HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2016-11-17 Minutes1
San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes: November 17, 2016
Chair Ralph Mihan called the meeting to order at 7:00 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: Bustillos, Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Carlene McCart, Director, Community Services Department; Debbie Younkin, Senior
Recreation Supervisor, Tiffany Haley, Aquatics Coordinator
1. Action Items
A. Orcas Swim Club Annual Agreement
Senior Supervisor Debbie Younkin introduced the history and proposed agreement with the Orcas
Swim Club. The organization has utilized Terra Linda Community Center and Pool for youth
completive swim team activities for over 50 years. The proposed agreement for the 2017 Swim
Season is similar in terms to the 2016 version with current dates and programs inserted.
Orcas President Daniel Goldberg introduced himself and expressed the organizations appreciation of
the cooperative partnership with the City. Orcas members are Terra Linda residents and those of
from greater San Rafael. The 2017 Season includes the Marin County Swim League All-Star Meet
which will be hosted by the Orcas at the Terra Linda Community Pool. The rotating All-Star meet
between 9 youth swim clubs is an extra responsibility for the Orcas, an all-volunteer organization.
Commissioner Laumann inquired about the fee structure of the agreement. Fees collected by the
City from the Club cover direct cost for lifeguard and coaches expenses, pool utilities percentage
and Community Center use. Insurance is provided by the League.
Scholarships and payment plans are available to families and each commit to volunteer labor to
support the Club. No child is turned away. The Club has made outreach to new families through
the schools and this year a focus has been to encourage Hispanic families to participate.
Competitive meets and pool events are held on selected Saturdays May – July, 7 -11 am. The pool
opens to the public on those days at 1 p.m.
M/s Holm/Laumann to approve the 2017 Orcas Swim Club Agreement
AYES: Bustillos, Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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B. Aquatics Season Report
Younkin introduced Tiffany Haley, Aquatics Coordinator who presented a recap of the 2016
Aquatics Season. Haley reviewed the programs produced at the Terra Linda Community Pool, and
the Hamilton Pool. In addition to public swim and lap swim hours, staff produced multiple sessions
of Splash Camp, Babysitter University, swim lessons, Water Gym, Triathlon training, Jr. Lifeguard
Camp, Aquatic Aide Institute, Life Guard and Water Safety Instructor Certification courses. They
also managed group reservations, group swim lessons and family events at each site. They
marketed and sold season passes and discount passes.
She reviewed a summary of revenue and expense for each site.
Commissioner Obletz expressed the information provided excellent data and discussed social media
marketing strategies and discount offers provided at both pools.
Younkin responded to an inquiry regarding lower attendance at Terra Linda Community Pool, by
reminding the Commission that construction of the new pool house delayed opening for the public
season at that site. She also explained the challenges of staffing the 7 day-a-week, 12 hour-day
schedule, especially in the Spring and Fall seasons as most employees are students. To address the
issue staff will recruit among additional demographics, such as retired adults. The pools operate
with approximately 100 part time seasonal staff.
The Commission expressed appreciation and support for the Aquatics program and the leadership
staff and by consensus accepted the report.
C. Albert Field Flagpole Donation
Vice Chair Holm reported the Commission subcommittee met on location to review the proposal for
the installation of a flag pole and seating area at Albert Field, with the goal to be installed for the
2017 Baseball Season. The sub Committee expressed serious concern that the existing flag was
found on the ground, having not been removed after the Pacifics Season.
JD Diego and Phil Martino proponents of the original proposal submitted an Addendum with a final
plan, concept drawing, site identification. They reported the San Rafael Elks Club pledged to
purchase the pole and flag and committed to providing on-going maintenance once installed. The
selected model has solar lighting on the top, is 7” in diameter, 18” base and is 35’ in height. The
site preferred is in proximity to the existing scoreboard. Ghillotti Construction has agreed to install.
The Commission discussed and requested that the Club submit a letter of intent, and commitment
from Ghillotti Construction. McCart requested the equipment identification and specifications to
provide the City with the information needed to review and approve the appropriate site within the
desired location, and confirm the pole structure is sufficient for durability and safety. Staff will also
secure a Building Permit for the installation, and coordinate with the construction company
M/s Holm/Laumann to approve the donation pending the review of Department of Public Works
and Community Development Departments.
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AYES: Bustillos, Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
C. Open Space Acquisition Policy Draft Discussion
McCart reviewed the Commission’s draft policy and suggested criteria for assessing the benefit of
future Open Space acquisition.
Commissioner Laumann suggested the criteria not be weighted to allow for the unique qualities of
any given property. She also suggested the criteria not be interpreted as requirements.
Chair Mihan suggested a change of term relating to property Title, eliminated the wording “In Fee”.
Public Benefit could be expanded to include added value opportunity. He offered the policy could
be referred to as guiding principles. Fiscal Impact should be identified.
Laumann submitted the policy wording be changed to reflect permissive language, exchanging
words such as “must” with “should”.
McCart will make the suggested changes and return for approval.
2. Commission Items
A. Director’s Report
McCart reported on the renewal of the Hamilton Pool Agreement with the City of Novato, the report
to the City Council Finance Committee on the Pickleweed Preschool, solar equipment installation at
the Albert J. Boro Community Center, Arbor Day observance at Falkirk, upcoming Boards and
Commission Reception. She announced her retirement and expressed her gratitude to the
Commission for the 19 years of support of her position, and the 9 years prior as a member of the
Commission.
B. Falkirk Report
McCart reported the successful Southern Experience pop up restaurant program. Both seatings
were sell-outs. Paint night, a social hands-on introduction to watercolor painting was another new
program success.
C. Parks Report
There was no report.
D. Commission Members Reports
There were no comments.
E. Approval of Meeting Minutes October 20, 2016
M/s Machado/Jones to approve the minutes.
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AYES: Bustillos, Emmerson, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.