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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2017-01-19 Minutes1 San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes: January 19, 2017 Chair Ralph Mihan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. at San Rafael Community Center Roll Call: Commissioners: Mark Bustillos, Eric Holm, Jeff Jones, Stacey Laumann, Mark Machado, Ralph Mihan, Chair, Tom Obletz, Cicily Emerson, Alternate Commissioners Present: Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann (Late), Machado, Mihan, Obletz Commissioners Absent: Bustillos Staff Present: Steve Mason, Senior Recreation Supervisor; Debbie Younkin, Senior Recreation Supervisor 1. Action Items A. Proposal of Design Concept for Masterplan of North Side of Freitas Park Senior Supervisor Mason introduced Sylvia Brady from the Terra Linda Homeowners Association who presented a design concept proposal for recommendation as Master Plan for North side of Maria B. Freitas Park. Commissioner Obletz stated he had done some research on labyrinths and had concerns that raised items could be a “trip and fall” hazard, especially for seniors. Brady responded that the design could be shaped by grass, other plant material, or flat tile. Obletz asked if the HOA had the ability to levy money for projects such as this. Brady responded no, that the members only pay a $10 annual fee. In discussing the property, it was said that there were currently rods sticking out of the ground near the steps that could be a hazard should someone fall. Mason said he would notify the Parks Department. Joe Harvey, Head of School at Mark Day School, supported the design and said that the school will help with the maintenance of the park area which is adjacent to the school garden. Brady stated that since there was an old non-working water fountain in the park there was probably access to water. Mason clarified that an irrigation and planting plan must be approved by Marin Municipal Water District and that reclaimed water will need to be brought to the site and separate backflow prevention installed. Chair Mihan asked if leveled out, could a temporary labyrinth be laid out, perhaps made of gravel or small rocks. Janell Hobart, the Landscape Designer working with the HOA, said that a temporary labyrinth could be made and with a variety of items including spray paint. Mason recommended not using spray paint as that may inspire local teens who hang out in the park to treat it as a canvas for graffiti. Hobart said that the pine trees in the proposed area may be diseased and have to be removed. Obletz suggested that the HOA work with the City’s volunteer program and Parks Department for cleaning up the park. The potential need for required ADA improvements should changes to the park be made was discussed and removal of the stairs was suggested by Brady. Commissioner Machado asked how long would it take for the HOA to raise the money for the project. Brady replied that the playground project across the street took 15 years to fundraise. Commissioner Jones asked if there was any support from Kaiser and Brady said that the chaplain liked the idea and would walk there. Commissioner Emerson asked what the next steps for the HOA would be. The general consensus of the Commission was for the HOA to consider the workday clean-up and a temporary/trial labyrinth. Brady added that neighbors want to donate trees. It was stated that the Parks Department be consulted regarding the planting of trees. 2 Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 19, 2017 Page 2 Commissioner Laumann asked if the HOA members had been surveyed about the project. Brady replied that they have the support. Mihan mentioned that an email was received from Lee FitzGerald opposing the development of the north side of Freitas Park as a labyrinth, favoring a pétanque court instead. Brady was unaware of any opposition. Hobart said that considering the California drought, a labyrinth is drought resistant and would utilize native plants where needed. The area would have maintenance needs and Mark Day School has offered to have work days help. Mihan suggested for the concept to go forward Brady should talk with Community Services Director Carlene McCart about grading and having the City’s Parks Department look to see if the trees in question are diseased, before proceeding with a trial labyrinth. B. Open Space Procurement Policy The Commission reviewed the Open Space Procurement Policy that had been amended at the November 2016 meeting. Additional corrections were suggested, not limited to: changing the word procurement to acquisition where appropriate; changing “Properties must satisfy a majority…” to “Properties must satisfy significant elements…”; and changing “A property should provide a utility” to “… provide a public good”. Additionally Laumann suggested have the City Attorney’s office check to see if the criteria, “A property should have title with no alternative ownership options for preservation and preferably fee simple title transfer” needed to be word-smithed. M/s Holm/Obletz to approve the Open Space Procurement Policy as amended. AYES: Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz NOES: None ABSENT: Bustillos C. 2017 Community Service Award The Annual California Park and Recreation Society District 1 Awards and Installation Banquet was discussed. Traditionally the Commission nominates a community volunteer or service group to be recognized. Mason and Younkin explained that this year the ceremony was two weeks earlier and that the deadline to submit a nomination was the next day. A few ideas for this year and next were suggested, however the Commission decided to pass on nominating a volunteer this year. Mason and Senior Supervisor Younkin then informed the Board that retiring Community Services Director Carlene McCart was being nominated for a professional award at the Banquet. D. Reschedule of March Commission Meeting Alternative dates for the March Park and Recreation Commission meeting were discussed since the traditional day conflicts with the State of the City Dinner. Whereas a perfect date was not possible, the Commission decided to meet on Thursday, March 9. Jones regretfully will not be able to attend. 2. Commission Items A. Director’s Report Mason relayed McCart’s Director’s report including the Albert Park Redesign Project- Public Meeting #1 Summary, the upcoming Albert Park Clean Up Day on January 21, the Community Services Director recruitment, City Council’s January 17 approval of a 5% increase in Childcare fees, a 3 Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 19, 2017 Page 3 successful kick-off meeting with PerfectMind management software, and a budget recap of the first six months of the current fiscal year. B. Falkirk Report Mason reported that the agreement with UC Davis Extension for the Marin Master Gardeners at Falkirk was currently being negotiated as the current agreement sunsets this year. C. Parks Report There was no report. D. Commission Members Reports Holm reported on the status of the Albert Park flagpole. Mihan announced the election of the Commission’s Chair and Vice Chair and said that it was time for him to step aside for some new blood. Mihan then added that traditionally the Vice Chair moves up to Chair and suggested that Holm do so and nominated Obletz as Vice Chair M/s Mihan/Machado to appoint Holm as Chair of the Park & Recreation Commission and Obletz as Vice Chair. AYES: Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz NOES: Bustillos ABSENT: None Obletz thanked Mihan for 36 years of service Commission, many of which as Chair E. Approval of Meeting Minutes November 18, 2016 M/s Obletz/Machado to approve the November 18, 2016 Park & Recreation Commission Minutes. AYES: Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz NOES: Bustillos ABSENT: None The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.