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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2018-09-20 Agenda PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA Thursday, September 20, 2018 7:00 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 July 19, 2018 MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations A. Proclamation to Ralph G. Mihan 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. Review of Conceptual Design for Tiscornia Marsh Restoration COMMISSION REPORTS 5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission members. COMMISSION COMMENTS STAFF COMMENTS 6. Parks Maintenance Division 7. Community Services Director 8. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Page 2 of 2 May 17, 2018 ADJOURNMENT NEXT MEETING: October 18, 2018 FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS • • • 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. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES _____________________________________________________________________________________________ San Rafael Community Center – 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA July 19, 2018 – 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER/ Vice Chair Tom Obletz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Tom Obletz, Cicily Emerson, Jeff Jones, Stacey Laumann, Mark Machado, Kathryn Reisinger Commissioners Absent: Mark Bustillos, Nicholas Skewes-Cox Staff Present: Susan Andrade-Wax, Community Services Director; Steve Mason, Senior Recreation Supervisor; Henry Bankhead, Acting Library Director; and Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant AGENDA AMENDEMENTS None MINUTES 1. Approve regular meeting minutes of May 17, 2017 A motion was made by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Laumann, to approve the minutes of the May 17, 2017 meeting as corrected. The motion was approved unanimously. 2 MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations A. Pickleweed Advisory Board 2017 Annual Report Ms. Andrade-Wax introduced Steve Mason, Senior Supervisor for the Boro Center and Pickleweed Park. Mr. Mason introduced Former Chair, Jenny Broering, and Lieu Phan. Ms. Broering presented the 2017 Annual Report. She also spoke about the idea of putting a light up sign in front of the center to display events and programs that are going on. Commissioner Laumann asked if there was room for more programing with additional activities. If yes would it warrant pursuing additional parking to alleviate the access frustrations and grow the reach of the center. Mr. Mason stated that the issue with adding programs is that the parking is limited. In the original plans of the center there was an outdoor basketball court next to the preschool. In eliminating the court, we could potentially gain 12-18 parking spaces. The City is also working at other areas for parking including something near Schoen park. Ms. Broering stated the sign idea came from City Council. The Board didn’t think it was something they needed. Mr. Mason noted that it came from the Community engagement initiative from City Council. Kate Colin is very involved in that and felt that we could communicate in multiple languages including English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The sign could post community meetings and events, and the center could promote activities, and special events that are going on. Commissioner Jones asked if the 3-hour parking has helped. Mr. Mason answered that it has helped, but it hasn’t solved it. Commissioner Jones thanked Mr. Mason and Ms. Broering. Each year, their presentation gets better and better each year. Commissioner Machado asked about the Kids Club waitlist and wanted to know if that was due to not having enough people to work with the kids, or just not having enough space in the facility. Ms. Broering answered that it’s kind of both. They are the only organization that gives a full disclosure of their staff’s budget, and they are paying their staff benefits. For every child in the program there are 2 on the waitlist. Most students come in when they are in first grade and continue through fifth grade. The large waitlist is a combination of the limited space of the facility and the amount of staff that Catholic Charities can provide. 3 Commissioner Reisinger asked if they have ever tried valet parking. Mr. Mason answered that they have, but only for City sponsored events. If they ever did get the basketball area, they could use that area, but it is limited to space. They have also used the school’s parking lot, and the Health and Wellness Campus for large events like Day of the Dead. Commissioner Emerson asked who the parking contact was through the Health and Wellness Campus, and did we have to pay extra? Mr. Mason answered that we did not have to pay extra, and Douglas Mundo, who is also on the Pickleweed committee, helped arrange it. The Community Service vans were used to shuttle. Commissioner Emerson thinks that the County would allow the Albert J. Boro Community Center to use their parking lot more frequently since it is not utilized after 5pm. Commissioner Emerson also asked if Mr. Mason has looked at using the areas along the field for parking. Mr. Mason stated that the area is mostly wetlands past the fields, and even if it were usable there are a lot of security issues with people partying back there on the weekends. Commissioner Emerson added that they are all doing such a great job, and have many well-established programs in the community, and they are really thriving. She is looking forward to more programs that can get to that level where they are institutionalized. Commissioner Obletz would like to explore having the Commission meeting at the Boro Center when they give their annual report next time. It is a good opportunity for the Commission to get out into the community and let Steve show off his fabulous facility. He also asked if the group was subject to term limits. Mr. Mason answered no, and the chairs are voted in and rotate. Commissioner Obletz commented that it appears we are over the transition period with Perfect Mind. He asked if things are going well with that. Mr. Mason answered that yes, and it has been a growing experience. There are still a few little glitches, but everything is working, but it can work smoother. We are making progress. Commissioner Obletz also spoke of the parking. He attended both the Day of the Dead, and the Eagle Scouts ceremony, and thought using Pickleweed’s limited parking and using Bahia Vista school’s parking worked out well. For the Eagle Scouts ceremony, he created a parking space for former Mayor Al Boro to be able to get into the building with his limited mobility. Mr. Boro was pleased to be there. Commissioner Obletz asked with respect to revenue and expenses how long before you will really know what the numbers are after you close out from last year? Mr. Mason stated that they will know by the end of July. Commissioner Obletz would like to get an update from the Director. He would like to compare registration and activities year over year. 4 Ms. Broering added, regarding the Eagle Scouts, the board issued letters for the kids to build their portfolios documenting their community service they have done in recognition of the City of San Rafael. It was an easy thing for them to do, and very meaningful for them. 3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda None MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION Commissioner Reisinger was asked to introduce herself to the Commission while the Library was setting up. Commissioner Reisinger has lived in San Rafael her entire life except the 4 years that she was at Cal Berkeley. She currently works for the City of Mill Valley as a Parks and Recreation Supervisor. She previously worked at the Terra Linda Community Center as a Program Coordinator. She is a mom to 3 kids. She has been wanting to be on the Parks and Recreation Board for some time and is excited to have finally joined the Commission. 4. Library Facilities Planning Project Update Ms. Andrade-Wax introduced Henry Bankhead who is the acting Director for the Library Services Department. Mr. Bankhead stated he the purpose of the presentation is to give the Parks and Recreation Commission a heads up on the Library expansion planning process, and how it could affect the parks. Mr. Bankhead gave his presentation. Commissioner Laumann asked if the consultants will be studying underground parking for all the locations. She thinks Albert park would be a great opportunity for under the library parking. This would connect more activities to the San Rafael Community Center, which would be valuable to the community. Mr. Bankhead stated that underground parking adds to the cost. It is more expensive than building up. Commissioner Laumann stated that Pickleweed should be a definite consideration to have a multi-level parking lot. Commissioner Jones questioned Boyd park not being a popular spot. Mr. Bankhead stated that the concern was losing park space. Commissioner Jones asked how the expansion of the Terra Linda Community Center into the basketball court area was received. Mr. Bankhead answered that there weren’t many people there to get the appropriate feedback. Commissioner Jones stated that he supports everything they do to make this happen. 5 Commissioner Machado is very excited to see the Library expansion. He believes that the City is going to become denser, and people will need places to go. He asked if there will be some public relations, or outreach program regarding the impact of helping the folks that are concerned about the traffic other issues that may come out of the project. Mr. Bankhead answered they are reaching out to people beyond the public meeting phase. Such as a survey. There is a library foundation that is dedicated to the project. Once they get a concept they can build the enthusiasm. Ms. Andrade-Wax stated this initial study is to try and identify every viable option/location and to explore them more fully. After the initial study is completed, it will be presented to the City Council for their review and direction. This is just the beginning step of a much larger process. Commissioner Machado asked to consider when they do the design could they do so in such a way that there wouldn’t be a lot of space for loitering. Mr. Bankhead worked with the group that designed the Los Gatos Library that was designed for many people. Commissioner Reisinger was not aware that this project was even happening. She would like to help get the word out through the schools and social media. Mr. Bankhead said they do post things through the schools using Peach jar and could send something out that way. Commissioner Emerson asked what is the general timeline at this point? Mr. Bankhead answered that 5 years is optimistic. The architects say it will be 2 years from approval. They are planning on presenting the study to the City Council in the Fall. Commissioner Emerson asked if the idea is that all 3 sites get built. Mr. Bankhead answered yes and no it is hard to say. They are not locked into doing them all, but they are looking at doing them all. They all relate to each other, and they won’t know until they get further in the process. Commissioner Laumann commented that from the Parks and Recreation Commission perspective she can see all of these as a great opportunity for our parks. It brings more activity, more connection, and the curb appeal will be heightened at all the locations. Commissioner Obletz suggested checking out what is going on in the Portland area. Their Hollywood branch has 6 floors of senior housing. There is a pool between the housing and the library, which was part of the design, so that if a pipe was ever to break it would go into the pool area. The housing also provides built in volunteers for the library. Regarding partnerships, don’t rule out Dominican University, and don’t give up on the County. 6 5. Selection of Commission Chair and Commission Representative to the General Plan 2040 Steering Committee Ms. Andrade-Wax explained the options for the selection. Commissioner Obletz asked for nominations for Chair of the Commission. Commissioner Machado nominated Commissioner Tom Obletz, and Commissioner Laumann seconded the nomination. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Obletz, Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Bustillos and Skewes-Cox ABSTAIN: None Commissioner Jones nominated Commissioner Machado as Vice Chair. Commissioner Obletz seconded the nomination. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Obletz, Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Bustillos and Skewes-Cox ABSTAIN: None Commissioner Obletz asked for nominations fo r the 2040 Steering Committee. Commissioner Laumann nominated Commissioner Jones. Commissioner Machado seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Obletz, Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Bustillos and Skewes-Cox ABSTAIN: None 7 Commissioner Jones nominated Commissioner Emerson as alternate representative. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Obletz, Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Bustillos and Skewes-Cox ABSTAIN: None Ms. Andrade-Wax stated that this will be formally approved, hopefully, at their August 6th meeting because there have been several shifts that have occurred. It is part of the bylaws that stated it had to go back to City Council. 6. Review of the Commission Meeting Schedule for 2018 Ms. Andrade-Wax reviewed the existing calendar for the remainder of the year. She stated the Commission must take formal action if they would like to cancel the August and December meetings. Commissioner Jones made a motion to cancel the August and December meetings. Commissioner Machado seconded it. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Obletz, Emerson, Jones, Laumann, Machado, and Reisinger NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Bustillos and Skewes-Cox ABSTAIN: None COMMISSION REPORTS 7. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission members. Commissioner Emerson reported that the Health and Human Services is going to do an information fair that the community will be invited to in October. In the past it was just an internal event. 8 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Machado requested that when giving comments after presentations that when we go in order we start at the opposite end after each p resentation. Commissioner Emerson suggested that we have a show in hands and go in order of the show in hands. STAFF COMMENTS Community Services was successful in upgrading some of our positions to Program Coordinator. One of the positions will be for the Albert J Boro Community Center under Steve Mason, and the other will be overseeing the Goldenaires and Contract Class programs at the San Rafael Community Center. There is also a Management Analyst, who will be looking at the Department’s budget and cost recovery goals, program and facility fees, and reviewing the Department’s policies and procedures. Lastly, the Albert Park Playground Renovation project is currently ‘out to bid’. She will keep the commission updated on the process as the project moves forward. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 9:14 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT September 20, 2018 Item 4 TITLE: REVIEW CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR TISCORNIA MARSH RESTORATION SUMMARY Marin Audubon Society (MAS) acquired the Tiscornia Marsh, located at the mouth of the San Rafael Canal, in 2008. The 20-acre Tiscornia Marsh property, which was donated by Mary Tiscornia, consists of vegetated marsh, mudflats, shoreline levee, and a 500-foot reach of public trail that connects segments of the Bay Trail. The tidal marsh has experienced considerable erosion along its bayward edge, losing approximately 3 acres over the last 30 years (Attachment 1). With grant funding provided by the Marin Community Foundation, MAS hired a team of consultants in 2017 to develop a conceptual design for restoring the marsh, raising portions of the levee backing the marsh, and providing outreach to the Canal Community. The goals of the conceptual design phase were to (1) identify a nature-based approach for sea- level rise adaptation for Tiscornia Marsh and the Canal community that provide this segment of the San Rafael shoreline with an adaptation solution consistent with City-wide strategies to be developed over the long term, and (2) to raise awareness of climate change and sea-level rise issues within the adjacent Canal Community and other residents. As part of this initial conceptual review process, Marin Audubon Society, in coordination with Shore-up Marin, held two (2) community meetings earlier this year at the Albert J Boro Community Center, as well as a site walk which was conducted on April 21, 2018. Approximately 50-75 Canal neighborhood residents and business owners attended the workshops. The conceptual design was finalized in July 2018 (Attachment 2), and MAS is currently pursuing Measure AA funds to advance the design for restoring a portion of the San Rafael shoreline including Tiscornia Marsh (a 20-acre parcel owned by MAS), a 4-acre diked City-owned parcel immediately to the north of Pickleweed Park, a portion of the levee and trail fronting Schoen Park and Pickleweed Park and perform CEQA assessments. RECOMMENDATION That the Commission receive the report, provide feedback and forward to the City Council for their review and consideration FISCAL IMPACT The conceptual design was funded by grant funds that the Marin Audubon Society applied for and received from the Marin Community Foundation. There are no additional or immediate costs associated with the acceptance of the conceptual design. Page 2 of 6 BACKGROUND Tiscornia Marsh & Environs The Tiscornia Marsh site covers 20 acres of tidal marsh and bay lands located north of East Canal Street. The property, which is owned by Marin Audubon Society, is bound to the: a) south by a shoreline levee, Schoen Park (small City-owned park/playground) and Canal Street; b) west by the Albert J Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park; c) east by the San Rafael Bay; and d) north by the San Rafael Creek. The neighboring Albert J Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park covers approximately 15 acres which includes an active community center, community park and an expansive playfield. Included in the City-owned holdings is an undeveloped, four-acre diked salt marsh, which is located north of the large playfield. Although subject to flooding in the winter months, this diked salt marsh is enclosed by a perimeter level and contains a well-used, informal pedestrian trail, which loops through the area. The Tiscornia Marsh and environs are presented in the attached Site Area Map (Attachment 1). The Tiscornia Marsh has experienced considerable erosion along its bayward edge, which is attributed to direct wave action from the bay. Over the last 30 years, approximately three acres of the tidal marsh has been lost to this erosion, which has dramatically impacted habitat for species such as the Ridgway’s rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Under current conditions, it is expected that this erosion will continue and will likely increase as sea level rises. The second critical issue for this general area is flooding. The adjacent Canal neighborhood is low-lying and is currently at risk to coastal flooding (as well as sea level rise). Measure AA In June 2016, the voters of the nine Bay Area counties approved Measure AA, a parcel tax measure. The tax measure is a $12.00 per year tax on every parcel in the Bay Area. The purpose of Measure AA is to generate $500 million over a 20-year period for critical tidal marsh restoration projects around the San Francisco Bay. The goal is to improve water quality, restore habitat for wildlife, protect communities from flooding and increase shoreline public access. Applications for Measure AA funds for local restoration projects are initiated annually. The first call for applications was made last year. In response to the first call, the City of San Rafael application for the Spinnaker Point diked marsh restoration project, but the City was not successful in securing the funds. A second call for applications has been made and must be filed in Fall 2018. Project Description Marin Audubon Society is applying for Measure AA funds to advance a conceptual design developed by Environmental Science Associates (ESA), their consultant team. The consultant team initially developed and assessed several alternatives, which resulted in the selection of a preferred alternative. The conceptual design for the preferred alternative proposes to restore a portion of the San Rafael shoreline that encompasses: a) the 20-acre Tiscornia Marsh; b) the City-owned, four-acre diked salt marsh immediately north of Pickleweed Park; and c) a portion of the levee and trail fronting Schoen Park and Pickleweed Park. The site setting is shown in Attachment 1. A conceptual design for the restoration was completed in July 2018 (see Attachment 2), which was supported by funding from the Marin Community Foundation. The goals of the conceptual design phase are to: • Identify a nature-based approach for sea-level rise adaptation for Tiscornia Marsh and the Canal community that provide this segment of the San Rafael shoreline with an adaptation solution consistent with City-wide strategies to be developed over the long term; and Page 3 of 6 • To raise awareness of climate change and sea-level rise issues within the adjacent Canal Community and other residents. The preferred conceptual design alternative involves: • Restoring 10-15 acres of marsh in front of the existing site, • Raising a 300-400 foot stretch of levee adjacent to Schoen Park, and constructing a low- sloping ecotone on the Bay side of the levee to mitigate future erosion hazards and provide a better range of upland habitat for species at the site. • Setting back the existing levee encircling the diked property north of Pickleweed Park and building a new, setback levee adjacent to the northern edge of the park playfield that would connect with existing adjacent levees. As stated, the conceptual design would have the following beneficial impacts to the City: • To maximize flood protection for the Canal community and minimize impacts to the existing marsh, the levee in front of Schoen park would be raised and realigned, with an expected encroachment of 20-30 feet into Schoen Park. • Setting back the existing levee in the parcel north of Pickleweed Park would involve opening the City-owned parcel to tidal action (to restore the isolated marsh that exists there now) and would lead to realignment of the existing public trail on a new setback levee running along the northern boundary of the soccer field at Pickleweed Park. • Where possible, the east-facing levee fronting Pickleweed Park could be improved by raising low areas and providing a flatter Bay-side ecotone slope where possible. • The project would expand public access by extending the Bay Trail on top of the levee and would support improvement of the children’s playground. Three (3) aspects of the conceptual design would take place on City-owned property and require support from the City: 1. Encroachment of improved levee onto Schoen Park parcel: For the raised flood protection levee, the project design team assessed three footprints, ultimately choosing an alignment that would preserve the existing marsh and provide the most long-term flood protection to the community. However, this design would encroach onto City-owned property near Schoen Park by 20 to 30 feet (Attachment 4). The total fill footprint would be approximately 80 feet wide. The toe of the ecotone would meet the edge of the existing marsh, which is closest to the levee at the west end and further from the levee at the east end. Under this alternative, the expanded levee would likely require removal of three mature pine trees within the playground. This alternative would also necessitate removing or reconfiguring the playground to accommodate the fill area. 2. Restoration of City-owned diked pickleweed marsh: The preferred alternative includes construction of a new setback levee along the north side of the soccer field to maintain or improve existing levels of flood protection for the Al Boro Community Center, Pickleweed Park, and the Canal neighborhood from coastal flooding. After constructing the setback levee, the existing dike would be lowered and breached, effectively opening this segment to tidal action and restoring a large amount (3-4 acres) of tidal wetland. In addition to the expected habitat benefit, this alternative would allow for improvement of a greater distance of levee (1,000 feet from 400 feet) in front of the Canal Community. Page 4 of 6 3. Potential Improvements to East-Facing Levee along Pickleweed Park: The existing levee along the eastern edge of Pickleweed Park is located outside of the MAS property on Tiscornia Marsh. However, if the design aspects described above are adopted, it may be beneficial to improve portions of this levee, by raising the levee crest in low areas and creating a flatter, ecotone slope on the Bay side where space allows. In addition to the habitat and flood protection benefits that this action would provide, it would provide a clear benefit to the Community by connecting the improved levee sections described above, creating a single, contiguous levee improvement from the northwestern edge of Pickleweed Park, to the eastern edge of Schoen Park (approximately 1,600 feet of improved levee). Marin Audubon Society is seeking a letter of Measure AA application support/endorsement from the City Council to cover the project components described above, which includes the City- owned properties. The grant funding that Marin Audubon Society is seeking will enable them to further refine and finalize the design phase and conduct the documents/studies needed to complete the environmental (CEQA) review. ANALYSIS The project presents an excellent opportunity to combine habitat restoration with sea level rise adaptation. The conceptual design plan has been reviewed by the City’s Community Development Department for consistency with the following related planning processes and research efforts which include, but are not limited to: • City of San Rafael General Plan 2020 • Climate Change – Sea Level Rise White Paper (2014) • BayWAVE Vulnerability Assessment (2016) • Resilient by Design” – Bay Area Challenge (2017) Community Development’s comments on the relationship between the conceptual design plan and the plans and research efforts are as follows: Relationship with San Rafael General Plan 2020 The conceptual design plan has been reviewed for consistency with the pertinent policies and programs of the San Rafael General Plan 2020. The following are the key policies and programs: Parks/Open Space, Conservation and Water land use designations. The conceptual design, which proposes to enhance existing natural resources would be consistent with the purpose and allowed uses set forth in these land use designations. Policy CON-1, Protection of Natural Resources. As proposed, the conceptual design would promote the protection and enhancement of wetlands, diked bay lands and the public shoreline. Policy OS-3, Open Space Use. As proposed, the conceptual design would promote the protection and preservation of the natural value of open space and wildlife habitat areas, while continuing to provide recreational use. Policy OS-4, Access to Open Space. The conceptual design proposes to enhance and expand the public access along the shoreline. Specifically, the conceptual design would widen and raise the shoreline levee north of Canal Street, which would improve the public access path. Further, the conceptual plan proposes to install a new levee with a public Page 5 of 6 pedestrian path around the northern and northeastern edge of the Pickleweed Park playfields. . Climate Change – Sea Level Rise White Paper (2014) In January 2014, the City completed Climate Change – Sea Level Rise, San Rafael, CA – White Paper (white paper). This white paper was prepared as a first step in responding to the City’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), which called for a need to address sea level rise. While the white paper is not a technical study, it provides basic information on San Rafael’s low-lying areas that are vulnerable to projected sea level rise (Appendix A). The Southeast San Rafael shoreline, which extend from the mouth of the San Rafael Creek to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge was identified as a critical area of concern. The white paper also identified opportunity areas (Appendix B). The Tiscornia Marsh is part of the outboard bay lands and mudflats identified as an opportunity area for employing measures such a “horizontal levee” or “living shoreline.” Further, the diked marshland north of the Albert J Boro Community Center was identified as a potential opportunity area for “possible retreat and return to tidal marsh.” Lastly, the concept proposes to reinforce and raise a portion of the shoreline levee. So, combining the City properties with the restoration of the contiguous Tiscornia Marsh is not only logical but wise for long-range adaptation planning. Relationship to BayWAVE Vulnerability Assessment (2016) In 2016, the County of Marin Department of Public Works completed the Marin Bay Waterfront Adaptation and Vulnerability Evaluation, which is known as BayWAVE. BayWAVE recognizes the Southeast San Rafael as an area of critical resources, high density residences, and businesses that are at-risk to sea level rise. At this time, an adaptation plan/program has not been developed for BayWAVE but is underway as the second phase of this assessment. However, the measures that are presented in the conceptual design (wetland restoration, retreat and levee reinforcement) are the type of adaptation measures envisioned by the BayWAVE effort. Relationship to Resilient by Design (2017) In early 2017, the “Resilient by Design” – Bay Area Challenge” (RbD) was launched as a collaborative research and design project to initiate innovative solutions to adapting to sea level rise for the Bay Area region. The “Central San Rafael Reach,” which encompasses the low- lying Southeast San Rafael area was chosen as one of the 10 study areas. The Bionic Team (team of technical consultants) was selected and assigned to study the Central San Rafael Reach. On August 20, 2018, the Bionic Team presented its RbD findings and recommendations to the City Council. The proposed Tiscorina Marsh restoration/adaptation project would reinforce the Bionic Team’s short- and mid-term recommendations for this portion of the study area. Specifically, the Bionic Team recommends: a) reinforcing and protecting the Albert J Boro Community Center site by raising the elevation of the center site; b) returning the dike marsh to tidal action; and c) creating a new levee along the northern border of the play fields, which would also serve as a new public shoreline path. SUMMARY If Marin Audubon Society is successful in securing Measure AA funds, a more detailed planning process including additional outreach activities and supportive studies for CEQA review will be conducted and prepared. At that stage in the process, the project will require City review for land use and design approvals (Use and Environmental and Design Review Permits), as well as environmental clearance. Page 6 of 6 ALTERNATIVE ACTION Any other action as determined by the Commission. Submitted by: Susan Andrade-Wax Community Services Director Attachments: 1. Site Area Map 2. Preferred Alternative 3. FEMA 2016 Flood Insurance Map 4. Footprint and cross-section for improved levee near Schoen Park Tiscornia Marsh Habitat Restoration . D160888.0 Attachment 1 Site Map Expand habitat transition slope Raise levee Cobble beach Place dredged material ll to ceate new marsh Construct channel bank at existing escarpment Convert diked marsh to tidal marsh Lower & breach existing levee Rock jetty and/ or oyster reefs New setback levee and Bay Trail (no impact to eld)San Rafael BaySan Rafael Creek Soccer Field (existing) Retention Groin PG&E tower see Fig 18 for section 0 500 FeetN250 Tiscornia Marsh Habitat Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Project Attachment 2 Preferred Alternative – Restore Eroded and Diked Marsh Levee & Bay Trail Cobble Beach Tidal Marsh Existing Tidal Marsh Tiscornia Marsh Habitat Restoration. D160888.00 Attachment 3 FEMA 2016 Flood Insurance Rate (Flood Zone) Map SOURCE: FEMA Tiscornia Marsh Tiscornia Marsh Habitat Restoration . D160888.0 Attachment 4 Footprint and cross section for improved levee in the vicinity of Shoen Park. New levee Existing levee MAS Property Line A A’ A A’ Pickleweed Marsh Marsh City Item 8 MEMORANDUM Date: September 20, 2018 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Susan Andrade-Wax, Community Services Director Subject: Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest Date Time Meeting/Event Location Sept. 14 – Oct. 25 T- F 1:00 – 5:00 pm Sa 10:30am-1:00pm Form & Fire: The Alchemy of Clay Falkirk Cultural Center - Galleries 1408 Mission Avenue Sept. 20 7:00 pm Parks and Recreation Commission San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael Sept. 23 12:00 – 5:00 pm PorchFest Gerstle Park Sept. 25 7:00 pm Planning Commission City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael Sept. 29 2:00 – 5:00 pm Art Beyond Borders Pickleweed Community Park 50 Canal Street Oct. 1 7:00 pm City Council City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael Oct. 5 7:00 pm Movie in the Park – Coco Pickleweed Community Park 50 Canal Street Oct. 9 7:00 pm Planning Commission City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael Oct. 12 5:00 – 8:00 pm 2nd Friday Art Walk Downtown San Rafael Oct. 15 7:00 pm City Council City Council Chamber, 1400 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael Oct. 18 7:00 pm Parks and Recreation Commission San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael