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The September 16, 1996 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin,California,by Chairman Chapman. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Chapman. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Chapman, Jones, Wong-Gillmore, Cramer,Fasulkey and Kamau Oral Communications-None Approval of Minutes Commissioner Fasulkey requested that the minutes, Page 2, Paragraph 4, be amended to read that; "With the potential of problems as were pointed out by the community at earlier City Council meetings regarding the Clampers,what does Staff anticipate at this event"? Chairman Chapman accepted the minutes as amended by Commissioner Fasulkey. Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business Schaefer Ranch Project Director Lowart stated that the Commission has been given a copy of a letter received from the Dublin United Soccer League related to this item,which was received after the agenda was finalized. Director Lowart reported that the proposed development of the 500± acre Schaefer Ranch in the Western Dublin extended planning area, includes 474 single homes with an ultimate population of 1517. The Council when meeting with the Planning Commission determined that they would like to see a public neighborhood park included in the project. Staff and the applicant were directed to come up with some park alternatives for their consideration. Staff reviewed each of the following three alternative park proposals which were put forth by Robert Yohai,President of Schaefer Heights,Inc. Alternative #1 - Provides for a sports oriented park at Schaefer Ranch Road near I-580, north of Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, encompassing 6.4± acres of which 4.0± is flat. This flat area would accommodate a regulation soccer field which could double as two overlapping little league fields with grass infields and no raised pitcher mounds, two basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, a flat turf area, picnic/barbecue area, tot lot with play structure and parent seating, restrooms, an equipment storage and maintenance building, drinking fountains and 47 paved parking stalls. All of these amenities will be accommodated on 4 of the 6.4 acres. As proposed, the developer would dedicate the land for the park and construct the park, in exchange for credits against the public facilities fee. Alternative #2-Provides for one village green type leisure oriented park located in the middle of the project adjacent to the detention basin/lake. The park would connect into the three neighborhoods and consist of 14.2± acres, surrounded by a 1/2 mile jogging trail. A 3.0± acre flat area would include a sand tot lot with play structure and a large turf area for informal sports, games and passive activities. As proposed, the developer would dedicate the land for the park and construct the park, in exchange for credits against the public facilities fee. s.MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE TWO Alternative # 3 - Includes both of the parks described for a total of 20.6±acres. By combining the amenities of both parks, it would meet the park needs of the proposed residents of that development. As proposed the developer would dedicate the land for the park and construct the park, in exchange for credit against the total public facilities fee. Staff then presented their analysis of the three alternate proposals and reviewed two additional proposals developed by Staff. Analysis of Alternative #1 - The size of the park does not meet the criteria for a community park. The location of the park is not readily accessible to the Dublin community and has limited visibility which creates a place for vandalism and crime. Access to the park is not conducive to use by the residents of Schaefer Ranch due to the steep grade. The berms and tree plantings that are proposed as noise mitigation would also limit sight visibility into the park. The park is located in close proximity to the freeway and the noise will spill over into the park. The park has been redesigned to include a restroom,however the site does not have access to sewer lines. Analysis of Alternative #2 - The location of this park will make the park easily accessible to the residents of Schaefer Ranch. The lake proposed for the park is actually a detention basin, and therefore the water level would fluctuate. During periods of heavy rain,pollutants from the street would wash into the basin contributing to poor water quality. As a water element, there would be an increase liability to the City, as well as regular monitoring of the water quality, ongoing maintenance and utility costs. The site is bordered on two sides with 3:1 slopes, which may increase ongoing maintenance costs to the City. Analysis of Alternative #3 - By accepting the parks, the passive and active recreational needs of the future residents of Schaefer Ranch would be met. However, the resulting park acreage far exceeds the acreage requirements for the development. The developers request that the total amount of the public facilities fee be waived in exchange for the dedication of both parks, cannot be accommodated without impacting the City's ability to construct other facilities which were the subject of the Public Facilities Fee Justification Study. If the fees are waived for this project,the City's General Fund will need to absorb the difference if these facilities are constructed. Alternative #4 - Similar to Alternative #3, however instead of accepting the entire 14.2 acres of the Leisure Oriented Park, it is recommended that only the 3.0 acre flat area be accepted and the lake/detention basin and slopes be deeded to and maintained by the Schaefer Ranch Homeowners Association. Alternative #5-Increase the size of the 3.0 acre flat area identified in Alternative#3 to a minimum of 4.0 acres and deed the lake/detention basin and slopes to the Schaefer Ranch Homeowners Association. Director Lowart introduced Captain Jim Rose. He voiced concern regarding the location of the park in Alternative #1 and indicated that it would be a nightmare for police to patrol. The park is not visible from the freeway or frontage road, and would therefore require the officers to get out of their vehicles to patrol the park. This could be quite time consuming. He pointed out that when he initially gave input on this project, it was to be just a park, however it has now been changed to a sports facility. Consequently, he would have to re-evaluate the project to determine how it would impact Police Services. As with any park, there are concerns of vandalism, the sale of narcotics and beer drinking. A park with this location could bring in additional concerns such as solicitation and pandering. In addition, because of the location, people will be coming into this community from all over, similar to what is happening in Central Park in San Ramon. Captain Rose introduced Sgt.Dave DiFranco. Sgt. Dave DiFranco stated that when Police reviewed this project, they identified possible problems with the park identified in Alternative #1 and also possible ways how their concerns could be mitigated. It is Police Services opinion that if the park is accepted,there will be problems and that even with mitigation,there is no way to make it a completely safe park. MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE THREE Commission Fasulkey asked if there is a problem at Rowell Ranch? Sgt. DiFranco replied, no. However you cannot compare this project with Rowell Ranch, as it is an event type facility, is not opened on a daily basis, and the events are controlled. Schaefer Ranch on the other hand would permit free public access during the hours between dusk and dawn. Chairman Chapman inquired as to the logistics involved in patrolling Dolan Park? Sgt. DiFranco replied that this park is located in a residential setting and the majority of the site is visible from the street. The proposed sports complex is located between the valley and Hayward area,making it a natural meeting place for individuals. It would have more of a draw than Dolan Park,as it would offer more amenities. Commissioner Cramer stated that if the Commission approved Alternative #4, would Police Services be able to handle patrolling it? Sgt.DiFranco replied no, and therefore could not guarantee safety. Commissioner Jones asked if there didn't used to be problems with the Dublin Sports Grounds? Sgt. DiFranco replied that he doesn't remember having the kinds of problems anticipated with the proposed park. He indicated that the character of the park and being located where it is, is going to bring in more of a unique clientele than the sports grounds did. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked if the noise levels indicated in the agenda were completed by the same people who did the original study? Director Lowart replied that the figures reported to the Commission was done by the developers consultant. They indicated that the levels would range from 59-61dBA,however there would be one area of the park that would be about 65dBA. Another noise consultant took a look at the location and felt that the developers consultant was pretty accurate. Commissioner Jones asked if the noise study includes the addition of BART? Director Lowart replied that it is her understanding that BART won't have that much of an additional impact. Commissioner Cramer asked what was the noise level at the Dublin Sports Grounds? Director Lowart replied, 75- 80dBA. Presentation by Applicants Jim Parsons and Rob Yohai Mr. Parsons stated that he reviewed the staff report and has identified areas in the report which need to be clarified and corrected. First of all, the location of the park is not isolated as there are four estate lots that border the park with the closest house 200 ft away and 85 ft above the park. There are three pedestrian routes to the park, 1)down the sidewalk down Schaefer Ranch Road, 2)down the East Bay Regional Park Trail and 3)an trail/emergency vehicle access at the north end of the park. The earth berms were added to attenuate freeway sounds. They are envisioned to be very natural grassy areas that would tie in with the surrounding hillsides. Also, the different_levels in the park could be eliminated and the entire area can be made flat. The proposed planting does not provide any noise attenuation whatsoever so the plantings can and will be adjusted to the Commissions concerns. The acoustical study was completed by the same acoustical consultant that prepared the EIR for the City. There is one small area with a 65dBA where the berm drops down for access into the park. Once the berms are installed it will be far superior to the existing fields at the Dublin Sports Grounds. Restrooms were not originally proposed because there is no sewer main in the area. The alternative is underground holding tanks which can be pumped out and for which the City can enter into a contractual arrangement for the service at a nominal cost. The proposed lake will have water in it all the time and is designed to maintain a certain water level. When it rains, the storm water will be stored above that and metered out. The 3:1 slopes are to reduce erosion and increases the success of revegetation programs, and should not be a major issue or one that would cause the City an additional expense. Mr. Parsons stated in reviewing the alternatives #4 & #5 suggested by Staff, and he finds Alternative #5 totally unacceptable. It would mean the loss of about 15 lots and introducing noise and traffic into the neighborhood. Mr. Parsons urged the Commission to recommend to the City Council that the two park plan as prepared provides the best for both worlds. MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE FOUR Mr. Rob Yohai, President of Schaefer Heights, Inc. stated that the project will generate recurring revenues of about $800,000 per year for the City. The estimated cost that is allocated to take care of the project is $578,000, which leaves an approximate $211,000 surplus. The portion of the costs scheduled for Police is 30% of total revenues, which would cover the cost of two officers to patrol the park. Commissioner Cramer asked if there is any other alternative that is unacceptable? Mr. Parsons replied that Alternative #4 is their Alternative#3 minus the lake. If the City does not want the lake as an amenity,then they would be willing to put it into the homeowners association. Commissioner Cramer asked if one more acre could be squeezed out of Alternative #4? Mr. Parsons replied no, not without losing a considerable number of lots. Chairman Chapman asked whether the lake needs to be the size that it is? Mr. Parsons replied yes it does, because there needs to be enough volume to collect the water. Commissioner Fasulkey asked Mr. Parsons that if there is an excess dedication, were they asking for full credit for the dedication? Mr.Yohai stated that they would go no further than to ask for the full park in-lieu and park facilities fee. Chairman Chapman opened the meeting to public comment. Eric Swalwell, 11404 Betlen Drive, stated that he has come tonight not only as a citizen, the President of the Dublin United Soccer League (D.U.S.L.), but also as a retired Police Officer. Recently, the City allocated $20,000 to D.U.S.L. to help the league construct a soccer field at Camp Parks. It is not the most attractive area, but it is a place that was offered and the league took advantage of. Mr. Parsons did a presentation to the board of D.U.S.L., which favored the project in its entirety. He believes that Mr. Parsons is sincere in addressing the problems and concerns of the City. In looking at this project as a former Police Officer,he felt that the developer was trying to address the issues brought up by Sgt. DiFranco and Captain Rose. As a league, the facility is needed and the proposed sports park would be an excellent addition to the City of Dublin and felt that any problems can be worked out. Tom Ford, 7262 Tina Place, gave the Commissioners a copy of a publication from the Preserve Area Ridgelands Committee, which is a non-profit organization active in helping cities, the County and the Bay Regional Park District acquire various parks and open space throughout the Tri-Valley area. The PARC is trying to obtain more space for trails in addition to the area dedicated to the East Bay Regional Park District. He voiced concern with the fact that Dublin is below the standard of surrounding cities regarding neighborhood and community parks. Not only is Dublin below the standard, it also has not achieved a substantial part of the acreage they should have by the standards. He recommended that the City accept both the parks as offered. Margaret Garlock, 6939 Langmuir Lane, stated that she is aware of the concerns of the park being located next to the freeway, however feels that there are other things that should be taken into consideration.. The neighbors around Wells Middle School did not want a new gym put on the school site, because they were concerned about cars and traffic. They also did not want Little League to build a 90 foot diamond there even though it would improve school property. The alternate choice was Murray School, and after spending $20,000, the residents began screaming about balls going over the fence. It is now a totally useless facility to the League. The polices concern of patrolling the proposed park, can be resolved by closing it off by a gate as they do in Pleasanton in the evening. If their concern is about people parking and walking into the park, then a sign should be posted indicating that there is no parking after 8:00 p.m. Ms. Garlock stated that her choice would be alternative#3. Chairman Chapman closed public input. 'MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE FIVE Commission Deliberation Commissioner Cramer stated that he holds Captain Rose's council in high esteem, as well as that of Sgt. DiFranco. He agrees that we need acreage, but also believes that the City does not want to own lake and assume the responsibility for it. He indicated that he does not agree with Staffs recommendation for alternative #5. He believes that the City should try to get as much acreage as possible,and that alternative#4 provides those opportunities. Commissioner Jones agreed that we need more acreage for sports, but at the same time we have an obligation to other needs,not just for the sports. If alternative#4 is selected, it will leave us without the money that is needed to expand the libraries. Alternative #4 would be his second choice and Alternative #1 would be his first choice. He felt that the concerns of the Police Department could be worked out. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore requested clarification on the Public Facilities Fees under Alternative#3 & #4. Director Lowart stated that it appears that both alternatives based on the cost estimates that have been used, will cost the developer more than the fee that would be charged for parks. If the developer wanted to have credit against the total amount of the Public Facilities Fees, then it would limit the City's ability to do other things. Staff recommends that the developer would only get credit for the park portion of the Public Facilities Fee regardless of what the cost would be to the developer to develop the parks identified in Alternative#3 and#4. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked, did she not hear the developer say that that they were capping the amount that would possibility go back to them in fees? They nodded yes and she suggested that this be made a condition of this alternative. Commissioner Jones stated in looking at the figures provided, if we go with Alternative #4 we are going to miss out on the $797,268 that we need. However now it seems that we are still going to get some of this money. If this is true,than he agrees with Commissioner Cramer on Alternative#4. Commissioner Fasulkey stated that it seems there a several items still open for negotiation. He felt that we have space within our motion to put before a vote,that might say that none of what we do on this will have a negative implication in terms of a library and other public facilities. Chairman Chapman stated that he originally selected Alternative#4,and has not heard anything to sway his decision. He indicated that he has gone on record a number of times saying that we cannot have enough parks. The City is short changed as it is and does not have enough facilities or open space. Therefore anytime someone is offering it, we need to give the offer a good hard look, which the Commission has done. What is decided here tonight is a recommendation to the City Council,and they may decide to go a different route. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CRAMER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JONES TO RECOMMEND ALTERNATIVE #4 AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT, AND THAT CREDIT NOT BE GIVEN IN EXCESS OF THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD BE SUBJECT TO. (UNANIMOUS) Director Lowart stated that this item will be brought before the City Council at their next scheduled meeting of Tuesday, October 15 ,1996 at 7:00pm. New Business Spring Quarter 1996 Recreation Report Director Lowart briefly summarized the activities conducted during the Spring quarter which encompassed the months of April,May and June. Afterschool Recreation Afterschool Recreation is a supervised activity program for children in first through fifth grades. The program operates on school days and on minimum school days at Frederiksen, Murray and Nielsen Elementary Schools. A variety of group and individuals activities are offered such as arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor games, special events and quiet MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE SIX time for homework. All three sites were filled with a total registration of 48 at Frederiksen, 63 at Nielsen, and 45 at Murray. There was a waiting list of 22 for the Nielsen site. A Staff Retreat was conducted in May to discuss the future of the Afterschool Recreation Program. Many items were discussed including the needs of the participants, behavior problems and new program ideas. In the next year, Staff will develop a three-year plan for expanding leisure enrichment opportunities in the program, as well as to address and build stronger relationships between the City, School District and Dublin community. Shannon Center Preschool Session III of the Shannon Center Preschool had a total of 60 children enrolled. The session began on March 4 and ended on May 31. Highlights of the Spring program included the Annual Ice Cream Social in May and a graduation ceremony in June. Because the Spring session ended one week prior to the end of school, Staff received many requests for an additional week of preschool. Most of the participants registered for this additional week, the highlight of which was a trip to the Del Val Recreation Area. Teens Middle School Teen Activities During the Spring, staff conducted a variety of activities and trips. The most well attended activity being the Lock-in and Pool Bash. The Rage Dance and Great America Trip had to be canceled due to low enrollment. These activities were programmed at the suggestion of the leadership class at Wells Middle School. High School Teen Activities Activities for high school teens included a Singled Out Dance, Pool Tournament and Open Gym. A Ski and Snowboard trip which was canceled due low registration. These activities were open to all Tri-Valley teens at the suggestion of the Teen Task Force. The Singled Out Dance was conducted at the Dublin Park Hotel. The hotel donated the Ballroom for this event. Sixty-five teens attended and participated in dancing followed by four rounds of Singled Out. This was a cooperative activity run in conjunction with Livermore, San Ramon and Danville. Adult Sports The Spring 5 on 5 Men's"C"Basketball League began play on May 19 with a total of 8 teams that competed in a 6 week league followed by three weeks of playoffs. Games were played at Dublin High School on a regulation court. The Spring 3 on 3 Men's 6ft and Under Basketball League began play on May 15 with a total of 6 teams that competed in a 5 week league with one week of playoffs. Games were played on the Wells Middle School Gym. The 30 and Over league had to be canceled due to low enrollment. The Spring Co-ed Volleyball League was also canceled due to low enrollment. A total of 30 teams participated in the Spring Adult Softball League. The Men's Open C League started play on Thursday,March 28 with 6 teams,Men's Open D League started play on Friday, March 29 with 6 teams, and the Men's Lower D League started play on March 29 with 5 teams. The Coed C/D League started play on Monday, April 8 with 7 teams, and the Coed Business League started play on Wednesday April 24 with 6 teams. Special Events During the Spring Quarter the Annual Easter Eggstravaganza and Playday was conducted at Shannon Park on Saturday, April 6, 1996 from 9:30-11:30am. The two hour program consisted of egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts, and face painting. Live entertainment was provided by a man riding through the park on a "bicycle piano". Additionally, "Kids Power" did a self-defense demonstration for older kids who did not want to participate in the arts & crafts or face painting. There were 293 children registered for this event. •MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE SEVEN Senior Center In April, Spring was ushered in at the Senior Center with a delicious Easter/Spring luncheon prepared by Center Chef, Jewel Patton and volunteers. In keeping with Spring and Spring fashions, the Center co-sponsored a workshop with Parklane Jewelry - Accessorizing Your Spring Wardrobe. Preparations for the Annual Human Race in May began in earnest as participants acquired registration forms and sought sponsors. Average daily attendance for April was 79 with 395.25 volunteer hours. In May a Mother's Day Buffet luncheon held. Rose Macias of Dublin Police Services presented a workshop on vacation safety and nineteen willing walkers registered in the Center's name for the Human Race. Walkers generated $1,245.75 from their efforts. Average daily attendance for May was 77 with 398.75 volunteer hours. In June the Senior Center conducted their Annual Garage Sale. The event this year generated $500+ in revenue. A special seminar by the author of The Polluted Pond: The Myth of Aging, was held June 3. QUEST and Adult Education Classes ceased meeting in June in preparation for summer vacation. Average daily attendance for June was 77 with 490.50 volunteer hours. Leisure Enrichment Classes Leisure Enrichment Classes are specialized courses utilizing contracted instructors. Popular classes for the Spring Quarter included Fun for Ones, Terrific Twos, Children's Dance and Tumbling classes, CPR, Bumper Bowling and Dog Obedience. A total of 413 participants registered for classes during Spring 1996. Participation in the Spring session showed an increase of 15%over the Winter Quarter. Aquatics The Dublin Swim Center opened for recreational swimming April 8-April 12, Monday-Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m., and April 13-May 27, Saturday-Sunday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. The Swim Center was opened 20 days for Recreational Swimming with an average daily attendance of 102. The Dublin High School Swim Team used the pool from February 13-May 31, Monday-Friday, from 3:15-5:30 p.m. In addition,the City sponsored the following programs during the Spring Quarter: Competitive Stroke Class(58 participants)and Lifeguard Training(canceled due to lack of enrollment). MINUTES- SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE EIGHT Other Business Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks& Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Commissioner Wong-Gillmore reported that she attended the Senior Advisory Committee meeting of July 18. Due to the lack of response, the Resource Fair has been canceled. Instead, the Center will conduct informal luncheons with interested resource agencies. Senior Center Director, Bonnie Leonard, will be the new Heritage Center Director, and even though the seniors are very disappointed to see her leave,they are looking forward to welcoming her replacement. Commissioner Kamau reported that the Lock-In in the Dublin High School gym was conducted on August 30. There was a good crowd and several parent volunteers. Michelle Wierschem, is anticipating to start up the Teen Task Force again. Chairman Chapman stated that there was approximately 170 kids in attendance at the Lock-In. He indicated that there are too few kids doing all the work and the same parents volunteering. He suggested having each class nominate two students to the Teen Task Force and if they could not attend, that they would have to have an alternate attend in their place. Commissioner Jones reported that Fall Heritage Days is scheduled for October 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the dinner and dance scheduled from 6:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m. Chairman Chapman reported that there will be a joint meeting between the City Council,Parks and Community Services Commission, Heritage Center Advisory Committee and the Dublin Historical Preservation Association on September 30 at 5:00 p.m., in the Regional Meeting Room. MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 PAGE EIGHT Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked what is the purpose of the joint meeting? Director Lowart replied, to clarify responsibilities, discuss long term goals, and the role of the City and DHPA. She stated that an agenda packet will be provided. Director Lowart reported that the dedication of the Arts in the Parks project for Stagecoach Park will be conducted on October 2 at 6:00 p.m. Director Lowart reminded the Commission about the Senior Center Volunteer Recognition Dinner which is scheduled for September 27 at 6:00 p.m.,reservations are required. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J.Young ' Administrative Secretary