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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-1991 PCSC Approved Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATE: AUGUST 13 , 1991 The August 13 , 1991 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7: 30p.m. at the Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson, Dan Downey. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Downey. Swearing-In - New Commissioner Tini Sbranti , the newly appointed Commissioner to the Parks & Recreation Commission, was sworn in by Kay Keck, City Clerk. Roll Call Present: Commissioners Donnell , Jones , Downey, Lockhart, Cahn and Sbranti Oral Communications - None Written Communications - None Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 9 , 1991 AS SUBMITTED. (UNANIMOUS) Old Business Shannon Park Dedication Diane stated that at the last meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission in July, the Commission developed a proposed plan for the Shannon Park Dedication scheduled for Saturday, September 21 , 1991 at 11 :00a.m. The plans were forwarded to the City Council and approved at their meeting of July 22 , 1991 . The events will include the Ribbon Cutting at 11 :00a.m. ; Brief Ceremony; Introduction of Dignitaries by the Mayor; Barbecue Lunch (Prepared by Council & Commission) ; Entertainment in Quad Area; Class and Program Demonstrations; Tours of the Community Center. The Council approved the bid for the exterior painting of the Center, which should be completed in time for the dedication. The event has been advertised in the Fall brochure and staff will prepare press releases as well . In reviewing the various novelty items , the Commission selected the frisbee. Diane indicated that it would be personalized for the event. New Business Afterschool Teen Program Tracy O'Shea stated that the motivation for this program came from school staff who indicated that there are frequently large numbers of students remaining on the campus after school for lack of something better to do. Staff is proposing that an Afterschool Teen Program be scheduled at Wells Middle School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons following school until 5pm, supervised by two Recreation Leaders. The program would be a drop-in program similar to the Afterschool program offered at Nielsen and Murray. Participants will be required to register for the program and pay a semi-annual registration fee of $15. Each participant would receive a membership card. Activities would include sports, cooking projects, guest speakers/demonstrations , movie days, video projects, tournaments and more. Calendars will be distributed monthly at the site and during lunchtime activities and drop-in sports nights. MINUTES - AUGUST 13 , 1991 PAGE TWO Commissioner Lockhart suggested that if the program is successful , to increase it to five days a week. Commissioner Donnell agreed. Commissioner Jones questioned the $15 fee, as there maybe families with hardships that cannot afford to pay. Tracy stated that there is currently no scholarship program. Diane indicated that this matter was discussed when the swim program fees were increased. No funds have been budgeted for this type of program, and it would require development of a policy and must be adopted by the City Council . To date, no one has contacted the City indicating that they cannot afford the program fees. Staff would need to determine the feasibility of a scholarship program, develop priorities, as well as contact other agencies who have similar programs . However at this time, staff has not had the time to conduct the necessary research. Currently, staff is scheduled to review the City's facility use policies , which will be a time consuming project. Commissioner Lockhart stated that the issue is not so much people looking for assistance, but rather how many people are not participating because they cannot afford it. He suggested that funds be budgeted for this type of program for the future. Commissioner Downey suggested putting the program in place first and see how effective it is, then after a year review it to see how many people it is serving. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JONES TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED AFTERSCHOOL TEEN PROGRAM AS PRESENTED. (UNANIMOUS) Youth Sports Program Michelle Wierschem reported that one of the 1991 goals given "high" priority by the Parks and Recreation Commission as well as the City Council , was to develop a Youth Sports Program. The summer sports camps offered were basketball , soccer and t-ball , all of which were well attended. Staff has developed a preliminary program for boys and girls in grades 3-8 , with volunteers utilized as coaches , officials and scorekeepers . Staff has tentatively scheduled youth sports leagues for Youth Softball (September 16-November 17) , Youth Basketball (January 13-March 20 ) , and Youth Volleyball (April 20-June 5) . Commissioner Lockhart commented on the flyers for the program, stating that not only are they very colorful but informational as well . He asked how are they distributed? Michelle replied that the flyers are distributed to the schools by grades, and are available at Shannon Center and the Civic Center. An advertisement will be published in the Valley Times sports section, and information has been included in the Fall brochure. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SBRANTI TO APPROVE THE YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM AS PRESENTED. (UNANIMOUS) Annual St. Patricks Day Celebration Diane reported that one of the 1991 goals given "high" ranking by the Parks & Recreation Commission and the City Council , was to coordinate and expand the St. Patrick's Day Celebration with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. In 1991 the Dublin Chamber proposed that the City and the Chamber work cooperatively to expand the scope of the St. Patrick's Day Celebration to include the business community. Even though the City was in favor, it was determined that there was not sufficient time in which to coordinate an expanded event. Therefore the City Council directed staff to work with the Chamber on the 1992 event. MINUTES - AUGUST 13 , 1991 PAGE THREE Staff has conducted several preliminary planning meetings with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, and in July invited community groups to attend. As a result of these meetings, it has been recommended that a steering committee be formed comprised of representatives from City staff, Parks and Recreation Commission, Chamber staff, Chamber Board, Dublin-San Ramon Lions Club, Dublin Sister City Association, and other interested community groups. Commissioner Lockhart volunteered to serve as a representative on the St. Patrick's Day Celebration steering committee. Commissioner Jones stated that if the steering committee could really work together, they can build this event to be something really big. The non- profit organizations are going to have to start looking at other means of fundraising, as fireworks may not be around too much longer. Spring Quarter 1991 Recreation Report Diane summarized the activities conducted by the Recreation Department during the Spring Quarter encompassing the months of April and May 1991 . Adult Sports - There were "13" leagues with "74" teams registered for the 1991 Spring Adult Softball, with approximately "1,100" players participating. The season was highlighted with an all star and championship game. A business league was also conducted. Afterschool Recreation - The average daily attendance at Nielsen was "43" and at Murray "25". Attendance at both sites continued to remain steady through the remainder of the school year. To celebrate the end of the year, Nielsen conducted a barbecue and Murray a talent show and movie day. Aquatics - The Dublin Swim Center had a daily attendance of "96" and served approximately "1,447" participants during the spring season. Leisure Enrichment Classes - The preschool age classes continue to be successful. Dance, Tennis and Karate classes continue to be popular among the school age children. The two new adult classes offered this spring included Ballroom Dancing and Beginning Piano. Both classes were successful and well attended. Dog Obedience continues to be a continuing success each quarter, and has been increased to two evenings with the addition of an advanced class. Commissioner Cahn stated that in reviewing the registration analysis reports, he has noticed that the enrollment for the Basic Life Support CPR classes has been consistently low or cancelled. He felt that one reason for low enrollment may be the increase in fees for the class. He stated that the local fire department teaches classes during their shifts for very low rates, and that Pleasanton and San Ramon offer Heart Savers and Standard First Aid for a fee of $10 each. Diane stated that staff had attempted to work with the local fire department in offering these types of classes, however they were required to complete their up-to-date training before conducting any additional classes. Staff will continue to pursue working with the local fire department. Commissioner Lockhart stated that the registration analysis indicates that at least 15% of the total registration are non-residents. Diane indicated that this figure is down from a number of years ago when approximately 50% were non-residents. San Ramon made up half of our enrollment, however they have expanded their programming and have their own community center. Dublin however continues to draw from San Ramon and Pleasanton for our preschool and youth programs. MINUTES - AUGUST 13 , 1991 PAGE FOUR Preschool Classes - All three preschool classes reached maximum enrollment of 20 per class. The preschool classes concluded with the traditional graduation ceremony and party, as well as an ice cream social for the parents. Senior Center - In April the Center hosted Channel 30 's Young at Heart Senior Forum, drawing "80" participants. Average daily attendance for the month of April was "77" , with a total of "286" phone calls logged. In May, Mother's Day was honored with a Mother's Day Tea with "65" participants. The Centers first brochure was published, informing the public of the services and activities offered by the Center. The average daily attendance for the month of May was "72" , with a total of "283" phone calls logged. Commissioner Sbranti asked why are there so many inconsistencies in the Senior attendance report from one month to another? Diane replied that many of the activities are not offered every month, and some programs are new and may do well one month and not another. Commissioner Downey indicated that the Commission did not meet at the Senior Center as planned in July because of scheduled vacations. He suggested scheduling a meeting at the Senior Center with the Senior Advisory Committee, so that Tim could have the opportunity to see the Center as well as to meet Bonnie and the Senior Advisory Committee. Special Events - The Annual Easter Eggstravaganza was held on Saturday, March 30 at Kolb Park. This event was sold out, with "207" paid participants. The Spring City-Wide Flea Market was held on April 27 in the Shannon Center parking lot. This event had "45" vendors and over "400" shoppers. Teens - The lunchtime activities at Wells Middle School averaged approximately "42" participants and "25" spectators per event. The new drop-in sports night at the gym met with limited success; averaging only "5" participants nightly. Staff is considering changing the day of the program from Thursday to Friday, and offering the program during the winter months only. Three ( 3 ) pool bashes were held with an average of attendance of "136" for the spring quarter. Commissioner Sbranti inquired as to the reason for the low enrollment in the drop-in sports night. Tracy replied that one of the reasons is that many of the students are active in sports leagues in the spring. Also, conducting the program on a school night was not a good idea, because of homework. Staff feels that conducting the program on Friday night might increase participation. Commissioner Jones indicated that he does not hear anything about the pool bashes anymore. Tracy stated that with the end of school , the attendance for the pool bashes has dropped dramatically. A student mailing list was obtained from the school and staff has mailed out flyers and newsletters advertising teen activities, but the attendance still seems to be low. Also, the weather on the Fridays for the pool bashes this summer has been very cool . Fall 1991 Schedule of Recreation Classes and Programs Diane reported that the Fall Schedule of Recreation Classes and Programs was mailed to all Dublin residents on August 19 . Mail-in registration for residents begins August 26 , and September 3 for non-residents. Walk-in registration begins September 9 . MINUTES - AUGUST 13 , 1991 . PAGE FIVE Included in the schedule is information on the upcoming Shannon Park Dedication and the ribbon-cutting for the Lions Club Handicapped Playground at Kolb Park. Special events scheduled during the Fall quarter include the 7th Annual Breakfast With Santa, the 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Halloween Spooktacular. A variety of activities, classes and programs are offerred this Spring for children ages 2-12, as well as for teens and adults. Adult and youth sports and aquatic programs are also featured. Commissioner Jones indicated that the date advertised for the Kolb Park Handicapped Playground should be changed to Saturday, September 7 instead of Wednesday, September 11. Commissioner Lockhart commented on the variety of programming that is offerred. He asked where does staff get it's ideas for programming? Is input received from the community, and if so, is staff open to suggestions? Also, there seems to be an absence of cooking classes, is this due to lack of interest, instructors or facilities? Michelle responded, stating that staff is very responsive to the interests of the community, not only in the types of programs that are offered, but also the times they are offered. For example, the Pee Week Ballet class currently offerred at 5: 30-6 :30pm, was added due to the interest of a working parent. Also, the Advanced Dog Obedience Class is currently being offered in response to participant requests. In regards to the lack of cooking classes, the Chinese Cooking Classes offerred in the past were unsuccessful despite continued advertising. Staff will pursue other types of cooking classes in the future. Diane stated that at least 75% of the classes offered are through proposals submitted by instructors. The other 25%, staff actively seeks instructors to teach particular types of classes. Unfortunately, the kitchen at Shannon is not conducive for cooking classes. Commissioner Lockhart inquired as to the availability of the kitchen at the Senior Center, and suggested that perhaps some of the seniors would be interested in teaching a class. Diane indicated that there are some problems with the facility at this time that need to be taken care of. Commissioner Sbranti suggested using the high school Home Economics facilities. Other Business Commissioner Lockhart asked if Channel 30 has a means of advertising on their show? Diane replied that they have Community Calendar that advertises events and programming. She reported that the City started a Press Release Program last Spring in which the departments are tracking the number of press releases submitted and the number that are actually printed. Rick Wendling, Youth Soccer, apologized for being late to the meeting and unable to address the Commission under Oral Communications earlier in the agenda. Chairperson Downey approved Mr. Wendling's request to adress the Commission. Mr. Wendling stated that he was requested by the Youth Soccer Board to ask the Commission how the money flows , who decides how much goes to Parks & Recreation, and who does the Board talk to to gain better input? Diane replied, that there are public meetings conducted for the budget process, which are noticed in the local newspapers. The City Council considers the budget the last week of June. If input is required prior to that time, it should be submitted in writing. MINUTES - AUGUST 13 , 1991 . PAGE SIX Mr. Wendling asked if DUSL or the OSSL people been in contact with Recreation for Fall scheduling. Diane replied that they have made contact, however have not submitted schedule information. Dublin Adult Soccer confirmed their Fall schedule today. Mr. Wendling indicated concern on the following: 1 ) Jet stream of water on water fountains in the parks needs to be adjusted - too low; 2) Toilet dispensers at Kolb Park have been damaged by vandals - needs repair or replacement - suggested replacing the toilet dispensers at the Dublin Sports Grounds with stainless steel dispensers; 3 ) the porcelain on the toilet commodes at the Sports Grounds is in real bad condition - needs to be replaced; 4) trash collection needs to be improved at the parks, especially after weekend use. Staff Reports - None Adjournment Being no further business , the meeting was adjourned at 9 : 20p.m. Respectfully submitted, / Diane Lowart Director of Recreation