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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2016-04-21 Minutes1 San Rafael Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes: April 21, 2016 Chair Ralph Mihan called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the San Rafael City Hall. 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 1. Action Items A. Tour of Falkirk Cultural Center, Greenhouse and Gardens Master Gardener Don Chapman met the Commission at the Falkirk Greenhouse to tour the facility and receive updated information on planting projects as well as community education programs. The Commission then viewed the art exhibit inside the Falkirk Mansion before returning to City Hall. B. Proposal for Contribution to Albert Park Softball Field Phil Martino, Dennis McNeil and Bentley Nelson presented a proposal to install a permanent flag pole to accommodate the American Flag and pennants representing Marin County high schools, along with seating pad at the Albert Park Sport Fields. The cost and installation would be a partnership between the City, the Elks Club and a group of interested residents. Local high schools have endorsed the concept. The group displayed several conceptual designs and views of the proposed project prepared by Terry La Franco, local architect. The proposed location is behind the right field fence of the baseball field, between the field and Albert Park Lane. The Elks Club is prepared to cover the costs of purchase and installation. Maintenance would be provided by volunteers. Commissioners questioned the group to determine: The proposal is for multiple flags to be displayed seasonally. Lighting would be required. City staff will not be responsible for daily raising and lowering. City staff will have difficulty managing the flag to respond to mandates for half-staff observations. The flag must meet City standards for safety and installation specifications and be of a height that is visible from both ball fields. The group estimated costs associated with purchase and installation to be less than $10,000 but the Commission asked for further confirmation. While the Commission agreed the project would improve the esthetics of the site, there was question regarding the security of the area that may prohibit seating as part of the project. Chair Mihan stated the project to be ambitious. Commissioner Laumann applauded the focus on improving the visual impact of Albert Park Lane, and asserted any change would be reviewed to determine the best opportunity and use of the site. She supports determining a larger vision for the park area, with a more comprehensive design. She also asked that the Police Department review any plan to provide a security prospective. Staff confirmed there is a need for a more visible flag pole to serve the sports fields. Commissioner Bustillos supports effort to activate Albert Park Lane. 2 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 21, 2016 Page 2 Laumann is unsure a flag pole as proposed is the best response to activation of Albert Park Lane. Commissioner Machado suggested a refined concept be prepared. Mihan underscored the need for more information, after which it was M/s Holm, Jones A Commission subcommittee of Holm, Laumann, and Obletz along with staff from the Parks Division of Public Works and Police will work with Martino to refine the flag pole project proposal and return to the full Commission in June AYES: Bustillos, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz NOES: None ABSENT: None 2. Commission Items A. Director’s Report Director McCart reminded the Commission of the Falkirk Gallery Closing Reception, April 29, the Beach Park opening, April 30, the Boyd Mural Reception, May 5, Pool House Dedication May 14, Pacifics Opening Day, June 7, Great Race, June 18 and San Rafael Days at the Pacifics on August 2. Significant progress has been made on the review process for plans for Fire Stations 57 and 52. Design Review has been completed for the new Public Safety Center, which include the plans to relocate the Blue House to make way for the new building. Albert Park residents have approached the City for improvements to Albert Park that will affect security. City Council will conduct a study session on the Gallinas Creek Watershed Project Scope. The new scoreboard for Albert Park is in fabrication and hopefully will be installed for the Marin County Athletic League championships. Albert Park will not host the North Coast Sectional championships this year after the facility damage and behavioral problems that occurred last year. B. Falkirk Report There was no report C. Parks Report There was no report D. Commission Members Time There were no comments E. Approval of Minutes, March 17, 2016 M/s Jones/Bustillos to approve the March 17, 2016 Minutes AYES: Bustillos, Holm, Jones, Laumann, Machado, Mihan, Obletz NOES: one ABSENT: None 3. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.