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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-1996 Approved P&CSC Minutes The March 18, 1996 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:06 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,Wong-Gillmore,Cramer and Fasulkey Commissioners Absent: Jones and Nassar Oral Communications Oath of Office Kay Keck, City Clerk, administered the oath of office to newly appointed Parks and Community Services Commissioner, Bob Fasulkey. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated that her question regarding additional space for the Afterschool Program at Nielsen was not included in the minutes. IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER WONG-GILLMORE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CRAMER TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12,1996,AS CORRECTED. (UNANIMOUS) Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business-None New Business Fun-In-The Sun Program Director Lowart reported that the Parks and Community Services Department Staff are currently fmalizing plans for summer programs. One of the most popular programs offered is the "Fun in the Sun" playground program, which is an eight week summer playground program designed for elementary school age youth. For the past several years, three playground sites have been offered;Alamo Creek Park,Kolb Park and Shannon Park,each site located geographically to serve the west,central and east areas in the City. The total registration for the Summer for Alamo Creek was 148,at Kolb 96,and at Shannon 124. The Shannon Park site is the most popular site and last year filled to capacity, and at one point during the summer there were a total of 34 on the waiting. As both the Camp Shannon Day Camp and the Tenderfoot Day Camp also meet at Shannon Center and Park,it is impractical to add participants to the"Fun in the Sun"program at this site. Staff is considering the addition of another playground site on the west side of town. Potential locations would be either Mape Park or Dolan Park. Although funding is not included in the Fiscal Year 1995-96 Budget for a fourth site, preliminary budget estimates show that the increased costs would be offset by additional revenue. Staff suggests either Dolan or Mape Park for the additional site. Of the two parks,Mape Park would be Staff's choice,as Dolan Park has three levels which are more difficult to supervise. Commissioner Cramer stated that he would like to see an additional site on the West side,and inquired as to restroom facilities at Mape Park. Director Lowart replied that when the program was done at Mape and Dolan in the past, a portable restroom was brought in for the Summer. Chairman Chapman felt that the lack of traffic around Mape Park would make it the safest location for an additional site. Commissioner Wong-Gilhnore asked what is the City's liability for the children who are registered to attend, but then decide to go home? Director Lowart replied that parents are required to sign a waiver form stating that they understand that the program is a drop-in program,as well as indicate whether their child will be there for the entire time,or if someone else MINUTES-MARCH 18, 1996 ' PAGE TWO would be picking them up. Staff tries to keep the ratio of staff to children low enough so that they are able to get a pretty good familiarity with the patterns of the children. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked if there are water facilities at Mape and Dolan, and also is Staff readily able to do the crafts there? Director Lowart,replied yes. Commissioner Fasulkey asked of the 34 people on the waiting list last year, was there any consensus from them where they would want to attend the program next year? Director Lowart replied yes,on the West side of town. Chairman Chapman stated that there should be other park options on the West side next year. Director Lowart pointed out that there will be no additional park options next year. The Hansen Hills Ranch Development is not required to dedicate park land, as they paid fees instead. However they will be dedicating a trail easement,which she has identified as a potential day camp location. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated that she knows people who enrolled in the program and were upset to be placed on a waiting list. She agreed with Commissioners Cramer and Chapman on Mape Park as the fourth site. Joint Commission Meeting with San Ramon.Danville and Alamo Director Lowart stated that on an annual basis the commissions from the City of Dublin, Danville, San Ramon and County Service Area R7A in Alamo conduct a joint meeting for the purpose of sharing information. It is now the City of Dublin's turn to host the joint meeting. The last time that the City of Dublin hosted the event, it was held at the Civic Center with a catered buffet dinner. The program centered around creekside trail development with a speaker from the East Bay Regional Park District. Based on the dates when the other commissions and councils meet, Staff has identified the following dates for the joint meeting; Thursday, May 9, Wednesday, May 15, Thursday, May 16, or Thursday, May 30. Potential locations include the Civic Center, the Shannon Community Center, the Dublin Senior Center, the Heritage Center or a local restaurant. The Commission may wish to designate a subcommittee to work with her in planning the event. She suggested doing a barbecue type event at Shannon Center,utilizing the courtyard for the barbecue and the West Room for the dinner and discussion. Staff is currently looking into the cost to cater the barbecue as opposed to doing it ourselves. Commissioner Cramer, Wong-Gillmore and Chapman indicated that they would be happy to serve on a subcommittee for this event. Commissioner Fasulkey asked why does this event only include four communities? Director Lowart replied,only because that is the way it started. There was some discussion in the past about including Pleasanton and Livermore, but at the time the budget for the event this year was planned,they were not included. Chairman Chapman stated that there is no reason why Pleasanton and Livermore should not be invited, as they share a lot of the same issues and concerns as Dublin. He asked if this would be something staff should forward to the host for next years event. Director Lowart stated that she would like to contact Pleasanton and Livermore first, to see if they would have no problem with being included. Commissioner Cramer stated that he would be very curious about the response from the other cities about bringing in two large cities like Livermore and Pleasanton. It may increase the group to the point where it would be just a dinner without any speakers or interaction. Commissioner Fasulkey felt that Pleasanton has been very innovative in the types of things they have done over the last few years, such as the skateboard park. We do not have to change the makeup of the event, but may want to consider meeting with them to discuss particular issues. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore felt that now is a prime opportunity to add Pleasanton and Livermore,as we share borders with them. For Danville or Alamo to invite them is almost far removed because of the county and border issue. Chairman Chapman felt that no one is going to involve these two cities unless we do. If the other cities involved have no problem with including Pleasanton and Livermore and we can afford to include them this year,we should do so. Commissioner Fasulkey asked what do people expect to gain from this event? Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated basically to meet people from the other cities and finding out what they have done in their communities. MINUTES-MARCH 18, 1996 PAGE THREE Based on their availability,the Commissioners agreed with either May 15 or 16 for the dinner. Director Lowart stated that she will confirm the date preference with the other cities.Chairman Chapman requested that once the date has been confirmed,that the subcommittee meet to fmalize the plans for the event. 1996 Easter Eggstravaganza Director Lowart reported that the 6th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be held on Saturday,April 6, 1996 from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. at the Shannon Community Park. This years festivities will include special entertainment, crafts and games, visits with the Easter Bunny as well as the traditional egg hunts. The fee for this activity is$4.00 for Dublin residents and$5.00 for non- residents. In the event of rain, the crafts and entertainment will be moved inside the Shannon Center and the egg hunts will continue to be held outside. Committee Appointments Director Lowart stated that there are a number of City committees and task forces that require the representation of a member of the Parks and Community Services Commission. As per the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure for the Commission, the Chairman"appoints committee and chairpersons of committees as necessary". She summarized the various committees and task forces for the Commission,which included the East Bay Regional Park District Liaison Committee (1); Heritage Center Advisory Committee(1); Senior Center Advisory Committee(1); Student Representative Selection Committee(2);and Youth Sports Liaison Committee (2). The Teen Task Force and the Community Facilities Task Force, two committees that previously had Commission representation,have completed their charge and are no longer required. Chairman Chapman questioned the deletion of the Teen Task Force and the deletion of CYO from the Sports Liaison Committee. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore questioned the deletion of the School District from the Sports Liaison Committee. Director Lowart stated that she was using last years list,and these groups will be added to the list. Representatives to the committees were appointed as follows: East Bay Regional Parks District Liaison Committee: Heritage Center Advisory Committee George Cramer,Representative Steve Jones,Representative Steve Jones,Alternate Bob Fasulkey,Alternate Senior Center Advisory Committee Student Representative Selection Committee Margie Wong-Gillmore,Representative Jeff Chapman,Representative Bob Fasulkey,Alternate Gabriela Nassar,Representative Steve Jones,Representative Teen Task Force Youth Sports Liaison Committee Jeff Chapman,Representative George Cramer,Representative Gabriella Nassar, Student Representative Bob Fasulkey,Representative Margie Wong-Gillmore,Alternate Jeff Chapman,Alternate Other Business: Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks&Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff`' Commissioner Cramer complimented Staff and volunteers on the St.Patrick's Day Celebration. The ongoing activities and the variety of booths was very good and it seemed that the event was well attended.He reported that the Sports Liaison Committee met two weeks ago,and of the groups scheduled to attend,Dublin Little League is the only one that attends on a regular basis. He indicated that he would like to see the group meet more often. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated that the Sports Liaison Committee has tried to meet once each quarter, however it just does not seem to work. She felt that the important thing is that the groups meet to share their ideas and coordinate their needs. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore asked where did the Lions Club get the band that played in the parade? Director Lowart stated that she heard they were alumni from Cal Berkeley,Stanford,and San Jose State. Chairman Chapman reported that he will be in Canada the week of the next Commission meeting.He asked if an alternate date such as April 22 could be scheduled? Director Lowart reported that Commissioner Jones has also indicated that he will not be able to the attend the next regular meeting. Based on their availability, the Commissioners agreed on April 22 for the next meeting. MINUTES-MARCH 18, 1996 PAGE FOUR Chairman Chapman voiced his concern regarding baseball field#6,the field nearest the freeway. He reported that the fence is not attached and is opened to freeway. There has already been an incident of a child walking through the opening towards the first lane of traffic. Director Lowart stated that it is her understanding that the fence is Caltrans responsibility, and will look into the matter. Chairman Chapman stated that due to the recent rains,the fields are very soggy and the grass overgrown. He asked what is the schedule for mowing the fields? Director Lowart replied that maintenance attempted to mow after the rain, however the grounds were too wet and the mower got stuck. Starting in March the fields are scheduled to be mowed every Thursday. Chairman Chapman asked what is the agreement between Dublin Little League,Dublin United Soccer League and the City on the maintenance of the fields? Also, can sand or wood sheets be placed over the muddy areas so that people can get to one field from another? Director Lowart replied that the City is responsible for providing a level of maintenance which includes mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, weed control, and preparing the infields for baseball, etc. Any maintenance over and beyond that is the responsibility of the sports groups. She indicated she will contact maintenance to see what can be done about the muddy areas. Commissioner Wong-Gillmore stated that this year has been a good year with the City's response to field maintenance. Perhaps with more funding and parent participation,a greater level of maintenance can be achieved. Commissioner Fasulkey stated that he read something in the minutes about alternate soccer fields at Camp Parks,what is that about? The Army has given a verbal agreement to provide 7.5 acres of land at Camp Parks to the Dublin United Soccer League. The Board of the Dublin United Soccer League has decided to try to develop the land at Camp Parks into soccer fields. Dublin Little League was pursuing to secure fields last year at Camp Parks,however has since decided not to. Commissioner Fasulkey indicated that he has had a long relationship with Camp Parks and encouraged Dublin United Soccer to continue their pursuit for alternate fields at Camp Parks. Chairman Chapman stated that he read an article in the newspaper on Sunday in regards to the Park Development Fees. He indicated that he would like to go on record stating that he would be opposed to the City Council lowering the fees and putting in cheaper parks. Director Lowart reported that the public hearing on this item has been continued on two occasions due to comments from the development community. She encouraged the Commission to come to the next City Council meeting and express their support of the fee. Adjournment Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J.Young / Administrative Secretary