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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2007 Approved PCSC Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES OF: FEBRUARY 21,2007 The February 21, 2007 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, Guarienti, Jones,Muetterties, Elias and Deering Oral Communications 3.1, Administration of Oath of Office to Newly Appointed Commissioner by City Clerk Fawn Holman, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Commissioner Richard Guarienti. 3.2 Brief Information Report—Senior Center Al Edge reported that the election of officers for the Senior Advisory Committee was deferred for one month so that the members had an opportunity to get to know each other better. Discussion was held regarding the Step Out for Seniors event and there were a lot of suggestions for the event. Diane Bonetti and Beth Wood will be working on the subcommittee. Some suggestions included emergency preparedness, city and county services and whether the event should be a daily,weekly or monthly event. Paul McCreary gave a demonstration of the on-line registration system. It seems to be a good system and will be a big help to a lot of people. The joint meeting held on.February 10 with the Council and Commissions was great. He enjoyed it and everyone seemed to learn a lot. Brief Information Report— Youth Advisory Committee-None 3.3 Presentation by Preschool Instructor Donna Arnold on City Preschool Program Donna Arnold, the Preschool Instructor who is the Director of the Shamrock Preschool, gave a presentation to the Commission about the program philosophy,values, outcomes, activities, structure and staffing. Cm. Elias asked what the ratio of teachers to children is and how many children are currently enrolled. Arnold replied that the ratio is 5-1 and there are currently 85 children enrolled in the program. Cm. Jones stated that the preschool is a great program. Cm. Guarienti stated that the program has a wonderful staff and he is impressed on how well they adjusted to the transition and relocation from Shannon Center to Emerald Glen Park. Arnold stated that she appreciates the Commissions support. Public Comments—None Approval of Minutes—January 22,2007 ON A MOTION BY CM. MUETTERTIES,SECONDED BY CM. JONES AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2007. ABSTAINED: CM GUARIENTI AND CM.ELIAS. Written Communications-None Minutes—February 21,2007 'Page 2of7 Public Hearini-None Unfinished Business 7.1 Election of Officers Parks & Community Services Director Diane Lowart presented the staff report and recommended that the Commission conduct elections for a Chairperson and Vice-chairperson for one-year terms. Chair Flores opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson. Cm. Muetterties nominated Chair Flores for Chairperson. Cm. Guarienti seconded the nomination. BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE ELECTION OF CHAIR FLORES AS CHAIRPERSON FOR THE PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION. Chair Flores opened for floor for nominations for Vice-Chairperson. Cm. Guarienti nominated Cm. Jones for Vice-Chairperson. Chair Flores seconded the nomination. BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION APPROVED THE ELECTION OF CM. JONES AS VICE- CHAIRPERSON FOR THE PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION. 7.2 Committee Appointments Lowart presented the staff report and indicated that there are committees that require the representation of the Parks and Community Services Commission. She presented a summary of the various committees and the current representatives and alternates. She recommended that the Special Events Committee be disbanded. Chair Flores suggested that there continue to be representation from the Commission at the logistics meetings prior to special events. Chair Flores polled the Commission regarding their continuance and/or changes to the committees. The Commission confirmed and/or changed the committee representatives and alternates as follows: Senior Center Advisory Committee Representative: Guarienti Alternate: Flores Youth Advisory Committee Representative: Deering Alternate: Jones - Youth Sports Liaison Committee Representative: Jones • Alternate: Elias Logistics Committee Representative: Flores (St.Patrick's Festival) - Alternate: Muetterties (Day on the Glen) Art Selection Committee Shannon Community Center Representative: Muetterties Alternate: Elias Bicycle Master Plan Committee Representative: Guarienti Alternate: Elias Minutes—February 21,2007 Page 3 of 7 Lowart stated that if an alternate wants to attend a meeting with the representative, they may do so without violating the Brown Act. 7.3 Preferred Alternative for the Area G Neighborhood Square Parks and Facilities Development Manager Herma Lichtenstein presented the staff report. At the January 22, 2007 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission the City's landscape Architect, Callander Associates presented three Conceptual Design Alternatives for the Area G Neighborhood Square. Upon receiving public input and deliberating the Commission endorsed a Preferred Alternative generally based on Concept A. Lichtenstein introduced Brian Fletcher who reviewed the Preferred Alternative for the Commission. Cm.Muetterties stated that the architect had done a good job. Cm. Jones concurred. Chair Flores asked if the dimensions of the layout changed. Fletcher stated that only minor changes were made which included enlargement of the back turf area, adding a backdrop of trees. This would provide a little better buffer between the street and the children. The basic layout remained intact. There is an opportunity to pick up pieces and elements of the labyrinth throughout the whole park, extending the brick path into the central plaza area, into the node off the bike path between the retail and the park. Cm. Elias asked the amount of time it will take before the trees planted will provide shade. Fletcher stated that it depends on the species and size of the trees. Lichtenstein stated that by way of example, the trees at Emerald Glen Park have been in ground for 6 years. The bulk of the trees were 24" when the park was built and the trees along the promenade are mature now. Staff will evaluate the species of trees for this project. Cm. Guarienti stated that he was not in attendance at the last meeting and would like public comment before any further discussion. Chair Flores opened the floor for public comment. Ryan Colbert, 3632 Finnian Way asked about the grading for the turf area at the amphitheater and if there were still plans to put in some type of climbing rock structure. Fletcher stated that it is meant to be an even slope with no stepping, which would make it easy to mow. The budget would have to be reallocated to provide a rock structure. Colbert stated that that the plan presented looks really good and he is impressed with the roses and plantings. He asked if there was any information available regarding the retail stores. Lichtenstein stated that there is nothing concrete on the table to report at this time. Cm. Guarienti stated that he is really impressed. This is a high density neighborhood and this is their neighborhood park. A lot of good things have been incorporated into the space available. He asked what the timeframe for this project is. Lichtenstein stated that if the Commission move forward on this tonight and Council approves it on March 6, the project would be ready to go out to bid in June with a six month construction period and 90-day maintenance period. Cm. Elias felt that a great job was done incorporating the different elements. He stated that he is concerned about the shade for the children as six years is a long time to wait for the trees to mature to provide shade. He asked whether maintenance costs a concern for this park. Minutes—February 21,2007 Page 4 of 7 • Lichtenstein stated that most of the roses that are proposed to be put in are of the bush variety and would not require a lot of pruning: This would hold true for the.lavender plantings as well. Lowart stated that the maintenance superintendent is involved in the review process of the parks to make sure that we are not proposing something that would be costly or difficult to maintain. Cm. Guarienti asked if the preferred alternative includes'the shade structure. Lichtenstein stated that the shade structure is an alternate. ON A MOTION BY CM. GUARIENTI, SECONDED BY CM. MUETTERTIES AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED TO RECOMMEND THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE TO THE COUNCIL WITH THE SHADE STRUCTURE. Chair Flores moved up Item 8.1 Casamira Valley and deferred Item 7.4 Dublin Pride—Integrity in Action Program to the end of the agenda. • New Business 8.1 Casamira Valley Lowart introduced Senior Planner Erica Fraser who presented an overview of the Casamira Valley project. The project encompasses 226 acres and is bounded by the Alameda County/Contra Costa County border to the north, the City of Livermore to the east and Tassajara road to the west. The development concept for the area strives to preserve the natural environment and create a community t hat is compatible wit the natural terrain. Fraser provided information}on the proposed neighborhood square, trail system, community building, museum and open space. She indicated that the Planning Commission will be reviewing the Stage 1 Planned Development zoning at their meeting in March/April of this year. The Planning Commission will make recommendations to the City Council on the project and the City Council will consider those recommendations after the Planning Commission hearing. Cm.,Muetterties asked what the driving distance from the entrance of the development to the housing is. Fraser stated that it is about 1 mile into the site. Cm.Guarienti asked where the existing homes are in relationship to the project. Fraser stated that most of the development will not be visible once it is done because it sits so far back and there are hills surrounding the area. Cm.Jones asked if the property is located adjacent to the Nielsen property. Fraser replied,no. Cm. Guarienti asked what the distance was from the Silvera Ranch project. Fraser stated that she does not know the exact distance but it is separated by the Mission Peak project. Cm. Guarienti asked if there are plans to cross Tassajara Road to get over to the trail going into the Wallis project. Fraser stated that Wallis is inaccessible from the area due to the creek. There will be a signalized intersection to cross the street. Another project located in the area will have a small trail which will go along the creek. • Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 5 of 7 Cm. Guarienti stated that there are a lot of elements he likes about the project but that it is hard to tell where the project is actually located from the information presented to the Commission. He expressed concern about providing only one acre of park land to the residents there. The standard is two acres and a one acre park just does not seem adequate. Lowart stated that this particular project in the city's general plan was not required to have a park. When the Wallis project went before the City Council, they were required to have 10.5 acres of park. The Council approved the project with fewer acres with the caveat that a one acre park site be found in one of the developments on other side of Tassajara Road. The Casamira project came forward and included the park. Based on the number of units, the 1.1 acre park does meet the need for a neighborhood park for the residents of the project. Cm. Elias stated that he has a concern that if the Commission and Council continue to recommend or make exceptions to the master plan, it will be worthless in terms of the standards it sets. He has very strong objections to having something that is only 1.1 acres,particularly for a development of this size. He is very concerned about the dangerous precedence this sets. Lowart stated that in all of the developed areas in eastern Dublin to date, all of the park land that has been developed has been developed in accordance with the City's specific and general plan for the eastern area. The Wallis project was the only time that the City Council modified the park requirements. Cm.Muetterties asked about the density of the houses. Fraser stated that the current proposal is for 298 units, which is medium density. There will be a combination of attached and detached units. Chair Flores stated that despite the acreage of the park, the development does have an architectural museum, community building and pool which she would consider to be other recreational amenities. Lowart stated that although the Parks & Community Services Commission does not have land use authority, the Commissions comments will be noted as the project goes through the process. 7.4 Dublin Pride—Integrity in Action Program Lowart presented the staff report. At the November 21, 2006 meting of the Parks and Community Services Commission, the Commission received a presentation on the Dublin Pride-Integrity in Action Program. The Commission was supportive of the program and made several suggestions on how the City could become involved in the program. Since the Commission meeting, Parks and Community Services Depailinent staff have also brainstormed on ways that the Integrity in Action Program could be incorporated into Depai lilient programs. Lowart reviewed the options with the Commission. • Senior Center—the "Positive Character Traits"could be promoted in the following ways: 1)post traits in each room; 2)highlight traits in newsletter; 3) ask patrons to promote traits through"random acts of kindness"; 4) develop comment cards where patrons could be.recognized for showing extraordinary character. • • Heritage Center — incorporate the "Positive Character Traits" through proposed monthly workshops; highlight traits at concerts as applicable. • Youth Programs — incorporate the "Positive Character Traits" in afterschool and summer recreation programs;provide"Soul Shop"training to Recreation Leaders. • Youth Sports — create special sportsmanship or integrity awards for youth sports leagues (t-ball and basketball) as well as Green Gators Swim Team. • Activity Guide—highlight the "Positive Character Traits"in the Guide as space allows. Minutes—February 21,2007 Page 6 of 7 In addition she indicated that Staff supports promoting the Integrity in Action Program with banners in the following facilities: Senior Center, Swim Center, Stager Community,.Gym, Heritage Center, future Shannon Center,Library and Civic Center. Cm. Guarienti stated that Staff has done a good job in incorporating the comments and suggestions of the Commission to involve the youth, seniors and the general public's involvement in this program. Cm. Jones stated that it is good that we are working directly with the School District: ON A MOTION BY CM.ELIAS, SECONDED BY CM. GUARIENTI AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE METHODS IDENTIFIED BY STAFF TO SUPPORT THE INTEGRITY IN ACTON PROGRAM. Other Business 9.1 Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks & Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Staff Reports: Lowart reported: ❖ The Volunteer Recognition Banquet is Friday, February 23 at the Dublin Senior Center. If anyone is interested in attending,please contact Fawn in the City Manager's office. ❖ On Monday, March 5 a meeting will be conducted with representatives from the Dublin Little League and the Dublin United Soccer League to review potential alternatives for the renovation of the Dublin Sports Grounds. The alternatives will be presented to the Commission at their March meeting. ❖ The CPRS Conference is scheduled for March 8. Those Commissioners registered to attend should have received their confirmations by now. ❖ The Green and White Gala is on March the St. Patrick's Festival is Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18. McCreary reported: ❖ The Swim Center opened two weeks ago for the Dublin High School Swim Team and the new Water Aerobics Program. ❖ At the March 6, City Council meeting, a recommendation for a consultant to start the Community Needs Assessment will be made. Cm. Guarienti reported that he attended the 25th Anniversary Dinner and thought that the decorations looked very professional. He attended the Open Space Committee meeting in Pleasanton and was able to view their new trail map. He said that hopefully some day Dublin can develop a large trail map. He received recognition from the California Senior Leaders Program-University of Berkeley School of Public Health for his contribution to healthy aging and community building and social justice. He thanked Anna and Paul and the Senior Center for giving him the opportunity to start the Trail Trekkers and get involved with the seniors. • Cm. Jones reported that he will be attending the Youth Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 28, but will not be able to attend the Recognition Dinner this Friday. Cm. Muetterties reported that the artwork at Casa Arozco is beautiful and they did it without being required to. She inquired as to the next meeting of the Shannon Art Committee. Lowart stated that the proposals were due Friday. Staff is going through the proposals and will contact the committee. Chair Flores reported that she will attend the St. Patrick's Logistics meeting tomorrow. She attended the 25th Anniversary Dinner and had good time. She will be attending the Recognition Dinner this Friday. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:49p.m. Minutes—February 21, 2007 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young / Administrative Tec ician APPROVE II: LIB Chairperso