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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-09-1993 Approved P&CSC Minutes • The November 9, 1993 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:30p.m. at the Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson, Steve Lockhart. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Lockhart. Roll Call Present: Commissioners Lockhart, Jones, Donnell, Trimble and Jordan. Absent: Commissioner Cahn. Oral Communications Margie Wong-Gillmore, President, Dublin Little League, 11815 Bloomington Way, Dublin, stated that at the City Council meeting of November 8, she was alarmed to hear that the City is planning to solicit funding from civic groups and sponsors to help fund programs for the Recreation Department. Margie pointed out that the Dublin Little League is a non-profit organization and solicits part of their funding from civic groups and local businesses. She felt that it is disheartening to know that the City will be vying for funds from the same sponsors as Dublin Little League. She expressed 'her disappointment that this matter was not brought up at the last Sports Liaison Committee in October for discussion and their input. Commissioner Lockhart stated that the Commission was directed by the City Council to look into the feasibility of offering a fee assistance program to the community. It was not the intention of the Commission to compete for funding with Dublin Little League or other sports leagues. Commissioner Jones stated that the Commission carefully reviewed the programs of other cities before a proposal was presented to the Council for their consideration. He pointed out that there are a lot of children in Dublin that cannot afford to participate in recreational programs, as well as adults and seniors. He indicated that the Commission plans to pursue obtaining funding from the big corporations and not from the smaller local businesses. Margie Wong-Gillmore felt that it is important that Dublin Little League and the Commission discuss this matter for two reasons; 1) so that the City and DLL are not soliciting the same sponsors; and 2) to make sure that people are not taking advantage of both programs. Commissioner Jones stated that every year groups such as Dublin United - Soccer League, South Valley Youth Football, Academic Boosters, Wells Middle School, Band Boosters, etc. , request funding from local sponsors and businesses. He did not understand what the problem was, as soliciting for funding is very competitive. Margie Wong-Gillmore stated that she knows that many of the Commissioners are involved in other civic groups, the same civic groups that have been very gracious in supporting Dublin Little League. She indicated that she forsees these civic groups having to decide between sponsoring Dublin Little League or the City. MINUTES - NOVEMBER 9, 1993 PAGE TWO Commissioner Jones pointed out that they will also have to decide between Dublin Little League and all the other local sports groups that are vying for funding. Tony Oravetz, 7748 Squirrel Creek Circle, Dublin, asked what would be an example of a large sponsor? Comissioner Lockhart replied, Luckys Corporate Headquarters and Hexcel Corporation. Mr. Oravetz asked what would the sponsor fees be? Comissioner Lockhart pointed out that we are not dealing in sponsor fees but rather a fee assistance program for which the City wants to build a fund to use for all recreational programs. Diane stated that a letter will be drafted on behalf of the Mayor and mailed to identified businesses and service clubs. Staff did not invision the program to compete with Dublin Little League or any other organization for funding, but instead giving the businesses and service clubs a choice. Some businesses and service clubs have continuously funded certain groups, which may well be their goal. Other service clubs have certain groups that they fund because it is part of their charter or what the membership prefers. Mr. Oravetz asked if the City is a non-profit organization? He pointed out that Dublin Little League is a non-profit organization and are not out to make a profit. He indicated that he has a problem with the City competing for the same funds as DLL. Commissioner Lockhart stated that Dublin Little League needs to understand that the Commission had to think about more than just boys and girls in sports leagues. The Commission had to think about the overall picture and of all the activities that are offered for children, adults and senior citizens, people who are not participating because they cannot afford to do so. Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JONES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TRIMBLE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 12, 1993 AS SUBMITTED. (UNANIMOUS) Written Communications Dublin Fine Arts Foundation Proposed Program "Art in the Parks" Diane stated that at the October 12, 1993 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission, the Commission considered a letter from the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation in regards to identifying park priorities for the "Art in the Parks" program. It was relayed back to DFA that the parks recommended by the Commission were Shannon Park, Alamo Creek Park and the Dublin Sports Grounds. Correspondence has been received from Lynne Baer, Consulting Director for DFA, requesting that the Commission reconsider their recommendation, as the foundation would like to begin on a smaller scale and save the most visible and important parks until the program has gained community acceptance. The parks proposed by DFA are Alamo Creek, Kolb and Stagecoach Parks, as they are used by a diverse group of residents and will require less costly works of art. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JONES TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED PARKS (ALAMO CREEK PARK, KOLB PARK AND STAGECOACH PARK) AS SUBMITTED BY THE DUBLIN FINE ARTS FOUNDATION FOR THE "ARTS IN THE PARKS" PROGRAM. (UNANIMOUS) Request from Dublin Little League to build scorebooths and a batting cage at the Dublin Sports Grounds Diane stated that correspondence has been received from the Dublin Little League requesting permission to build scorebooths and a batting cage at the Dublin Sports Grounds, for which the Dublin Little League has raised funding to be allocated towards these improvements. MINUTES - NOVEMBER 9 , 1993 PAGE THREE Scorebooths - Diane stated that the scorebooths have been identified as an improvement in the Dublin Sports Grounds Master Plan and it is not necessary for the Commission to approve the improvement. Staff recommends that the Commission consider moving forward with the scorebooths through the volunteer labor of DLL instead of waiting for it to be funded through the Capital Improvement Project. Margie Wong-Gillmore and Tony Oravetz presented the Commission with drawings of the Dublin Little Leagues plans for the construction of the scorebooths. Margie and Tony briefly summarized the plans for the Commission, including locations and measurements. In addition, a plan was also submitted for a double decker scorebooth for the senior major field. Commissioner Lockhart asked which diagram does DLL prefer for the senior major field, the double decker or the long one? Margie replied that DLL would prefer the long scorebooth, as they did not want to deal with the codes or the liability for the stairs required for the double decker. Diane stated that both plans could be submitted to the Building Department to determine which is preferable and does not require special code regulations. In addition, the City would work directly with DLL regarding any code requirements for the scorebooths. Commissioner Jordan asked if the main concern is scorekeeping or storage. Tony replied, both. Commissioner Lockhart asked if the scorebooths could be disassembled if needed to accommodate the renovation of the Dublin Sports Grounds when scheduled? Margie replied, yes. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JONES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TRIMBLE TO ACCEPT TIDE SCOREBOOTH PROJECT IN CONCEPT, AS PRESENTED BY DUBLIN LITTLE LEAGUE. (UNANIMOUS) Diane explained to Margie and Tony that the plans will be referred to the Building and Public Works Departments for review, and if any additional information is needed, she will contact them. Batting Cage - Diane stated that a batting cage was not identified in the Master Plan, and therefore it would be necessary to determine if the addition of a batting cage would be a desirable amenity for the Dublin Sports Grounds. Approval would be required for the project as well as for the concept of having DLL do the construction. Margie stated that DLL has not selected any particular area for the batting cage, however indicated that there is a dirt area near field #5 and the fence that may be the best place to put it. The batting cage would measure 120'x32' with four quadrents divided by cyclone fencing with netting in the middle. DLL purchased two pitching machines last year and would like to put them to use. Diane pointed out that she is not sure whether the suggested property location is part of the park or the Civic Center. Therefore, the plans will have to be approved in concept until the location can be verified. Commissioner Trimble asked how would DLL handle requests to use the batting cage by other groups. Margie replied that DLL would probably have to charge a fee. Diane asked if the batting cage would require electricity? Tony replied, yes, and that he has talked to Steve Loweree about running a line out to the fields and was told that it would not be a problem. MINUTES - NOVEMBER 9 , 1993 PAGE FOUR Diane pointed out that it may be a problem, because the Commission has directed Staff to pursue the idea of scoreboards which also will require electricity. Staff met with the scoreboard representative today and there is probably not enough power to run the scoreboards with the current system. The representative plans to meet with an electrician later this week to look at the system. Margie pointed out that DLL has a generator, if the electrical system could not accommodate the batting cage. Commissioner Trimble asked what would the possibility of having the batting cage at one of the school sites? Diane replied that approval would have to come from the School District. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER TRIMBLE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JONES TO ACCEPT THE BATTING CAGE PROJECT IN CONCEPT AS PRESENTED BY DUBLIN LITTLE LEAGUE, PENDING APPROVAL OF ELECTRICAL AND LAND AVAILABILITIES. (UNANIMOUS) After the electrical capacity and location have been addressed, it is anticipated that the this proposal will go to the City Council in December for consideration. Commissioner Lockhart wished Margie Wong-Gillmore and Tony Oravetz good luck with the projects. He stated that Dublin Little League should be proud of its volunteers. Unfinished Business - None New Business Concessionaires in City Parks Diane reported that at the October 12 meeting of the Commission, Commissioner Cahn suggested that the Commission look at two new sources of revenue for the City; 1) contracting out the snackbar at the Dublin Sports Grounds and 2) to contract with vendors to operate snack carts at Shannon Park. At this time the snackbar at the Dublin Sports Grounds is currently operated by the Dublin Little League and Dublin United Soccer League during their respective seasons. The City does not charge either group to utilize the snackbar and all of the proceeds go back to the groups. At Shannon Park there are no snack facilities available. Unless Dublin Little League and the Dublin United Soccer League indicate to the City that they did not want to run the snackbar anymore, Staff does not recommend that the City look into contracting the operation to an independent contractor. Commissioner Jones did not feel that a vendor at Shannon Park would generate much revenue. In addition, it is very common for most people to take a picnic lunch or barbecue at the park. He felt that having a vendor at the park may encourage teenagers to hang out at the park. Commissioner Lockhart asked Diane if there were any special requirements for a vendor to sale food items at a park? Diane stated that there is an ordinance that prohibits the use of the park by vendors, unless they have a contract with the City. Commissioner Lockhart did not feel that Staff time should be wasted looking for vendors, particularly if the City has not been approached by interested vendors and that a vendors can pursue contracting with the City on their own. MINUTES - NOVEMBNER 9 , 1993 PAGE FIVE Commissioner Trimble stated that from experience he knows what a tremendous undertaking it is to run a snackbar. He felt that a snack concession at Shannon would only make additional litter in the park. Margie-Wong Gillmore stated that she has been in touch with Don Babbitt and they thought it would be a good opportunity to utilize the snackbar to work with a group of kids who may be interested in learning retailing, merchandising, accounting, or inventoring. Also, a group of kids could undertake a project of working with some of the league adults running the snackbar and sharing the profits. It was the general consensus of the Commission that the operation of the snackbar at the Dublin Sports Grounds should continue to be done by the Dublin Little League and Dublin United Soccer League. Diane stated that for the Commissions information, the representative from Professional Sports Management (the scoreboard contractor) , felt that it would be a good idea if the snackbar was contracted out to a concessionaire, as they would be more apt to get advertising for products such as Coke or Pepsi. If Coke or Pepsi were sold exclusively out of the snackbar, as an incentive they might also provide new equipment for the snackbar such as a ice or coke machine. It is also easier for them to get sponsorships for the scoreboards. Commissioner Lockhart stated that he did not think that DLL or DUSL would have problem with the exclusive sale of Coke or Pepsi. Margie Wong- Gillmore stated that DLL would be happy to sale one of the products for sponsorship of the scoreboards. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JONES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL THAT THE SNACKBAR AT THE DUBLIN SPORTS GROUNDS CONTINUE TO BE OPERATED BY DUBLIN LITTLE LEAGUE AND DUBLIN UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE. THE COMMISSION DOES NOT FEEL THAT THE CITY SHOULD ALLOW VENDORS AT SHANNON PARK AT THIS TINE. (UNANIMOUS) Holiday Special Events Diane reported that a variety of programs will be offered prior to the Christmas Holiday. The Senior Center Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, November 20 from 9am to 2pm. Over 30 artists will be offering a variety of crafts and items for holiday shoppers. Admission is free. The 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Civic Center on Monday, December 6 at 6:30pm in the main lobby. The festivities will include entertainment, a community sing-along, and a surprise visit from Santa. Refreshments will be served. Breakfast With Santa is scheduled for Saturday, December 11 at Shannon Center, with seatings at 9am and 10:30am. The event is sponsored by the Dublin High School Band Boosters and is $5.00 for Dublin residents and $6. 00 for non-residents. Photos with Santa will be available for $2 .00 Winter Wonderland for children in grades 2-5 is scheduled for December 20-23 from 1-5pm at Shannon Center from 1-5pm. Fee for Dublin residents is $25.00 and $29.00 for non-residents. Holiday Kindercraft for children 3-5 years will be conducted at Shannon Center on December 20-23 from 9-10 :30am and 11am-12:30pm. The fee for Dublin residents is $23 . 00 and $26.00 for non-residents. Other Business Commissioner Jordan asked if Tracy referred the information on a teen dance at Shannon Center? Diane replied that she has reviewed the individuals qualifications, and it was suggested he rent the facilities. Commissioner Jordan stated that volunteers are available to pass out flyers. MINUTES - NOVEMBER 9 , 1993 PAGE SIX Commissioner Jones reported that there are still weeds in the tot lot at Frederiksen School. Commissioner Lockhart indicated that he would be meeting with Principal, Brian McBride and will be happy to bring this matter to his attention. Commissioner Jones asked if Alcosta Select Soccer is renting our fields? Diane replied that she does not know. Commissioner Jones stated that if they do apply, Staff should check their rosters for residency. Commissioner Donnell stated that who ever did the painting at Kolb Park, did a fine job. Commissioner Trimble stated that the Lions Club is preparing to expand the Handicapped Playground at Kolb Park. The plans for the expansion should be completed soon. In addition, he said he visited the Senior Center and had a great lunch. Bonnie is doing a great job at the Center. They discussed her plans for a garden area with benches outside the Center and he felt it would be a good community project. Commissioner Trimble asked what is the status of the gate on Amador? Diane replied that it belongs to Zone 7 Flood Control and is not to be accessed. He indicated that kids are still accessing it. Diane suggested that they meet and take a look at it. Commissioner Lockhart stated that he noticed the Customer Service Award went to three police officers for the month of November, for their success in breaking up a graffitti ring. Commissioner Jordan asked if there was anyway that the police could patrol Shannon Center at night, as people are coming from Pleasanton and drinking in the park. Diane stated that the police were notified and are keeping an eye on the park. Commissioner Lockhart reminded the Commission that the election for a new chairperson is scheduled for the December 14 meeting, and can only be held if all Commissioners are present. Staff Reports Diane reported that she met with Jim Moran of Professional Sports Marketing, Inc. , today to discuss his proposal to provide a scoring systems to the City at no cost. He indicated that the project must be financially beneficial for him, in order to consider undertaking the project. The Dublin Swim Center bathhouse renovation is going well. Diane stated that the Halloween Sp000ktacular conducted on Saturday, October 30 was well attended and that all seemed to enjoy the event. The Senior Center Murder Mystery conducted on Friday, October 29 was very successful and well attended. Diane indicated that she will be out-of-town all next week attending a five day training program on Emergency Preparedness. Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10p.m. Respectfully submitted, y, Char J. Young Administrative Secr ary