HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2004 Approved PCSC Minutes • CITY OF DUBLIN
PARKSAND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES OF: OCTOBER 18,2004
The meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:04p.m. at the Dublin Civic
Center,Dublin, California,by Chairperson Flores.
Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Flores,Jones, Guarienti, Cain,Hildenbrand and Smith
Oral Communications
3.1 Brief Informational Only Reports from Senior Center and Youth Advisory Committees
Senior Center Advisory Committee
Greer Payton, Senior Center Advisory Committee, reported that at the last meeting the Committee reviewed the Summer
Quarterly Report. Trips went really well and the van is nice to have. Six pieces of new furniture have been received for
the new Senior Center for review. The Committee will be commenting on these furniture items at their next scheduled
meeting. She invited the Commission to stop by to see the furniture items. Effective in December, the Senior Center
Advisory Committee will be conducting their monthly meetings in the Chambers at the Civic Center. The recording
system and presentation amenities available will allow the Committee to conduct better meetings. There are Committee
members who have been attending the Fallon & Camp Parks meetings and she is currently participating in the Dublin
Leadership Academy. She reminded the Commission to RSVP to Anna for the upcoming October 28 Volunteer
Luncheon.
Youth Advisory Committee
Commissioner Smith reported that at the last meeting of the Youth Advisory Committee officers were elected.
The Committee also organized a Publicity Subcommittee to help advertise all upcoming events.
3.2 Public Comments-None
Approval of Minutes
ON A MOTION BY CM. HILDENBRAND, SECONDED BY CM. JONES AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE
COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 20,2004 AS PRESENTED.
Written Comm unications-None
Public Hearing-None
Unfinished Business-None
New Business
8.1 Proposed Eagle Scout Project for Dougherty Hills Open Space
Lowart stated that she is pleased to bring forward an Eagle Scout project for the Dougherty Hills Open Space. Local Boy
Scout Andrew Sevilla is here this evening to answer any questions you may have. A copy of the proposal is attached to
the agenda statement. Basically he is proposing a creation of trail markers to be installed at various locations along the
Dougherty Hills Open Space trails to alert people as to how far they have gone and the elevation they are at. Each post
would have several mileage marker signs and display the distances to various points. The signs will be made out of 4"
plastic drain caps which Andrew will present to the Commission this evening. All entrances will have a map of the park
and the trails. Andrew believes that this project will benefit the people using the park for hiking, running or walking so
that they will be aware of the distance of the trails.
Andrew Sevilla presented a sample of the trail markers and of the map to be posted at the entrance.
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Cm. Smith stated that the proposed signs look good to him.
Cm. Guarienti complimented Andrew on doing this project. He indicated that he has measured all the other trails in the
City, but didn't do Dougherty Hills Open Space. He asked as to how the solicitation for donations going? Andrew
replied that he is not allowed to solicit for donations until the project has received approval and is signed off by the Boy
Scouts.
Cm. Guarienti told Andrew to contact him when he begins to solicit for donations. As the leader of the Trail Trekkers,he
would be happy to distribute flyers to his walkers.
Cm. Jones felt that the proposed project is great. There are many organizations in town like the Lions Club and Women's
Club. He is sure that if the project was presented to them,they would be willing to offer a donation.
Chair Flores stated that she is very impressed with the detail of the proposal.
Cm.Hildenbrand felt that Andrew did a great job on the proposal.
Cm. Guarienti asked if the Commission can name the trail. Lowart replied yes, however it will need to be placed on an
agenda for discussion.
Cm. Guarienti asked if the trail will ever extend into Contra Costa County. Lowart stated that she will follow-up on this.
ON A MOTION BY CM HILDENBRAND SECONDED BY CM GUARIENTI AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE
COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT FOR DOUGHERTY HILLS
OPEN SPACE.
8.2 DublinRecGuide.com Website Presentation
McCreary presented a power point presentation which outlined the use of the e-commerce system database.
He briefly summarized the highlights of the system for the Commission.
In May 2003, the City began work on an "E-Commerce Project". This multi-year project began with the launch of the
new"DublinRecGuide.com"website. Concurrently the City began accepting credit cards as a form of payment.
The website allows customers to access recreation activity information and availability via the Internet in real-time.
The System is reliable and secure using the latest technology to protect customer information. It provides an easy way to
search for parks and facilities online using criteria such as desired amenities or capacities. The system reduces duplicate
data entry by Staff into the Recreation and Finance Software. There are over 22,000 customers registered in the system
database. Currently over 50% of the Department's registration is accepted via the website. The original goal was to be
40% by summer 2004. Over $300,000 of business was done online during the first 18-months of use. Programs which
receive the most online registration are Playgrounds, Leisure Classes, Youth Sports and Aquatics. Almost 60% of
payments are now made by credit card.
McCreary demonstrated the website for the Commission to show the functionality of the system.
Chair Flores asked if a family can get their pin information online without having to call the office. McCreary replied,
yes. There is a function "forgot my password". You just type in your email address and we can send you the pin
information.
Chair Flores stated that currently people have to call the office to establish a pin and password, is that correct. McCreary
replied yes. However Staff is working with the vendor to resolve a resident/non-resident glitch so that people can
establish their own accounts online.
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Cm. Guarienti asked if the system saving Staff time. McCreary stated that in the first 18 months Staff has spent just as
much, if not more Staff time learning the system procedures. However we are starting to see the benefits now, since the
public is becoming more familiarized with the system.
Cm. Guarienti stated that there was an article in the newspaper on San Ramon about their program and their new "Go
Card". Are we going to look into.this? McCreary stated that we could work with our vendor to do an affinity program.
We need to see how San Ramon's program goes in the first year to see if it would benefit us.
Cm. Guarienti asked if there will be an opportunity to use the system at the new Senior Center to help with their trips and
tours and other activities. McCreary stated that we are putting the technology and wiring in place to be able to do that.
However we need to take our time moving into the new Senior Center and get used to the space we have. With the
increase in programming, another Staff person will be hired to help out. It is certainly something we can look at in the
future.
8.3 Spring 2004 Quarterly Report
McCreary briefly summarized the programs conducted during spring 2004.
After School Recreation
After School Recreation is a supervised drop-in activity program for children in first through fifth grades. The program
operates on school days at Dougherty, Dublin, Frederiksen, Murray, and Nielsen Elementary Schools. Overall
registration increased by approximately 7% this spring,over last year and there was an increase in average daily
attendance. The most popular sites continue to be Dougherty and Dublin Elementary Schools.
After School Enrichment
The After School Enrichment program offers a variety of classes in the areas of art, performance, science, nature,
language, and math. Classes were offered every other Tuesday from 3:15 P.M. to 4:15 P.M. at the Dublin Public Library.
Unfortunately 3 out of the 5 classes had to be canceled due to insufficient registration.
Recreation on Campus[R.O.C.)
The Recreation on Campus program offers a variety of recreational and educational activities at Wells Middle School.
The activities are offered in an elective-style format allowing a teen to register for the activities that appeal to him or her.
Average daily attendance during the spring was 115 which was a decrease of approximately 7% over the prior year.
There was also an overall decrease in registration for the program. Similar to the After School Enrichment Program, staff
is surveying customers to determine what activities would be popular and keep the program fresh.
Aquatics
Recreational Swimming
This spring there was an increase of 44% in attendance during Recreational Swimming hours. This increase can be
partially attributed to a longer spring season.
Spring Learn-To-Swim Program
This was the sixth year that the Learn-to-Swim Program was held during the spring. Over 240 children participated in the
program,which was an increase of 39%. A total of 82 children,over two sessions,were placed on waiting lists for spring
classes; a 228%increase over the prior year. The greatest demand was for infant,preschool and beginning lessons.
Competitive Stroke Lessons
Three sessions of the Competitive Stroke Lessons were held this spring. This program offers instruction in competitive
swimming stroke technique, starts, turns and finishes. Over 80 children participated in the program, which was an
increase of 55%.There were 17 children on the waiting list for these classes.
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Fitness
Spring lap swimming increased in popularity with 53 admissions. The City was unable to offer water exercise due to lack
of a certified instructor during the spring. The lifeguard training program attracted 23 participants in the spring, which
was a five-year high.
Leisure Enrichment Classes
The leisure class program includes specialty classes taught by contracted instructors. Classes are offered in the areas of
fitness, health, dance, music, arts and crafts, martial arts, canine, equestrian, and financial planning. A total of 637
participants registered for classes during spring 2004, which was an 11% increase over the prior year. Popular classes
this quarter for youth included Terrific Twos, Fun for Ones, Judo, Irish Dance, Cheerleading, Little Buddy Bowling,
Babysitting for Beginners and Karate. Popular adult classes included Country Western Line Dancing,Hatha Yoga,Hula,
Estate Planning, Scrapbooking and Golf.
Preschool
The Shannon Center Preschool has four classes that provide opportunities for social and educational development. It is a
co-op program that requires parents to assist in the classroom which in turn helps make registration fees more affordable.
During the spring the Preschool served 69 children. All three preschool level classes were filled. The Kinder-Prep class
only had 8 students which is 4 less than the prior year.
Senior Center
Average attendance at the Senior Center continues to be approximately 2,500 per month. Additionally the Senior Center
receives over 740 hours of volunteer support each month. Popular programs at the Senior Center include the Shamrock
Café Lunch Program, Food Distribution, Art and Quilting Classes, Line Dance, and Aerobics. The attendance at the
Special Luncheons and Dinner Dances at the Senior Center has particularly increased. The Trips and Tours Program
continues to be popular with all trips filling to capacity. During May the Step Out for Senior Centers event was held and
attracted over 200 participants and spectators. The event is in its second year and is the largest senior event the City
sponsors. This year's event featured a 1-mile Fun Walk,Pancake Breakfast,Resource Faire and Art Exhibition.
Special Events
Spring special events included the St. Patrick's Day Celebration, the Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk and the Spring
Eggstravaganza. The spring events were extremely popular this year, all reaching five-year highs for attendance. In
particular registration for the Fun Run increased by over 500 runners.
Sports
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Youth Volleyball
This was the third year the City offered a Youth Volleyball League. The program is for girls and boys in 5th through 10th
grades and introduces the sport of volleyball while avoiding excessive competition. Basic skills, rules and strategies are
emphasized.The registration this year was 33, an increase of 27% over 2003.
Contracted Youth Sports Programs
In addition to the Volleyball League sponsored by the City, there were 163 youth registered for contracted sports
programs including roller hockey and soccer. Soccer was moved to Ted Fairfield Park this year which resulted in a 120%
increase in registration.
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Adult Sports
There were 34 teams registered for the spring adult sports leagues. This was a slight decrease of two teams. A total of
239 adults attended open gym at Stager Community Gym in the spring. This was an average of 17 adults per evening.
Teen Events
There were four teen events held during the spring including a Karaoke Night&Pizza Night, Q-Zar Night, Youth Music
Showcase and the Dub Town Jam event. The Dub Town Jam event continues to be the largest teen event the City
Sponsors with over 250 in attendance this year. The teen events served a total of 455 teens during the spring quarter.
Minutes—October 18,2004
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Other Business
Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks& Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff
Cm. Cain reported that he and Commissioner Guarienti attend the Fairway Ranch groundbreaking for affordable senior
housing for seniors over 55. There are one and two bedroom units with a completion date of 2006.
Cm. Guarienti reported that he attended the Fallon Task Force meeting. It seems to be coming together really well. The
biggest issue now is how to phase it. He asked when the next meeting will be. Lowart replied,November 3.
Cm. Guarienti stated that he attended the Day on the Glen on Saturday and really enjoyed the event. The weather and
food was great. He reported that he will not be able to attend the St. Patrick's Liaison Committee meeting, as that it is
scheduled the same night as his East Bay Regional Parks Advisory meeting. As a resident, he attended.the Camp Parks
design charette to look at the possible uses of Camp Parks.
Cm.Hildenbrand reported that she attended the Day on the Glen both days. The toddler area was a great idea. Because it
was a hot weekend, it would have been nice if a canopy was over the toddler area. Perhaps this can be considered for
next year. A canopy would also be nice for the parents waiting area too. The event was a lot of fun and everyone had a
great time.
Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she attended the Camp Parks meeting which she found interesting. There were five concepts
presented with an overall consensus for two of them. One concept was for a 72 acre park and the other for.a 56 acre park.
The concepts that were heavily favored were those that had the proper number of parks to cover what will be required
and possibly make up the deficiency from the West side.
Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she is being asked by parents who have children enrolled in the Preschool, as to when it will
be moved from the Library to the portables at Emerald Glen. McCreary stated that even with the rain today, they are
working out at Emerald Glen and hoping to have the portables in by next Monday.
Chair Flores stated that her son thought the Day on the Glen was"way cool".
Adjournment
Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:00p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Char J.Young
Administrative fchnician
APPROVED:
aV4L I ,.
Chair rson
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