Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-2008 Draft PCSC MinPARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION Draft Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN December 15, 2008 The December 15, 2008 meeting of the Parks & Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson Flores. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners (Cm.) Present: Flores, Jones, Guarienti, Elias, Muetterties, Van Loon Commissioners Absent: None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3.1 BRIEF INFORMATIONAL ONLY REPORTS FROM SENIOR CENTER AND YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEES Senior Center Advisory Committee Mr. Martin Baron reported on the outcome of the Dublin Senior Center Public Input Workshop for Weekend Class & Program Ideas that was held in November. He reported on upcoming events such as the New Year's Bash on January 15, 2009; Discover Croatia Luncheon on January 29, 2009; and the Dance Escape on January 31, 2009. He further reported that three donors have agreed to sponsor free coffee at the Dublin Senior Center for the months January and February 2009. Youth Advisory Committee Cm. Van Loon reported that the Committee continues to work on the three goals they would like to accomplish during its term. He also reported that the Committee assisted Staff with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. 3.2 PUBLIC COMMENTS - None APPROVAL OF MINUTES — November 17, 2008 On a motion by Cm. Guarienti, seconded by Cm. Muetterties, and by a vote of 5-0-1, with Chair Flores abstaining, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of November 17, 2008 as presented. Chair Flores abstained from the vote due to her absence during the November 17, 2008 meeting. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None PUBLIC HEARING — None UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS 8.1 GLEN THE GUIDE NATURE DAY CAMP P&CSC Meeting Minutes — P -ember 15, 2008 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Henry Siu, Recreation Coordinator, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Elias asked when registration for the program would begin. Mr. Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks & Community Services, stated that registration for the program would begin in March 2009, soon after St. Patrick's Day. Cm. Muetterties asked how the cost of this program compares with other camps. Mr. Siu explained that this program costs $4.70 per hour compared to $4.15 per hour for Camp Emerald Glen. He explained that the higher cost is due to specialized services and transportation expenses for the program. Cm. Muetterties asked about the capacity of the camp. Mr. Siu stated that if space allows, the maximum capacity would be 40 children. Cm. Jones asked if the camp would be divided by age groups, and Mr. Siu said yes. Chair Flores stated that the program sounds great and is a good value. Cm. Guarienti stated that he is ecstatic about the program. He asked about the Naturalist staff that would be working with the camp. Mr. Siu explained that he is working with the East Bay Regional Park District to obtain Naturalist staffing for each week of the program. Cm. Guarienti stated that he agrees with dividing the camp by age groups. He asked how the park visits would be decided. Mr. Siu explained that Staff would like the camp to include visits to East Bay Regional Parks such as the Pleasanton Ridge, Lake Del Valle, and Garin Park. Cm. Guarienti asked about transportation to the parks. Mr. Siu stated that a private bus would be chartered to provide transportation to the parks. 8.2 PROPOSED YOUTH FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Mr. Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks & Community Services, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Guarienti questioned the rationale for providing a seventy-five percent subsidy of the registration fee. Mr. McCreary explained that the lower-, very low-, and extremely low-income households are most likely in need of a seventy-five percent subsidy. Cm. Guarienti commended Staff on the Program and the funding plan. He asked about Staff costs associated with implementing the Program. Mr. McCreary stated that Staff anticipates spending four to five hours per week to implement and administer the Program and fundraising. Cm. Jones asked if Staff has contacted non-profit groups about funding the program. Mr. McCreary stated that once City Council has approved the Program, Staff will begin approaching non-profit groups with funding opportunities. Cm. Elias asked if there would be any benefits for the donors. Mr. McCreary explained that sponsorship levels or benefits have not been formalized; however, Staff would consider the idea. Cm. Muetterties asked that if funding in addition to donations was necessary, which of the funding alternatives would be the best option. Mr. McCreary stated that slightly increasing registration fees would be the easiest option to administer. On a motion by Cm. Van Loon, seconded by Cm. Elias, and by a vote of 6-0-0, the Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed Youth Fee Assistance Program to the City Council. P&CSC Meeting Minutes — D ,ember 15, 2008 Page 3 of 3 8.3 GREETER PROGRAM PLAN Mr. Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks & Community Services, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. Muetterties commended Staff on the thorough report. Cm. Guarienti commended Staff on the Program plan. He stated that it is important to maintain information at the Greeter desk in the event that the desk can not be staffed full time. Cm. Elias commended Staff on the Program plan. He suggested utilizing the Greeters at high profile public locations in order to attract new customers. Cm. Guarienti stated that Ambassadors in the Ambassador Program would also assist with outreach and attracting new customers. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 BRIEF INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS FROM PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS AND/OR STAFF Cm. Elias reported on his recent attendance at a Dublin High School event. Cm. Guarienti reported on his attendance at the Holly Day Affair event at the Dublin Senior Center. Cm. Jones reported on his attendance at the City of Dublin Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Commissioners expressed congratulations and best wishes to Chair Flores, who has fulfilled the term limits of the Commission. Chair Flores thanked the Commissioners for their wishes and stated that she has thoroughly enjoyed being on the Commission and will miss everyone. Ms. Diane Lowart reported on updates for the Dublin Historic Park project, Fallon Sports Park project, and the Shannon Community Center project. Ms. Lowart thanked Chair Flores for her service on the Commission and expressed her enjoyment in working with her over the years. Mr. Paul McCreary thanked Chair Flores for her leadership on the Commission and her support of the Department over the years. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Franklin Administrative Technician