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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 Emerald Glen Facilitiesor 19 82 /ii � 111 DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL October 16, 2012 Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Joni Pattillo City Manager""' CITY CLERK File #920 -30 Proposed Building Plan for Emerald Glen Park Prepared by Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Emerald Glen Park Master Plan envisions two public buildings: a Recreation and Aquatic Complex and a Community Center. The 2012 -2017 Capital Improvement Program includes funding to restart the design process for the Recreation and Aquatic Complex which was suspended in 2009 due to the downturn in the economy. The City Council will consider a revised building plan that combines the remaining facilities planned for Emerald Glen into one building totaling 51,360 square feet (sf) that would be constructed in three phases, with Phase I being completed in 2015. The City Council will also consider whether or not to defer some of the improvements proposed for Phase I to advance the next phase of Fallon Sports Park, or alternatively to pursue improvements to the existing fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds rather than delay the Recreation and Aquatic Complex. FINANCIAL IMPACT: It is estimated that, at the build -out of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan Area, the Public Facilities Fee program will have generated $34.7 million toward development of the facilities planned at Emerald Glen as follows: Community and Recreation Facilities Fee $28.5 million Aquatic Center Fee $5.5 million Community Park Improvements Fee $0.7 million Total Project Funding at Build -out $34.7 million In addition, the City has $1.5 million in a designated General Fund reserve for construction of the Natatorium. In total, the funding the City collects over time for the project will be $36.2 million (in 2012 dollars). The adopted budget in the 2012 -2017 Capital Improvement Program for Phase I of the Recreation and Aquatic Complex is $22.5 million. If the City Council approves the proposed building plan with the Natatorium in the first phase, the $1.5 million in the General Fund designated reserve would need to be appropriated to the project budget for Phase I, increasing it to $24.0 million. Page 1 of 9 ITEM NO. 7.1 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council receive the Staff and consultant presentations and approve the proposed building and phasing plan for Emerald Glen as presented by Staff, and provide direction on the preferred alternative for developing sports fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds or Fallon Sports Park. Submitted B Director of Parkland Community Services DESCRIPTION: Reviewed By Assistant City Manager The Emerald Glen Park Master Plan (Attachment 1) envisions two public buildings: a Recreation and Aquatic Complex as well as a Community Center. The 2012 -2017 Capital Improvement Program includes funding to restart the design process for the Recreation and Aquatic Complex, which was suspended in 2009 due to the downturn in the economy. At the direction of the City Council, Staff has worked with the Dahlin Group to prepare an update to the building and phasing plan for Emerald Glen Park. As proposed, the remaining facilities planned for Emerald Glen Park (Recreation and Aquatic Complex, Natatorium and Community Center) would be combined into one building totaling 51,360 square feet (sf) that would be constructed in three phases, with Phase I being completed in late 2015 (if design resumes in November 2012). The original building plan envisioned 62,735 sf; however, based on the standards established in the Park and Recreation Master Plan, the 51,360 sf that is proposed will meet the needs of the City's population at build -out. Combining the buildings into one reduces the number of public counters and staffing needed to operate separate facilities, thus minimizing the ongoing staffing and operational costs in the future. This is also a more efficient and effective use of the Public Facility Impact Fees. Reducing the need to construct duplicate spaces such as the lobbies, reception and administrative spaces allows Staff to focus the project budget more on enhancing the other state -of- the -art features desired by the community. Proposed Building Program and Phasing In approaching the updated plan, the guiding principle was to focus on the aquatics facilities earlier in the development of the facility and ensure the first phase has a state -of- the -art feel. The greatest facility need facing the City is for an aquatic center. The current Swim Center is 40 years old and the community has no competitive swimming facility that meets today's standards for effective training and competition. The current facility is in need of major modernization that cannot be done without an alternate facility in place for aquatic programs during the renovation, which would likely happen over two swim seasons. Another reason to focus on the aquatic facilities first is that the City currently has access to a sufficient number of existing facilities, such as gymnasiums and multi - purpose spaces that have been planned for the Recreation and Aquatic Complex, and therefore could be deferred to future phases. Page 2 of 9 In June of 2012, voters approved a Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) bond measure for new facilities. One of the facilities included in the bond measure was a competitive swimming facility for Dublin High School (DHS). Therefore, in order to not develop duplicate facilities, Staff began discussions with DUSD to determine the vision for the proposed pool at Dublin High School and how it relates to the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. Based on those discussions, it is likely the new DHS competitive pool will be located on the Dublin Swim Center site, although no decisions have been made and no formal agreement is in place. The new pool at the Dublin Swim Center site would be able to accommodate the competitive swimming needs of the school and the community. Thus the competitive swimming pool has been eliminated from the proposed Emerald Glen building plan. Following is a summary of the proposed building and phasing plan for Emerald Glen Park: Phase 1 (27,230 square feet) (Attachment 2) • Indoor pool for year round lessons, lap swim, exercise and recreational swim • Outdoor shallow beach entry pool with a water playground for seasonal use • Outdoor waterslide with splash down pool for seasonal use • Multi- purpose room that is dividable for party rentals and classes • Locker Rooms with showers, changing areas and restrooms • Special Need /Unisex Restrooms • Lobby and Reception Area • Administrative Offices • First Aid and Lifeguard Rooms • Aquatic Storage, Mechanical and Chemical Rooms Phase 11(10,690 square feet) (Attachment 3) • Outdoor pool for seasonal lessons, lap swim, exercise and recreational swim • Game Room • Fitness Room with cardio exercise machines • Group Exercise / Dance Studio • Locker Rooms with showers, changing areas and restrooms • Special needs changing room • General Building Receiving, Maintenance and Storage Spaces Phase 111(13,440 square feet) (Attachment 4) • Gymnasium with one full size court (same size as Stager Community Gym) • Preschool with two classrooms, support spaces and outdoor play area (replaces modular building) • Multi- Purpose Room for classes that use mats (tumbling, gymnastics, martial arts) The proposed building plan primarily differs from the existing plan since the Natatorium has been moved from the future phase to Phase I, and the fitness components have been moved to later phases. In addition the Natatorium would be partially funded by the Public Facility Fee program, rather than funded fully by the General Fund. This was primarily accomplished by consolidating the facilities and reducing duplicated spaces, and by eliminating the 150 -seat social hall that was planned for the Community Center. In recommending the elimination of the social hall, Staff would point out that the City already has several rooms available for rental by the community. While the Shannon Community Center is Page 3 of 9 well utilized, the Dublin Senior Center has a consistent vacancy rate on weekends. The Recreation Complex would have a party room poolside that would be slightly larger than the Regional Meeting Room and available for rental. The Natatorium building would garner more use as a community facility than a 150 -seat social hall, and have a greater potential to generate revenue than a social hall. Additionally a traditional social hall for weddings, anniversaries, etc., would not fit into the feel of the proposed Recreation and Aquatic Complex. Evaluation of Current Demand for Soccer and Baseball Fields and Projected Growth The City Council asked Staff to evaluate the feasibility of deferring a portion of Phase I of the Recreation and Aquatic Complex to advance the next phase of Fallon Sports Park. In order to help the City Council determine priorities, Staff analyzed current field usage data in the City's facility booking software database. Data was included for the soccer fields and baseball diamonds, at the Dublin Sports Grounds, Emerald Glen Park, Fallon Sports Park and Ted Fairfield Park. The City has 14 soccer fields and 11 baseball diamonds available for rental in the park system. Staff looked at current facility booking data and occupancy rates for peak demand times as follows- Field Use Type Dates Days and Times Baseball on Saturdays April through May 2012 Saturdays, 8:00am to 6:00pm Baseball on Weekdays April through May 2012 Mon -Thu, 4:00 to 7:00pm Soccer on Saturdays Labor Day to end of October 2012 Saturdays, 8:00am to 6:00pm Soccer on Weekdays Labor Day to end of October 2012 Mon -Thu, 4:00 to 7:00pm Occupancy Rate Occupancy Rate (8:00pm at Fallon) Soccer on Saturdays December 15 to February 29, 2012 Saturdays, 8:00am to 6:00pm* Soccer on Saturdays December 15 to February 29, 2012 Mon -Thu, 4:00 to 8:00pm* *Data is for Fallon soccer fields only during the winter field maintenance closure Staff also analyzed how development projections prepared by the City's Building Division, as well as student enrollment projections provided by Dublin Unified School District, will affect demand for fields and occupancy rates over the next four years. The following is a summary of current occupancy rates and expectations for increases in demand based on student population growth projections that estimated 21 % growth over the next four years. Average Occupancy Rates During Peak Seasons "vrowtn I-rojections baseci on estimates provicieci by uusu Soccer Field Demand With regards to peak demand for soccer fields in specific parks, the synthetic fields at Fallon Sports Park are getting significant use as expected with an occupancy rate of 96% for Saturdays and 73% on weekdays during the peak season. However there is a significantly low occupancy rate at Emerald Glen Park for Saturdays at only 36 %, and 34% for practices during the week. The Dublin Sports Grounds is being used 76% of the time for Saturday games, and Page 4 of 9 BASEBALL DIAMONDS SOCCER FIELDS FY 2012 *FY 2016 FY 2012 *FY 2016 Average Projected Average Projected Occupancy Rate Occupancy Rate Occupancy Rate Occupancy Rate Saturdays during 70% 85% 62% 75% Peak Season Weekdays during 75% 91% 46% 56% Peak Season "vrowtn I-rojections baseci on estimates provicieci by uusu Soccer Field Demand With regards to peak demand for soccer fields in specific parks, the synthetic fields at Fallon Sports Park are getting significant use as expected with an occupancy rate of 96% for Saturdays and 73% on weekdays during the peak season. However there is a significantly low occupancy rate at Emerald Glen Park for Saturdays at only 36 %, and 34% for practices during the week. The Dublin Sports Grounds is being used 76% of the time for Saturday games, and Page 4 of 9 only 50% for weekday practices. There is no use of Ted Fairfield Park for soccer games or practices. During the winter maintenance closure when there are only two soccer fields available for use in the City's park system, the occupancy rate for Saturday games at Fallon Sports Park is only 43% while the rate for weekday practices is at 60 %. While there is high demand for synthetic turf fields there are ample natural turf fields available for use by DUSL to handle demand over the next four to five years. So it does not make sense to expand the number of soccer fields at this time; however with the high demand for the synthetic turf, converting one of the un- renovated fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds to synthetic turf would help to increase capacity for year round play and not increase costs to maintain additional developed park acreage. During large soccer tournaments the City's soccer fields are close to 100% occupancy. Until new fields can be added to the park system, tournaments will need to take advantage of School District fields and fields in neighboring communities. For example, when Mustang Soccer in Danville hosts large tournaments they have rented Fallon Sports Park as an overflow site. DUSL could do the same to manage those few annual events, rather than the City building and maintaining unnecessary fields that are only needed a few times per year. Baseball Diamond Demand The City has 11 baseball diamonds available for rental. There are only two large diamonds. One is a 90 -foot diamond at the Dublin Sports Grounds with lighting; however, it has an overlay with the soccer fields and therefore has no outfield lighting, foul poles, fencing or warning track. There is an 85 -foot diamond at Emerald Glen that does not have any lighting, foul poles, outfield fence or warning track. Based on the current facility usage data, there are greater occupancy rates and demand for baseball diamonds than soccer fields, and there will be a need for additional 90 -foot and 60 -foot diamonds within the next four years. In particular the greatest need is to increase capacity for use of the 90 -foot diamond, which has a current occupancy rate of 95% for weekday practices during Dublin Little League's peak season. Based on growth projections that field will be at full occupancy within the year. The City's 60 -foot diamonds will be at a 90% average occupancy rate by FY 2013 -2014. Based on the data, Staff recommends the priority for future sports field development be placed on baseball diamonds, with a more immediate focus on a 90 -foot diamond. Option to Improve Existing Baseball and Soccer Fields at Dublin Sports Grounds The 2012 -2017 Capital Improvement Program includes a future, unfunded, project to complete the final phase of the Dublin Sports Grounds renovation (the area east of the snack bar and playground area). This project could be advanced using development impact fees collected outside the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan Area, and not require any reduction to the first phase of the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. In order to have a dedicated 90 -foot diamond for youth and adult play, and expand year round soccer play, Staff investigated the feasibility and cost of converting the two existing softball diamonds at Dublin Sports Grounds to a large synthetic turf soccer field with field lighting, and to install an outfield fence and outfield lighting on the existing 90 -foot diamond. The addition of Page 5 of 9 outfield lighting on the 90 -foot diamond would increase the number of hours the field could be used each year. This option would help to minimize increases to the park maintenance budget at this time by not expanding the amount of developed park acreage until sufficient funds are available to take on the new maintenance costs. These improvements would not impact the City's ability to move forward with the full set of improvements at Emerald Glen, as improvements at the Dublin Sports Grounds could be funded by Quimby Fees paid on residential development in the City's primary planning area. This would include developments such as Essex, Tralee, Emerald Vista and any other future developments outside the area of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. Attachment 5 is a diagram showing the proposed layout of the fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds. The Landscape Architect prepared a cost estimate for the proposed improvements. The cost to modernize the 90 -foot diamond is $700,000 and would include site work, outfield lighting and a PG &E electrical service upgrade, perimeter fencing, warning track, foul poles, additional netting along the parking lot for foul balls, and a scoreboard. The cost to covert the two existing softball fields to a large synthetic turf soccer area (86 yards by 183 yards) would be $2.2 million. This would include a synthetic 80x110 yard field and warm - up area that could be lined for big and small fields, demolition of the existing fields and site work, concrete paving for team areas and spectators, perimeter paths, and installation of more efficient lights on the existing poles. If the City Council wanted to pursue both improvements at the Dublin Sports Grounds, Staff would determine how to fund the $2.9 million in improvements as part of the update to the Capital Improvement Program. If approved design of the project could commence in FY 2013- 2014 with the construction being completed by fall 2014. Option to Reduce Aquatics and Advance Next Phase of Fallon Sports Park If the City Council is inclined to reduce the scope of Phase I of the Recreation and Aquatic Complex to advance funding for improvements at Fallon Sports Park, then based on the current data regarding demand for fields, Staff recommends focusing on the 90 -foot baseball diamond earlier than the synthetic turf soccer fields. This is a different recommendation than Staff previously made regarding the priorities at Fallon. When evaluating the option to modify the fields at the Sports Grounds, Staff took a look at more current usage data and in more depth, which demonstrated a greater need for the 90 -foot diamond. Amenities in Reduced Option for Phase 1(26,550 square feet) • Indoor pool for year round lessons, lap swim, exercise and recreational swim • Multi- purpose room for party rentals and classes that can be divided • Locker Rooms with showers, changing areas and restrooms • Lobby and Reception Area • Administrative Offices • First Aid and Lifeguard Rooms • Storage, Mechanical and Chemical Rooms If the City Council is inclined to reduce the scope of Phase I of the Recreation and Aquatic Complex to advance funding for improvements at Fallon Sports Park, then based on the current data regarding demand for fields, Staff recommends focusing on the 90 -foot baseball diamond earlier than the synthetic turf soccer fields. Page 6 of 9 A mini -phase for the 90 -foot baseball diamond at Fallon Sports Park would cost $3.3 million and include the following amenities: Improvements for Baseball Mini -Phase ($3.3 million) • 90 -foot diamond with field lighting, scoreboard and scorekeepers booth • Terraced seating for spectators • Restroom Building with utility connections • Pedestrian circulation to Phase I • Grading of dirt area for future parking lot and use for overflow parking for tournaments • Grading and erosion control for future landscape areas Alternatively the City Council could choose to complete the soccer complex and the installation of two synthetic turf soccer fields with minimal improvements, and defer the baseball field to the next phase of the park. The primary reason to focus on the soccer fields would to create a unique tournament destination and provide the convenience of centralizing activities for DUSL at the park. A mini -phase for the soccer complex in the Lower Terrace would cost $5.2 million and include the following amenities: Improvements for potential Mini -Phase of Fallon Sports Park ($5.2 million) • Two synthetic turf soccer fields (65x110 and 80x110) with warm -up area and utility stubs for future field lighting • Restroom Building with utility connections • Pedestrian circulation to existing soccer fields • Pedestrian circulation around new soccer fields with pathway lighting • Grading of dirt area for future parking lot and use for overflow parking for tournaments • Grading and erosion control for future landscape areas Of the $5.2 million project cost, $1.6 million is attributable to the increased costs to install synthetic turf and would need to come from a source other than Public Facility Fees. Even with the savings from reducing the first phase of the aquatic facility, the Fallon Sports Park project could not move forward until funding has been identified for the shortfall. If this was the City Council's desire, Staff would re- evaluate the schedule and available funds for Fallon Sports Park as the CIP is updated in the spring. Once funding has been identified it would take approximately two years to design and construct the improvements. Recommendation from Parks and Community Services Commission On August 20, 2012, the Parks and Community Services Commission reviewed the proposed Emerald Glen building and phasing plan as presented by Staff, as well as an alternative to move forward with the soccer complex at Fallon. Attachment 6 is a draft copy of the minutes related to the discussion of the building plan. The Commission voted 4 -0 -0, with Commissioners Boboc and Jones absent, to recommend to the City Council the Reduced Option for Phase I of the proposed building plan in order to reallocate funding to the next phase of improvements at Fallon Sports Park. In addition the Commission requested that when design of the lower terrace begins that spectator seating be addressed at the existing and the future soccer fields. Page 7 of 9 Since that meeting Staff has developed additional alternatives including renovating fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds, as well as baseball mini -phase at Fallon for the City Council's consideration. Should the City Council wish to pursue advancing any of the sports field projects, Staff recommends having the Parks and Community Services Commission weigh in on the City Council's preferred alternative. Summary In developing the proposed Building Plan for Emerald Glen Park, Staff has worked with the architect, landscape architect and had discussions with the School District. The City is in desperate need of new and modernized aquatic facilities. The proposed building plan focuses on those amenities as they are of greater need now to the community than multi - purpose spaces, gymnasium or sports fields. As a result, Staff recommends the City Council adopt the proposed building program without reducing the scope of Phase I of the Recreation and Aquatic Complex in order to advance the next phase of Fallon Sports Park. Staff recommends not downsizing the aquatic facilities in the first phase because the synergy created by joining together the indoor pool with the outdoor recreational amenities creates an opportunity to provide the best, most comprehensive set of aquatic programs available to all community members. It also meets the City Council Strategic Goal of developing a state- of -the- art recreation /aquatic complex. The family aquatic features such as the water playground, slides and beach entry pool will also improve the cost recovery rate for the facility. The City's aquatic consultant has been compiling revenue and expenditure data from California municipalities for years and has found that cost recovery for a facility with only an instructional or competitive pool is around 50 -60 %, while cost recovery for an aquatic facility with the addition of interactive amenities increases by 20 -30% more. Keeping the outdoor recreational pools will be the key to create a facility that appeals to the entire community. For instance the zero entry depth or beach style entry pool is ideal for seniors and young children, as well as people with disabilities or mobility challenges. It allows for patrons to slowly enter a pool and adjust to the water without the fear of jumping in or the difficulties of using a step ladder. Children are able to find a water depth which is very comfortable, whether it be ankle deep, knee high or to the waist. In reviewing sports field use, although the City has only two synthetic turf soccer fields, there is a surplus of natural turf soccer fields available in Dublin. Based on field rental permit data there are sufficient fields to meet the needs of soccer over the next four years. However, there is a more imminent need for a 90 -foot baseball diamond as the City's only field will be at full occupancy within the year. The City's 60 -foot diamonds will be at a 90% average occupancy rate by FY 2013 -2014. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS /PUBLIC OUTREACH: A public meeting notice was sent to the residences neighboring Emerald Glen Park, the Parks and Community Services Commission, as well as the presidents of the Dublin Green Gator Swim Team, Dublin Little League, and Dublin United Soccer League. Page 8 of 9 ATTACHMENTS: 1. Current Master Plan for Emerald Glen Park 2. Recreation and Aquatic Complex - Phase 1 Site Plan 3. Recreation and Aquatic Complex - Phase 2 Site Plan 4. Recreation and Aquatic Complex - Phase 3 Site Plan 5. Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation - Conceptual Site Plan 6. Draft Minutes from the August 20, 2012 Parks and Community Services Commission Meeting related to the Emerald Glen Building Plan Page 9 of 9 Lu u] W ° .r w M� 3 0, v - -- No s: I m � ,I � • `w, Q d v W 't r L±4 40 1 _ Z W V, r■ rl (9))! h� ik FI � L S 0 P O I ro � o� fix. � .. Z P a_- UJ H V) a :k w LU V3 w •t ' ° �_ 1 dt � 7L a V Q W r_m � a C3 W , a o W o LD ro (LOU N W 0 O 0 0 \ O O o \\ O O O O 4p p� o � o i 0 0� 0 0� 0 0 0 oo� 0 0 o a\ 0 0 o a\ 0 0 0 0 � 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Z O a / 1 1 \ \ G L J � 1 �J Y2 1 , W Q CL 0 �.J 0 a o \ OO O O o \\ O O O O 4p 4p / / o / o � 0 0� 0 0� 0 0 0 oo\ 0 0 o a\ 0 0 o a\ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 � C ` o° 0 Z O a / 1 g i iZO 00 i �J s 1 N 06 w CL 0 �.J a 0 pp "t o / o 0 0� 0 0\ o ° ° 0 0 0 0 o a\ 0 0 o a\ 0 0 0 0 � 0 0 o 0 0 0 / / / / / C ` / m °o 0 Z O a / 1 M 06 N w V) 0 �.J l� Al PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Drat Minutes related to Proposed Building Plan for Emerald Glen Park CITY OF DUBLIN August 20, 2012 NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Proposed Building Plan for Emerald Glen Park Mr. Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Vice Chair Totaro asked if there would be adequate funding available to move forward with Phase I of the project as presented, and Mr. McCreary said yes. Vice Chair Totaro asked about the projected timeline for the build -out of the project. Mr. McCreary explained that the timeline and funding for the build -out of the project would be discussed during the next Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update. Currently only Phase I of the project has available funding. Future phases will depend on the pace of residential development. Chair A. Elias asked about the location of the spectator section in the Fallon Sports Park Lower Terrace. Mr. McCreary pointed out the proposed spectator section on the diagram. Vice Chair Totaro asked about additional field lighting proposed for the soccer fields in the lower terrace at Fallon Sports Park. Mr. McCreary explained that an amendment to the existing Environmental Impact Report would need to be prepared before additional lighting could be included in the proposed plans. Vice Chair Totaro asked if the project scheduling for the proposed Dublin Swim Center modernization and the proposed building Plan for Emerald Glen Park would be coordinated in order to avoid the absence of a functioning aquatics facility in the City, and McCreary said yes. Vice Chair Totaro asked about the proposed two -year timeline for the potential Mini -Phase of Fallon Sports Park. Mr. McCreary explained that the timeline provides for the design and construction of the improvements, which includes the construction contractor's timeline. He stated that Staff would work towards completing the Mini -Phase as quickly as possible once funding is identified for the project. Cm. Mack asked about the future cost of the $1.6 million estimated for the synthetic turf soccer fields. Mr. McCreary stated that each year there is a potential for the project budget to increase by an applicable cost factor, as determined by outside sources. Cm. T. Elias asked about the maintenance costs of synthetic turf versus grass turf. Mr. McCreary explained that given the capital outlay costs of maintaining synthetic turf, the difference in costs is approximately neutral. Chair A. Elias asked about the timing for the Proposed Building Plan for Emerald Glen Park. Mr. McCreary explained that there are about 15 -18 +/- months remaining for design work and about 24 +/- months anticipated for construction. Chair A. Elias asked how the timing would affect future phases of Fallon Sports Park. Mr. McCreary explained that the subsequent phases of Fallon Sports Park are currently scheduled to begin in the fifth year of the 2012 -2017 CIP. Vice Chair Totaro asked about utilizing the City's General Fund as a resource for the $1.6 million needed to install synthetic turf soccer fields for the potential Mini -Phase of Fallon Sports Park. Mr. McCreary stated that this decision would need to be made by the City Council. Vice Chair Totaro asked if the design of the potential Mini —Phase of Fallon Sports Park could begin prior to securing funding for the remaining construction of the project. Mr. McCreary stated that he would caution against this due to the potential for changes in the Building Codes prior to funding being secured. Mr. James Fulweiller, Dublin United Soccer League (DUSL) Vice President, spoke in favor of moving forward with the potential Mini -Phase of Fallon Sports Park. He stated that he would like the phase to include an adequate spectator seating area. He expressed interest in partnering with the City on financial assistance for the $1.6 million needed to install synthetic turf soccer fields. Mr. Karl Danielson, Project Consultant with the Dahlin Group, introduced himself to the Commission and made himself available for questions. Vice Chair Totaro stated that he supports a reduced option for Phase I of the proposed building plan for Emerald Glen Park in order to reallocate funding to Fallon Sports Park. He suggested that Staff work with DUSL on its offer of financial assistance. Cm. Mack asked about the possibility of working with DUSL on its offer of financial assistance. Mr. McCreary stated that the possibility of future discussions exists. Cm. T. Elias stated that he is in favor of a reduced option for Phase I of the proposed building plan for Emerald Glen Park in order to reallocate funding to Fallon Sports Park. Chair A. Elias stated that he is not pleased about the further delay of the 90 -foot baseball field. He stated that he recommends reducing the option for Phase I of the proposed building plan for Emerald Glen Park in order to reallocate funding to Fallon Sports Park. Chair A. Elias suggested that the proposed Fallon Sports Park Lower Terrace spectator seating area be extended to part of the hillside. In addition, stepped seating should be added to allow unobstructed views of the fields. Mr. McCreary stated that Staff would explore the costs options for an improved seating area. On a motion by Vice Chair Totaro, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 4 -0 -0 with Cms. Boboc and Jones absent, the Commission voted to recommend to the City Council the Reduced Option for Phase I of the proposed building plan for Emerald Glen Park in order to reallocate funding to the next phase of improvements at Fallon Sports Park.