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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-1993 Approved P&CSC Minutes • The March 9, 1993 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:33p.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, Cahn, Donnell, Downey, Rasmussen and Jones. Oral Communications Janet Lockhart, 11751 Betlen Drive, Dublin, complimented the City on the wonderful Preschool Program at Shannon Center. She indicated that she had the opportunity to read some of her stories and share her dragon. The teachers are marvelous and the parents very supportive of the program. Margie Wong-Gillmore, Dublin Little League, thanked the City for working on the fields so diligently. Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DOWNEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 1993 AS SUBMITTED. (UNANIMOUS) Written Communications Diane stated that two communications have been received, one from the Dublin-San Ramon Seniors and the Senior Californians. The Dublin-San Ramon Seniors will be disbanding and the Senior Californians are relocating to Camp Parks. Both groups will no longer be meeting at Shannon Center after March. Commissioner Cahn asked if the quarterly application process is negotiable? Diane replied that the intent of quarterly application is to keep the groups paperwork up to date, not to eliminate or bump them. The process was discussed with representatives from both the groups in detail, and both indicated they understood. . Commissioner Cahn asked if the City is actively looking for groups to use the facility during the week? Diane replied, no. However the Recreation Department is actively promoting the facility for use. Commissioner Downey stated that he met with a member of the Dublin-San Ramon Seniors who indicated that they would be disbanding. He encouraged her to use her influence to get the group to come to the Senior Center. Unfinished Business - None New Business Five Year Capital Improvement Program 1992-97 Diane reported that on an annual basis the City either adopts an entirely new Five Year Capital Improvement Program or adopts an update to the program. The purpose of the discussion tonight is to review the projects that are currently included in the Five Year Capital Improvement Program and to determine the priorities for the projects. Notices have been sent to those groups and individuals who have shown interest in the past in different projects, some of which are present tonight to provide input. • MINUTES - MARCH 9, 1993 ' RAGE TWO The park, school and facility projects that have been completed since incorporation, have been financed through five different methods, 1) City General Fund, 2) State and Local Park Grants; 3) Park Dedication and In- Lieu Funds; 4) Contributions; and 5) Community Development Block Grants. The funding picture has substantially changed for future projects. Diane briefly reviewed the summary for the 1992-97 Capital Improvement Program for Parks and the summary for unfunded projects, as well as the Project Prioritization Form for the Commission and audience. She pointed out that the Commission should keep in mind, that the funding for these projects will be extremely limited over the next several years. Therefore, high priorities should be reserved for those projects that the Commission feel are essential to the community and will not result in increased maintenance costs to the City. Public Input Margie Wong-Gillmore, Dublin Little League, stated that the budget situation looks pretty dismal, and that the Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation has continually been moved further and further down the line. She indicated that there has been some talk about locating sports fields at Camp Parks. She felt that perhaps something could be formulated with Camp Parks utilizing Lucky grant monies, if received. She felt that perhaps they would have a better shot at the funds if they utilized some of the members of Little League to build the fields. The league has shown with the Murray field that it can be done at a reasonable cost. Diane stated that the City has a liaison committee with Camp Parks, and that if anything was to happen, it will probably be a long time coming. Commissioner Lockhart stated that the Dublin Citizens Committee has offered their support in getting government agencies involved in dealing with the people from Camp Parks, urging them to open some of the land for other uses. Jean Howland, Business Manager, Dublin Unified School District, stated that the School Board has authorized a $37 million dollar bond issue for the June ballot. She indicated that School District has incorporated uses for the money for all of the school related items that are on the Capital Improvement list, which includes the Dublin High School athletic field renovation, Murray athletic field renovation, and six items on the unfunded list. She stated that the School District also has limited resources, however anything that can be done together to help each other, the School District would certainly be willing to do. The Citizens Advisory Committee has tried to take into account anything that was within the planning of the City to include in the bond initiative. Commissioner Cahn asked what is the timeline? Diane replied that City Council Budget and Capital Improvement hearing is scheduled for June 1 and 2. All of the preliminary information is due by the end of March to the City Manager, and in April will be reviewed. Kathy Skinner, Dublin Little League, stated that through the league corporation, they have been advised that all their functions must be handicap accessible. She asked if the masterplan includes making the bathrooms, fields, water fountains, etc. handicap accessible? Diane replied that the City Council has adopted an American Disabilities Act transitional plan which includes a self evaluation of all the City facilities to determine what exactly needs to comply with handicap regulations. The City anticipates to undertake this evaluation within the next several months. The City has a five year period in which to come up with a plan as to how and when the facilities will be made handicap accessible. Funding amounts to comply with handicap requirements are not available, as the City is not certain as to what the costs will be. • MINUTES - MARCH 9, 1993 ' PAGE THREE Commissioner Lockhart asked if the five year period is to identify the needs or to make everything accessible? Also, with limited funding, how is this going to affect meeting the requirements? Diane stated that the American Disabilities Act is not clear, it only states that facilities must be made handicap accessible. The City will be looking at the different methods available to. obtain funding to comply with handicap requirements. The Commission prioritized the projects as follows: 1 - Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation (Phase I) 2 - Dublin High School Athletic Field Renovation 3 - Iron Horse Trail 4 - Mape Park Renovation 5 - Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation (Phase II) 6 - Nielsen School Athletic Field Renovation 7 - Murray School Athletic Field Renovation Dublin Sports Grounds Renovation (Phase III) Dublin High School Tennis Courts Renovation 10 - Dublin High School Outdoor Lighting 11 - Dublin Swim Center Boiler Replacement 12 - Wells-Cronin Athletic Field Renovation Frederiksen School Athletic Field Renovation 14 - Dublin School. Athletic Field and Play Area Renovation Heritage Center Renovation, Phase II 16 - Dougherty Hills Park Design Study Dougherty Hills Park Construction 18 - Shannon Center Social Hall Floor Replacement Recreation Department Budget Fiscal. Year 1993-94 Diane stated that the City is looking at upwards of $1 million dollars in reductions from the State. At the City Council meeting of February 8, the City Manager provided the Council with three alternatives; 1) to reduce the operating costs and services the City provides; 2) increase revenues; 3) to utilize General Fund Reserves; or a combination of all three. The Council was not in favor of utilizing the reserves to balance the budget, and indicated that they would like to see Staff address the shortfall through an increase of revenue and cuts in services and expenditures. Staff has been directed to prepare department budgets based on current level of service, as well as two additional lower service level budgets reflecting a 10% and 15% net reduction.. A 10% reduction would be equivalent to eliminating the Teen Program, all Special Events and the Youth Sports Program. A 15% reduction would be equivalent to closing the Senior Center. Commissioner Cahn stated that he would like to keep the fees as low as possible. He felt that the fees should be consistent with other agencies of the neighboring cities and that a non-resident fee should be charged. Commissioner Lockhart pointed out that of the programs listed, the Playground Program, Aquatics, the Teen Program and the Senior Center have the highest net cost. Commissioners Downey, Rasmussen and Lockhart concurred that the Teen Program should be cut. Commissioner Cahn disagreed, as he felt once it was cut, Staff would never be able to get it back on track again. Commissioner Lockhart felt that the pool should be closed. Commissioner Cahn disagreed, and felt that fees should be increased rather than programs cut. MINUTES - MARCH 9, 1993 ' PAGE FOUR Commissioner Downey suggested looking at the overall costs for the Senior Center and come up with ways in which to generate revenue. Commissioner Jones felt very strongly that the Commission should meet with the Senior Advisory Committee and have them determine how they can increase their revenue and cut costs. Diane stated that the Youth Sports Programs covers their direct costs, but not indirect costs. She stated that of all the sports programs, Basketball has the highest participation rate. Those programs with lower participation rates could be eliminated and Staff time re-allocated, reducing costs. Staff is proposing to increase the City's share of Leisure Class revenue from 70%-30% to 60%-40%. Commissioner Cahn stated that the instructors in turn are going to raise their class fees to cover the 15% pay cut. Diane pointed out that alot of the fees charged now are less than what neighboring cities charge for the same types of classes. Diane stated that no decisions will be made until the public hearings on the budget are conducted. It is anticipated that there will be alot of input from the community. The Commission directed Diane to develop a list of preliminary reductions for review at a Special meeting on March 29, 1993. Other Business Commissioner Rasmussen stated that the swim team is enjoying the pool and the rope system for the tarps, aids in removal of the pool covers. Commissioner Jones stated that he walked around the sports grounds and noticed that Valley Christian was on one of the soccer fields and he kicked them off. He indicated that he was contacted by three administrators from the high school, who complained about people using the high school for baseball practices when they did not have a permit for use. He suggested that they write a letter to Parks & Recreation regarding the matter. Commissioner Downey encouraged everyone to attend the Senior Center luncheon for St. Patrick's Day, on March 12. He commended Staff on the excellent job done on the Spring brochure. Commissioner Cahn suggested conducting Commission meetings at locations in different neighborhoods, such at Shannon Center, Wells Middle School, Frederiksen, etc. to perhaps draw better community attendance. Staff Reports - None Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50p.m. Res•'ectfully sub itted, i4�a4 Dia e Lowart Director of Recreation