of the water, masks or face coverings should be worn. Physical distancing should be practiced at all times. Group gatherings are not allowed. Bring your own towel, and don’t share items that are worn on the face (like goggles, nose clips, or snorkels). Pool operators should follow heightened cleaning and safety guidance in response to COVID-19. See sector guidance for gyms and fitness centers and campgrounds and outdoor recreation. CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: August 27, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update Parks and Recreation Commission Update Regarding Fee Increases At the August 18 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, staff presented proposed fee increases for Commissioner feedback. The fee increases, which have been previously shared with the City Council, largely included a 3% increase for user fees. Historically, the Department has implemented fee increases between 2% to 5% every other year, tied to cost of living increases and/or negotiated salary increases. In general, the Commission recommended that there should be no fee increases at this time, and should any fee increases be assessed, programs for children and seniors should be excluded. The Commission presented the following motions: • Commissioner Uy motioned for no fee increases • Commissioner Firpo amended the motion for no fee increases specifically for childcare and seniors programs but proposed increases for elective services o Commissioner DeNardi seconded the motion o The motion did not carry:  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho • Commissioner Firpo motioned for no fee increases for Childcare, Senior Services, and other programs for youth o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The motion carried:  Ayes: Uy, Firpo, DeNardi, Aires, Camacho  Nays: Lock • Commissioner Firpo motioned to accept fee increases for rentals o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The motion did not carry  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho A summary of the draft meeting minutes for this item is attached to this report. Bi-Weekly Update August 27, 2020 Page 2 of 3 Parks Update Westborough Park Improvements Parks Division staff recently spread fresh wood chips generated by the Division’s tree crew at Westborough Park. As a result of staffing reductions caused by the initial COVID-19 response, many of the planter areas in parks became noticeably weedy. While staff have performed weed abatement at these sites, some low stalks remained and were unsightly. Adding recycled tree mulch to these planters helps break down that plant material, retain nutrients in the soil, and make the areas much more aesthetically pleasing. Westborough Park saw exceptional weed growth due to the area’s moist climate and was prioritized to be mulched to give users a fresh feel when they arrived at the park. Other sites in both parks and medians will also be receiving tree mulch as it becomes available. Spreading mulch is an integrated pest management (IPM) best practice that the Division follows strictly for the reasons listed above, but also because it suppresses weeds for the future. This reduces staff labor the following year and reduces fire danger in our open space areas. Buri Buri School Ballfield Parks Division staff and league stakeholders recently participated in a final site walk at the newly installed ballfield at Buri Buri Elementary School. The purpose of this site walk was to identify any issues that may have not been addressed during the contract maintenance period, prior to SSFUSD and the City accepting maintenance responsibilities. The Parks Division has been responsible for gopher abatement since construction was completed and has been able to keep them from entering the field. During the walk, a few issues were brought up, including pitching mound and home plate issues, which will be addressed by the contractors. Pending these repairs being completed, the City will begin maintenance on the week of September 14. Fire Season Preparedness California’s fire season has started off rapidly this year and the Parks Division is working hard to keep staff and residents safe. When the AQI (Air Quality Index) reaches 151 or greater, all staff are notified and provided with N-95 masks for voluntary use. OSHA guidelines require that masks be made available, or employees should be reassigned to work indoors. Unfortunately, Parks staff do not always have the luxury to work indoors, but when the AQI meets or exceeds 151, staff are reassigned to duties that are less strenuous and safer to work in under such circumstances. These tasks include trash pick-up, bathroom detailing, or tool maintenance, among others. These duties help keep our staff indoors and safer while still providing them the proper PPE. The Parks Division has also completed weed abatement citywide, well in advance of peak fire season. However, this does not mean that staff are not staying vigilant in the city owned areas that are on the regular weed abatement schedule. The Division prioritizes fuel load areas with close proximity to homes and businesses. Additionally, ladder fuel reduction has been performed on Sign Hill in 2019 and 2020, creating fire breaks along Rocca Ave as well as reducing fuel load along the Ridge Trail. Throughout the fire season, staff will continue to monitor these areas and address concerns as they arise. Bi-Weekly Update August 27, 2020 Page 3 of 3 Building Maintenance Update Miller Parking Garage Elevator Update On Sunday July 12, Building Maintenance staff received a call from South San Francisco Fire Department reporting a passenger was trapped in one of the elevator cabs at the Miller Parking Garage. Building Maintenance staff immediately contacted an elevator service provider to send out a service technician. The Fire Department was forced to manually open the elevator doors and extract the passenger. The passenger was not harmed during the incident. There was damage to the elevator during the extraction that caused the elevator to be removed from service. Last week, the elevator service provider was able to source the parts and make the repairs. The elevator cab is now back in service. LED Lighting Project Update Building Maintenance staff completed an LED lighting retrofit project at the Corporation Yard. All the lights in the office space and common areas were converted to LED. Staff is now working on the lights in the Fire Administration building. The LED lamps were purchased and staff will be assigned to replace the old florescent lights. Two offices have already been completed and staff will continue working in the offices and common areas on the first floor, when resources are available. Attachment 1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Notes Regarding 2020-21 Proposed Fee Modifications August 18, 2020 Deputy Mediati reported on the proposed Master Fee Schedule for fiscal year 2020-2021, pending City Council acceptance. Matrix Consulting Group was hired by the City to perform a comprehensive user fee analysis with the goal of identifying the actual cost of providing fee-related City services and understanding recovery levels for each fee. In order to determine the full cost of each user fee, extensive data was collected utilizing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Budget as well as staff time estimates and service volume data, ensuring that fee calculations followed federal, state, and local guidelines and establishing fees that reasonably recover the City’s cost to provide each service. Deputy Mediati further reviewed Propositions 218, 26, and Article XIII C of the California Constitution explaining the restrictions on local government’s ability to levy charges, including a limitation on most user fees, prohibiting them from exceeding the reasonable cost of the service for which they are collected. Most fees charged by the Parks and Recreation Department are exempt from these regulations, giving the Department some flexibility to set fees at market rate. These fees, such as those for recreation classes and childcare programs, are not listed because the fees are usually included in seasonal activity guides to reflect the specific price and offerings for each season. Most of the Department’s fees remaining on the Master Fee Schedule are related to facility and picnic rentals, which have been included to show a cost of service analysis. Historically, the Department has implemented fee increases between 2% to 5% every other year, tied to cost of living increases and/or negotiated salary increases. The past 3 fiscal year increases implemented were: • FY 2017-18 5% Increase • FY 2018-19 3% Increase • FY 2019-20 3.5% Increase In the current FY 2020-21, a 3% increase across the board is being proposed over last year’s fees in alignment with the 3% increase made to most fees citywide based on the rise of labor costs and parallels the average percentage increase in employee compensation. Commissioner Uy inquired about the numbers of non-residents that participate in programs. Deputy Mediati explained that it varies based on program and Manager Duldulao clarified that Classes and Aquatics programs opened up to residents prior to non- residents, often filling up with residents before non-residents have an opportunity. Assistant City Manager (ACM) Ranals further explained that non-residents often fill up classes that may have been cancelled due to low participation from residents. Charging different rates for residents and non-residents would have minimal revenue impact, and could lead to administrative issues of customers using false addresses. Page 2 of 4 Commissioner Firpo shared that he was unaware of the extent that the City subsidizes the programs. Deputy Mediati clarified that the subsidy shown in the report reflected both indirect and direct costs. Indirect costs include electricity in the building, Human Resource Director costs, and fiscal line items that do not directly lead to the delivery of the programs and services. Commissioner Firpo inquired about the open gym fees being the same for both residents and non-residents. Manager Duldulao explained that these are drop in programs and verifying residency at a gymnasium is challenging. She further explained that the Aquatics Program was testing selling punch cards / membership passes online using CivicRec allowing for the distinction between residents and non-residents. Commissioner Lock commented that fee increases have been assessed each year for the past three years. Commissioner Lock also stated that minimum wage was only recently increased for the first time in many years and now with the hard economic times many people are living off of minimum wage and six consecutive years of fee increases when they have had not had any increases sends the wrong message. He suggested that the City should go to developers to collect additional fees. Commissioner Lock expressed that the City needs to open our hearts and embrace the people of South San Francisco during these hard times. Chair Camacho expressed her shared sentiments and stated that while 3% may seem a small amount, it may make a difference in a family’s monthly expenses and abilities to pay for necessities like food. The principle of asking people to pay more given the circumstances of recent hardships that many have expressed, especially in charging more for childcare that is mostly serving essential workers, feels like we’re penalizing essential workers that have a real necessity for childcare in order to continue working without leaving their children home alone. She further clarified that the desire to keep fees affordable is not an indicator of the great quality of service provided is and worth every dollar charged. Instead of viewing Parks and Recreation’s programs as a revenue generator, they should be viewed as essential services needed by our community. Parks and Recreation needs to be recognized as providing essential community services that are needed by our residents. Commissioner DeNardi shared her agreement with Commissioner Lock and Chair Camacho, expressing that it is a difficult time for a lot of people. She also recognizes that the City is not receiving rental fees and other revenues and therefore recommends that the increases are postponed. ACM Ranals confirmed that the unemployment rate in South San Francisco is about 14.5%, which is higher than the average than San Mateo County, and doesn’t reflect the total portion of the population impacted which may be as high as 20%. But, that leaves up to 80% which may not be impacted, such as City workers or other categories. Staff doesn’t disagree that no increase would be ideal, but that with the scholarship money from the Cares Act being made available to families in need should offset any hardships that families are facing. The Department will not turn any families away for non-discretionary services with application of those funds. Page 3 of 4 Chair Camacho agreed that scholarships would be helpful for families who were very low income, but expressed concern for families that would not fall into the category of qualifying for scholarships because they are still working, but are now working reduced hours and receiving reduced wages. She inquired what the proposed increase amounts would be for childcare. Supervisor Armanino shared that it’s about $21/month. Chair Camacho share that over 10 months that is $210 increase even though they are bringing home less wages for one child, and more for families with multiple children. She further pointed out that most of the Martin and Los Cerritos families, who are in our REAL programs, didn’t respond to the childcare services surveys. This indicates we are not reaching some of our city’s families who may need Parks and Recreation and city services the most. She recognizes that the City needs to generate revenues to offset the losses in sales and hotel tax revenues, but childcare services may not be an appropriate vehicle for generating that revenue. She asked if there were certain categories of fees that the rest of the Commission felt comfortable increasing while recommending that childcare fees be excluded from the increase. Commissioner Uy responded that he felt uncomfortable raising any fees at this time and requests that the Commission recommends that no fee increases are adopted as Parks and Recreation provides a community service. Chair Camacho noted she is exceptionally grateful that City Council has shown its support of the Parks and Recreation Department during COVID-19, supporting staff and keeping the department’s part timers on payroll through the end of June, which was very generous. However, keeping city staff employed during a pandemic, and charging raised Parks and Recreation fees that negatively impacts residents during that pandemic, are two separate issues. Community members have reached out to Commissioners to express their need for childcare, desire for programs, and financial hardships during recent months. The Commission appreciates City Council’s support of programs and recognizes the City’s need to generate revenues. The sentiment shared by the Commission is the timing of the proposed increases is not supported due to current circumstances. Feedback from the community right now reflects that any fee increase in Parks and Recreation would not be well received. Commissioner Firpo concurred with the optics that fee increases for childcare programs would not be received well. Rentals are elective and the full increase recommended would seem reasonable. Classes should maybe be considered for a smaller increase. Chair Camacho shared she could support increases on elective items like rentals if that is the direction the other Commissioners would like to go. Commissioner Uy expressed his concerns for equity on the elective items. If fees are increased, then only wealthier families can afford to host parties or picnics, and only children of wealthier families can afford to take piano lessons. Fee increases will impact the families that need the services the most. Parks and Recreation is the arm of the City that helps build equity within the community. Chair Camacho agreed that was a good point, and that recent public comments during Council meetings from residents has supported the idea that Parks and Recreation programs and services should be used as a means to help Page 4 of 4 increase equity within our city. The revenue gains of any Parks and Rec fee increases would be minimal since the programs and services are so limited during COVID-19 times. Fee increases would primarily hurt essential workers who are in need of childcare right now, since that is the main Parks and Recreation service available right now. She believes the optics of raising Parks and Recreation fees right now would not be good optics for the city, and would be seen as the city not supporting its residents. Chair Camacho inquired about extending the grant funded half-day REAL program into a full-day program with the CARES act money. Supervisor Armanino advised that the program will be full-day, that half-day was covered by the REAL Program grant, and that there would be scholarships available for the other half of the day if needed. Staff continues to determine how CARES monies will be prioritized. She explained that outreach to the families is ongoing to ensure that families know that there is scholarship money available for those in need, and that cost of childcare should not be what prevents them from signing up so that everyone with a need will be included. ACM Ranals summarized that the Commission recommended: • No fee increases at this time • If there would be increases, that childcare and senior programs would be excluded. The Commission presented the following Motions: • Commissioner Uy motioned for no fee increases • Commissioner Firpo amended the Motion for no fee increases for childcare and seniors but proposed increases for elective services o Commissioner DeNardi seconded the Motion o The Motion did not carry:  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho • Commissioner Firpo motioned for no fee increases for childcare, senior services, and classes / programs for youth o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The Motion carried:  Ayes: Uy, Firpo, DeNardi, Aires, Camacho  Nays: Lock (who explained he was in favor of no fee increases for all Parks and Recreation programs and services) • Commissioner Firpo motioned for fee increases for rentals o Commissioner DeNardi seconded o The Motion did not carry  Ayes: Firpo, DeNardi  Nays: Uy, Lock, Aires, Camacho CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: September 3, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update Childcare Update Full Day Childcare Program Opened Aug. 24 The Parks and Recreation Department’s new Full Day Childcare Program had a successful start on Monday, August 24, beginning a week after the official first day of school on Monday, August 17. The Full Day Program operates from 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and serves elementary school-aged children. This new program extends the after school program traditionally offered by the Department to include morning childcare services while students attend school virtually. More information about the school schedule for each grade level is available on the school district’s website. Children who were already enrolled in the after school program and whose parents identified as essential workers were given first priority to enroll in the Full Day Program. All of the children in this group are currently being served. Registration is still in progress. Staff will share more information about total enrollment in a future memo. The morning portion of the Full Day Program is dedicated to assisting children with their distance learning, while the afternoon portion is an extended learning component with recreation-based activities that support the educational standards of each grade. Staff have been successful in getting all of the children on their laptops, connected to Wi-Fi, and logged into their Zoom accounts to participate in distance learning. The challenges staff have faced so far have been manageable and have included issues such as parents not providing the login information and passwords for their children, children not bringing in charged devices or head phones, and internet connectivity. Monte Verde Elementary School is one location in particular where the City’s IT Department is working with the school district to try to improve internet connectivity. In the meantime, children are able to connect to their classrooms via hotspots provided by the school district. Parents, children, and staff are happy to be back in program. Preschool Update Given that preschool has been operating successfully throughout the summer, preschool continued without Bi-Weekly Update September 3, 2020 Page 2 of 5 interruption after the official end of the Childcare Summer Program on August 7, 2020. On average, preschool served 50 participants per week over the summer. This number is expected to remain steady through the fall. Vacant slots left by preschoolers who are graduating to kindergarten will be filled by families who elected to remove their children from preschool over the summer, but wanted to return in the fall. A waiting list remains in place. Fall 2020 Recreation Program Schedule 10-week Fall Class Session For the first time since the winter session of recreation classes, the Department will produce and implement a modified fall session of classes and programs. The spring session 2020 was supposed to start in mid-March, but was interrupted by the shelter in place order due to COVID-19. Given that operational restrictions remain in place due to COVID-19, the Department is producing a 10-week session that will include virtual programs as well as in-person, outdoor classes at Orange Memorial Park and the Terrabay Recreation Center. Since March, the Department has produced a number of free virtual classes (exercise, dance, and art for example) which have given instructors, supervisors, staff, and participants a chance to understand the intricacies of how to produce and participate in classes online. The experiences were not without some challenges, but staff and participants have been able to learn from these experiences to improve the virtual program experience. This will be the first time the Department will be offering in-person classes since the pandemic began. Public health guidelines permit outdoor recreation classes with certain provisions such as requirements to maintain social distancing, requiring mask use when less than six feet apart or not engaging in physical fitness activities, adding staff to enforce policies, etc. This will also be the first time a fee will be applied to virtual classes. Free virtual classes were offered in July and August thanks to donations from the Friends of Parks and Recreation and Kaiser Permanente Northern California Benefit Program. In a survey to virtual class participants that asked if participants would be willing to pay for their virtual class, a majority of respondents indicated that they would be willing to pay a fee that was slightly less than the regular fee. The Department has also received guidance from the Parks and Recreation Commission that 50% off the regular fee seemed to be a reasonable threshold to establishing virtual class fees. Given this feedback, virtual classes will be offered at 50% of the regular class fee. This is a pilot program, so the fee and format of class offerings may change based on participant feedback. Some of the classes that will be produced virtually include: ballet, hula, belly dancing, kids’ yoga, pre- kindergarten classes, knitting, art, and clarinet lessons to name a few. Some of the outdoor classes include: karate, kenpo-eskrima martial arts, Mexican folklorico dancing, private tennis, and various exercise classes. Resident registration will begin Friday, September 4 at 6:00 a.m. and nonresident registration will begin Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 am. Postcard Mailer In lieu of an Activity Guide mailing, the Department will be sending a postcard (see Attachment 1) to South San Francisco households during the week of August 31 to highlight the Department’s website link which will provide more detailed information about the fall schedule and other upcoming programs and services. The Department intends to resume the publication of a quarterly Activity Guide at some point, but at this time, given the need to remain flexible in response to ever changing health guidance and the limited programs this fall session, the Department will continue to use online communication tools as the primary vehicle for disseminating the most up to date information about recreation programs. Staff hopes that the postcard mailer will improve the Department’s outreach efforts to include community members who previously may not have been attuned to the Bi-Weekly Update September 3, 2020 Page 3 of 5 Department’s online presence, or who relied on the printed Activity Guide for information about City programs. When feasible, the Department remains committed to a printed Activity Guide to connect and engage residents in a format that online materials cannot, provides accessible materials for all residents despite socio-economic status, age and digital literacy. In addition, research has shown a general decrease in participation in activities when agencies do not produce Activity Guides. Participants Respond to Orange Pool Closure In the August 20 memo to City Council, the Department shared news of the state’s clarification of the public health orders requiring that all indoor pools in counties on the state’s monitoring list be closed. As such, the Department closed Orange Pool effective Sunday, August 23, 2020. While in operation from June 29 - August 22, Orange Pool served a total of 2,365 individuals for 45-minute lap swim reservations. After announcing the pool’s closure, staff received roughly 40 emails from very appreciative patrons that emphasized how safe they felt while swimming at the facility, and giving praise to the pool’s social distancing protocols and proper disinfection. The emails also mentioned the dedication and friendliness of the Aquatics staff. The following are excerpts from several of the appreciative e-mails received by Brian Noce, Acting Aquatics Supervisor: “Dear Brian: I am so sorry that the pool is closing. I hope that this does not cause any hardship for you or your family. I am devastated, because it was a real lifeline during this dark period. I'm 68 years old, I live alone and feel at times very isolated. Being able to swim has helped me thru some tough times.” “Ahhhh BUMMER!!!!! But I'm thankful the pool was able to open at all and stay open longer than facilities around. As I've said before, the Orange Pool staff are awesome and the processes you had in place for safe distancing and cleaning made for a safe and comfortable swim....plus everyone is super friendly.” “Oh no! You guys were doing an absolutely fantastic job! The social distancing you put in place at the pool was amazing. I felt completely safe. I hope you can reopen soon. Please keep me posted.” “Thank you so much for the hard work of you and your team during this difficult time. I just want to let you and your team know OPENING THE POOL at this time has meant a lot to the community in order to upkeep our physical and mental health. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your team healthy and stay safe. I hope to see you all the friendly faces again soon. You guys did a GREAT job!! Greatly appreciated!!” “Such a bummer! You have done such a great job and have followed every protocol. I really felt safe swimming at Orange.” “Sorry this had to happen, I appreciate the way things are run at Orange Pool. The staff is friendly and professional, and it's been going very smoothly since day 1 of opening. I will be back as soon as you send out our return to pool email!!! Of course any status updates are always welcome. Again, thank you.” “Thank you for you and your team’s good work. I feel grateful to be able to swim at your facility Bi-Weekly Update September 3, 2020 Page 4 of 5 in the past weeks. Most importantly, I feel very safe as the procedures you implemented at the pool are super effective and helpful. Thank you and your team again for the good work. I look forward to returning soon.” “Thank you ALL so much for staying open for us for so long - and so SAFELY. Cannot tell you how much it's appreciated - way more than a short email can express. I am grateful for all your team has done to make this work for so long. And am looking forward to a re-opening in the near future! We (County-wide) HAVE to get our numbers down!” Junior Giants End of Season Report After each Junior Giants season, an end of year report is completed by the Junior Giants AmeriCorps Ambassador assigned to South San Francisco. This 62-page report breaks down the demographics, recruitment, and an overall evaluation of the program each summer. The report is also a resource for future ambassadors to view what worked and areas to improve the following year. Since this year was Junior Giants’ first season running a virtual program, there were many new strategies to experiment with and lessons learned. After the last session, Sports Coordinator Bill Stridbeck and Junior Giants representatives sponsored a drive-by trophy distribution for participants at Terrabay Gymnasium after the last session. Overall, families were pleased with the program, but still preferred an in-person program compared to a virtual season. The following chart is an excerpt from the end of year report showing the demographics of participants: Bi-Weekly Update September 3, 2020 Page 5 of 5 Second Harvest Food Bank at Orange Park through September Upon the request of Second Harvest Food Bank, the Department has extended the City’s partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank to continue to host a distribution location at Orange Park every Tuesday through the end of September. This partnership began on June 23, 2020. The distribution site is strictly for the distribution of food for delivery and is not for distribution to individuals. The added dates will make 11 total distribution dates that take place at the Old Corp Yard from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Rec U Training: “Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion” Recreation Supervisors Kelli Jo Cullinan, Erin O’Brien, and Devin Stenhouse participated in the “Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” training offered through California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) on Wednesday, August 12. The four-hour training was limited to about 25 attendees made up of Parks and Recreation professionals from both Northern and Southern California. The controlled number of attendees allowed participants to interact and partake in meaningful discussions with their peers on the topics of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, or what the presenters referred to as “JEDI.” Participants were pushed to look beyond the concept of cultural competence and strive towards practicing cultural humility. Through the years, the notion of cultural competence has morphed into just a box that is checked, whereas cultural humility challenges individuals and organizations to move beyond. Cultural humility as it relates to the Parks and Recreation profession recognizes cultural differences, seeks input from diverse groups, and implements changes to improve services based on each community’s cultural needs. The training was well organized as several, predetermined large and small group conversations were encouraged and facilitated. In addition, helpful tips, resources, networking opportunities and the workshop power point were distributed throughout the workshop. Although this training just scratches the surface regarding the subject of JEDI in the workplace, it was extremely useful and highly recommended. Senior Connections Fall 2020 Issue See Attachment 2 for the Fall 2020 issue of the Senior Connections newsletter, officially released as of September 1, 2020. A paper copy of the newsletter is mailed to a list of subscribers, as well as posted online at www.ssf.net/seniors and shared on social media. Attachment 1 — Postcard Mailing Senior  Zoom with us…..6 2020 Fall Magnolia Center Connections  Food and Meal Services ……….........3  Puzzles and games…….….……......11 Special Edition https://www.ssf.net/seniors Memories from Magnolia Center We hope to see you soon! 2 The Parks and Recreation Department misses you, but staff have been working hard to bring you a variety of classes and programs this Fall. From audio tours, virtual classes, and even outdoor in-person instruction: we think there is an exciting experience for everyone to enjoy. For a complete list of offerings visit or website at: www.ssf.net/rec or call the Parks & Recreation office for assistance: 650-829-3800. RESIDENT REGISTRATION OPENS: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 6:00 AM. Stay safe and healthy. We hope to see you soon. Did you know that the Parks and Recreation Department has created an online Virtual Recreation and Resource Center? During these challenging times, the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department is still committed to providing fun, educa- tional, and recreational resources for community members of all ages. You can access the webpage from your smartphones or computers at https://www.ssf.net/virtualrec. Take a virtual tour through a museum, learn a foreign language, join SSF instructors for an online class, and so much more! Stafh are continuously updating the site, so be sure to check back often. SSF Parks and Rec is online ! 3 Special Edition Food & Meal Services City of South San Francisco: City of South San Francisco Magnolia Senior Center Food Box Program: Due to generous donations from the SSF City Team and SSF citizens, we have set up a Food Box program for seniors, over 60 years old and living in SSF, to receive a healthy and delicious food box from a local produce company, Rocko’s Produce. If you need a food box, please call Kelli Jo Cullinan, Senior Services Supervisor, at 650-829-3822. Thank you to the SSF Team and our community for helping to serve our seniors during these challenging times. Stay healthy and take care. Second Harvest Food Bank 1-800-984-3663 https://www.shbf.org/ YMCA Community Resource Center 1-650-276-4101 https://www.ymcasf.org/community-resource-center-ymca Meals on Wheels 1-650-323-2022 https://www.penvol.org/mealsonwheels/ St Vincent De Paul provides meal assistance to the elderly. 344 Grand Ave. (650) 589-9039 Chajinel Foundation provides nutritious food to homebound older adults in South San Francisco. Call 650-741-6107 or e-mail [email protected]. https://www.chajinel.com/ General Food Assistance for San Mateo County: Second Harvest Food Bank: If you are not a senior citizen, but you are experiencing food insecurity in your household, you can call the Food Connection Line at Second Harvest Food Bank at (800) 984-3663 or text "FOOD" to 1-408-455-5181 or email [email protected]. Jewish Family and Children's Services- The Food Bank and the grocery shopping assistance is open to all. Food can be delivered throughout San Mateo County, except the Coast, for those 60 years and over. Shopping to be paid for by client with cash, credit card or check. Food bank is limited to items in their bank and is free. JFCS can be reached at 650-931-1860 or email them at [email protected]. Grocery Stores and More that Have Hours for Older Adults City of South San Francisco larger grocery stores: https://www.ssf.net/home/showdocument?id=19154 Bay Area stores that have “Senior Hours”: https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/grocery-store-senior-hour/ San Mateo Great Plates Delivered Program California’s Governor Newsom started a home delivered meals program for people who are needing to stay at home due to Covid-19. If eligible, you can receive free home delivered meals from restaurants in your neighborhood. Please call the Aging and Adult Services Hotline at 1-800-675-8437 for eligibility information and to apply for SMC Great Plates Delivered Program. Support Services & Information Special Edition Due to the current COVID-19 Shelter in Place Order, many community organizations have made changes to their services, hours and staffing. These resources are current as of the time of this newsletter being updated. Please call ahead or visit a program's website for more information. Updated 8/17/2020  Benefits: Social Security National: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) https://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/ Field Office Locator https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp  Caregivers Resources for Those Caring for Older Adults, Adults with Disabilities Impacted by COVID-19 Institute on Aging Services: 415-750-4111 https://www.ioaging.org/services San Mateo County In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Eligi- bility and Application Aging and Adult Services Hotline 1- 800-675-8437 https://www.smchealth.org/home-supportive-services  Caregiving San Mateo County Public Authority for In-Home Sup- portive Services (IHSS): 650-372-6507 https://www.smchealth.org/public-authority Family Caregiver Alliance: 800-445-8106 toll-free 415-434-3388 local https://www.caregiver.org/ Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 https://www.alz.org/  COVID-19 Information- San Mateo County San Mateo County services and information on COVID-19 https://www.smcgov.org/ San Mateo County Health COVID-19 Call Center: Available 24/7 For information and referral for health and human services or for non-medical questions about COVID-19, contact 211 at: 2-1-1- (or 1-800-273-6222) or text your zip code to: 898211. https:// www.smchealth.org/coronavirus Social Distancing Video (Available in English, Chinese and Span- ish) https://www.smchealth.org/pod/video-social-distancing San Mateo County services and information on COVID-19 https://www.smcgov.org/ Questions about Social Distancing https://www.smchealth.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/ smc_health_-_social_distancing_040320_final_0.pdf  Connect with Others: Friendship Line The Friendship line provides counseling and support to older adults and adults living with disabilities in both crisis and non-urgent situations. 1-800–971–0016 www.ioaging.org/services/friendship-line Peninsula Family Service Senior Peer Counseling (650) 403-4300 ext.4322 https://www.peninsulafamilyservice.org/our-programs/ older-adult-services/seniorpeercounseling/ Well Connected: a community made up of participants, stafh, facilitators, presenters, and other volunteers who care about each other and who value being connected. All groups are accessible by phone from wherever you are at no cost to you. To register, call (877) 797-7299, or [email protected] https://covia.org/services/well-connected/  Employment/Unemployment Resources Employee Rights: Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/ FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf Employment Opportunities: San Mateo County Public Authority for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) 650 372-8507 https://www.smchealth.org/contact/become-caregiver Peninsula Family Service Financial Empowerment https:// www.peninsulafamilyservice.org/our-programs/financial- empowerment/ State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm 4  Connect with Others (continued): Peninsula Health Care District-Older Adult Resource Line All those 60+ in San Mateo County can stay connected to resources and services during this time of “sheltering in place”. An experienced professional support team will be able to connect you to a wide range of community resources including food services. The Adult Resource Line is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please call 650-780-7542. 5  Housing: HIP HOUSING:HIP provides referrals for Shared Housing Options & Home Equity Conversions Call 650-348-6660. By appointment only. County of San Mateo Department of Housing: https://housing.smcgov.org/ COVID-19 San Mateo County Eviction Regulations: https://housing.smcgov.org/covid-19-smc-eviction- regulations Office of Governor Gavin Newsom 90 Day Grace Period on Mortgage Payments: https://www.gov.ca.gov/  Pet Care Peninsula Humane Society Making a plan for your pet and pet food bank 650-988-5280 https://phs-spca.org/covid19/  Phone Lines Aging and Adult Services Hotline- San Mateo County’s 24- hour information and emergency response line. It helps older adults, people with disabilities, dependent adults, and caregiv- ers access the services they need to keep them safe. The hot- line is stafhed by knowledgeable and experienced social work- ers and public health nurses. (800) 675-8437 https://www.smchealth.org/contact/24-hour-emergency- advice-line Peninsula Family Service 211- Connects Bay Area residents with health & human service programs in their local community: https://www.211bayarea.org/  Prescription Delivery CVS- Must sign up for text alerts or download app to be notified of delivery options: cvs.com/content/delivery https://www.cvs.com/content/delivery NOWRX Free delivery within 5 hours of receiving prescription from South San Francisco to North San Jose. No signature required at delivery with the exception of controlled substances. (650) 386-5761 or www.nowrx.com. Walgreens- Sign up for text alerts and then chose delivery option https://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/walgreens- express.jsp  Scams: Aging and Adult Services Adult Protective Services: https://www.smchealth.org/aging-and-adult-services- protection County of San Mateo District Attorney Illegal Price Gouging During COVID-19 Emergency: https://da.smcgov.org/price-gouging-covid-19 The United States Department of Justice Coronavirus (COVID- 19): https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus  Stress and Coping: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/ managing-stress-anxiety.html Institute on Aging Friendship Line Toll Free: 1-800-971-0016 www.ioaging.org/services/friendship-line Peninsula Health Care District-Older Adult Resource Line All those 60+ in San Mateo County can stay connected to resources and services during this time of “sheltering in place”. An experienced professional support team will be able to connect you to a wide range of community resources including food services. The Adult Resource Line is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please call 1-650-780- 7542. Star Vista Main office: 650-591-9623 https://star-vista.org/ Support Services & Information Special Edition  Financial Support Core Service Agencies https://hsa.smcgov.org/core-service-agencies-emergency-safety -net-assistance 6 Looking for something fun? Why not ZOOM with us? As we are heading into another month of shelter in place, Magnolia center is looking at alternatives to keep everyone in the community connected. In an efhort to adapt to these changing times, Magnolia center is looking to put together an online activity group! We are open to ideas and we’re looking at using Zoom as a way to play games, do group activities, or just staying connected and having fun. If you are interested in joining us and exploring the many options available, please let us know! Contact us at 650-829-3822 or send us an e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] HIP Housing is a non-profit based in San Mateo County that matches homeowners or renters who have extra space or a second unit with people who are looking for a place to rent or have a housing voucher to support their rent. HIP Housing is still here for you! Before COVID-19, HIP Housing’s North County Home Sharing Coordinator offered in- person appointments to apply to our free Home Sharing Program on Tuesdays at the Magnolia Senior Center. Once it is safe to reopen the Center, HIP Housing plans to once again offer in-person meetings. In the meantime, we now offer virtual appointments! HIP Housing now uses Google Hangouts Meet for virtual appointments and HelloSign to accept applications online. Our Home Sharing Coordinators can teach you how to use Hangouts Meet and HelloSign over the phone. Once your application has been processed and if you qualify for the program, we can search for potential housemates. We give you their name, phone number, profile information, and an interviewing guide that includes an Inventory checklist and valuable community resources. After your phone interview with a potential housemate, we suggest that you contact the references of the potential housemate. Some of our clients have also arranged virtual tours for their potential housemate. If you decide to match with one of our clients, we facilitate a virtual meeting for you and your new house- mate to sign a Living Together Agreement that puts your living arrangement and rental terms into writing. After you match, we provide on-going follow-up support. To schedule a virtual appointment or to learn more about the Home Sharing Program, please complete our inquiry form at hiphousing.org/programs/home-sharing-program/ or call Esperanza Jacuinde, North County Home Sharing Coordinator at call (650) 999 6442 and leave a message. Don’t forget to mention the Magnolia Senior Center! Your Spare Room Can Change a Life! 7 Refreshing your Driving skills could reduce your auto insurance costs. When you take the AARP Smart Driver™ online course, you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Plus safer driving can save you more than just money. The course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Additionally, you’ll learn:  Important facts about the efhects of medication on driving.  How to reduce driver distractions.  How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car.  Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes and new technology found in cars today.  Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.  Age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to compensate. To Register, Log On to: https://www.aarpdriversafety.org/ For more information call: 1 800 350 7025 I miss the members and our meetings. I hope everyone stays safe and we look forward to seeing you again! AARP SSF Chapter President’s Message We are accepting 2020 newsletter subscriptions. The cost is FREE for our subscribers. Please fill out this form and mail it back to us at: City of South San Francisco Senior Services 33 Arroyo St. South San Francisco, CA 94080 You can also send us your email address to receive an electronic copy to [email protected] Name ________________________ Telephone ________________________ Address Street ________________________ City ________________________ Zip ________________________ Newsletter Subscription Senior ESL Classes now available online While many organizations have had to close due to the pandemic, we are very grateful that HICAP of San Mateo County has been able to continue providing unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare beneficiaries in our county. HiCap counselors continue to provide over the phone assistance and they have also been giving presentations about Medicare. Clients who are interested in services provided by HiCap can reach them by phone at 650-627-9350 or on their website at: www.selffelpelderly.org HICAP is here to serve the community! ESL classes are continuing with online with instructor Qing Cai until Magnolia Center re-opens. New students are welcome to join the class at any time. Former students can continue to practice their English communication skills. This course is designed to provide a comfortable, efhective and fun environ- ment for all. The only prerequisite is that the students are able to recognize and pronounce the English alphabet. Students will have the opportunity to develop their reading, writing, listening, pronunciation and speaking skills through high interest stories. Students will be required to lead a class discussion, take notes and share with the class. A final evaluation will be given at the end of the semester. Contact Magnolia Center at 650 829 3820. Senior Connections subscription is now free! In an efhort to better serve our community, Senior Connections newsletter is free for anyone who wishes to be on our mailing list! Simply fill out the subscription form on page 8 and mail it to us. We’ll keep you up to date and connected to all the news and events going on for our Senior Community! 8 9 10 Making Ginger Ale at Home! Ginger is an old and versatile spice. Not only can you cook with it, but you can also use it to make a delightful drink at home. Ginger is usually harvested in the fall, so will be lots of fresh ginger this time of the year. Here is a fun project where you can make fresh ginger ale at home. Ingredients List:  1 cup granulated sugar  1/2 cup water  2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger. 1. Peel your ginger and grate it finely. If you do not have a grater, you will have to chop it up fine- ly with a knife. Add 1/2 cup of water to your sauce pan and place this over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and the sugar to the sauce pan. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dis- solved into the water. 2. Turn ofh the heat once the sugar is completely dissolved. Let this solution steep for 1 hour to get the best flavor. 3. Strain the solution through a mesh strainer to remove the solids. If you do not have a mesh strainer, you can use a paper towel, but this will take longer and you have to be careful not to tear the paper towel. 4.You have now made ginger syrup! You can add three or four tablespoons over ice and add seltzer water. You have now created home made ginger ale! Enjoy! 5.You can store the rest of the syrup in a bottle once it has cooled. Ginger Ale is meant to enjoy fresh and should not age. Keep the syrup in the refrigerator to preserve it longer. 6. There is also a way to make alcoholic ginger beer, but please contact us for the super-duper-secret recipe. Responsible seniors only! Recommended Tools List:  Sauce Pan  Mesh Strainer  Funnel  Grater 11 Riddles to ponder…. We know many of you like to solve our weekly riddles at Magnolia Center. Here are some riddles for you to enjoy while the Center remains closed. The answers are at the bottom. A1: They want to lie low. A2:One brick, the last one.A3: A one story house doesn’t have stairs. A4:A fence Q1: Why do outlaws sleep on the ground after robbing a bank? Q2: How many bricks does it take to complete a brick building? Q3: If you live in a one story house made of redwood, what color are the stairs? Q4: What runs around the whole yard without moving? Boggle! G H U T O M S I T B A W A N G F E E C A A L E P H N B O I T T Y 1__SHUT__ 5___________ 2__________ 6___________ 3__________ 7___________ 4__________ 8___________ 9__________ 10__________ 1__________ 5___________ 2__________ 6___________ 3__________ 7___________ 4__________ 8___________ 9__________ 10__________ Boggle is a fun word game where you try to see how many words you can find hidden in the grids. Words can go up and down, left and right, and diagonal. For example on chart one, you can make the word “SHUT” by selecting “S”, “H”, “U” and “T”. How many words can you find in each puzzle? Set 1 Set 2 There are lots of well known expressions in English that we all hear. Every so often, there is a saying that contradicts another saying. Which one should we believe? See if you can match these expressions with their opposites. The answers are at the bottom. 1. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. 2. Two heads are better than one. 3. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. 4. Opposites Attract. A. Too many chefs spoil the broth B. Birds of a feather flock together C. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. D. Empty can rattles the loudest. Opposite Expressions Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B South San Francisco Senior Services P.O. Box 711 South San Francisco, CA 94080 Magnolia Center Senior Services Information Magnolia Center/Adult Day Care/MSB (650) 829-3822 [email protected] Contact Us Magnolia Center pictured above. Websites: https://www.ssf.net/ https://www.ssf.net/seniors https://www.ssf.net/virtualrec Every 10 years, the federal government is required to count all residents in the United States, citizens and noncitizens alike, through a national census. The information is used to make sure everyone is equally represented in our political system and that government resources are allocated fairly. It is also used to make important decisions about community programs and services, like where to build homes and parks, establish public transit routes, build new roads and offer language access services. Get Started! Go to: https://my2020census.gov or call 650-363-1800 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: September 3, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Cultural Arts Commission Recommends Location for Two Donated Sculptures At the August 20, 2020 meeting of the Cultural Arts Commission, the Commission voted in favor of recommendations to install two donated sculptures further described below. See Attachment 1 for photographs of each sculpture. Staff will develop a plan for installing these sculptures pending feedback from City Council. Red arrows () depicted below highlight the approximate sculpture locations. Please submit any comments or questions about the sculptures and/or locations by Thursday, September 17 to Angela Duldulao, Recreation Manager, at (650) 829-3827 or [email protected]. “Untitled” Sphere by Ivan McClean This sphere sculpture was donated in 2015 by artist Ivan McClean and has been in storage at the Corporation Yard since its donation. McClean is the same artist whose sculpture titled Stainless Sphere 84 is currently in the Orange Park Sculpture Garden. Discussions about possibly placing the untitled sphere first came up at the February 2020 Cultural Arts Commission meeting, however, further discussions for placement were put on hold by COVID-19. These discussions were renewed in July 2020 following the Commission’s review of art opportunities in light of budget reductions impacting fiscal year 2020-2021. Recommended Location: Median at Lux Avenue and Maple Avenue Given that this installation site is located within a neighborhood central to several private residences, staff is planning to send a postcard mailing to neighbors within 500’ announcing the upcoming installation of this sculpture and informing the neighbors that public comment will be welcomed at an upcoming Cultural Arts Commission meeting. Bi-Weekly Update September 3, 2020 Page 2 of 2 “Untitled” Giraffe by Unknown Artist This giraffe was donated by Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto in August 2020 and will be presented to City Council at an upcoming meeting for formal acceptance of this donation. The giraffe was purchased from Sun Studios in Half Moon Bay and is imported from Mexico. Recommended Location: Orange Park Sculpture Garden •By Ivan McClean •Donated by artist in 2015 •45” diameter Sphere Photograph:Sphere at current storage location at Corporation Yard •By Unknown Artist •Donated in August 2020 (pending formal acceptance by City Council) •10 ft tall x 4.5 ft long x 2 ft wide •Other sizes -8 ft and 6.5 ft tall •Weight -Light •Material -Sheet metal on a rectangular steel frame Giraffe Photograph:Giraffe at its original location at Sun Studios in Half Moon Bay CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: September 10, 2020 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Bi-Weekly Update Parks Update Grand Avenue The Parks Division has been focusing clean-up efforts on Grand Avenue between Spruce Avenue and Airport Boulevard in an effort to further beautify the street for outdoor dining at local restaurants. This work has included refreshing mulch, installing plants, weeding and trimming. Additionally, Parks staff ground two tree stumps and will be planting new trees in their place at the corner of Grand Avenue and Maple Avenue. The trees that previously occupied this corner had died and the new replacement trees will grow to help diversify the species found on Grand Avenue. Lastly, the Parks Division has been working on purchasing and designing hanging planter baskets that will be located on light poles in front of businesses that are providing outdoor dining. Stonegate Neighborhood Sign A number of years ago a storm damaged a sign located at the corner of Hillside Boulevard and Ridgeview Court. This sign designated the “Stonegate” neighborhood that resides in the adjacent streets. Parks staff recently completed rebuilding and installing the sign with a new look and fresh paint. This sign now informs drivers of the neighborhood, and can be a source of pride for residents that live in the area. Additionally, the wood base that was existing from the previous sign was stained and painted to help preserve the wood into the future. Turf Maintenance As the late summer approaches, the Parks Division is ramping up its efforts to eradicate broadleaf in turf medians, sports fields, and ornamental turf citywide. Timing this work just before the fall and winter season is crucial as the decline in broadleaf weeds combined with winter rains allow for turf to move in and “choke out” weeds that were previously in the turf. Additionally, eradicating broadleaf will make safer athletic fields and provide a more uniform and attractive turf at all sites. Staff have been working with City contractor, Brightview, to perform broadleaf eradication applications in the Common Greens and on Westborough and Callan medians. Having uniform, green fields and medians will greatly increase the aesthetics of our park areas as residents travel about town and utilize our parks for recreation.