Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2017-04-20 Minutes1 San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes: April 20, 2017 Chair Eric Holm called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at San Rafael Community Center Roll Call: Commissioners: Mark Bustillos, Eric Holm, Chair, Jeff Jones, Stacey Laumann, Mark Machado, Ralph Mihan, Tom Obletz, Vice Chair, Cicily Emerson, Alternate Commissioners Present: Emerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Obletz Commissioners Absent: Bustillos. Mihan City Councilmember Present: N/A Staff Present: Ashley Howe, Senior Recreation Supervisor, Debbie Younkin, Interim Community Services Director Open time for Public Comment: 1. Action Items A. San Rafael Pacifics Update Mike Shapiro reported out on the 2016 Pacifics Baseball Season and welcomed everyone to opening day on June 6 where retired Community Services Director, Carlene McCart will be recognized for her support of the Pacifics. Appreciation was also expressed to Eric Holm, Tom Obletz, Ashley Howe and the City of San Rafael for the continued support and partnership. Pacifics are going into their sixth year. They have made seventy five community appearances, everything from schools, fundraisers, non-profits and more) and donated over $20,000 in tickets to local non-profits. Over 18,000 visitors came to the Pacifics games and 40% was from San Rafael. Attendance has been declining, with a primary reason of families travelling more. In 2016, the Pacifics lost money. There was a decline in sponsorships and ticket sales and have acquired more long term debt. For 2017, they are working on more fun activities to encourage more people to come out such as “My Immigrant Story”; Women in Sports and much more. Pacifics are looking for host families and sponsorships. The Pacifics are hoping to help with improvements to the facility including upgrades, renovating visitors’ clubhouse, painting and upgrades to backstops. Commissioner Jones asked the status of other teams in the area. Mike commented that Napa is hoping to add a team in 2018. A new mascot will be introduce “John the running Toilet”. Commissioner Emerson asked if there had been outreach to the Latino community and Mike commented that they were working with Canal Alliance. Commissioner Obletz asked if there were any parking concerns and Mike commented that Bio Marin was very supportive. Obletz suggested a community group be formed to brainstorm ideas to help with the Pacifics success. 2 B. Marin Bocce Federation Annual Report Jolene Kramer, President of the Marin Bocce Federation presented on the 2016 season. Jolene Kramer mentioned that she replaced Gina Silvestri as President. Kramer is a small business owner, San Rafael resident for 35 years and has been playing bocce for the last ten years. This is the 21st year in operation and relies heavily on community support. During the peak season there can be 5,000 players in a month. The leagues are filled with 160 teams. There is a current waitlist of about one year. Kramer commented that all ages play bocce and those with mobility issues still find a way to play. She mentioned that they have players in wheelchairs and walkers who come out to play. The Marin Bocce Federation was able to donate money to the Albert Park Improvement Project. They are financially solvent and provided a copy of their profit/loss spreadsheet for 2016. There will be no increase in player fees for 2016. Kramer provided a written annual report that was provided to Commissioners. C. Program Area Update – Athletics Ashley Howe, Senior Recreation Supervisor reported out on the start of spring leagues. Howe reported that rain delayed the field opening from Feb. 6 to March 6th and cancelled 15 high school and little leagues games. Howe is working with the high schools and San Rafael Little League to reschedule as many Marin Academy and San Rafael High games as possible before May 13th. The Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) playoff games will be hosted at Albert Park on May 17, 18 & 19. She also reported that leagues are down in participation. Saturday fast pitch softball was cancelled for spring season due to low team commitment. A minimum of four teams is needed to run the league. Increased marketing efforts to increase participation and awareness for Monday night fast pitch scheduled to begin May 22. Seven teams returned for Sunday night slow pitch softball on April 2nd and the league continues to attract new players. We hope to see the league grow to 8 or 10 teams in the next year. The ages changed for men’s basketball from 40 to 35 years of age to increase participation. Our Men’s basketball league has increased team registration over the last three seasons from four to eight teams. Spring season games are hosted at Hall Middle School on Thursday nights from March 23- June 15. COED slow pitch softball began April 30th at McInnis Park with four teams. Team enrollment is down from five teams last fall and six last summer. We are working to reach past teams and increase participation for the fall season. We hosted a Softball Fest event at Albert Park on Saturday, March 4th to kick off the season. Phil Martino and JD Diego, Team Managers of the Sunday Night Slow Pitch league organized warm ups, a scrimmage, homerun derby, and BBQ with the Elk’s Club. They also recognized the Elk’s Club donation and installation of the new flag pole and thanked Carlene McCart, Erik Holm, and Ashley Howe for their assistance and partnership through the process. D. Measure A Project Status Director Younkin reported that Measure A and CIP project lists for the coming year were still in discussion but before Carlene McCart retired, she had recommended that Measure A funds for the coming year be direct towards the Albert Park Improvement project. Commissioner Jones asked if the Commission could revisit the list and tour park sites to determine priorities. E. Bounce Houses in Parks Director Younkin reported that she and Supervisor Howe were hoping to allow bounce house rentals as an option for park rentals. Howe reported that there are many unauthorized bounce houses in the parks. Younkin reported that the City Attorney’s office said bounce houses can be allowed in City Parks. Younkin reported that staff would be evaluating park locations that would 3 make the most sense for bounce houses and will be looking into fees and guidelines for allowing bounce houses in parks as part of a rental. 2. Commission Items A. Director’s Report Younkin reported that Carlene McCart had a successful retirement party and thanked those that could attend and help with the event. Younkin reported that the Terra Linda Pool men’s locker room flooring is cracking and will need to be redone. Younkin also reported out that a meeting with held with Vice Mayor Bushey, along with Senior Recreation Supervisor, Kelly Albrecht, Assistant Public Works Director Kevin McGowan, Trish Saylor’s, Child Care Director along with the Superintendent of Dixie School District and the Principal of Dixie School met at Vallecito school to discuss expansion ideas for childcare at Vallecito Elementary School. Younkin also reported that she was hoping to implement family friendly events in the park this summer and asked for input from the Commissioners. Music in the Park, Movie Nights and Old Fashion Carnival themes were suggested. B. Falkirk Report Younkin reported that the Falkirk would be having a special Earth Day celebration around the Living Ocean on April 22. Falkirk will also be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 14. C. Parks Report Parks Superintendent Davenport provided information that was reported out. Parks crew worked on installing new garbage cans in Gerstle Park (areas 1 and 2), cleaned up easements in Terra Linda, planted vines and shrubs at the Terra Linda Community Center, awarded median contract to Gardeners Guild, Inc, directed PG&E for tree planting program due to the mitigation of the gas pipeline project., aerated, top dressed, and seeded the Pickleweed soccer field, completed Bayfront Park landscaping project per requirements of BCDC, purchased drain covers for the Terra Linda Pool; per County Health Department guidelines, removed play structure at Bernard Hoffman, due to rotting structure and pruned in front of City Hall and the Library. Commissioner Laumann asked about the status of the bathroom at Bret Harte. Younkin reported that she had left a message earlier looking into the status and had not heard back yet. D. Commission Members Reports No reports E. Approval of Meeting Minutes March 22, 2017 M/s Jones/Machado to approve the March 2017 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes with corrections: Bustillos was absent; page 3 should reflect that Teresa Mastrioni is the Director of Trinity Preschool. AYES: Emerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Obletz NOES: None ABSENT: Bustillos, Mihan The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.