HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2019-10-17 Agenda
PARK AND RECREATION
COMMISSION AGENDA
Thursday, October 17, 2019
6:00 P.M.
San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street
CALL TO ORDER
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll Call
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of September 19, 2019
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations
3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda. Speakers are
encouraged to limit comments to 3 minutes.
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION
If necessary to assure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits
for the presentations by individual speakers.
4. Park Projects Quarterly Status Report for July – September 2019
5. Park Maintenance Quarterly Status Report for July – September 2019
COMMISSION REPORTS AND COMMENTS
6. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the
Commission members.
STAFF COMMENTS
7. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest
NEXT MEETING: November 21, 2019
ADJOURNMENT
Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Page 2 of 2 September 20, 2018
Notice
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Council less than 72 hours
before the meeting, shall be available for inspection at the Community Services Department, San Rafael,
Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, and placed with other agenda-related materials on
the table at the Commission meeting prior to the meeting. American Sign Language interpreters and assistive
listening devices may be requested by calling (415) 485-3198 (TDD) or (415) 485-3333 (voice) at least 72
hours in advance. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. Public
transportation is available through Golden Gate Transit, Line 20 or 23. Paratransit is available by calling
Whistlestop Wheels at (415) 454-0964. To allow individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical
sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals are requested to refrain from wearing scented products.
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
San Rafael Community Center – 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA
September 19, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tom Obletz called the meeting to order at 6:23 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Chair Tom Obletz, Vice Chair Mark Machado, Jeff Jones, Stacey
Laumann
Commissioners Absent: Mark Bustillos, Cecily Emerson, Kathryn Reisinger
Staff Present: Susan Andrade-Wax, Library & Recreation Director, Becky Ordin,
Senior Administrative Assistant, Catherine Quffa, Management
Analyst, and Steve Mason, Senior Recreation Supervisor
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of July 18, 2019
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A motion was made by Commissioner Laumann, seconded by Commissioner Jones, to
approve the minutes of the July 18, 2019 meeting as corrected. The motion was approved
unanimously.
Ms. Andrade-Wax let the Commissioners know the City Clerk and City Council have requested
that the City’s boards and commissions have their agenda and report formats be consistent
throughout all the boards and commissions, so when a community member reviews them they
all have similar formats and procedures. The minutes will now be abbreviated summary
minutes which reflect the action of the entire commission rather than its individual members.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations
None
3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION
4. Review the Proposed Pickleweed Advisory Committee Draft Bylaws
Ms. Andrade-Wax introduced Steve Mason, Senior Recreation Supervisor. Mr. Mason stated
they are seeking Commission’s review of the proposed Pickleweed Advisory Committee Draft
Bylaws and recommendation to forward them to the City Council for their review and
consideration. Mr. Mason presented the Pickleweed Advisor Committee Draft Bylaws.
Commissioner Laumann asked staff if they felt five (5) members was adequate to represent
the community that resides in the canal area. Mr. Mason replied that yes, it is a realistic
number of who we can attract and maintain. Ms. Andrade-Wax added that it also falls in line
with the other committees in the City. There will be five (5) voting members, which one can be
a youth member, plus an alternate and an representative from the Park and Recreation
Commission.
Commissioner Obletz asked what is the difference between an Advisory Board and an
Advisory Committee? Ms. Andrade-Wax answered that most boards are considered ‘standing’
advisory bodies that are equivalent to commissions, e.g., Park and Recreation Commission
and the Library Board of Trustees. Committees can be standing or ad hoc and often report to
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a larger advisory body. The Pickleweed Advisory Committee is a subset under the Park &
Recreation Commission.
Steve Mason introduced Louise Yost who is a member of the Pickleweed Advisory Board.
Commissioner Jones made a motion to recommend and approve the proposed Pickleweed
Advisory Committee draft bylaws. Commissioner Machado seconded the motion.
AYES: Commissioners: Obletz, Machado, Jones and Laumann
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Bustillos, Reisinger, and Emerson
The motion passed.
Ms. Andrade-Wax noted that once the City Council approves the new By-laws, the
Commission will then select a member as the liaison.
Commission Reports and Comments
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
Commissioner Obletz asked for an update on the Library Facilities Planning Report. Ms.
Andrade-Wax stated that she and Henry Bankhead will be presenting the final analysis of the
library planning process to the City Council on October 7th.
Commissioner Obletz asked about the funding for all of this? Ms. Andrade-Wax replied they
are asking City Council to indicate which option they would like to pursue, approval for to
identify funding for the conceptual plan, develop a reuse plan, and to possibly go out and
identify options for funding to build it.
Commissioner Laumann stated that she was happy to see the utility boxes painted. She
asked if it was the Chamber of Commerce made that happen. Ms. Andrade-Wax answered
that was the Chamber’s Leadership Institute. Commissioner Laumann asked if public art is in
their purview. Ms. Andrade-Wax said Public Art has been came up several times this year
about the process for public murals and painting utility boxes. There is currently not a process
for this. It is on our department list to work with the City to develop a public art policy and
process, and to figure out what advisory groups it would go to. It may be coming to the Park &
Recreation Commission for their blessing at some point.
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Staff Comments
6. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared that the Arbor Day Event will be on October 24th at 10:00am at
Oleander Park.
On Monday, September 16th, the City Council approved the deletion of the Library Director
position, and the addition of the Assistant Library & Recreation position. Henry is the Assistant
Library & Recreation Director for the Library & Arts division. An there will be another Assistant
Library and Recreation Director for the Recreation & Childcare division that will recruited for
later this fall.
Commissioner Laumann asked if the facilities management will be combined. Ms. Andrade-
Wax replied that the Assistant Library & Recreation Director will have oversight of the three
libraries and the Falkirk Cultural Center. The Community Centers, childcare sites, parks,
athletic fields and picnic areas will be operated under the Recreation & Childcare division by
the new Assistant Library & Recreation Director. The parks maintenance and park
development are under the purview of the Public Works Department.
Commissioner Obletz asked the revised name for the department. Ms. Andrade-Wax
answered that it is Library & Recreation Department with two divisions. Library & Arts division,
and the Recreation & Childcare division.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned 7:24 p.m.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
October 17, 2019
Item #4
TITLE: PARK PROJECTS QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT FOR JULY -
SEPTEMBER 2019
SUMMARY
This report is submitted for informational purposes. The intent of the report is to
summarize for the Commission the status of ongoing parks/maintenance projects
during the past quarter. Items that are italicized and marked with this symbol
denote new information since the last report.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive and provide
comment.
Page 2 of 9
COMPLETED PROJECTS
BRET PARK RESTROOM
Bret Harte Park, a small neighborhood park with two
play structures and a basketball court, is located on
Irwin Street near Baywood Terrace in the Bret Harte
neighborhood. Originally constructed without a public
restroom, City staff coordinated with residents to
facilitate the installation of a restroom and shade
structure.
In September 2017, the City contracted with Abey
Arnold and Associates to develop a plan for park improvements. On May 24, 2018, the
City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a construction agreement with
McNabb Construction Inc. for the Bret Harte Restroom Installation Project.
Construction commenced October 1, 2018 and all work was completed on March 1,
2019.
Fiscal Impact
A total of $229,367.00 was utilized for the construction which is within the approved
amount. The total project cost of $304,577.65 includes design, construction, utility
connections, inspection services, and supplies. The project was funded through the
City’s Building Fund.
Project Status
While physical construction of the restroom is complete there have been delays
related to a few items which include some plumbing and electrical work. Both an
outside plumbing contractor and PG&E have been brought in to fix the issues and
we expect to have them both completed by end of July. As these amenities do not
restrict the use of the restroom during daytime hours, the restroom has been
opened to the public since March.
PG&E performed their system upgrades in the area and set the new meter for the
restroom. Furthermore, the plumbing items have been resolved. The project is
now fully completed.
FACILITY ASSESSMENT STUDY
The City of San Rafael owns and operates more than 20 different facilities. Some of
these facilities service parks, community centers as well as fire stations and mechanical
facilities such as pump stations. Many of these facilities are more than 40 years old and
as such need specific care and maintenance to keep them functioning.
In 2018, the City solicited services from an engineering firm to review the City’s existing
facilities and make recommendation to the repair and maintenance of these facilities.
The City entered into an agreement with Terracon to review on develop a report on
more than 17 of its buildings. In May 2019 Terracon completed their report on the City’s
facilities.
Page 3 of 9
While some of the repairs are small and can be performed by the City’s maintenance
division, other maintenance such as full roof repairs or HVAC replacements will require
the project to be competitively bid.
Project Status
The development of the report has been completed and the City is now looking
at prioritizing and implementing the items noted in the report.
The City continues to review the report as necessary and will utilize this
information in developing next years Capital Improvement Program.
PICKLEWEED PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
Pickleweed Park is a heavily utilized park amenity. This
park is centrally located in the canal neighborhood and
is adjacent to the Albert J Boro Community Center
which also is heavily utilized. The existing playground
structures have been in place for almost 20 years and
are experiencing some significant wear and tear due to
the amount of use they receive.
Installation of new playground equipment at Pickleweed
Park includes the removal of the existing accessory
structure, swings, slides, and sand but will not impact
the concrete footprint. After the new playground
structures have been constructed, engineered wood
fiber will be installed in place of sand. The existing
outline footprint of the play area will not change, only
the play equipment will be replaced.
Public Works has reached out to local schools, organizations, and the community at
large by means of an online survey and a public meeting held at the Albert J. Boro
Community Center on February 6, 2019. People who attended the public meeting were
also able to vote for which structures they would like to see installed. More than 100
individuals voted in the process with most of them participating in the Spanish version of
the online survey.
Several contractors who specialize in playground construction were solicited to give
quotes for the installation of the purchased Miracle PlaySystems playground structures.
Community Playground Inc. was selected from the 5 bidders at an original bid amount
of $50,941 to install the previously purchased equipment. Following the selection, staff
requested a revised estimate from Community Playgrounds Inc. to account for
additional services including inspections by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector,
transportation of the playground equipment to the job site from Public Works (originally
to be performed by Streets Division crews), and two concrete ADA ramps. The revised
estimate, which factors all listed additions, totals $73,723.
Page 4 of 9
Fiscal Impact
The Department of Public Works has obtained a Community Development Block
Grant for the purchase and installation of new playground structures at Pickleweed
Park. The block grant received for Fiscal year 2018/19 is $200,000. The play
equipment purchased cost approximately $130,000. Staff also recommends
authorizing a contract contingency in the amount of $13,277.00 for approximately
18% of the bid amount be added to the contract, which brings the authorization
amount to $87,000. A separate contractor was utilized to install the fall surface which
was made of engineered wood fiber. The total cost of the project is estimated to be
$240,000
Project Status
The installation of the play equipment and surface is completed, and a grand re-
opening ceremony is planned for July 10, 2019 at 3:30 pm. Construction fencing
around the play area is anticipated to be removed by July 4, 2019 to allow the
play area to be utilized during the holiday.
DPW and Community Services are investigating the installation of a 4-foot fence
around the play area. This amenity did not exist before the play structure
replacement and was not part of the original scope of the project. Additional
funding may be needed to pursue the installation of this fencing.
The City continues to seek grant funding for installation of a fence around the
play area.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
SHORELINE PARK RESTROOM
The original development of the properties along the
Francisco Blvd near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
required the installation of the Shoreline Pathway. In
addition, a small restroom facility was installed when the
area was subdivided; it was subsequently closed shortly
after installation due to illicit activities.
The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development
District (BCDC), who has jurisdiction over this area along
the waterfront, has requested that the restroom be
reopened to the public. As a result of the restroom being
closed for many years, reopening the facility to the public
requires improvements to the mechanical, electrical and
accessibility access.
This project is noted in the Capital Improvement Program for FY 19/20 and will be
funded through the Building Fund. Construction is estimated to be $70,000.
Page 5 of 9
Project Status
Over the last several months, DPW has worked with an accessibility expert to
assist with the internal and external modification needed for the facility. In
addition, the City is working directly with BCDC staff regarding the review of the
proposed improvements. Additional modifications to the electrical and plumbing
for this facility will also be needed. Construction will not start at this location for
several months based on the review time needed from BCDC.
The construction drawings to be utilized by contractors are complete and a City-
issued building permit secured. The project has been combined and advertised to
contractors with the San Rafael Community Center Restroom Renovation project
to take advantage of economies of scale. Bids are due back in mid-October 2019.
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER RESTROOM RENOVATION
In 2018, City staff noted that the facilities within the restroom were not completely
secured. Facilities repair reviewed the situation and determined that significant
reconstruction of both men’s and women’s restrooms was needed.
As a result, the City hired SKS Architect to develop a plan for the reconstruction of the
restroom facilities. In the late summer/early fall of 2018, DPW bid the noted project and
received no bid proposals for the project.
DPW and Community Services have been discussing the timing of this project since the
construction will be impactful on the programs and services provided at the Community
Center. While the Community Center will remain open, construction is tentatively
scheduled to begin in November 2019.
Project Status
DPW will need to rebid this project with the intent to construct the improvements
between November and December of 2019. Portable restroom facilities and
additional accommodation may need to be addressed in coordination with the
construction. Full removal of the common wall between the male and female
restrooms will be needed.
The project has been combined and advertised to contractors with the Shoreline
Park Restroom project to take advantage of economies of scale. Bids are due
back in mid-October 2019.
Page 6 of 9
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER STAGE LIGHTING
The San Rafael Community Center auditorium holds performances several time during
the year. This stage area utilizes older lighting and electrical equipment that have not
been updated in many years. This project includes replacing existing lighting with higher
performance equipment as well as replacing some electrical equipment that is old and
antiquated.
Project Status
The design for the stage lighting is complete. DPW is putting together a bid
package and anticipates bidding this project in late summer with construction
anticipated to begin in fall.
After reviewing various projects proposed to be funded with Building
Maintenance Funds, the Community Center Stage Lighting project has been
put on hold and will be revisited as funding becomes available.
CHILDCARE MODULAR BUILDING REPLACEMENT (Mary Silvera, Dixie,
Pickleweed) The City of San Rafael operates afterschool/daycare facilities and
programs at the Dixie and Mary Silveira Elementary School campuses in cooperation
with the Dixie School District (District). Also, similar facilities and programs are
provided at the City’s Pickleweed Park in the canal area. The existing
portable/modular buildings used for these programs have exceeded their 20-year
expected service and therefore need replacement. The City of San Rafael seeks to
replace all the facilities in-kind.
The State of California’s Division of State Architects Office (DSA) has jurisdiction over
local school properties. Specific procedures need to be followed for replacing these
temporary facilities and includes an analysis of access to the building as well other
improvements to bring these facilities up to current regulations. In addition, a licensed
architect is required to certify the plans even for a modular building.
Project Status
In spring 2019, the City solicited local architects to develop plans and
specifications to replace the modular buildings. After negotiating with the
sole proposer, the City has decided to continue soliciting proposals from
other firms as the City and consultant could not agree on the proposed
fees.
Page 7 of 9
ALBERT PARK FIELD – ADA LIFT
This project includes the installation of a new wheelchair
lift to the bleachers area of the Albert Park Field.
Currently, no ADA access to the grand stand area at the
field is available.
DPW staff anticipates starting on this project in the late
fall of 2019 with construction to follow depending upon
internal priorities.
Project Status
Public Works has prepared a Request for Proposals to solicit design and
architectural services associated with not only the ADA wheelchair lift but also
family-style ADA compliant restrooms. Consultant proposals are due back to the
City in early November 2019.
ALBERT PARK FIELD RESTROOM RENOVATION
The restrooms serving the Albert Park Stadium are not
compliant with current accessibility standards. This project
would renovate the current restroom areas to be compliant
with current ADA requirements.
DPW staff anticipates starting on this project in the late fall of
2019 with construction to follow depending upon internal
priorities.
Project Status
Public Works has prepared a Request for Proposals to solicit design and architectural
services associated with not only the ADA wheelchair lift but also family-style ADA
compliant restrooms. Consultant proposals are due back to the City in early November
2019.
The proposed project will no longer renovate the existing restrooms, but rather install
brand new family-style restrooms that meet ADA regulations.
Page 8 of 9
PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR FY 2019/2020
GERSTLE PARK RESTROOM REPAIR
The restroom at Gerstle Park was reviewed by an outside consultant in connection
with the overall facilities study performed by the City. This restroom needs exterior
siding repair and some minor shingle replacement. DPW facilities maintenance will be
reviewing the facility and possibly performing the repairs themselves.
SUN VALLEY PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
The playground structure at this park is more than 20
years old and needs replacement. This project
includes the removal and the replacement of the
existing playground structures at this park but does
not expand the footprint of the original play area. In
addition, this project includes the removal of the sand
surface and replaces it with compliant engineered
wood fiber.
PEACOCK GAP PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
The playground structure at this park is more than 20 years old and needs
replacement. This project includes the removal and the replacement of the existing
playground structures at this park but does not expand the footprint of the original play
area. In addition, this project includes the removal of the sand fall surface and replaces
this surface with compliant engineered wood fiber.
BERNARD HOFFMAN PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
The playground structure at this park is more than 20 years old and needs
replacement. This project includes the removal and the replacement of the existing
playground structures at this park but does not expand the footprint of the original play
area. In addition, this project includes the removal of the sand fall surface and replaces
this surface with compliant engineered wood fiber.
Page 9 of 9
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER MISCELLANOUS REPAIRS
Based on the Facilities Assessment study, repairs are needed
to the San Rafael Community Center. These include but are not
limited to the sealing flashing, re-staining and sealing the soffit
and overhang at the front of the building, replacing damage
ceiling tiles, removing stain exterior and other minor repairs.
This project has not been initiated at this time. DPW staff
anticipates starting on this project in the fall of 2019 with
construction to follow depending on internal priorities.
Public Works recommends reviewing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) which lists
many of these projects as well as projects anticipated to be initiated within the next three
years. The CIP can be viewed at the following location:
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/capital-improvement-program/
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
October 17, 2019
Item #5
TITLE: PARK MAINTENANCE STATUS REPORT FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER
2019
SUMMARY
This report is submitted for informational purposes. It summarizes the last quarter’s
parks and maintenance project status. The intent of the report is to inform the
Commission of the status of ongoing park maintenance projects during the last quarter
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive and
provide comment.
Page 2 of 5
COMPLETED PROJECTS
PARK -A-MONTH
The Parks Department hosted the final Park-A-Month for 2019 event at Santa Margarita
Park on Saturday, August 17th. Volunteers helped plant new shrubs and spread mulch
in the front of the park. Be on the lookout in the next coming months for the 2020
schedule.
Page 3 of 5
FREITAS PARK – PLAY STRUCTURE RE-SURFACING
The spinning climbing structure surface at Freitas Park was completed in July. The
new poured-in-place surface replaces the old surface that wore out faster than
expected and is a much better product that comes with a lifetime warranty.
Old Surface
New Surface
Page 4 of 5
VICTOR JONES PARK - BAMBOO AND JUNIPER REMOVAL
The week of September 9th, staff from both the Parks and Streets Divisions removed
over 25 yards of Bamboo from Victor Jones park. Crews also removed chipped in place
another 35 yards of junipers from the hillside.
Page 5 of 5
MEDIAN ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS
Over the past three months, the Parks and Street Divisions have been busy pruning and
clearing the vegetation from medians along Manuel T. Freitas, Las Gallinas Ave, and
Las Colindas Road. The vegetation and pruning along Manuel T. Freitas also included
the removing almost 300 tons of silt and debris from the channel.
Item 7
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 17, 2019
To: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Susan Andrade-Wax, Library & Recreation Director
Subject: Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest
Date Time Meeting/Event Location
Oct. 17 6:00 p.m. Park and Recreation
Commission
San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street,
San Rafael
Oct. 21 7:00 p.m. City Council City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San
Rafael
Oct. 28 All Day* Ghost Stories at the Mansion Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue,
San Rafael
Nov. 2 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Dia de Los Muertos Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal
Street, San Rafael
Nov. 4 7:00 p.m. City Council City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San
Rafael
Nov. 8 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 2nd Friday Art Walk Downtown San Rafael & Falkirk Cultural Center
Nov. 11 CLOSED HOLIDAY ALL CITY OFFICES
Nov. 13 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. 2040 General Plan Steering
Committee
BioMarin Conference Room, 750 Lindaro Street,
San Rafael
Nov. 18 7:00 p.m. City Council City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San
Rafael
Nov. 21 6:00 p.m. Park and Recreation
Commission
San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street,
San Rafael
Nov. 28 CLOSED HOLIDAY ALL CITY OFFICES
Nov. 29 CLOSED HOLIDAY ALL CITY OFFICES
Nov. 29 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Parade of Lights &
Winter Wonderland Downtown San Rafael
Nov. 30 10:00 a.m.–
6:00 p.m. Small Business Saturday Downtown San Rafael
*Children: Ages ≤ 5 Years Old - 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Children: School-Aged - 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Children: Teens - 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.