HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-1999 Approved P&CSC Minutes • CITY OF DUBLIN s
PARKS AND C IMMUNITY SERVICESTCOMMISSIONPµ n-
MINUTES OF::APRIL 19, 1999
The April 19, 1999 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:04p.m. at the Dublin
Civic Center,Dublin,California,by Chairperson Cobb-Adams.
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairperson Cobb-Adams.
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Cobb-Adams,Wong-Gillmore,Cramer,and Swalwell
Commissioners Absent: Chapman and Gill
Oral Communications
Dublin Senior Center Advisory Committee—No report.
Dublin Youth Advisory Committee—No report.
Dublin Heritage Advisory Committee—No report.
Jacob Swalwell, 11404 Betlen Drive,stated that there are several BMX bikers in Dublin who want to see a BMX bike park in
Dublin. Many bikers go to the Granada BMX bike park in Livermore. The area used at the Sports Grounds is too small. He
passed pictures to the Commission of samples of other BMX bike parks in the area.
Cm.Swalwell asked how many bikers are there and what ages. Jacob replied that there were about 20 between the ages of 10-
16. Kids from Livermore and Pleasanton would come into Dublin if a park were here.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore asked Jacob if the Granada Park is owned by the City or is private property. Jacob stated that it is owned
by the City. Breakaway a local bike shop conducts races there every Saturday and would support a park in Dublin.
Anthony Tatangelo, 8640 Beverly Lane, stated that his Dad works for a construction company who would provide the
equipment to do the work and that he also has a friend is in the landscaping business that would help.
Cm. Cobb-Adams asked if safety gear is worn and if the track in Livermore has an attendant on duty. Anthony replied that
some kids wear safety gear including ankle guards and/or elbow pads. He has not seen an attendant there.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if there were other parks where they ride. Anthony replied that there is one on Bollinger in San
Ramon and one on the iron horse trail. Becky Strong stated that there are two areas in Livermore. One at Granada and one at
Holmes and Los Mochos Avenue.
Cm.Cramer asked what they wanted the Commission to do. Anthony replied that they would like the Commission to approve a
BMX park in Dublin. A place where kids can go to ride and jump their bikes without having the mound removed or having the
police asking them to leave.
Cm. Cramer suggested referring this item to the Director of Parks and Community Services for placement on the agenda the
next time the Commission discusses budget items. Cm. Cobb-Adams pointed out that Bret Strong addressed the Commission
about a BMX park in February. At that time Staff was directed to look at the Livermore park and land at Camp Parks.
Derek Yarra, 7871 Barnhallow Court, stated that he would like a BMX park in Dublin because it would be easier to access
instead of going to Livermore.
Cm. Cobb-Adams asked whether anyone knew of an area in Dublin where this BMX park could be built. Jacob Swalwell
suggested the area in back of the Civic Center or Camp Parks.
Becky Strong, 7543 Bonniewood Lane, stated that she would be very concerned with land at Camp Parks because of the heavy
traffic on Dougherty Road. Land at the sports park would be ideal. She asked what was needed in order for the Commission to
vote or act upon this request.
Cm. Cobb-Adams stated that the Commission cannot vote or act on items presented under Oral Communications. Staff will be
directed to agendize the item for future discussion.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore stated that before the Community Gym was built, the interested group designated one person to take
charge. This person was able to get together a petition of interested parties and attended several Commission and City Council
meetings. The project did not happen overnight. Cm.Cobb-Adams agreed. It is a long process.
MINUTES—APRIL 19, 1999
PAGE TWO
Cm.Swalwell stated that he has sons who ride BMX bikes and he doesn't want to see a lot of red tape just to look into this. He
indicated that he would volunteer to take on this project and asked the Commission to authorize him to proceed.
Director Lowart pointed out that this is something that the Commission cannot authorize tonight.It would need to be placed on
an agenda for discussion. She pointed out that the land here at the Civic Center has been approved for a library and requests for
interim use of the land in the past was denied. She indicated that she would work directly with Commissioner Swalwell to
prepare the agenda statement for the next meeting.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore suggested that the group first find out how much support there is for this project, and also see if there is a
landowner in Dublin who would be willing to permit his land to be used for this type of use.
Fred Yarra, Jr., 7871 Barnhallow Court,felt that it would be very important and beneficial to have a BMX Park in the City of
Dublin. He stated that he and his sons have been involved in BMX racing for one and a half years. They have used trails in
different areas and there is certainly the issue of liability. He has been to many trails and races and seen the older kids watching
over the younger kids. There is a lot of camaraderie. It would certainly be nice to see a BMX Park in Dublin,it's good clean
fun and would benefit the kids in Dublin. It would get them away from the heavily traffic areas where they are going now to
ride their bikes.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore asked Mr. Yarra how much space would be needed for a BMX Park. He replied a minimum of one-half
acre but you would want to have different areas to accommodate the different levels and age groups.
Roxanne Mohandro, 7579 Honey Court, stated that she is representing her son who could not attend tonight. She wants to see
the kids outside in the fresh air instead in front of the TV. She would volunteer to do anything she can to see a BMX Park in
Dublin.
Approval of Minutes-None
Written Communications-None
Public Hearing-None
Unfinished Business
Middle School After School Programming
Michelle Wierschem,Recreation Supervisor, stated that at the March 22, 1999 meeting of the Parks and Community Services
Commission, the Commission approved in concept the proposed program model presented and asked Staff to return with
additional details about program operation as well as a program budget.
Wierschem briefly reviewed the program again for the Commission. The program would be offered Monday-Thursday with two
time blocks offered each day. Block 1 would run from 2:45-4:OOp.m. and include a choice of Homework Club, an enrichment
class, or a sports activity. Block 2 would run from 4:00— 5:15p.m. and include a choice of two enrichment classes or a sports
activity. The program would be offered in four-nine week sessions throughout the school year. The direct costs associated with
the after school program as proposed are estimated to be$22,750 annually.The fees proposed are: Home Work Club Card/$35 for
20 visits; Two Days Per Week/$65 per session; and Four Days Per Week/$120 per session. The goal is to determine a fee that
would be affordable and yet cover the direct cost of the program.
Cm. Cobb-Adams stated that it looks like a great program, and liked the homework club a good feature. She asked if the
program would have to be cancelled if minimum attendance was not met. Wierschem replied that it would not be our intent to
cancel the program but the attendance would need to be evaluated.
Cm.Swalwell stated that he could see his 6th grade son as a participant in this program next year.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore asked if there was not adequate middle school attendance could the program be opened up to fifth graders.
Wierschem stated that transportation from the elementary schools to the middle school could be a problem and also the times
that the elementary school and the middle school get out may not be compatible.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore asked if the program will be subsidized. Wierschem replied that it would initially subsidized at the level
that the TRAC program is subsidized.
ON A MOTION BY CM. SWALWELL, SECONDED BY CM. WONG-GILLMORE AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE
COMMISSSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AS PROPOSED.
MINUTES—APRIL 19, 1999
PAGE THREE
New Business
2nd Annual Dub Town Jam
Wierschem reported that the Youth Advisory Committee will be hosting their second annual teen concert, "The Dub Town
Jam"on Friday,May 14, 1999, at the Dublin Civic Center. The event will be conducted from 6-8p.m. and will feature swing
dancing, break dancing, a hip hop fashion show, Wild 94.9 music mixers, and Wild 94.9 artist "Show Biz Riz" who will
perform as the headline act. The concert is free and there will free hot dogs and chips to the first 100 teens in attendance at the
event. The Committee would like to request the assistance of the Commission in barbecuing hot dogs at the"Dub Town Jam".
Cmsrs.Cramer,Swalwell,Wong-Gillmore and Cobb-Adams volunteered to barbecue at the event.
New Summer Adult Sports Program
Wierschem reported that for the 1999 summer season a number of program activities have been scheduled to increase interest
and participation in adult sports. She briefly reviewed the programs for the Commission.
Volleyball Open Gym—Will be conducted from May 20-June 10 at the Frank Stager Community Gym from 7-9:30pm. Cost is
$3.00 for Adults and$1.00 for Teens.
Outdoor Volleyball League- Volleyball Co-ed"C"4-person League will consist of an 8 week season plus playoffs from June
24-August 12 from 6:15-8:30pm. Cost is $225 for Resident teams and $260.00 for Non-resident teams. All games will be
played on the sand and grass courts at Mape Memorial Park.An instructional outdoor on-court clinic for each team is included.
First Annual Shamrock Classic Volleyball Tournament-Grass doubles tournament is scheduled for August 14 and 15. Men's
and Women's "A&B" division tournaments will be featured on Saturday and Reverse Co-ed "A & B" division tournaments
will be played on Sunday. The format is pool play followed by playoffs. The tournaments will be held at the Dublin Sports
Grounds beginning at 9:30am each day. Cost for a one day entry is$10.00 per participant and for a two day entry$15.00 per
participant.
Family Fun Sports Night-In conjunction with the Summer Concert Series,Family Fun Sports Nights will be held at the Dublin
Sports Grounds on July 9,July 23 and August 27,from 6:00-8:OOpm,and include softball and volleyball. All equipment other
than baseball gloves will be provided.The cost is$3 per participant,which will include a barbecued hot dog,chips and a drink
as well as an opportunity to play sports while enjoying the concerts.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore suggested having the softball games closer to the concert. Wierschem stated that there would be a concern
regarding fall balls going into the crowd.
Cm. Cobb-Adams stated that she attended an event where they used a mush ball which is a large softball. Cm.Wong-Gillmore
added that it the mush ball is about 16" in diameter. It is heavier than a regular softball, but softens up the more it is hit.
Wierschem said sounds like a good idea.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if vendors would be permitted for the Volleyball Tournament. It would be a good fundraiser for a
youth or senior group to sale food and drink. Wierschem indicated that it was something to consider.
Evaluation of 16th Annual St.Patrick's Day Celebration
Director Lowart briefly summarized the activities conducted during the 16th Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration held the
weekend of March 12-14, 1999. The activities included the Green and White Gala sponsored by the Dublin Sister City
Association, the Community Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Alameda County Firefighters and the Annual St. Patrick's
Day parade sponsored by the Dublin Lion's Club. She also reviewed the various components of the two day festival including
food and beverage booths,advertising,sponsorships,parking,traffic and shuttle service,and the first annual fun run.
Lowart indicated that St.Patrick's Day will be on a Friday in the year 2000. Traditionally the City has held the Celebration the
weekend prior to St. Patrick's Day. It was the consensus of the St. Patrick's Day Liaison Committee that the event should be
held the weekend after St.Patrick's Day,which would be March 18-19,2000.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore stated that she did not like the café setups throughout the event. People seemed to use it as a gathering
area. She liked it better when the entertainment and food booths were in one area. Cmsrs.Cobb-Adams and Cramer stated that
they liked the location of the café area and food booths. Director Lowart stated that next year we will keep the café areas but
add more food vendors near the main stage area.
Cm. Swalwell stated that there seemed to be a lot of open space in the back of the Almond Plaza. He suggested adding more
children's attractions next year. The parade was great. He was surprised to talk to so many people from San Ramon,Danville
and Pleasanton who attended the parade.
MINUTES—APRIL 19, 1999
PAGE FOUR
Cm.Wong-Gillmore felt that there was a lot of duplication in the craft booths. She asked if Pimsleur will be doing this event
again next year or would GoodTimes. Director Lowart replied that Staff is recommending that we continue with Pimsleur in
order to maintain consistency.
Cm. Cobb-Adams stated that she heard a lot of good comments of the celebration but felt that more craft booths were needed.
Cm.Cramer stated that he would like to see more of the Commissioners marching in the parade.
Cm.Swalwell volunteered to serve on the St.Patrick's Liaison Committee and Cm.Wong-Gillmore volunteered as an alternate.
Director Lowart stated that the group will meet approximately four times, three times for planning and one time after the event
for evaluation.
1999 Pasta Festival
Director Lowart reported that the City Council is considering a proposal from GoodTimes Promotions, Inc. (GTP) to take over
the ownership of the Pasta Festival and contract out to GTP as the promoter. As proposed, the 1999 Dublin Pasta Festival
would be run much like the St. Patrick's Day Celebration. The City would sponsor the festival and assume financial
responsibility for the event. The festival would be produced by GTP, under contract to the City, for a proposed management
fee of $35,000 plus a 30% commission on all beverage sales. The contract would be for a three-year period, negotiated
annually.
The 1999 festival is scheduled.for September 11 and 12. The festival would be held on Amador Plaza Road and in the adjacent
parking lot between the General Cinema and the Operating Engineers Credit Union (pending property owner approval). GTP
anticipates 100 arts & crafts booths, 50 commercial booths, 12 food booths (featuring pasta only) and six additional food
vendors. A children's area is planned as well as two stages of entertainment. A car show featuring "hot rods" from the 40's
and 50's is also proposed.
Cm.Cramer felt that a 30%commission for beverage sales is high. He also questioned who will buy the beverages and run the
booths. Director Lowart replied that it would be done like St. Patrick's Day where volunteers staff the booths for an hourly
wage.
Cm.Cobb-Adams stated that she doesn't know why we should do this event if there is no profit for the City. She would like to
see it contracted the same as the St.Patrick Celebration was.
Cm.Wong-Gillmore stated that we need to see more of an incentive or motivation on their part to make this work.
Cm. Cramer said he would like to see the event take place, but would like to see the City break even. Cm. Cobb-Adams felt
that the City is just beginning to see the St. Patrick's Celebration flourish. If its going to cost the City up to $16,000 to do it,
she would like to see the money go towards something else.
Cm.Swalwell felt that the 30%commission on beverage sales was high.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore stated she did not like the location of the Pasta Festival last year. She also asked if there had been any
thought to relocating the event or changing the dates. Director Lowart indicated that the date and location of the 1999 festival
were set.
Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if Staff felt that they could handle another festival. Director Lowart stated that we would see if it
can be accommodated within our current service level and gauge what the impact would be. If the promoter does their job, it
should not impact staff.
Cm. Swalwell asked whether there was someone that evaluates these events and provides feedback. Director Lowart replied
that Staff evaluates all City sponsored special events but pointed out that last years Pasta Festival was not a City run activity.
Cm. Cramer asked if there will be a liaison committee for the Pasta Festival. Director Lowart stated that one has not been
suggested.
Other Business
Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks&Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff
Cm. Swalwell reported that he is having a problem attending the Senior Center Advisory Committee meetings at loam.
He asked if they would consider meeting either earlier or later than loam? Director Lowart stated that she could inform the
Committee that we are having a difficult time having a Commissioner liaison attend due to other commitments. In order to have
a Commission representative,would they consider changing their meeting time?
MINUTES—APRIL 19, 1999
PAGE FIVE
Staff Reports
Director Lowart reminded the Commissioners of the Valley Commissioners&Boardmembers Dinner is on April 22 at 6:30pm
at Ravenswood in Livermore.
Adjournment
Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 9:06p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
I-
Char J.Young .
Administrative Secret.
APPROVED: if / . ef-g /
m --
Chair