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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-2004 Approved PCSC Minutes , ~' CITY OF DUBLIN PARKS COMMUNITYSERVICES`COMMISSION MINUTES OF:'jUNE 21- Vice Chairperson Jones called the meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission to order at 7:00 p.m., at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California. Pledge of Allegiance Vice Chairperson Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Cain,Flores (arrived at 7:10p.m.), Guarienti,Hildenbrand,Jones, and Pawlowski Commissioners Absent: None Oral Communications-None Approval of Minutes ON A MOTION BY CM. HILDENBRAND, SECONDED BY CM. CAIN AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 2004 AS PRESENTED. CM. GUARIENTI ABSTAINED. Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business-None New Business 8.1 Emerald Glen Park Phase III Design Parks& Community Services Director Diane Lowart introduced Rosemary Alex,Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, who stated that as approved in the 2002-2007 Capital Improvement Program, design of Emerald Glen Park Phase HI will begin Fiscal Year 2003-2004 and construction will commence in Fiscal Year 2004-2005. The Emerald Glen Park Master Plan incorporates the following primary elements in Phase III: two soccer fields; one little league field;picnic area;restrooms; street frontage improvements and parking. After City Council approval of the parking study on May 18, 2004, the community design process was initiated. On June 2, 2004 the first of two public workshops was held to receive input on the design for the park. The City's consultants Carducci and Associates prepared three conceptual designs for the site that incorporate the park program elements as well as some alternative elements such as bocce ball and cricket. While at the meeting the public expressed their preferences both verbally and by means of casting votes. She advised that as part of the design process, Staff is seeking additional input from the Parks and Community Services Commission on all three-design alternatives. Alex introduced Bill Fee, Carducci & Associates, to present the three design alternatives for Emerald Glen Park, Phase III. Fee reviewed the original master plan for the area,the three design alternatives and the preferred scheme that came out of the first community workshop. Upon completion of his presentation, Chairperson Flores asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on this topic. No public comments were made. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she prefers Scheme 2 because it leaves the most area for installation of a future aquatic center in Phase 4 & 5. Cm. Hildebrand's second choice would be Scheme 1. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she believed the Master Plan did not include a bocce court or cricket field and she wanted to know why these Minutes—June 21,2004 Page2of7 components had been added to the project, especially since a bocce court and cricket field is already planned for Emerald Glen. Cm. Hildenbrand asked Fee how a state of the art aquatic center would impact the soccer fields. Fee advised that in order to install an aquatic center at Emerald Glen, the cricket field and a soccer field would have to be eliminated in Scheme 1 or the Little League field in Scheme 2. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she preferred the native tree planting at creek's edge. Cm. Hildenbrand asked how many Little League fields are required in the Master Plan. Alex stated that the Master Plan called for 2 soccer fields, 1 little league field, a picnic area, a restroom and parking. Parks & Facilities Development Manager Herma Lichtenstein stated that several employees of Sybase have contacted her over the last few years requesting a cricket field. Councilmember Sbranti has previously asked that Bocce Courts be given consideration in future park planning. Cm.Hildenbrand asked if any open space could be obtained by removing the bocce court and cricket field from the design. Fee stated that both components are relatively small. The bocce court is 8 ft. x 72 ft and the cricket field overlay is 8 ft. x 60 ft. Fee stated that removing these components from Emerald Glen would create very little extra open space. Cm. Cain stated he preferred Scheme #1 and his second choice was Scheme #3. Cm. Cain liked the fact that the parking was adjacent to the Little League field and would like to see the restrooms towards the drop-off location. Cm. Cain suggested moving the bocce court closer to the street and keeping the play hill and swing set in close proximity to each other. Cm. Guarienti stated that he was'concerned that this project was moving away from the original intent of Master Plan for this park. He stated that this phase of Emerald Glen was supposed to have a lot of wide open spaces and creek side picnic areas, in a quiet,natural setting, where families could go to have picnics and spend quality family time together. Cm. Guarienti would like to have the Little League fields moved or removed from the park in order to make room for open space and build out for the Aquatic Center. Cm. Guarienti stated that he also did not agree with the additional parking recently added to design. Cm. Guarienti stated that he would like to see the bocce courts moved closer to the parking lot to accommodate the seniors. Cm. Guarienti stated that he prefers Scheme#2 overall. Cm. Jones stated that he preferred Scheme #2 because it provides the most opportunity for expansion to add the Aquatic Center. He would like to see another play area on the west side of the park and doesn't feel that the cricket field overlay is a problem and feels bocce demand may grow. Cm. Jones suggested we scale back the baseball field or do away with the field altogether to free up some space. Cm. Pawlowski stated that he liked Scheme#2 because of the open space. Cm. Pawlowski stated that he liked the planting of the native trees along the creek and he feels that cricket is an interesting sport. Chairperson Flores liked Scheme #2 because it leaves room for expansion. She also felt the Little League field is too far away from the other fields and advised that she would support removing the field if necessary. Chairperson Flores stated that she would like to see the parking away from the creek. Chairperson Flores asked each Commission member to state his or her Scheme preference. All Commission members stated that their Scheme preference was Scheme#2. Fee asked the Commission members if they had any changes to the layout. MinUths Tune 21,2004 Page3of7 Cm. Hildenbrand and Cm. Pawlowski stated that they preferred to plant native trees along the creek to keep line with the natural beauty of this area. The Commission had no further changes to Scheme 2 as presented. 8.2 Fallon Sports Park Master Plan—Design Process Update Lowart introduced Herma Lichtenstein, Parks and Facilities Development Manager. Lichtenstein stated that the 2000-2005 Capital Improvement Program includes funding for the Master Plan of the 60 +Fallon Sports Park. In March of this year Carducci Associates was commissioned to work with the City appointed Task Force to prepare the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan,which will include both costing and phasing options. The Program for the Master Plan includes soccer, softball, baseball, play areas, tennis, basketball, volleyball; picnic, walking trails and a BMX bike course. Over the last two months the consultants have been working with the Task Force to prepare park plan options. These options include the program elements and other input that has been voiced through the Task Force members. Lichtenstein introduced Vince Lattanzio, Carducci & Associates to present the options and the preferred plan for the Fallon Sports Park as per the direction of the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan Task Force. Lattanzio presented the master plan alternatives,the three schemes and the preferred scheme of the Task Force. Upon completion of his presentation, Chairperson Flores asked if there was anyone from the public who wished to comment on this topic. Mr. Eric Weinhagen, 2738 Highland Meadow Court, Dublin, stated that he was part of the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan Task Force. He stated that the Task Force selected Scheme B. Weinhagen said he liked the fact that the parking was evenly distributed but, overall, he was disappointed with the large amount of adult components at Fallon Sports Park. Weinhagen would have liked to seen more youth oriented and culturally diverse components such as roller hockey rink, a Skate Park and/or a cricket field. Weinhagen also stated that he did not see a lighted baseball field as a need for the Fallon Sports Park. Mr. Anupam Singh, 6507G Cottonwood Circle, Dublin stated that he was a part of the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan Task Force and an employee at Sybase. Singh stated that he has been in contact with the City of Dublin since 2002 to request that the City build a cricket field for resident use. Singh stated that there is not a Cricket field in the Tri-valley area, within a 40-mile radius, and a cricket field is desperately needed in this area. Singh stated that driving out of town for his recreation takes time away from his family in Dublin. Singh believes that the City only needs one cricket field. His preference would be to keep the cricket field at Emerald Glen Phase III because it will be installed sooner than if he has to wait another ten years for one to be built at Fallon Sports Parks. Cm. Pawlowski indicated that he preferred Scheme B. He liked the fact that the fields are together and the parking is convenient. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she liked Scheme B but feels that all three Schemes are a little too ambitious with too many components packed into the planned area. Cm. Hildenbrand asked if there is space for public art at Fallon Sports Park. Lattanzio confirmed that there is room for Public Art at Fallon Sports Park. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that she would like to see more shaded areas in the park. Cm. Hildenbrand would also like to see a cricket field installed at Fallon Sports Park, instead of Emerald Glen. Cm. Hildenbrand suggested that if we remove the two south end baseball fields, we could save this area for future planning, like a hockey sport element, at Fallon Sports Park. Cm. Guarienti stated that he liked the hub at the base and liked Scheme B. Minutes a June 21,2004 •Page 4 of 7 Cm. Jones stated that he also liked Scheme B but, he also feels that there is too much planned for this area. Cm. Jones suggested we remove the volleyball and basketball courts because we already have basketball and volleyball courts at Emerald Glen. Lattanzio reminded Commission that this park would be built in stages. This gives the Commission an opportunity,later on,to remove the two south fields,to create open space, at that time. Cm. Hildenbrand stated that the public tends to get very upset when they make recommendations and do not see their plans implemented. Cm. Jones stated that he is concerned that if we leave the design, as is, the quality of the sports park will suffer. Cm.Jones also feels that mixing softball and baseball is dangerous. Cm. Guarienti stated that he feels that it is most important to stay within the theme of the park. This park is a sports park and therefore the components are appropriate in this instance. Cm. Cain and Cm. Hildenbrand both stated that they would rather remove the fields.at this time, as it is too difficult to have something removed from a Master Plan, once Commission and City Council have approved it, even if the project is built in phases. Cm.Hildenbrand asked Weinhagen if he thought that the Fallon Sports Park Master Plan Task Force would need to revisit the design if the Commission decides to remove the two lower south fields. Weinhagen answered that he did not feel the Task Force would need to review the design again if Commission decides to remove the fields discussed. Lichtenstein stated that she feels the revised design should be brought back to the Task Force for review and approval if the two south fields are removed. ON A MOTION FROM CM. CAIN AND SECONDED BY CM. HILDENBRAND AND, BY UNIANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION SELECTED SCHEME B AS THE PREFERRED DESIGN FOR FALLON SPORTS PARK WITH THE RECOMMENDATION TO RETURN THE DESIGN BACK TO THE FALLON SPORTS PLAN MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE IN ORDER TO REEVALUATE THE SPACE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TWO 90 FT. BASEBALL DIAMONDS AND TO CONSIDER.REMOVAL OF THE BASEBALL DIAMONDS TO ALLOW FOR PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY IN THE FUTURE. 8.3 Day on the Glen Festival Lowart introduced Lorri Polon, Special Events Coordinator, to present a report on the proposed event plan for the 2004 Day on the Glen Festival. Polon explained that planning is under way for the City's 4th Annual Day on the Glen Festival. The event will be held on September 25 &26,2004 at Emerald Glen Park. Last year the event was held on September 27 & 28, 2003. Utilizing the information obtained from the 2002 market research survey completed by Visual Advantage, the 2003 event focus became youth attractions rather than adult venues. Staff added a video/game arcade, teen karaoke.stage, climbing wall and teen jumpers to the Teen Zone. The skateboard competition attracted 30 participants. A Tennis Tournament and the addition of a Volleyball Tournament helped encourage local businesses to participate in these team activities. Arts and Crafts booths were limited, yet vendor response from those in attendance was favorable. Attendance was estimated at 12,000. Several changes have been identified for 2004 to help increase attendance. The two stages will feature a variety of both children's and adult entertainment. New teen attractions will include a Dublin Teen Idol Contest. The Skateboard competition has been expanded to include a live radio broadcast by KMEL radio. Broader participation by local community groups will be a goal, with these groups providing interactive activities for children and families. The final goal is to minimize the net cost of this event to the City by eliminating the high Minutes-June 21,2004 Page 5 of 7 cost of the Cable Car Shuttle Service, and providing onsite parking in the undeveloped areas of the park for a$2.00 parking fee. Staff also plans to charge a nominal $1.00 fee to enter the craft tent, which last year was free. The City will also be selling some snack food items such as ice cream and popcorn. The final proposed change is to end the event earlier at 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, eliminating a portion of the event operational costs. Polon then reviewed the staff report with the Commission including the target audience, the location and layout, parking, carnival area, food, entertainment, commercial vendor booths,non-profit booths, and marketing plan . Cm. Guarienti advised that he supports the fee the City will be charging for parking. This is a good way to offset operational costs of transportation provided by the City to and from the Day on the Glen Festival. Cm. Hildenbrand asked if the Art in the Park dedication would take place at the Day on the Glen Festival because the artist would not be able to attend because the Day on the Glen Festival is scheduled during Yom Kippur. Lowart stated that we would work around this issue,if it becomes a problem. 8.4 Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Program 2004-2009 Lowart explained that the City's Five Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is developed for the purpose of identifying future capital facility needs and resources available to meet those needs. A new Five-Year Program is proposed for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 through Fiscal Year 2008-2009. The park and recreation facility projects recommended by Staff for inclusion in the CIP reflects the City's priorities with respect to creating and enhancing community park,recreation and open space facilities for Dublin residents. Priorities were determined based on the need for the project and the availability of funding for the project. Lowart reviewed the projects completed During Fiscal Year 2003-2004 which included Shannon Community Center Improvements (Building Assessment only) and Senior Center Van in the Parks Category. Bike path projects completed during Fiscal Year 2003-2004 included the Bike Path from Alamo Creek North of Amador Valley Boulevard,Tassajara Creek Trail Improvements—Dublin Boulevard to Gleason Drive. The projects proposed for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 are: Senior Center; Emerald Glen Park, Phase II and III; Park Play Area Renovations for Shannon and Dolan Parks; completion of Bray Commons; Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation, Phase III; Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update; Fallon Sports Park; Emerald Glen Park Aquatic Center/Recreation Center; Dublin Historic Park; Cemetery Planning Study; and Murray Schoolhouse Exhibit Restoration. Projects included for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 are: Emerald Glen Park, Phase III; Park Play Area Renovations; Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation, Phase W; Fallon Sports Park; Emerald Glen Park Aquatic Center/Recreation Center; Murray Schoolhouse Exhibit Restoration; Shannon Community Center Interior Painting; Park Furniture Replacement; and Stagecoach Park Assessment District Water Meter. Projects included for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 are: Park Play Area Renovations; Dublin Ranch Neighborhood Parks; Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation, Phase V; Emerald Glen Park Aquatic Center/Recreation Center; and Park Furniture Replacement. Projects included for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 are: Dublin Ranch Neighborhood Parks; Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation,Phase VI; Emerald Glen Park Aquatic Center/Recreation Center; and Park Furniture Replacement. Projects included for Fiscal Year 2008-2009 are: Dublin Ranch Neighborhood Parks; Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation,Phase VII; and Emerald Glen Park Community Center. Lowart then informed the Commission of one outstanding item related to the CIP — the Shannon Community Center. The Shannon Community Center Improvement Project was initiated in Fiscal Year 2002-2003, when the City commissioned a constructability review of a number of proposed projects including exterior painting, door replacement and deck replacement. This review recommended further investigation and a comprehensive plan for Minutes-June 21,2004 - Page 6 of 7 building upgrades and improvements. In Fiscal Year 2003-2004, a building assessment was undertaken which identified significant problems relating to water intrusion in the building. Until further investigation can be completed, the total cost of remedying the problems associated with the building cannot be finalized, although Staff anticipates the costs may be significant. Once the review is complete, options for dealing with the Shannon Center improvements will be brought forward to the City Council and will necessitate a budget adjustment during Fiscal Year 2004-2005. • Unfunded park projects include: completion of.the final phase of Emerald Glen Park; one additional neighborhood park in the Dublin Ranch development; construction of Fallon Sports Park; Community Theater/Cultural Arts Center; Eastern Dublin Parks; construction of Emerald Glen Park Community Center; Schaefer Ranch Neighborhood Parks; and Transit Center Park. Bike path and trail projects include: the Scarlett Drive/Iron Horse Trail Extension; and a Bike Lane along the north side of Amador Valley Boulevard between Stagecoach Road and Dougherty Road. Lowart asked Commission if they had any questions or comments on the Proposed Five Year Capital Improvement Program 2004-2009. Cm. Guarienti asked Lowart if she knew why it was taking so long for the Scarlett Drive/Iron Horse trail to complete. Lowart stated she would check and get back to Cm. Guarienti on this issue. Cm. Guarienti stated that the road along Alamo Creek should be listed as a Bike path, which is listed on Page 24 in the Community Improvement section. ON A MOTION FROM,CM. GUARIENTI, SECONDED BY CM. HILDENBRAND AND, BY UNIANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION CONFIRMED PROJECT PRIORITIES AS PROPOSED BY STAFF ON THE PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2004-2009. 8.5 Camp Parks Strategic Visioning Process Lowart explained that completion of the Camp Parks General Plan Amendment is identified as a high priority in the City Council Goals and Objectives for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005. Over the past several months, Planning Staff has been working with the Project Applicant, the U.S. Army and their authorized representative, the Staubach Company, to determine the most efficient and effective manner in which to proceed with developing a land use plan for the 182-acre site. Staff and the Army concluded that because of the size, scope; and community-wide importance of this property, a comprehensive planning process should be employed to outline a vision for the future uses of the land. Lowart reviewed the Strategic Visioning process and indicated that a representative from the Parks&Community Services Commission is needed to participate in the process. Cm. Hildenbrand volunteered to be the representative and Cm. Guarienti volunteered to be the alternate representative should Cm.Hildenbrand not be available to participate. 9.1 Other Business Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks& Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. Hildenbrand stated that School Board Member David Haubert stated that Dougherty Elementary School could be used as an alternate site location for the City,if needed. Cm.Guarienti stated that he attended the Flag Pole dedication and thought the ceremony was very nice. Cm. Jones asked Parks and Community Services Manager Paul McCreary if he had received his message about his concerns at Emerald Glen Park. McCreary confirmed that he was and would get back to Cm.Jones with the status of his concerns. Cm. Guarienti asked if there was an email address or telephone number to call to report park service issues to the City. Cm. Guarienti stated that a few of the rocks on the climbing wall at Kolb Park have fallen off and are missing. Minutes-June 21,2004 Page 7 of 7 Lowart advised the Commission that when they notice these problems, if they could immediately call her or Paul McCreary and they would follow through to make sure the issue is resolved. Lowart advised that the Shannon Community Center has closed as reported to the Commission last week via email. Staff has worked hard to move 50+programs and classes as well as private rentals to alternate locations. Cm. Jones asked when we might expect to have the Shannon Community Center opened again. Lowart reported that it would be at least a year, if City Council moves forward with renovation of the building. Lowart advised that the deadline has been extended to accept applications for a student representative to the Parks and Community Services Commission. Lowart asked Cm. Pawlowski to please come to the July 6th Parks and Community Services Commission meeting so the City could thank him for his service. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, i - Christie Marks Senior Office Assistant . APPROVED: 9)/ ,2 ✓UALt Chairp` son