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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2000 Approved P&CSC Minutes §� W crrQlnuBZrN y w PARS AND Cf 11�MUNIT1 s ERYLGES CDMMISSLON ' { r 'l Li i2ES OF:'A�`Gr1S�21 2$O f-:..C .w,r.E,u. ,,,,.., .,,:n ... ,:.: ...... � _ ,,,,., ....w _s„,,,..,,,, ,A✓uw/," .. ...»,. /.:- The August 21, 2000 meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:08p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center,Dublin, California,by Chairperson Swalwell. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairperson Swalwell. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Swalwell, Chapman, Cobb-Adams, Wong-Gillmore and Marcoux. Commissioners Absent: Cramer Oral Communications-None Approval of Minutes ON A MOTION BY CM. CHAPMAN, SECONDED BY CM. WONG-GILLMORE AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 17, 2000. Written Communications-None Public Hearing-None Unfinished Business Proposed Off-Leash Dog Park at Alamo Creek Park Lowart reported that at the June 19, 2000 meeting of the Parks & Community Services Commission, Dublin resident Rose Rose addressed the Commission requesting consideration of installing an off-leash dog park at Alamo Creek Park. Ms. Rose presented petitions containing 267 signatures in support of the dog park (66% Dublin residents). The Commission supported the request for a dog park and directed Staff to forward the request to the City Council. At their meeting of August 1, 2000, the City Council considered the request and referred the matter back to the Parks & Community Services Commission so that a public meeting could be held with the Alamo Creek Park neighbors. Notices were sent to over 400 residences in the Alamo Creek neighborhood. Lowart stated that between one and five acres of land is the ideal size for a dog park and a 5 to 6 foot fence enclosing the dog park is recommended. A dog park should also include a double gated entry, shade and water, drainage, parking, grass area, covered garbage cans, pooper-scooper stations, benches, wheel chair access, and regular maintenance. The proposed location at Alamo Creek Park is approximately '4 acre in size and is presently fenced on two sides. In order to convert this area for use as a dog park, additional fencing would be installed as well as double-gated entries on the north and south ends of the area. A sign stating rules would be placed at each entrance. The estimated cost to modify this area for use as a dog park is $24,200. Parking would be accommodated in the main parking lot located on Shady Creek Drive which has 24 parking spaces. Additionally, five cars could park on the street in front of the parking lot. Rose Rose presented a slide presentation of dog parks in other cities and of the proposed Alamo Creek Park site. Cm. Swalwell requested that anyone wishing to speak on the agenda item should complete a speakers request form and give it to the Secretary. Shelley Bergbower, 7724 Crossridge Road (OPPOSED): Voiced concern regarding the limited parking at Alamo Creek Park, the unattractiveness of the dog park, and questioned how the site would be policed or monitored for cleanup and enforcement of the on-leash rule. She suggested that the Commission seek another site. Ron Shelby, 415 Cabonia Street, Pleasanton (IN FAVOR): As a dog owner himself, he knows that there are dog owners who do not cleanup after their pets. Dog parks are a good idea because they permit dogs to have an area of their own to run freely. In addition it allows people to use the park without worrying about dogs running around off leash or leaving their messes behind. MINUTES—AUGUST 21, 2000 PAGE TWO' 'Shelley Lichtenberger, 6946 Pine Court, (IN FAVOR): She is a volunteer for Photo Dog Rescue that helps people find the perfect pet. Dogs are less aggressive when off-leash and most dog owners who use dog parks are very courteous and train their dogs well. Dog owners using the dog park would not hesitate to remind another dog owner to cleanup after their pets. Lothar de Temple, 7736 Crossridge Road (OPPOSED): Despite the fact that he is a dog owner, he does not feel that Alamo Creek Park is the appropriate site for a dog park. Parking is inadequate and is continually a problem. In 1988 when he bought his home, the green belt area was marketed as one of the aesthetically positive elements of the development. The park is the main entry to the development and he does not want it to become the doggie dump of Dublin. Laura Finco, 7090 Utica Court (IN FAVOR): Has been associated with the Dougherty Canine Group for twenty years, and is the one who originally suggested Alamo Creek Park as a site for the dog park. The site is ideal because it is not adjacent to homes,is an established park, and is isolated from the main park amenities used by the public. Commissioner Swalwell asked Ms. Finco, if the Dougherty Canine Group has been in existence for twenty years, why has the group not pursued a dog park before this? Ms. Finco replied, basically a lack of understanding and knowledge of how the system works. Louise Clements, 7648 Tuscany Road(OPPOSED): Lives directly across from Alamo Creek Park and strongly feels that a dog park would degrade and deface the beauty of an already established park. She submitted a petition of approximately 120 signatures of residents of the village who oppose having a dog park at Alamo Creek Park.. If she had more time, additional signatures could have been obtained. Robert Lappa (for Stella Lappa), 7692 Tuscany Drive (OPPOSED): Voiced concerned regarding the intersection of Dougherty Road and Willow Creek Drive, which is a blind intersection making it difficult and hazardous to turn onto Willow Creek Drive. A dog park at that site would only add to the problem. In addition he questioned whether the dog park will be properly maintained and monitored. Candace Crane, 4528 Muirwood Drive, Pleasanton (IN FAVOR): Rose Rose read Ms. Crane's letter to the Commission. Ms. Crane is a professional writer specializing in animals. She wrote the article "Off-Leash Havens, Canine Heavens" for Animal Magazine, and spearheaded the project for the dog park in Pleasanton. She urged the Commission to provide a dog park in Dublin to enhance the image of Dublin as a quality-of-life community, where all citizens are welcomed and served. Jane Curtis, 10711 Inspiration Circle (IN FAVOR): As a property manager of condominiums and single family homes, she frequently gets complaints about dog owners who keep their pets fenced in and do not walk them daily. As a result you have pets who bark for hours on end. If Alamo Creek Park is not ideal for the dog park, then an alternate site should be found. Gladys Nelson, 6714 Dijon Way (OPPOSED): Did not wish to speak. Brian Klees, 7792 Shady Creek Road (OPPOSED): Traffic on Dougherty Road is already very congested and to add additional traffic in that area would be hazardous. The park has very limited parking and any overflow backups into the neighborhood. He indicated that he is not opposed to having a dog park in Dublin, but Alamo Creek Park is not the appropriate site for it. He suggested that the Commission conduct a more detailed survey of possible sites before deciding which location would best serve the community. Doug Watson, 7776 Crossridge Road (OPPOSED): Alamo Creek Park was not planned to include a dog park, and the residents of the area don't want a dog park. A dog park at that site would not be attractive to the entry that leads to the residential area. Parking is a serious problem now, and the parking lot is always full on the weekends. He felt that the City should include a dog park at a future park site. • Cm. Swalwell closed public input and directed the Commission to consider whether Alamo Creek.Park is the appropriate site for the dog park,the effect it would have on the neighborhood, and the parking issues. MINUTES—AUGUST 21,2000 PAG THREE Cm. Cobb-Adams thanked the audience for attending the meeting this evening. The Commission agrees that there is a need for a dog park in Dublin. However the residents who live around Alamo Creek Park have voiced concerns that need to be taken under consideration. She suggested that the Commission send this item back to Staff to look into the possibility of planning a dog park in a future park or in the next phase of Emerald Glen Park. Cm. Wong-Gillmore stated that there seems to be a need for a dog park in Dublin. She agreed that aesthetics are very important to a neighborhood, and therefore did not feel that Alamo Creek Park is the appropriate site for a dog park. At the time Emerald Glen Park was being planned, there was no interest for a dog park voiced during the planning stages. She suggested that Staff look at an alternate site for the dog park. Cm. Chapman agreed that aesthetics are important. Even though he agrees that a dog park is needed in Dublin, he does not feel that Alamo Creek Park is the appropriate site. He suggested that Staff look for space in a future park. Cm. Marcoux stated that the issue is not having a dog park in Dublin, but where. He indicated that he sympathized with the residents concerns,particularly in regards to parking. Dublin needs a dog park, but Alamo Creek Park is not the best site. Cm. Swalwell stated that it would be a catastrophe to place a dog park in an aesthetically sound area of Dublin. Even though he strongly supports having a dog park in Dublin,Alamo Creek Park is not the appropriate site. Cm.Wong-Gillmore asked if Dougherty Hills Park or Tassajara Creek Park could be potential sites. Lowart stated that Dougherty Hills has had several coyote sightings and one attack.The City Council has directed Staff to institute a campaign of signage to encourage people to keep pets on-leash at this site. Tassajara Creek Park is under the East Bay Regional Park District and is not controlled by the City. However Staff can investigate the possibility of a joint arrangement with the District. The first opportunity that we would have for a new park in Dublin would be in Fiscal Year 2002-2003. Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if the back area of Dublin Elementary is still available. Lowart indicated that all the open space at that site has been developed. Cm. Cobb-Adams asked if the open strip where homes were to be developed could be considered. Lowart indicated that she would have to look into this area. Cm. Swalwell suggested considering a dog park along the City's portion of the Iron Horse Trail or perhaps the area behind Nielsen School along the creek. Cm. Chapman stated that he applauded both Ms. Rose and the proponents for efforts and response to this item. If both stick to it and keep the City on their toes,we will get it done and the right way. ON A MOTION BY CM. CHAPMAN, SECONDED BY CM. WONG-GILLMORE AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE COMMISSION DETERMINED THAT ALAMO CREEK PARK SHOULD NOT BE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE AN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK. STAFF IS DIRECTED TO LOOK INTO THE ALTERNATE SITES AS RECOMMENDED AND TO SUBMIT THEIR FINDINGS TO THE COMMISSION FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION. New Business Open Gym Policy Wierschem reported that the Parks and Community Services Department offers Open Gym Basketball and Open Gym Volleyball during the summer, fall and spring quarters at the Stager Community Gymnasium. Since the opening the gym, Staff has seen an increased interest in Open Gym programs. Not only are more adults attending, but more teens have shown an interest as well. The ages of the youth attendees vary from adults that bring their children to middle and high school teens that attend unsupervised. At present, Open Gym is restricted to those teens 15 years and older and adults. During the past summer, there have been middle school age students who have been turned away from Open Gym and, consequently,the City has been asked to review the age requirements for Open Gym programs. MINUTES - AUGUST 21,2000 PAGE FOUR Wierschem indicated that Staff polled neighboring cities regarding their age requirements for Open Gym and whether they offered Teen Open Gym. Livermore Area Recreation Park District has a minimum age of 18 and have a Teen Open Gym. The City of Pleasanton has a minimum age of 21 and also have a Teen Open Gym for middle school teens only. The City of San Ramon has a minimum age of 18 but do not have Teen Open Gym. Wierschem then identified three options for consideration by the Commission; 1)To continue with the current practice of a Teen/Adult Open Gym (teens 15 and older), 2)Offer a Adult Open Gym (over 18) and a Teen Open Gym (middle and high school students), or 3) Offer a Teen/Adult Open Gym (teens 15 and older) and a Teen Open Gym (middle school teens only or middle and high school teens). Dan Roche, 8843 Sovereign Court, Dublin: Mr. Roche thanked Ms. Lowart for her concern and prompt action on this matter. His son who is 13 years old has been playing at Stager Gym with his friends on Monday nights without incident. The adults would play on one side of the gym and the kids on the other. He does not have a problem with the policy regarding the age limit. However there are a lot of non-residents using the gym, which he has a problem with. If there is funding available,he asked that the City consider including a time and program for teens 15 years and younger. Cm. Swalwell asked what is our non-resident policy. Wierschem stated that individual players show up for the pickup games,however we do not check residency. Open gym has been instrumental in individual players finding teams to play on and is a venue for promoting organized leagues for basketball. In the Summer there is usually a decrease in attendance,however spring and fall are heavily attended. The bulk of teens use the gym April through June. Cm. Cobb-Adams asked if there is money in the budget to accommodate an open gym program for the teens. Wierschem felt that Staff could look at offering a teen open gym. Lowart stated that the cost to the City would include the scheduling of an Attendant and utilities, and the teen open gym would probably not cover these costs. However if it were used to gauge the interest of the teens, Staff would look favorably on offering the program if interest was there. Cm. Chapman stated that Dublin High School has open gym at the high school for non-high school students to participate with the high school students in the spring and summer. He suggested that Mr. Roche contact Coach Wainwright. Cm. Chapman asked whether the adults have been questioned about participation by 18 or 15 years olds. Wierschem stated that Staff has not polled attendees. Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if a higher fee is charged to non-residents. Lowart stated that with a drop-in program like open gym, it just is not practical to check ID for residency. Cm. Marcoux stated that it sounds like a good idea to have a separate open gym for teens 15 years and younger. The more that come the more fun it is. He felt that a non-resident fee may be something to consider. Mr. Roche stated that he was more concerned with the safety issue of teens playing with adults. Adults tend to play very competitively and sometime get a little rough. Adults and teens can co-exist providing that the attendance remains low. Cm. Swalwell stated that he did not realize that teens were being turned away from using the gym. It is important that the City provide a place where kids can go and should be a priority. Cm. Cobb-Adams suggested that Staff investigate if it is feasible for adults and teens to co-exist, and that the safety issues be addressed. She suggested incorporating a family night in the sessions offered. However if there is an evening when the attendance is low, then the two groups could co-exist. If the attendance his high, there may be one or two evenings when family nights or co-existing could be accommodated. Mr. Roche reported that Wells has new outdoor courts and new nets. The outdoor courts at Dublin High School do not have a single net on their rims and many are bent. None of the other schools in Dublin have nets and most have chains torn apart. If would be nice if the schools could put a little money into their gyms. MINUTES—AUGUST 21, 2000 PAGE FIVE Cm. Chapman felt that there is no magic number for age. He suggested that Staff conduct a survey of the people who use the gym to get their input. The Commission can meet again in a couple of months and review the survey results. Lowart stated that Staff will also survey the middle schools students who are currently in the R.O.C. Program to gauge their interest. Other Business Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Parks& Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Cm. Wong-Gillmore asked if any thought has been given to offering a youth volleyball program. Wierschem stated that there was a program back in 1992 and it primarily consisted of 5-8 graders with two teams. Staff could certainly look at offering it again in the spring at Stager Gym. Cm. Cobb-Adams stated in view of the concern voiced tonight regarding the intersection at Dougherty Road, she recommended that Staff pass this on to the appropriate department to do a study of the area. Cm. Cobb-Adams reported that she heard the Swim Center is closing after Labor Day and thought that there was a plan to extend the pool hours through the end of September. Lowart replied that the pool would remain open through September but that Recreational Swimming would only take place on weekends. Instructional programs will be held during the week. Cm. Cobb-Adams inquired, if the weather continued to be hot by mid September, would we be able to extend the opening of the pool on weekends beyond September. Lowart replied that it was something that could be considered. Cm. Chapman reported that he attended the Youth Sports Liaison meeting last Thursday. Both Little League and Soccer were represented. There were no overriding concerns or issues, however there was some discussion regarding the access to the fields at Emerald Glen Park. It seems that access has been delayed until early October. This Wednesday night he plans to attend the St. Patrick's Day Liaison Committee meeting. Cm. Swalwell reported that a resident told him that when they went to the San Ramon Swim Center with their grandchild to watch them swim, they were not charged admission. However an admission fee is charged at the Dublin Swim Center whether you swim or not. Lowart stated that we have always looked at it as an admission fee to the facility not necessarily to the pool. Lowart reported on the following: - 4Staff is in the process of planning the Emerald Glen Park Dedication. It has been scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 11am-3pm. Invitations will be sent to the members of the Commission, Council, Task Forces, Community and Dignitaries. Flyers will be distributed to the schools and advertisements in the brochure and local newspapers. The park is officially open to the public. Staff is still addressing a few minor issues with the water play structure and irrigation system. The Skateboard Park is a very popular amenity of the park and Police is monitoring the Park to insure that motorized scooters and BMX bikes are not using it. In addition, the regulation requiring helmets, elbow and knee pads is being strictly enforced. Being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 9:13pm. Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young d Administrative Secret:ry ,wo VED: Chairman