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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-1989 Approved PCSC Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATE : September 12 , 1989 The September 12 , 1989 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7 : 35p .m . at the Shannon Community Center , Dublin , California , by Chairperson Liz Schmitt . Roll Call Present : Commissioner Schmitt , Downey , Donnell and Hudak Absent : Commissioner Hernandez Oral Communications - None Written Communications - Deferred to end of meeting . Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DOWNEY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 8 , 1989 AS SUBMITTED . (UNANIMOUS) Old Business Skateboard Park At the July 11 , 1989 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission , the Commission on 4-1 vote , agreed to pursue a skateboard facility and directed staff to obtain information regarding a possible location , costs and insurance information . A Skateboard Risk Evaluation prepared by the Contra Costa County Municipal Risk Management Insurance Authority was submitted to the Commision for their review. The report covers issues such as Identification of Risk , Operation of Skateboard Park , Loss Prevention Measures , Coverage and Survey of Other Municipal Skateboard Facilities . The report summarizes by stating that it appears that as skateboarding is here to stay , carefully planned skateboard parks may offer the safest environment , provided that adequate loss prevention criteria is implemented . The City of Benicia ' s multi-use facility at Willow Glen Park . is utilized heavily by skateboard enthusiasts . This facility was constructed for approximately $17 ,000 , and the contributing factors towards the relatively low cost were ; 1 ) Engineering & design was donated by a local firm , 2) Asphalt work was done in-house by City crews , 3) Curbs were already in place as site was previously used as a parking lot , and 4) City owned land . Benicia ' s facility is classified as a multi-use facility and therefore rules specifically targeted to skateboarders are not posted . Although it appears that the City could possibly construct a skateboard facility and limit it ' s exposure by following the loss prevention criteria outlined in the Skateboard Risk Evaluation , there still remains the unavailability of land and funding . Unless the Commission was willing to pursue changes to the masterplans for the parks scheduled for future development , Mape and Dublin Sports Grounds , staff recommends that the project be put on hold until additional parkland becomes available in the East and West planning areas . MINUTES - September 9 , 1989 Page Two Diane briefly reviewed the Skateboard Risk Evaluation for the Commission and audience , emphasizing the liability involved in operating a skateboard park . Resident Input & Commission Comments Sean Holmes - The wearing of helmets and pads should be made mandatory and if the kids don ' t have them, they should not be permitted to get in . Tom Walsh - How much liability are we talking about? Diane replied that there will be no additional cost , but the City will be open to other costs if a claim is submitted due to an accident . Chris McGerigle - Submitted plans of the Benecia Skateboard Park for the Commissions review. Matt Stegeman - The Christian Center School has an old pool that is now vacant , would this be a possible site? Commissioner Schmitt pointed out that the pool was filled in with rocks and would be difficult to salvage . William Pennington - The number of kids present tonight are only a few of many . The Dublin Sports Grounds is currently used by many different agencies , but could accommodate a skateboard park . Commissioner Schmitt pointed out that the various sports groups that currently use the Dublin Sports Grounds are fighting for space as it is now . Aaron Schulte - The kids in Livermore can ' t skate anywhere in the City anymore , and if they do , they are fined . If there was a park in Dublin , they would come here to skate . Lenora Holmes - My son is here tonight and we all have children who participate in this kind of sport . We all have concerns about their safety , and as parents we know there is a risk in their type of sport . But there are also risks in soccer and football . If skateboarding was organized and controlled , the sport could be made safer . Ann Crawford - As a school teacher , I hear the children constantly complain that there is no place to skateboard . She encouraged the Commission to pursue a skateboard park . Brian Logsdan - Suggested Mape Park as a possible site . It looks unkept and is very rarely used . Commissioner Downey pointed out that Mape Park was just recently taken over by the City and are in the process of developing it . Bob Lyall - Have taken several of the boys here tonight to Benecia Skateboard Park . The park is about the size of this room (West Room) , so there really isn ' t that much land required to do something like this . Perhaps a half-pipe could be placed in one of parks . MINUTES - September 9 , 1989 Page Three Jane Lyall - Sounds like its going to be a long while before a skateboard park can be built . A half-pipe would be a way to start . Would the school district permit one on the school grounds? Commissioner Schmitt pointed out that it would have to be pursued directly with the school district , as they own the property . Sean Holmes - Read a letter to the Commission addressing the need for a skateboard park in Dublin . He requested that the Commission give serious consideration to the matter . Unidentified Resident - There is a lot between El Polio Asado and a a 76 gas station on Regional that seems unused . Commissioner Downey pointed out that the property does not belong to the City . Commissioner Schmitt indicated that this piece of property is privately owned . Bob Lyall - Alot of our parks are not being used , like Shannon for instance . If a skateboard park was put in , they would be used . Commissioner Schmitt stated that Shannon as well as Mape will be undergoing renovation , and that she was reluctant to use these parks as a choice at this time . She stated that she would like to see a skateboard park on City owned property . Unidentified Resident - How long will it take to get things going for a skateboard park? Diane stated that the Capital Improvement Program contains those projects to be developed in the next five years . The current plan runs through 1993 and is updated on an annual basis . The soonest the CIP can be changed or we can add additional projects is July 1990 , providing the information is submitted by March 1990 . It would be necessary to 1 ) identify the need , 2) estimated cost , and 3) obtain approval of the City Council . Jane Lyall - If the parents were to get together and raise money for a temporary ramp , would the City permit it to be constructed on park property like Shannon or Mape? Comnmissioner Downey requested that a design of the ramp would need to be submitted to the Commission for their review and approval . Commissioner Donnell suggested the site of Alamo Creek Park . Commissioner Hudak agreed and felt that Option B be used for the development and operation of a community skateboard park . Ron Hodges , Singer & Hodges , Inc . , suggested to pick an undeveloped site such as DoughertylHills . The site has 90 acres of open space , of which there is a flat portion currently undeveloped . The property is owned by the City . Diane Lowart indicated that since this project is not in the CIP , it would be necessary to take the matter before the City Council for their support and funding . Commissioner Hudak requested that this item be placed on the City Council agenda as soon as possible . • MINUTES - September 9 , 1989 Page Four Commissioner Schmitt addressed the audience indicating that an agenda statement will be prepared for the City Council for either their September 25 or October 9 meeting . A notice will be mailed to all those listed on the sign-in sheet . She urged those present to attend . New Business Alamo Creek Park - Phase II At the April 28 , 1986 meeting of the Dublin City Council , the Council adopted the Parks Masterplan Report for Alamo Creek , Dolan , Dougherty Hills , Kolb , Mape and Shannon Park . Diane reported that the City has hired landscape architects Singer & Hodges to prepare the final design and construction documents for Alamo Creek Park Phase II which is scheduled for Fiscal Year 1989-90 . Singer & Hodges prepared the original masterplan for the park and was the landscape architect for the Phase I improvements . It is recommended that the Park and Recreation Commission 1 ) Receive presentation from Singer & Hodges , Inc . , 2) Receive public comment and 3) Provide direction to staff and consultant . Ron Hodges reviewed the proposed design for the Commission and the public . Commissioner Donnell and Hudak felt that an additional two barbecues should be added . Ann Crawford , resident , indicated that the spring riders are not really used alot , however there never seems to be enough swings . Mr . Hodges indicated that swings coiuld be added to the older childrens play area . Commissioner Schmitt suggested deleting the spring riders and replacing them with digger toys . Commissioner Downey asked if some type of building or shelter be added to the group picnic area . Mr . Hodges pointed out that structures are very costly and require maintenance , however he suggested two alternatives ; 1 ) Plant fast growing trees or 2) plant large trees . The Commission approved the design with the following modifications : 1 ) Addition of swings to the older childrens playgarea 2) Replacement of spring riders in tot lot with digger toys 3) Addition of 1-2 barbecues in picnic area 4) Addition of large shade trees in picnic area Diane stated that the Alamo Creek Park Phase II improvements will be submitted to the City Council for review and approval at their September 25 , 1989 meeting . MINUTES - September 9 , 1989 Page Five Fall Special Events During the Fall quarter , the Recreation Department will be sponsoring three special events . The 4th Annual Children ' s Spooktacular Halloween Program will be held at Shannon Center on Friday , October 27 , 1989 . Preschoolers and Kindergarteners can enjoy their spooktacular program from 1 : 30-3 : OOp .m . , and children grades 1-5 will follow at 3 : 30-5 : 30p .m. Both events will feature Halloween games , crafts and a costume parade . A $2 .00 fee wil be charged per participant . Judges for the costume parade are needed , if any of the Commissioners are interested , please call Tracy . The traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Monday , December 4 , 1989 and will be held at the new Civic Center . Staff is currently working out the logistics of lighting a tree (or trees) in the outdoor plaza . Diane suggested having a sing- along in place of entertainment groups . Commissioner Schmitt stated that she would like to do both . Commissioner Hudak agreed. . The 5th Annual Breakfast with Santa will be held at Shannon Community Center on Saturday , December 16 . A pancake breakfast will be prepared and served by the Dublin High School Band Boosters followed by visits with Santa . Written Communications Joint Commission Meeting/Danville-Dublin-San Ramon The City of San Ramon would like to host a joint meeting for the Commissions of Danville , Dublin and San Ramon on Thursday , October 12 , 1989 . The meeting would provide the Commissioners from all three cities with an opportunity to network and share experiences . It has been suggested that the meeting begin around 6 :00p .m. with a light dinner followed by a short business meeting . The Commission concurred that a joint Commission meeting is a good idea . Commissioner Hudak asked if Trails could be added to the agenda for discussion . Diane indicated that she would submit his request . Correspondence has been received from Brenda Galardi , who is a contract planner for the West Dublin study for the City of Dublin . The outline covers the process of the housing as well as the open space development that is currently taking place . There are a series of meetings scheduled which will discuss the areas of development that might be of interest to the Commission . Diane indicated •tht she will do followup with Brenda for more information and forward it to the Commission . A flyer advertising the BAPRCBM Barbecue scheduled in Livermore for Saturday , October 7 , has been mailed to all the Commissioners . If anyone is interested in attending , please contact Char and she will submit your reservation . Commissioners Schmitt and Downey indicated that they would like to attend . MINUTES - September 9 , 1989 Page Six Staff Reports Diane reported that the Civic Center move has been scheduled for September 30 . On October 19 , the City will host a reception at the new Civic Center for dignitaries , etc . The Commission should be receiving their invitations within the next ten days . The event wil include a tour of the facilities , a buffet and a gift for all those in attendance . The Grand Opening for the public is scheduled for Saturday , October 21 from l0am-2pm. The event will include tours , entertainment , and key pins issued to the first 1 , 000 . The Shannon Center renovation has been completed , however there are some improvements that have not been accepted , and will need to be corrected before the City will sign them off . The Shannon Park Renovation is currently out to bid and the ground breaking should take place in October . The three senior groups have returned to Shannon , and there have been a few problems upon their return . Building attendants are not available to do morning setups and therefore staff undertook temporary measures by having maintenance staff do the setups . The renovation has limited the storage space available to the senior groups and staff has had to cut their storage almost in half . Staff has advertised for Building Attendants in the local papers and the . Senior Center . The Playground Program at Nielsen and Murray has been delayed due to the lack of staffing . The tentative start date has been scheduled for Monday , September 25 . Staff has hired Michele Wierschem to do the Teen Program. She is scheduled to start in October and will be working with both the middle school and the High School , as well as their leadership groups . Commissioner Hudak requested that Stephanie Alex be informed that he attended some of the programs at the pool this Summer and thought they went very well . The draft of the joint powers agreement has been approved by the School District in concept , and will be going to the City Council on September 25 . Other Business Commissioner Donnell reported that the lights at Kolb Park are not on at night . She indicated that people are using the park at night , because she has found bottles laying around . Diane stated that they are on timers and scheduled to go off at 11p .m. , however will discuss the matter with the Police Department . MINUTES - September 9, 1989 Page Seven Commissioner Hudak asked if the pool has been torn apart yet? Diane reported that she will be meeting with the architect tommorrow and their information will go to the City Council in October. All work should be completed by March for school use. Commissioner Schmitt stated that she would really like to see a concert in Alamo Creek Park. Diane indicated that it would depend on the development schedule as well as the weather. The High School and Jr. High School might be willing to give a free concert. Commissioner Downey suggested contacting the Boosters. Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young Recreation Secretary