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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-20-1996 Approved P&CSC Minutes • ....:.,>..,..,....,., ,,,..,..;.,;..;...,.....y.....:.:....••:;;..:...:.::.....:..:.:....;......:••.:•:.::.::.::.>::.:.:::::•::.::t.>:.::�;:r:.rrr:.>:.>:.»>:>:::;::.::>:;>;:::�: :::::: ::::::t::::::::: '::::::::: The May 20, 1996 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at . 7:00 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, Cramer,Fasulkey, Jones,Nassar and Wong-Gillmore Oral Communications-None Approval of Minutes IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JONES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WONG- GILLMORE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 22, 1996 AS PRESENTED. (UNANIMOUS) Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business-None New Business • Mape Park Renovation Director Lowart reported, at the March 12, 1996 meeting of the City Council, the Council approved a consultant agreement with John Nicol & Associates, Inc. to provide landscape architectural.services for the renovation of Mape Park. Although there are no funds budgeted for the construction in the 1994- 1999 CIP, the estimated improvement cost that was identified in the CIP was $194,265. As part of the design process, two neighborhood meetings were conducted to obtain input on the design of the park. At the first meeting, the group obtained consensus on the high priority design goals and elements, as well as on additional design goals which had divided opinion. At the second meeting, the consultant presented - two schematic designs incorporating these goals and elements. The preferred design elements from both schematic designs were then merged into the proposed master plan. The estimated cost for the base park improvements is $205,023. The sand volleyball court, pedestrian bridge and the restroom are optional items, as they were not shown in the original scope of work for the project. The combined total for these items is estimated to be $122,500. Director Lowart presented John Nicol, of Nicol and Associates, Inc.,to present the proposed master plan for Mape Park. Mr. Nicol reported that two neighborhood meetings were conducted. The first meeting included discussion of the existing site, its constraints and opportunities, the second meeting included discussion of what is currently in the park and what can go into the park. The proposed master plan presented tonight incorporates those items the neighbors indicated they wanted in the park. The consensus was very strong as to what elements should and can be placed in Mape Park. A topographic survey plan was prepared by Alexander and Associates. Maintenance personnel has located all the irrigation heads, and every attempt will be taken to conserve the underground system. Mr. Nicol indicated that the existing poles at the site . were discussed with an electrical engineering consultant, and therefore we now know what it will cost to relocate the lights in the park from a surveillance security standpoint. Mr. Nicol briefly reviewed the exhibits for the audience and Commission. MINUTES -MAY 20, 1996 PAGE TWO Commissioner Fasulkey asked if the $22,000 indicated for irrigation modifications includes any existing irrigation? Also, was the issue of the impact of parking and traffic discussed at the meetings? Mr. Nicol replied, yes it does include some existing irrigation, and no,the issue of parking and traffic was not raised. He did not feel that the park will get large group use, as the picnic areas are spread out to be more of a family oriented park. Commissioner Jones indicated his concern regarding the picnic area near the bridge, as becoming an area where teens could hang out and be out of view. Mr.Nicol stated that the lighting consultant increased the number of light poles from 3 to 5,which should reduce unseen and unwanted use of the park. Chairman Chapman opened the meeting for Public Input. Martin Sirlin, 7524 Silvertree Lane - voiced concern regarding the additional vehicle traffic and parking if the park is used as a location for the Fun-in-the-Sun Program. Director Lowart stated that Mape Park has been identified as the fourth site of the program. Mape Park was used several years ago as a program site without any impact to traffic or parking. Children were dropped off and picked up and only Staff parked along the street. Becky Hopkins, 7510 Calle Verde Drive - When Mape Park was used four years ago for the Fun-in-the- Sun Program, there were about 25-35 children attending on a daily basis, many of which walked to the program. The only traffic and parking problems experienced are those as a result of the soccer practices at the park. Ms. Hopkins stated that she would personally prioritize the options as 1) Restrooms 2) Volleyball Court and 3) Foot Bridge, all being very positive elements to the park. She encouraged the Commission to accept the plan as presented. Laurie Swaze, 7520 Silvertree Lane - feels that the footbridge would be a very important element to the park. She has been dealing with Steve Loweree of the Public Works Department since 1991, and it is her understanding that it is the City's responsibility to maintain the property where the footbridge would go. She encouraged the Commission to approve the plan as presented and stated that she would personally list her priorities as 1)Restrooms 2)Footbridge and 3)Volleyball Court. • Mitch Wolfe, 7507 San Sabana - voiced concern regarding the concept and cost of the walkway around the park. He did not feel that it was really a necessary item, and indicated that if anything was to be eliminated, he would prefer that it be the walkway. He prioritized the items as 1) Volleyball Court 2)Restroom and 3)Footbridge. Inga Houston, 7611 San Sabana Road - indicated that her priorities would be 1) Restrooms 2) Volleyball Court and 3)Footbridge. She indicated that a loop path would be nice to have for a trike path for the kids. • Bridget Craig, 7575 San Sabana - felt that the senior population is not represented here tonight. She stated that many of residents of the neighborhood have lived here for over 20 years and do like to walk in the evening. Therefore she was not in favor of eliminating the walkway or any of the elements of the plan, and was in favor of all three options. Chairman Chapman closed Public Comment. • MINUTES -MAY 20, 1996 PAGE THREE • Commission Discussion: Commissioner Cramer stated that he attended the neighborhood meetings and felt that it was one of the most democratic groups he has every worked with. He indicated that he was opposed to the footbridge originally, however now feels that it is one of the best features of the park. The community has met and spoke as requested and has approved the proposed plan as submitted. The plan therefore should be referred to the City Council for final approval. Commissioner Jones stated that his only concern is regarding the picnic area. However, the neighbors • seem to be satisfied with the plan as proposed. He felt that Mape Park needs to be renovated as it is one of the oldest parks in Dublin and should be given back to the neighborhood. Commissioner Fasulkey complimented the spirit of the neighbors and how they approached the process, and indicated that he was very pleased with their consensus. He asked Director Lowart what was the dollar amount taken away from this park and in what period of time was this done? Director Lowart replied that the original master plan for Mape Park was adopted in 1986 and that the renovation has been identified in the CIP ever since. The funding for the project has been adjusted for inflation over the last several years. Chairman Chapman thanked John Nicol for the layout of the plan and commended the neighbors on their spirit for this project. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore felt that it is appropriate that funds be allocated to renovate Mape Park. She voiced concern regarding the number of projects in the City that are on the priority list now, and it seems that depending on how vocal one group may be over another, will determine whether or not that project gets on board first. Realistically, are we going to be able to do this project? She asked if the upgrading of Kolb Park was done totally with City funding or with money received form outside groups? Director Lowart stated that the funding picture was different several years ago when the City was very active in developing parks. At that time there was more grant money available, and the City had a little more discretionary money in the General Fund. All the parks put in to date have been done with City, grant money,park dedication fees or General Fund money, and did not come directly from neighborhood. Alamo Creek Park and Dolan were both done in two phases. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked if there have been any outside organizations who have come in and volunteered time and work? Director Lowart replied that the handicapped playground at Kolb Park was not part of the original master plan and was funded and put in by the Lions Club. Dublin Little League has completed a number of projects at the Dublin Sports Grounds. The lights for the softball fields was put in several years ago by a volunteer group. Currently, we have not had any major volunteer projects where a lot of dollars were raised to offset the cost of the project. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated that in listening to the audience, it is her understanding that in prioritizing the wish list, it included the things that were on the optional portion of the budget, and that some of the other priority items that were included in the park renovation are things that were not as important. We need to look at this project realistically, are the options over and above the improvements? Director Lowart replied that Commissioner Cramer pointed out that the Exhibit A of the staff report is a summary of the high priority items from the first meeting, and that these were the items used to develop the schematic designs which were presented at the second meeting. The results of the second meeting is the master plan. • MINUTES -MAY 20, 1996 PAGE FOUR Commissioner Fasulkey stated that the Commission is being asked to make a decision on this item, when they do not have the full context of the impact of this additional $122,000. What other projects does that in fact defer? Director Lowart stated that at this point the Commission is being asked to approve the master plan in concept with the optional items in the priority list. The final decisions on funding of the project will come from the City Council, but there will be a recommendation made by the Commission with regards to the priority of all of the park projects in the CIP. She suggested that the Commission at the end of this meeting, set a meeting date to review the CIP. Inga Houston stated that if we can't have the restrooms now, she suggested that the sewer lines be put in for the future. Commissioner Nassar stated that with the proper planning and community involvement, the outcome of the park could be definite plus. It will bring a lot of good people to the park and once again be a prestigious park. The recommended lighting for the park will definitely resolve any unwanted use of the park. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CRAMER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CHAPMAN TO APPROVE THE MASTER PLAN FOR MAPE PARK AS PRESENTED BY JOHN NICOL & ASSOCIATES, INC.;AND THAT PART OF THIS APPROVAL INCLUDES THE CURRENT INPUT PROVIDED BY THE NEIGHBORS ON ALL IMPROVEMENT ITEMS LISTED ON THE MASTER PLAN AT $205,023, INCLUDING THE THREE OPTIONAL ITEMS AT $122,500, FOR A TOTAL CONTINGENCY OF$360,275. (UNANIMOUS) Director Lowart stated that this item will be on the City Council agenda of May 28. Other Business Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks& Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Commissioner Jones asked when will the process for the new student representative begin? Director Lowart stated that notification has been sent to Dublin High and the deadline line is the end of this month. Commissioner Nassar reported that three students have asked her to help them with their applications. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore reported that she attended the Senior Center Advisory Committee meeting of May 16. Business items included legal assistance for seniors,plans for a barbecue for the Human Race participants, and organizing a non-profit organization to assist with funding for senior activities and also the acquisition of a new building. Chairman Chapman inquired as to the status of Ryan McLeans request for pursuing a Dog Park in Dublin. Director Lowart reported that she explained to him that location that he had originally sought for the park was not acceptable and suggested he identify another location. As he wants to complete his project by July of 1996,the project may not be able to be accomplished. Chairman Chapman stated that the Dublin Parks and Community Services hosted the Tri-Valley Commissioners Dinner on May 16 at the Shannon Community Center. This year the cities of Pleasanton and Livermore were invited to attend. The event was a barbecue and despite the rain, the caterers served an excellent dinner and everyone seemed to have a good time. He commended Staff on a job well done. • MINUTES -MAY 20, 1996 PAGE FIVE Director Lowart reported that the Summer Quarterly brochure was delivered to the Post Office last Friday, which also includes a City newsletter. Summer class registration will begin next week. Applications are being accepted for Student Representative and it is anticipated that interviews will be conducted the second week of June. A special meeting of the Commission to discuss the Capital Improvement Program needs to be scheduled this evening. The Commissioners concurred on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young Administrative Secretary •