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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-1994 Approved P&CSC Minutes . ..... ......................... ... The April 26, 1994 special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:07p.m. at the Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson, Randy Cahn. Roll Call Present: Commissioners Cahn, Jordan, Trimble, Donnell, Jones and Lockhart Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Cahn. Oral Communications - None Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 1994 AS SUBMITTED. (UNANIMOUS) Written Communications - None Public Hearing Parks and Recreation Master Plan Diane stated reported that in Fiscal Year 1990-91, the City embarked on the development of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The purpose of the Master Plan was to establish goals, long-term policies and standards to guide the City in the acquisition, development and management of park and recreation facilities for the next twenty years . She briefly summarized the agenda statement. Planning Process: The firm of David Gates and Associates was retained to assist City Staff with the development of the Master Plan. A Steering committee was formed consisting of interested community members as well as representatives of City commissions, special recreation interest groups (little league, youth soccer and senior adults) and local schools. A public meeting was held for the purpose of soliciting further input from the public as to park and recreation facility needs and priorities. A Special Study Session of the City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks & Recreation Commission was conducted for gaining additional input. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Consultant was given authorization to proceed with the Administrative Draft Master Plan Report. Diane stated that the project was placed on hold pending the outcome of the referendums on Western Dublin and Eastern Dublin. Work on the Master Plan resumed in December 1993 , and revisions were made to reflect changes that had occurred in Eastern Dublin and references to parks and facilities in Western Dublin were deleted. Distribution of Parks, Recreation Facilities and Trails: The Park Facility Plan identifies the locations of existing parks as well as potential citywide park facilities and neighborhood parks. The Trails Plan identifies locations of existing and proposed Class 1 Pedestrian/Bikeways, existing and proposed Class 2 Bike Lanes and potential hiking/equestrian trail corridors and staging areas. MINUTES - APRIL 26 , 1994 PAGE TWO Goals and Policies: The Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan contains six general goals along with guiding policies and action programs for each goal. The goals include; 1) Provide for a high-quality and diversified park system, 2) Create a continuous network of paths, walks and trails, 3 ) Preserve the visual quality of the hillsides and creeks, 4) Use the park and open space system to provide community identity and character, 5) Generate necessary funds and utilize land dedication policies to insure implementation of parks and facilities acquisition and development, and 6) Provide planning for allocation direction, services management and funding for the existing parks and facilities. Parks and Recreation Facility Standards: Parks and Recreation Facility Standards are guides by which communities may estimate the number of acres of facilities required to meet recreation demand. The proposed Parks and Recreation Master Plan is based on a minimum standard of 5 acres of park land per 1,000 residents. The proposed standard for community facilities is 4 acres of park land per 1,000 and the proposed standard for neighborhood parks is 1 acre of park land per 1,000. Implementation and Funding: The successful implementation of the Master Plan is contingent upon acquisition of lands as well as funding for development, operations, and maintenance of the new facilities. A combination of regulatory, public and private funding is likely to be the most successful. Gates and Associates Presentation: Linda Gates of Gates and Associates, stated that she will show some slides which will give an overview of how the Master Plan was developed. She stated that Gates and Associates looked at existing facilities and resources, and demographics of the community, including regional trails and open space. An assessment of existing facilities was done which included the sports park, neighborhood parks, senior center, to see how well the facilities were meeting the demands of the community. .. Ms. Gates stated that after completing the existing conditions analysis, Gates and Associates met with community groups and through workshops determined where the recreational needs were not being met. It was apparent that there was a real need for sports fields to resolve scheduling problems and also to accommodate the merging growth of women sports. Additional needs included a senior center to accommodate future growth, gymnasiums and indoor structures, and a strong desire to have more trail and bike systems. One of the needs that clearly emerged from the workshops was the need to create a special memorable place, a park reflecting Dublin's pride, similar to Central Park in New York. In taking the existing data and needs demand, Gates and Associates determined standards for how many fields, etc. would be needed. Ms. Gates showed slides of a series of prototypes for the different kinds of parks that could be developed, as well as the links that could be made into the existing trails system. She stated that Gates and Associates worked with the East Bay Regional Park District to develop criteria and standards for open space. She pointed out the drawings posted on the Chamber walls which indicate the standards and implementation priorities, as well as conceptual drawings of park prototypes. Commissioner Cahn asked if the standards are industry or urban standards? Ms. Gates replied that Gates and Associates looked at the National standards and the surrounding communities. The National standard is between 6-10 acres per 1,000, and Dublin is well within the range of their peer communities. MINUTES - APRIL 26 , 1994 PAGE' THREE Diane added that the chart on page 45 of the Master Plan, shows the total number of facilities that would be needed based on population buildout, and where the facilities could be potentially be located. Public InPut: Zev Kahn, Dublin Resident, stated that at the time the workshops were being conducted, Camp Parks was under different command. However it is his understanding that the new commander is very interested in working with the City. Ms. Gates stated that use of Camp Parks was identified early in the planning process, however at this time they have not made any commitment. She suggested that it would probably be a good idea to continue to work with Camp Parks. Margie Wong-Gillmore, Dublin Little League, asked if a timeframe has been set for which parks will go in first, also will the planning process include input from the public? Ms. Gates replied that implementation of the Master Plan will be tied to the growth in Dublin and as land and funding is acquired, a park site would be identified. The City would then undertake a master planning process which would include meeting with the public to obtain their input. Diane stated that all of the new park sites identified in the Master Plan are shown in the Eastern Dublin area and development of these sites will hinge upon when those areas are developed. The City would not develop a park until the developers of the land come to the City and indicate they want to begin development. At this time, there are no developments pending. Margie Wong-Gillmore stated that as far as West Dublin is concerned, or what will be West Dublin, what is anticipated for additional facilities, being that we already are aware of the current shortage for baseball and soccer fields? Ms. Gates replied that at this time, the City is trying to meet the current recreation needs by utilizing school facilities. Being no further public input, Commissioner Cahn closed this session of the meeting. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Jordan asked Ms. Gates if the tennis courts would be lighted courts? Ms. Gates replied that this would not be determined until such time each park is master planned and each one would be subject to a review process. Commissioner Jordan asked if the donations and funding indicated in the Master Plan will take away from the Financial Assistance Program? Also will the Art in the Parks Program be incorporated into the park development plans? Diane replied that funding of parks and recreation programs are two different items. The Master Plan is a document that would have recommended guidelines, standards and policies for the overall development of parks in the City. The Art in the Parks Program is a supplemental program that the City is looking at. When the City is ready to begin development of a park, and if the Art in the Parks Program is still active, the City would certainly try to implement the program into the new parks. Commissioner Cahn stated that he did not notice in any of the park prototypes a swimming pool, which he felt is desperately needed to meet future growth. Diane referred to page 45 of the Master Plan, which recommends that based on the population buildup, the City should be looking at a total of three swimming pools. MINUTES - APRIL 26 , 1994 PAGE FOUR The potential location for a swimming complex could be at either the City park or the Sports Park, depending on the land constraints. The standards on page 65 of the Master Plan addresses what an aquatic center might include and the land that would be required. Commissioner Trimble stated that with the current vandalism and graffiti that is being experienced in City parks and recreational facilities, why were standards not addressed in the Master Plan, such as lighting and types of surfaces? Ms. Gates replied that a policy could be added for the selection of features and equipment. Commissioner Donnell asked how big does a park have to be to have restrooms? Diane replied that in the standards for neighborhood parks, restroom facilities could be a potential. She pointed out that three neighborhood parks have been developed in recent years and two out of the three have restrooms. The park that did not have a restroom was a direct result of the input provided by the residents. Ms. Gates added that the decision to have a restroom facility in a park is based on maintenance budgeting, as restrooms can be expensive to maintain. Commissioner Lockhart asked on the recommended standards, how was the 5. 0 figure arrived at, as opposed to the National Standard of 6-10? Diane replied that is was a combination of several factors; 1) Looking at our peer communities, 2) what the City currently has, 3) what the City needs to meet the program that is being recommended, and 4) based on the population and the recommended program. Commissioner Cahn asked if the Master Plan includes securing school space in return for maintenance, and also would it be considered as part of the 5 acres for neighborhood parks? Ms. Gates replied that it was concluded to have parks and schools adjacent to each other so that there would be a mutual benefit. However, the 5 acres would not be dependent on the school district. IT i AS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DONNELL TO ACCEPT THE DRAFT REPORT OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN AS SUBMITTED. (UNANIMOUS) Diane summarized stating that this is a planning document that provides the City with guidelines, policies and standards for the development of future parks, as well as revisions to existing parks. It is designed to be flexible to respond to the needs of the changing population. The draft Master Plan will be going to the City Council at a future meeting for their adoption and approval. Unfinished Business - None New Business Chancres in the Ralph N. Brown Act, Government Section 4950 et seg. Diane stated that purpose of this agenda item is to update the Commission on changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act, which is known as the open meeting law. The Brown Act has been amended and the amendments went into effect on April 1, 1994. As the Parks and Recreation Commission is considered a legislative body under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the Commissions behavior and the way meetings are conducted are governed by the Brown Act. The City Attorney prepared a memorandum for the City Council which highlighted the changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act. The memorandum basically covers those amendments which deal with the noticing of meetings, reporting of meetings, conduct outside of meetings, etc. MINUTES - APRIL 26, 1994 PATE' FIVE Diane pointed out that there were two changes to the agenda, the description under Oral Communications and Informational Reports. The Commission can give informational reports, however no action may be taken on those items. Other Business Brief Informational Only Reports from Parks and Recreation Commissioners and/or Staff Diane reported that the Budget and Capital Improvement Program will be presented to the Commission at their next meeting for review and action. Staff is in the process of recruiting for a new Student Representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission, as Commissioner Jordan's term will be up in June. There are changes to the Ralph M. Brown Act which may change the way the appointment is made. Diane indicated that she is in the process of obtaining clarification as to whether the Commission will be able to continue to conduct interviews. The Dublin Swim Center is open on weekends and the Adult Softball League is currently underway. The City Council approved the Heritage Task Force Report at their meeting last night, as presented. A Heritage Committee will be appointed, similar to the Senior Advisory Committee, which will be advisory to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. Recruitment will be begin for 5 members at large and DHPA will appoint 2 members, making it a 7 member advisory body. The Council also accepted the recommendation to look into hiring a part-time staff person to serve as a Heritage Center Director. Commissioner Lockhart felt that the Heritage Task Force came up with an excellent plan that is very workable. Commissioner Cahn asked if a Commissioner will need to be one of the seven members? Diane stated that with the Senior Advisory Committee, there is a Commission Liaison. She suggested that this is something the Commission may want to discuss at a future meeting. Commissioner Jordan stated that she has two names of individuals who are interested in applying for Student Representative. She reported that the Dublin High School Cheerleaders placed 10th in the Cheerleading Competition. Commissioner Cahn stated that on May 9, Dublin High School is having Operation Prom Night at which they will simulate a drunk driving accident. Commissioner Jones reported that he attended a meeting at Dublin High School for the District, at which they discussed plans for the renovation of the softball and baseball fields at the high school. He stated that he noticed that the lawn t the pool was mowed and the cuttings left on the lawn. Diane stated that during the off season the lawns are mowed without catchers, and since the pool has recently opened, Staff has requested Maintenance to begin using the catchers. Commissioner Lockhart asked if any word has been received from Mr. Moran regarding the scoreboards? Diane replied, no. Several phone calls have been made and letters have been sent to him. Commissioner Jones felt that perhaps we should find someone else. Commissioner Lockhart asked if there are any stats on the St. Patrick's Day Celebration? Diane stated that she would estimate that approximately 7,000 people attended this year. A full report will be included in the upcoming Winter Quarterly Recreation Report. MINUTES - APRIL 26 , 1994 PAGES SIX Commissioner Lockhart congratulated the Lions Club on the St. Patrick's Day parade. He reported that the Sister City's Green and White Gala was a success, and the Valley Commissioners Dinner was well done and the speaker was excellent. He indicated that he is running for the Board of Directors for Zone 7 and asked Diane if this would be a conflict with the bylaws? Diane indicated that she will check on this matter. Commissioner Cahn indicated that the recent Valley Commissioners Dinner in Danville was very nice. He also stated that he feels very strongly that alcohol should not be served at any type of City function that deals with City business. He did not know how this could be addressed down the road, but felt that it should be. Commissioner Trimble stated that as the liaison to the Senior Advisory Committee, he not done a very good job in attending the meetings, as the 10am meeting time is very difficult to make. He indicated that he will be attending the meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 28. Commissioner Trimble reported that in the discussions held in the past regarding a rollerblade hockey league, some publicity has been received. He indicated that he has received several calls from interested individuals, and that he has asked Staff to consider looking into having a City league with the possibility of moving into an association league. Commissioner Cahn stated that he noticed in the recent San Ramon activity guide, that one page was devoted to showing how much money it costs to run their recreational programs. He felt that maybe this is something we might want to consider for one of our future issues. Commissioner Cahn stated that the graffiti presentation at the Commissioners Dinner was excellent. San Ramon as well as Danville are putting on a forum between the School District and their communities to discuss the current status of graffiti, gangs, etc. He stated that with BART coming soon, the graffiti and gang problems in Dublin are going to increase, and may already have exploded. The City may already be behind in addressing these problems. Commissioner Cahn asked if Staff has had anyone inquire about the Financial Assistance Program, and has funding been secured? Diane replied, no. Staff has applied for funding through the Tri-Valley Community Fund, however have not heard from them as yet. Adjournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young Administrative Secretary