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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 DRAFT Minutes 08-19-2013 PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Draft Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN August 19, 2013 The August 19, 2013 Regular Meeting of the Parks & Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:03 PM at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chair Totaro. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Totaro led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners (Cm.) Present: Ballesteros, Boboc, Mack, Sung, Totaro Commissioner Absent: Elias ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3.1 Brief Informational Only Reports from Senior Center and Youth Advisory Committees Senior Center Advisory Committee Member Holly Ito reported that at the Advisory Committee's last meeting, they discussed the Senior Center Summer Quarterly Report, which showed an overall increase in program participation. She reported that on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, the Senior Center would be hosting a '211' information training for Staff, Volunteers, and also for members of the public. She further reported that upcoming events include the celebration of "Senior Center Month" in September, and the Senior Information Fair on October 5, 2013. Cm. Vivian Sung reported that at the last Youth Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee discussed its goals for the 2013-2014 term. 3.2 Public Comments—None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1 July 22, 2013 On a motion by Cm. Boboc, seconded by Vice Chair Mack, and by a vote of 4-0-1 with Cm. Boboc abstaining and Cm. Elias absent, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of July 22, 2013 as presented. Cm. Boboc abstained from the vote due to his absence during the July 22, 2013 meeting. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS—None NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Iron Horse Nature Park and Open Space Master Plan Ms. Rosemary Alex, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. She introduced Mr. Justin Winters, with SWA Group Landscape Architects, who provided additional details regarding the project. Cm. Boboc asked about the width of the proposed park. Mr. Winters stated the park would vary from about 100 feet to 150 feet in width over the approximate one mile length of the park. P&CSC Draft Meeting Minutes—August 19,2013—Page 2 of 3 Cm. Ballesteros asked about restroom facilities at the park. Mr. Winters stated the proposed plan for the park includes a trailhead staging area with restroom facilities and drinking fountains south of Amador Valley Boulevard. Cm. Ballesteros asked about the proposed entrance locations for the park. Mr. Winters stated there would be pedestrian entrances on both sides of the creek and pointed out the locations on the diagram. Cm. Ballesteros asked about the potential for soil erosion around the creek. Mr. Winters explained that the proposed plantings of native vegetation around the creek would work towards preventing soil erosion. Mr. Brad Ledesma, with Zone 7 Water Agency, presented details on the proposed changes to the existing water ways within the proposed park site. Cm. Ballesteros asked about the attraction of wild turkeys and geese to the site, and Mr. Winters explained that the site would attract a healthier naturalized eco system. Cm. Boboc asked if the proposed improvements would disturb the current eco system, and Mr. Winters stated that the improvements would work towards attracting native habitat back to the area. Vice Chair Mack stated that she likes the proposed improvements. Cm. Sung asked about the transition between the different eco systems of the proposed park site. Mr. Winters stated that the design team would work with biologist to create natural transitions between the various eco systems of the park site. Chair Totaro stated that he likes the proposed plan for the park. He asked if the 50-foot wide area along the existing gas line would act as a buffer between the residents and the park, and Mr. Winters said yes. Cm. Ballesteros asked about the location of the proposed community garden, and Mr. Winters pointed it out on the diagram. Chair Totaro asked if mature trees would be planted, and Mr. Winters stated that may be an option. Chair Totaro opened the floor to public comments. Mr. John Whitehead, resident, thanked Staff for the public input process and asked about the layout of the proposed park. Mr. Terry Lacey, resident, asked about the purchase of the land for the project and the source of water for the native plantings. Ms. Laura Moore, resident, asked about the entrances to the park in proximity to her home, and grading for the park. Mr. Rich Guarienti, resident, spoke in favor of the project and provided a bit of site history. Mr. Brad Chapman, resident, asked if the historic use of weed abatement chemicals on and near the train trestle would negatively affect the creek water and native plantings. Ms. Linda Marker, resident, asked how the natural ecology around the park site would be protected. Ms. Sheryl Row, resident, spoke in favor of the project and asked about possible alternative scenarios for the site should the City not complete the purchase of the land. P&CSC Draft Meeting Minutes—August 19, 2013—Page 3 of 3 Mr. Dennis (last name not given), resident, opined on the potential of the project to disrupt and disturb the natural ecology of the existing site. Ms. Anna Ray, resident, opined on the potential of the project to disrupt and disturb the natural ecology of the existing site, and increase traffic in the area. Ms. Kathy Mayhood, resident, asked how the proposed park property would affect the property line of her house. Mr. Howard Hart, resident, opined on the potential of the project to disrupt and disturb the natural ecology of the existing site, and increase traffic in the area. Chair Totaro asked Staff to comment on the ecological concerns expressed by residents. Mr. Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director, explained that a full environmental analysis would be conducted for the proposed project under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). Mr. Randy Hildenbrandt, resident, asked if the proposed project would affect the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) flood zone for the neighboring houses, and about plans for wetland vector control. Mr. John Marker, resident, asked about funding for the project and expressed concerned about increased vagrancy in the area, and negatively impacting the natural ecology. Ms. Evette Hoyer, with Amador Lakes Apartment, asked if the City would obtain a land easement for the project. On a motion by Vice Chair Mack, seconded by Cm. Boboc, and by a vote of 5-0-0 with Cm. Elias absent, the Commission voted to recommend approval of the preferred conceptual design as presented to the City Council. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 BRIEF INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS FROM PARKS&COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS AND/OR STAFF Cm. Ballesteros reported that she attended the Dublin Farmers' Market and the last Concert in the Park. Mr. McCreary provided program and project updates. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Franklin Administrative Analyst APPROVED: Chairperson