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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2019-06-06 Minutes1 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES _____________________________________________________________________________________________ San Rafael Community Center – 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA June 6, 2019 – 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER/ Vice Chair Machado called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Commissioners Present: Mark Machado, Jeff Jones, Stacey Laumann, Kat Reisinger and Cecily Emerson (arrived at 7:05) Commissioners Absent: Tom Obletz, Mark Bustillos and Nicholas Skewes-Cox Staff Present: Susan Andrade-Wax, Community Services Director, Jinder Banwait, Senior Administrative Assistant, Catherine Quffa, Management Analyst, and Ashley Howe, Senior Recreation Supervisor AGENDA AMENDMENTS None MINUTES 1. Approve regular meeting minutes of March 21, 2019 A motion was made my Commissioner Laumann, seconded by Commissioner Jones, to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2019. The motion was approved unanimously. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2 2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations Ms. Andrade-Wax introduced Jinder Banwait, Senior Administrative Assistant with the City’s Library who was attending the meeting in Becky Ordin’s absence. 3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda None MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION 4. Marin Bocce Federation Annual Report Ms. Howe, Senior Recreation Supervisor introduced Ms. Nunez, President and Ms. Libien, General Manager from the Marin Bocce Federation. Marin Bocce Federation, a non-profit organization, started in 1994 have been providing services to the community of San Rafael by hosting classes, tournaments, and leagues at the facility located on B Street next door to the San Rafael Community Center. The City and Marin Bocce Federation partnership agreement is valid from December 1, 2011 to November 30, 2030. Through this partnership, the Federation has made many improvements to the facility and have developed it into a very attractive social gathering place for the citizens of San Rafael. Ms. Nunez and Ms. Libien presented the report on the various services that are provided at the facility, website, and bookkeeping improvements, demographics, and financials. The 25 th year gala party is on August 18, 2019 and will feature food, music and bocce. Commissioner Laumann asked if there were any concerns, Ms. Libien answered that parking continues to be the biggest issue. Commissioner Jones asked about the homeless situation, Ms. Libien shared that having the improved park nearby has dramatically impacted the surrounding area in positive way and that the issues related to homelessness have become rare. Commissioner Reisinger asked whether the City owns the land, Ms. Nunez explained the Federation is responsible for managing and operating the facility while the City owns the land. Ms. Andrade-Wax added that the operation is self -sustaining and that there is no City subsidy. Ms. Andrade-Wax also stated that the agreement between the City and the Federation can be obtained and reviewed to understand the exact terms. Ms. Howe shared information about the upcoming Open Studios Closing Session at the Falkirk Center on June 14th from 5 -8 p.m. 5. Review the Measure A Work Plan for July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 3 Ms. Quffa presented information on the County’s Measure A Workplan, it’s historical background, how the City has spent its portion of the funds, and the fund allocations for the upcoming 19/20 fiscal year. The focus of Measure A is to support the preservation of Marin County Parks, open space preserves, and farmlands. Marin County Cities receive their funding based on population, which is 15% or $2.12 million annually. The City of San Rafael receives 22.91% of the $2.12 million available funds. Based on the public outreach process in 2014 that the Commission undertook, eight parks and recreational projects were selected and prioritized. Much of the funding has been used to improve/revitalize four of these areas. The remaining four projects will be funded by Measure A and building funds. The State will be releasing Prop 68 per capita grant funding next year which will provide funding through a grant application in addition to the per capita grant distribution. Commissioner Reisinger asked whether the City has applied for the grant, Ms. Quffa replied no. Commissioner Emerson asked whether the County dictates how the Measure A funds are used. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that the funds can be used based on certain criteria. Ms. Andrade-Wax also said that the City is pursuing an assessment tax for fire prevention services, and if that passes, Measure A funds could possibly be used specifically for parks and recreation facility improvements in the future. Commissioner Machado asked about the Pickleweed Park Field Conversion Design Community Engagement and whether that had to do with improving the soccer field. Ms. Quffa replied that we will be requesting funding through the State Prop 68, grant process, which is a competitive grant process. Commissioner Emerson asked about the timeline for the grant. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that the first initial application period closes in August 2019. She continued to explain that Prop 68 language focuses on low-income areas where there is no park land, which the only designated low- income area in San Rafael is the Canal area. However, because the State draws a half mile radius on a spot on the map, the neighboring demographics are also included, which ma de the Canal area appear to be less deserving. Ms. Andrade-Wax also shared that the State had previously considered the canal area (water) around the park and recreation areas as park land as well, but recently updated its designation . Also, to receive a higher rating on the grant application, it is recommended that the applicant hold five public hearings. Therefore, to increase the City’s chances of getting a higher rating and have enough time to hold five public meetings, the City will submit their grant application in the second round of submissions. Though the odds of receiving the grant is very low, the City feels it is worth the effort for the potential $5-8 million funding. Ms. Quffa explained that partnering with local groups when submitting the grant application will also help increase the City’s chances of receiving funding. Commissioner Machado asked when the work on the Sun Valley playground replacement project will begin. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that after the Commission, the project would be 4 presented to the City Council for their review and consideration. She also explained that at Pickleweed, a bid process was conducted to replace the playground equipment, which has reduced the project cost by approximately 66%. It’s more cost effective to exclude an architectural design, which is only required if the new foot print is la rger than the existing structure. Commissioner Jones asked when Measure A will sunset. Ms. Andrade-Wax answered that it will after 9 years, which is in a few years, but the County has met with the City and will place it on the ballot again for renewal. Commissioner Jones asked whether the Commission should do additional outreach since it has been 5 years since the plan was implemented. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that the City has not done a Park and Recreation Master Plan process since 1974. She also said that the City recently completed a facilities assessment of all City facilities. Commissioner Jones asked if the Commission can have a copy of the City assessment, Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that she doesn’t have the assessment report at this time. Commissioner Reisinger asked about the New Library Facility Planning Process presentation. Ms. Andrade-Wax shared the three options that have been identified for the new library facility, which include the existing Carenage site, Boyd Park, and San Rafael Community Center/Albert Park. She mentioned that the Commission is highly encouraged to attend the Council meeting where the Library Planning process is discussed since two of the three site options are parks. Commissioner Laumann asked whether the General Plan is addressing community facilities and park issues. Commissioner Jones said Barry Miller, who is the driving force behind the General Plan was supposed to be at the meeting. However, Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that the General Plan is not a detailed specific plan and that it often refers to other complimentary plans such as Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Downtown Precise Plan, etc. Commissioner Laumann asked for clarification, whether Ms. Andrade-Wax is advocating for a Park & Recreation Master Plan and Ms. Andrade-Wax confirmed. AYES: Commissioners: Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: Bustillos, Obletz, and Skewes-Cox The motion passed. COMMISSION REPORTS AND COMMENTS 5 6. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission members. Commissioner Jones presented a report on the General Plan. The report is available on the Park & Recreation website. Commissioner Machado asked Commissioner Jones how Park & Recreation is being viewed in the General Plan. Commissioner Jones explained that it is a great idea to obtain a Park and Recreation Master Plan just because of its specificity. Commissioner Emerson asked what the timeline is to adopt the General Plan, Commissioner Jones replied that the Committee is currently in the process of updating the document now and that the formal adoption process will follow at its conclusion. Ms. Andrade-Wax said she would follow up with Barry Miller as to the timeline. Commissioner Jones said he would send a link to everyone and is happy to present it on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Jones shared information about the Downtown Precise Plan survey results and public meetings. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that a Park and Recreation Master Plan provides specifics as to the community’s needs based on surveys, assessment, and current infrastructure. STAFF COMMENTS 7. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest. Ms. Andrade-Wax shared information about the Movies in the Park program. It’s a series of five movies on Thursday evenings after the Downtown Thursday Night Market ends. Ms. Andrade-Wax will send the Commission members information about the Thursday Night Market. Commissioner Reisinger asked whether the Commission meetings can begin at 6 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. and Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that the Commission could change the time on a temporary basis. However, any permanent or on-going change would require the City Council’s approval before it could be changed in the City’s Municipal Code. Ms. Andrade-Wax will include this item on the agenda for the next Commission meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 8:30 p.m.