HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR Comm meeting minutes - 9.19.23
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
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, September 19, 2023 in the Council Chambers at the
Municipal Service Building.
II. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock and Uy.
Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation
Angela Duldulao, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation
Erin O’Brien, Business Manager
Laura Armanino, Recreation Manager
Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager
Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II
Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Philip Vitale led the Pledge of Allegiance.
IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There are no changes to the agenda.
V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None present.
VI. PRESENTATIONS
1. Staff report regarding Capital Projects Updates
Deputy Director Vitale gives a capital projects update starting with the Centennial
Way Trail improvements. He reports that construction documents were completed
in August. The bid package includes children’s play areas, a nature play area,
outdoor classroom, picnic area, trail expansion, improved lighting, drought tolerant
planting, bike pump track and a skate area with all granite vertical element and
granite paving. There are two bid alternates: alternate one is for concrete paving in
the skate area and alternate two is concrete paving and concrete vertical elements in
the skate park and both shall be accepted as needed to meet the available budget.
The project was released for bidding and to date, more than 50 contractors have
downloaded the bid package. Deputy Director Vitale reports they will be opening
bids next Tuesday, presenting the contract for award to City Council on October 11,
and issuing the notice to proceed with construction later in the fall. Staff anticipate
construction to be complete by summer 2024.
Commissioner Lock asked Deputy Director Vitale if functionality is gained or lost
based on having granite compared to concrete in the skate park. Deputy Director
Vitale responds that in speaking with the skating community, they have a higher
preference for granite because it is better quality, lasts longer, and is smoother.
Commissioner Lock asks if the skating community defined what the quality meant
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Page 2
to which Deputy Director Vitale responded that it helped with a smoother ride and
it was more durable.
Next, Deputy Director Vitale gave an update on Oyster Point IIC improvements. He
shares the base project includes improvements to the parking area, the Bay Trail,
landscape area, site furnishing, and lighting. This project has twelve bid alternates
which will be accepted as needed to meet the project construction budget. Alternates
listed in order they would be accepted include:
a) Art pedestal
b) Erosion control hydroseed mix
c) Bollard lighting
d) Tree Size reduction 24” box container to 15-gallon container
e) Interpretive sign
f) Median planting and median trees
g) Bay Trail planting
h) Fitness equipment
i) Dog park
j) Wind screen
Deputy Director Vitale adds that they are hoping that they can fit everything within
the project budget. He shares that the project was released for construction bidding
in August 2023, bid opening occurred on September 20, and to date more than 25
contractors have downloaded the bid package. Staff are hoping to award the
construction contract in October and proceed with construction this fall with
anticipated completion in spring 2024.
Commissioner Camacho asks for clarification on the bid deducts, particularly the
item related to tree sizes. Deputy Director Vitale explains that the list is in order of
removal if bids come in high, and tree sizes could be made smaller to save costs if
needed.
Deputy Director Vitale next gives an update on Linden Avenue Park project which
will provide improvements to the two parcels at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue in the
Old Town area. Proposals were requested for landscape design and community
engagement and 10 proposals were received. Staff evaluated the proposals and
narrowed it down to four firms who were invited to interviews last week. Deputy
Director Vitale shares that they’ve identified a preferred firm that they would like
to work with and are in the process of checking their references. Staff will take their
contract to City Council next month for approval, then they can begin design and
community outreach in the later part of this year or early next year.
Commissioner Camacho asks if Linden Avenue Park is the park’s name. Deputy
Director Vitale and Director Mediati responded that the name is a placeholder at the
moment. Director Mediati shares that the City’s naming policy says as a default for
parks, they should be named for their location, however, City Council will be
reviewing the naming policy for City facilities including parks following the review
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of the City Council handbook. He also shares that he does have some name requests
for various sites but will be considered after the policy update.
Commissioner Camacho shares that she’s heard feedback from some community
members about how the buildings and parks have been named and has heard
suggestions that instead of naming them after a person, maybe the neighborhood or
district could have a contest or vote to name it something they decide on.
Deputy Director Vitale adds that the suggestion may be considered during
community engagement.
Chair Firpo suggests that the City Council Naming Committee be made aware of
that too, as that’s where the suggestion could be formalized.
Commissioner Burgo adds that she agrees with Commissioner Camacho that it
doesn’t necessarily need to be named after a person, it could be more descriptive.
She believes that it would be important for the area to have some representation and
be involved in the naming. She feels that the neighborhood has been doing well with
being involved, and it would be great if they could provide feedback in naming it
too.
Deputy Director Vitale shares that they should be coming back to the Commission
in the next month or so with an announcement of who the selected firm will be for
the design and community outreach.
Deputy Director Vitale next gives an update on the Orange Memorial Park Aquatics
Center. Staff are currently in the 30-day review period after submitting the Initial
Study Mitigated Negative Declaration report. The report is available online for
public review, copies are available at locations throughout the City and notices were
mailed to nearby residents. General Contractor Pre-Qualifications are being
advertised. Thirty contractors have already downloaded the bid package. The hope
is to go out to bid for the project towards the end of this year, award contract for
construction in the early part of next year and begin construction shortly after.
Chair Firpo asked if the bid process will close by the end of the year. Deputy
Director Vitale responded that because of the 30-day review period for the Initial
Study Mitigated Negative Declaration report and the pre-qualification process,
they’ll start to advertise end of November or early December and open bids in early
January. Staff don’t want to open bids the week leading up to Christmas as it may
limit the contractor pool. Deputy Director Vitale shares that the plan is to start
construction early next year, open the new pool in spring of 2025 and demolition of
the existing pool and finish the landscape improvement to that area by summer of
2025.
Deputy Director Vitale gives an update on the Orange Memorial Park Sports Field
project. Turf installation is underway and today contractors are installing the
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footings for the gateway sign. The sidewalk work along Orange Avenue has been
completed and is open. Furnishings are going in and the turf will be finished over
the next couple of weeks. The pump building, concession building, and the existing
restroom have been painted. The sidewalk area between the restroom and the picnic
shelter had to be shut down to expand the fire truck access pathway, but has since
reopened. Deputy Director Vitale reports that they will be doing punch walks next
week to go over items that the contractor, the design team, and staff see that need to
be corrected before the project is accepted. Training with staff will take place over
the next couple of weeks. The grand opening for the field is set for October 18.
2. Library | Parks and Recreation Grand Opening Update
Manager Armanino gives an update on the LPR grand opening scheduled for
Saturday, October 28. Details are still forthcoming but opening remarks will
possibly start at 11:00 a.m. Once the time is confirmed, the Commission will be
updated. The ribbon cutting is scheduled to occur at 11:30am, then doors will open,
and activities start. The first band will play from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and the
second band will play from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Contracts are not signed yet but
most likely, the bands will be Steel N Chicago as the main act and Maya as the
opening act. Manager Armanino shares that they’re planning for several food trucks
in the parking lot, and free activities on all the floors. All floors will be activated
with demonstrations for people to see activities that will be programmed in those
rooms and will have the ability to participate in some as well.
Commissioner Uy asks how many food trucks there will be to which Manager
Armanino responded that they are hoping to have four.
Commissioner Battaglia asked what activities Parks and Recreation staff will be
hosting. Manager Armanino responds that the concert will be going on the outside
of the building. Inside the building, within the banquet hall, visitors will be able to
sit and eat their food. In the social hall, staff will provide spaces for tabling of City
departments, co-sponsored groups and other community organizations for people to
know what resources are available throughout the community. On the second and
third floors, there will be childcare activities throughout the day, ballet demos,
exercise classes, and the Dia De Muertos art show will be in the gallery during that
time. The office will be staffed as well for public information.
Commissioner Uy asks how the traffic flow will be managed. Manager Armanino
responded that they are working with the Police and Fire Departments and have a
meeting with them next week to see if they’ll have staff and Explorers available to
help. There will be various parking sites including the MSB, the West Orange
Library and are also in talks with San Mateo County to see about securing parking
spaces at the old Mission Courthouse. The South City Free Shuttle will also be
operating that day and encourage people to take public transportation to the site.
Vice Chair DeNardi suggests that we encourage attendees to carpool as well.
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Chair Firpo asked if staff will be on hand to answer any questions and to show
people where to go. Manager Armanino responded that staff will be stationed at all
main points of entry, as well as on each of the floors to greet people and tell them
about the rooms if there is not something actively programmed in the room at the
time.
3. Report regarding the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center Facility
Manager Armanino shares that they have re-opened the Teglia Center. She shares
that they are hoping to open the adult daycare floor in October after staff complete
licensing documents. The Congregate Meal Program is still a grab and go format,
but will soon return to a sit down congregate program. Manager Armanino shares
that on September 30, the mayor will be hosting “Coffee with the Mayor” at the
Teglia Center at 10:00 a.m.
Vice Chair DeNardi asked if they will have permits that are issued to park in the
parking lot. Manager Armanino responded that staff will reissue them to patrons as
the enter. Vice Chair DeNardi asks if the permits are on a monthly basis and if they
have expiration dates. Manager Armanino responds that they do have an expiration
that will usually depend on what the patron is participating in and the duration of
that program.
Commissioner Lock asks if during “Coffee with the Mayor,” tours will be offered
at the facility of all floors or just the floors open now. Manager Armanino replied
that they will offer tours of the second floor and third floor, but the first floor is still
under construction.
Chair Firpo comments that he’s happy that the center is reopening. Manager
Armanino agrees and comments that the staff did a great job pivoting in keeping the
programs going at offsite locations.
4. Calendar of Events
Director Mediati gives a brief update of the Calendar of Events.
5. Administrative Update
Manager Richardson gives an update on the Brentwood Park tree removals. The
project began yesterday, and it was estimated to take five days but believes it will
require two weeks of work. After tree removal is concluded, they will work towards
redesigning, installing new irrigation and replanting new trees.
Chair Firpo asked how many trees are being removed to which Manager Richarson
responded that 40 will be removed and 40 pruned. Manager Richardson noted he
would keep the Commission updated as the project progresses.
Commissioner Camacho asks about the residents who are concerned about the eight
City trees on private property, and what is the ideal resolution for them. Manager
Richardson shares that they consulted with the City’s legal team, and they believe
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the trees are privately owned. Because it’s likely the City, Boy Scouts and local
residents planted them, and the true planting history is unknown, Manager
Richardson is offering them the one-time option that the City will remove the trees
if the resident so chooses. If residents decide to keep the trees, they will be
responsible for all maintenance in the future. Those trees will be removed as a
separate project as not part of the original project scope. Staff is in contact with each
of those property owners.
Vice Chair DeNardi asks Manager Richardson to clarify if residents who choose to
keep the tree will be required to sign a document stating that they are liable, not the
City, should a tree failure occur. Manager Richardson responds, yes, that they will
sign an acknowledgement of ownership and release of liability.
Director Mediati requests that if any of the Commissioners would like to attend the
Citizen’s Academy on October 10, they should confirm with Jeanette to be added to
the dinner order. This will be the first event staff are hosting at the new building.
Manager O’Brien shares that the Cultural Arts Commission just completed the
Public Art Master Plan, and it will go to City Council next week for approval.
Deputy Director Duldulao shares that there are a couple of upcoming events that
require registration, and that she will follow up with an email to the Commissioners.
Some of the events that require registration are the Fun Run, participation in the
Trunk or Treat, as well as the pumpkin patch.
Commissioner Burgo asked if she could get some flyers for Trunk or Treat to send
out because she knows some people who would love participate. Deputy Director
Duldulao and Manager Armanino responded that hosting a car for Trunk or Treat is
only for City departments, commissioners and co-sponsored groups attending does
not require registration and is open to everyone. The only things we’re asking for
pre-registration are the two pumpkin patches.
VII. FRIENDS OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Manager Armanino reports that the Friends group is looking forward to selling beer and
wine at LPR grand opening for their fundraiser. Anyone interested in volunteering can
contact Marie Patea.
VIII. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
No updates at this time.
IX. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
1. Motion to approve meeting minutes from August 15, 2023
Approved by motion with changes requested by Vice Chair DeNardi.
Motion: Commissioner Camacho / Seconded: Commissioner Burgo.
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Minutes of the Meeting of September 19, 2023
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All voted in favor, other than Commissioner Lock, who abstained due to absence at
the August meeting.
2. Motion regarding cancellation of the November or December Commission
Meeting
Some discussion was held amongst the Commissioners. Approved by motion to
cancel November and December meetings with the possibility of having a special
meeting if needed. Motion: Chair Firpo / Seconded: Vice Chair DeNardi. All voted
in favor.
3. Report regarding the Department’s Pickleball Programs and Pilot Court
Location
Director Mediati gives an update on piloting a dedicated pickleball court. Staff
proposes a demonstration project to last 3-6 months and culminate with some kind
of public outreach. At the last meeting, consensus from the Commission was that
Orange Park would be the most ideal location. Director Mediati shares that he and
Manager Richardson met with Armando Leigh, the Department’s pickleball
instructor, and there is a small quadrant in the southwestern corner of court number
5 that has some cracking in the surfacing. Armando noted that it is not ideal for
pickleball and could eliminate one more competitive court but could be used for a
practice or learning court. There is also a chance that padding would be needed on
the light standards that are within proximity of the area of play but could be absorbed
within the operating budget if needed. Director Mediati believed that Orange Park
is still the most viable location.
Director Mediati shares that Armando’s other suggestion was Sellick Park, the only
issue there is that it has only one court which would displace any tennis players that
use this site. He asks the Commission for their recommendations on a court so that
they can move forward with the pilot program.
Vice Chair DeNardi asks if the Department has received any complaints from the
residents near Buri Buri Park. Director Mediati respond that he has not heard of any
complaints at Buri Buri Park, but at Westborough they have, and they do have a
similar proximity to homes. Vice Chair DeNardi shares that she was at Westborough
Park and reports that the courts are being well used for pickleball and thought the
noise level wasn’t too bad. She also shares that she doesn’t believe a pickleball court
at Stonegate is a good idea because there are not any restrooms, and parking is a
challenge. She hopes in the future they’ll be able to get court 5 at Orange Park.
Commissioner Uy believes Orange Park is still the most viable. He understands that
Armando has some concerns about the more advanced players not wanting to use
one of the courts but typically only 1-2 of the courts are advanced and everything
else is beginner or intermediate so he doesn’t believe that the one area should be an
issue. Commissioner Uy thinks the only problem with Sellick Park is that parking is
very limited and still believes Orange Park is the better choice and since that’s where
eventually we’ll have permanent courts.
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Chair Firpo comments that because of the exposure to the elements at Sellick Park,
Orange Park is more of an ideal place.
Approved by motion to designate court 5 at Orange Park for the pickleball pilot
program.
Motion: Vice Chair DeNardi / Seconded: Commissioner Uy
All Commissioners voted in favor.
X. ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Camacho shares she attended movie night at Martin School, and it was a
great turnout. She then shares that she’s had some parents reach out to her to regarding the
fence opening being too small to get strollers through and thinks there may be funding for
it in the new Measure T bond but wanted to know if there is a way to provide that kind of
feedback to the school district. Director Mediati responded he could share this with school
district staff. He mentions that they were also going to propose a gate from the parking lot,
near the school’s playground, directly to the field that can be locked.
Commissioner Camacho then shares that Joint Advisory Committee to the Child Care
Master Plan (JACCCMP) held an outreach event at the Fernekes Building and even though
they did promote the event, it seemed the families weren’t coming in to give their input.
She noticed there were lots of people on the playground and soccer field and suggests
having the next meeting setup outside with less words on the poster to give people an idea
on what kind of feedback is needed. The way it was presented didn’t feel like the right fit
for a community outreach. She knows that sometimes there is a language barrier, but that
should be the City’s burden to meet. Vice Chair DeNardi suggests a collaboration with the
school district to reach all the families. Commissioner Camacho responded that she felt this
was done well, and outreach wasn’t the greatest issue. She notes it felt like it was more of a
venue and timing issue, and the event didn’t need to be so formal. Vice Chair DeNardi also
suggests when scheduling these, checking what events are going on time so it’s not
scheduled during a time when parents may have other obligations, for example soccer
games. They should have an open forum that is more informal and welcoming.
Commissioner Camacho suggests that they have something like they did when planning for
the LPR; have items listed on a chart asking parents what their priorities are and quickly
give feedback.
Director Mediati comments that the Department has a supporting, not lead, role in the
JACCCMP, but would share the feedback with the City Manager’s Office. Commissioner
Camacho replies that she’s given this feedback previously. Director Mediati responded that
he’s taken a lot of notes and will share them with the City Manager’s office who manages
this function.
Commissioner Lock thanks Manager O’Brien and Director Mediati for taking time to give
him a tour of the LPR after missing his scheduled time.
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He then asks what was approved by the Planning Commission for the Lindenville area and
how it will impact the master plan. Director Mediati responds that he can ask Planning to
provide a summary of what was approved.
Commissioner Lock then asks what work is being done on Hillside Boulevard where lanes
are being reduced. Director Mediati responds that he’s not aware, and will ask Public Works
staff. Commissioner Lock then asks if the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission provides
input for Public Works projects. Director Mediati answered that yes, they do. Commissioner
Lock shares that the reason he asks is because it would have been nice if they added or fixed
the asphalt walkway along Hillside Boulevard. Director Mediati and Manager Richardson
responded that that specific area lacking adequate sidewalks is County property.
Commissioner Lock asked if co-sponsored groups could share their fundraising events with
the Commission. Chair Firpo asked if the events are on a website. Director Mediati
responded that they have requested this, and informed co-sponsored groups several times
to use the Department as a resource for promotion, and that it is part of the co-sponsored
agreement, the City can supply some support with printed materials, including their
activities in our activity guide and our newsletters. Staff will remind them again to share
this information with the Department and Commission. Vice Chair DeNardi shares the
Historical Society is having a fundraiser on September 29 at the Basque Cultural Center.
Commissioner Uy would like to suggest again the idea of having rangers in the parks to
have more staff to monitor our parks. Recently he was at Orange Park, where he saw
someone using drugs. He believes there will be an increase in these types of issues
especially in certain areas and thinks it would be a good idea to have people there to monitor
it without having to necessarily involve the police. Commissioner Uy then shares that the
pickleball nets that were ordered by the Department are being used by people of all ages
and it’s a great benefit for residents.
Commissioner Camacho shares that when she thinks of park rangers, not only does she see
the safety side but also the educational side and believes it would tie in nicely with the
different parks and programs. Vice Chair DeNardi shares that she has seen police officers
on the bicycles riding through Orange Park and suggests that if you see something to call it
in. She also shares that there is going to be an Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot Contest hosted by
Elks 2091 in collaboration with the Department on November 19 for both boys and girls.
Commissioner DeNardi enjoyed Movie Night and Art in the Park.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
No new items from staff.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II
Next Meeting: October 17, 2023