HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2023-05-18 Agenda Packet1
Attachment A
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MAY 18TH, 2023 AT 6:00PM
In-Person:
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE
618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA
Participate Virtually:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PRC-05-18-2023
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 841 0672 5048#
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of April 20, 2023
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are
within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than three minutes and should be respectful to
the community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Special Presentations:
a. 2023 Movies In The Park Series – Cristina Farhang
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary to ensure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Other Agenda Items:
a. Proposed Greenhouse Installation – Marin Master Gardeners
Recommended Action: Review and Approve
b. Falkirk Cultural Center and Marin Master Gardeners Annual Report
Recommended Action: Receive and Comment
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission
members
ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Commission less than 72 hours before the meeting,
shall be available for inspection online and in the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901 placed with other
agenda-related materials on the table in front of the San Rafael Community Center prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters
may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California
Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are avail able in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
Page 1 of 4
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 20, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES
__________________________________________________________________
Watch on Zoom:
https://tinyurl.com/PRC-04-20-2023
Telephone: (669) 900-9128
Meeting ID: 841 0672 5048
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Cabrales
Chair Gutierrez
Commissioner Machado
Commissioner Sandoval
Absent: Commissioner Emerson
Also Present: Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director
Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant
April Miller, Public Works Director
Melonie Reynolds, Gates + Associates
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None.
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of March 17, 2023
Commissioner Machado moved, and Commissioner Sandoval seconded, to approve the
meetings minutes of March 17, 2023.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Machado, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
2
Minutes approved as submitted.
MEETING OPEN FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations
None
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary, to assure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. a. Proposed Design for Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project
Craig Veramay introduced Melonie Reynolds from Gates + Associates who gave the
presentation for the proposed design for Pickleweed Park enhancement project
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Machado moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded to accept the
proposed design for the Pickleweed Park enhancement project.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Machado Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
b. Park Projects and Maintenance Biannual Status Report for October 2022
through March 2023.
April Miller presented the Park Projects and Maintenance Biannual Status Report for
October 2022 through March 2023.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
3
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Cabrales moved, and Commissioner Machado seconded to accept the
Park Projects and Maintenance Biannual Status Report for October 2022 through March
2023.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Machado, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
c. Review Measure A Work Plan for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
Craig Veramay presented the Measure A work plan for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Sandoval moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded to accept the
Measure A work plan for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Machado, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report.
Mr. Veramay highlighted some of the upcoming events. The Library & Recreation
Department will be represented at the HeadsUp Carnival on April 29th at Davidson
Middle School. Beginning May 1st, the Terra Linda Pool will have extended recreation
swim hours. The Sun Valley playground ribbon cutting ceremony is tentatively
scheduled for May 2nd from 4-5 pm. The Public Art Review Board will be meeting on
May 3rd at 6 pm. At this meeting there will be a presentation from The Canal Arts for a
mural at the Albert J. Boro Community Center. Lastly, Summer registration will begin on
May 10th.
Ms. Quffa gave a brief update about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It has been
approved and a final email will be sent out to the community. The full report is
4
approximately 300 pages, and includes information on community demographics,
comparisons of the current recreation amenities in San Rafael to national averages, and
additional supplemental information. In general, San Rafael’s amenities are comparable
to many other agencies of a similar size.
The Library Foundation has created a video about the need for a new library in San
Rafael. Within the next 1-2 weeks you will be seeing advertisements in social media
and website browsing for the need for a new library in San Rafael. On May 15th the city
has commissioned to have a poll be taken to look at a parcel tax for the 2024 election.
The poll will ask the community if they would like funds from the parcel tax to support
the remodel of the current Carnegie Library or for a new library.
Public Comment: None
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
Chair Gutierrez attended the Davidson Middle School clean up.
Public Comment: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
___________________________________________
BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2023
___________________________________________
CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
May 18, 2023
Item 3a
TITLE: PROPOSED GREENHOUSE INSTALLATION AT FALKIRK CULTURAL
CENTER – MARIN MASTER GARDENERS
RECOMMENDATION
That the Commission conditionally approve installation of a new greenhouse by the
University of California Cooperative Extension Marin Master Gardeners at the Falkirk
Cultural Center.
BACKGROUND
Marin Master Gardeners (MMG) is a volunteer organization trained, certified and
operated by University of California, Cooperative Extension in Marin County. Members
graduate from a course of study in horticulture aimed at community level gardening
utilizing best practices for sustainability, climate, and environmental protection. Through
community service and educational outreach, they provide home gardeners and
community organizations with the knowledge and skills to create a healthy environment
for Marin County. Members are non -paid staff of the University of California
Cooperative Extension (UCCE), answering public inquiries and providing information on
all areas of plant health and gardening practices.
MMG began their volunteerism at Falkirk Cultural Center more than 20 years ago with
single projects and public education events. The group evolved in interest and
commitment to the Falkirk grounds. In 2013 the City entered into an Agreement with
MMG' s parent organization, the University of California, acting through its Cooperative
Extension in Marin, to improve and maintain specific landscape areas on the grounds as
per the City adopted Falkirk Landscape Masterplan. The Agreement was amended in
2014 to include improvements and use of the Falkirk Greenhouse, and the City
authorized a new ten (10) year agreement in 2017, with a term expiration of March 31,
2027.
The results of the Agreement are evident in the high level of landscape improvements
now in place at Falkirk. The Mediterranean, Succulent, Green house Gardens are show
places for design and plant selection particularly suited for the San Rafael climate. T he
Greenhouse propagates plants for annual fundraising sales and educational programs,
both adult and school age students. The Marin Master Gardeners are a volunteer
organization dedicated to learning and sharing fact -based information about good
gardening practices.
DISCUSSION
The Marin Master Gardeners have requested permission to install a new greenhouse at
the Falkirk Cultural Center to support their volunteer work. This project would be funded
in full by the Master Gardeners through a Marin Master Gardener’s Opportunity Fund
grant, which are given out to select projects and awarded at the discretion of the co -
presidents of MMG. MMG believes the installation of this new greenhouse will provide
needed additional space to support the growth of succulen ts during the winter months.
The proposed greenhouse is a 6’x8’ prefabricated model that is constructed from
powder-coated aluminum and 10mm polycarbonate panels. The structure can be locked
and includes a roof vent with an automatic vent opener. MMG has proposed installation
in a location that is already being utilized by MMG for storage of pots and planters,
adjacent to an existing wooden storage enclosure. A photograph of the proposed
greenhouse, site plan, and photographs of the existing condition are shown in
attachment 1.
Staff have reviewed the proposal and recommend approval of installation in alignment
with the existing Agreement, pending approval by the Commission and MMG obtaining
any necessary building permits and constructing the greenhouse in compliance with
applicable codes.
The improvement would be installed in accordance with the existing agreement
between the City and UCCE Marin Master Gardeners, which includes a provision
clarifying that all improvements made, and any plants and trees installed by MMG, shall
belong to the City. City staff have expressed to UCCE Marin the concern that if the
structure were vandalized or otherwise became an attractive nuisance or structurally
unsound, or caused other problems that impact our operations of the site, it may need
to be removed.
Additionally, MMG has shared that this improvement represents a significant investment
for their group and has expressed that if the agreement between UCCE Marin and the
City were to end, they will request permission to remove the greenhouse for utilization
at an alternate location. While the City is happy with our existing agreement and hopes
to pursue a new term with MMG, Staff are open to considering removal of the structure
if the term were to expire and not be renewed.
If the Park and Recreation Commission approves this action, it would allow the Marin
Master Gardeners to pursue obtaining any necessary building permits and install a
single 6’x8’ greenhouse at the described location. Installation of additional structures
would require the Gardeners to return to the Park and Recreation Commission, and
may require more extensive City review and approvals, in accordance with their existing
agreement with the City and applicable building and planning codes.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Craig Veramay
Assistant Library and Recreation Director
Attachments:
1. Proposed Greenhouse Images, Site Plan, & Photos of Existing Area.
Item 3a - Attachment 1 - Marin Master Gardeners Greenhouse Proposal
Marin Master Gardener Proposed Greenhouse Equipment
Photo of existing condition of proposed Greenhouse Location
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
May 18, 2023
Item #3b
TITLE: FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
That the Park and Recreation Commission receive the report and comment.
BACKGROUND
The City of San Rafael operates the Falkirk Cultural Center (Falkirk), located at 1408
Mission Avenue at E Street. Falkirk serves as a site of historical heritage - listed on the
National Historic Register - and for many, Falkirk Cultural Center plays a unique role
within the community of San Rafael. It serves as a desirable venue for weddings,
celebrations of life, and other life events, as well as art exhibitions, programs, classes,
and other activities. and contract classes. Falkirk also houses the Mulryan UC Marin
Master Gardener Greenhouse. The Cultural Center is an 11.2-acre property, comprised
of an elegant three-story California Victorian historic home, park grounds, and gardens
maintained by the Marin Master Gardeners.
Falkirk, a California Victorian, is an excellent example of a Queen Anne home, capturing
the spirit of early California with its complex, picturesque roof line of gables and
chimneys, variously shaped bays and decorative details. The mansion was originally
built in 1888 in San Rafael by Ella Nichols Park, a wealthy and reclusive young widow.
After Ella’s death in 1905, Captain Robert Dollar purchased the estate in 1906. Captain
Dollar was born in 1844 in Falkirk, Scotland and became very wealthy, first th rough the
timber industry and later in the shipping business. An active member of civic life in San
Rafael and one of the drafters of the City Charter, Dollar donated much of the city’s
adjacent open space on San Rafael Hill. He also gave lavishly to his hometown of
Falkirk, Scotland, where he is fondly remembered today and in October 1988 San
Rafael and Falkirk became sister cities.
In February 1972, an attempt was made to secure the property from the Dollar family for
development. The plans included the destruction of the mansion and all outbuildings. In
December of that year, the estate was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places and a grassroots citizen’s group, Marin Heritage, began a three-year struggle to
save the estate for the people of the City of San Rafael. In November 1974, voters
approved a four-cent tax to allow for the purchase and maintenance of the estate.
Shortly after the mortgage was paid, California State Proposition 13 disallowed the tax,
leaving the City to maintain Falkirk Cultural Center from the General Operating Fund.
Falkirk now operates as a historic site with tours available upon request. The house and
grounds are available for receptions, weddings, and meetings. The Cultural Center
houses a contemporary art gallery and an educational center for cultural arts.
DISCUSSION
Programming at Falkirk has historically focused on event rentals, art exhibits, and the
Marin Master Gardeners. In 2020, staff also began to implement contract classes,
including art classes such as watercolor and plein air.
Facility Rentals
Rentals have increased and have returned almost back to normal since the pandemic.
Some renters have begun to have yearly events and return again for celebrations of life
events at Falkirk. The below table shows the number of rentals at Falkirk from 2019 to
2022.
Rental Numbers 2019 2020 2021 2022
Rentals 81 14 44 61
Art Exhibits
Falkirk hosted 6 art exhibits in 2022, and 3 have taken place in 2023. Art Exhibitions
continue to be popular and bring in a significant number of visitors to Falkirk. In 2022,
Falkirk art exhibits included: a Winter Juried Show, Terra Linda Ceramics, Marin Open
Studios, Kendall C. King, Art to Amuse & Delight, and the California Watercolor Show.
Opening receptions and exhibits paired with plein air events have drawn the most
interest.
There are several challenges associated with selecting Falkirk art exhibits. City staff are
faced with making difficult decisions about suitability of art proposals, meeting
community interests, and planning for high quality exhibits throughout the year. In the
past, there have been times when Falkirk has not received the volume of proposals
desired, leading to a non-competitive process to ensure the highest quality exhibits. At
the May 5, 2023 Public Art Review Board Meeting, City staff shared a new strategy to
include the Board in the Art Exhibit proposal review process to increase transparency,
expand reach for artists, improve the variety of exhibits offered to the community, and
generate new interest in art at Falkirk.
This proposal includes modifying the current process of receiving exhibit proposals on
an ongoing basis, and instead, releasing a seasonal ‘Request for Proposals’ (RFP) or
‘Call for Artists’. The RFP would include information about the venue, types of exhibits
solicited, date range of potential exhibits, and review period.
After the RFP closing date, City staff would review exhibition propos als to confirm
eligibility in alignment with existing criteria. Following internal review, proposals would
be routed to the Public Art Review Board for review and final approval at a regularly
scheduled Public Art Review Board. Staff would prepare a summary of proposals for
review, and artist or organizers would be invited to present and share their proposal with
the Board for review.
We recommended this process change to help City staff reach a broader audience of
artists and guests, increase transparency surrounding how exhibits are chosen, and
provide support to staff faced with making difficult decisions about which exhibits best
meet the needs of our community. City staff will retain the right to hold calendar space
for selected juried and non-juried shows that have proved popular on an annual basis.
Art Classes and Programs
Watercolor class taught by Michael Friedland continues to be popular. Michael is part of
the California Watercolor Association and is a successful artist and helps curate art
shows at Falkirk. Pastel Plein Air class taught by Jennifer Siegal, who is based out of
Sausalito, will rotate outside once the weather warms up but for now students continue
to participate indoors during the colder seasons. Falkirk also supports camps during the
summer and will host seven weeks of camp this summer. Currently looking for new
programs to bring to Falkirk.
Marin Master Gardeners
Marin Master Gardeners (MMG) is a volunteer organization trained, certified and
operated by University of California, Cooperative Extension in Marin Coun ty. Members
graduate from a course of study in horticulture aimed at community level gardening
utilizing best practices for sustainability, climate, and environmental protection. Through
community service and educational outreach, they provide home gardene rs and
community organizations with the knowledge and skills to create a healthy environment
for Marin County. Members are non -paid staff of the University of California
Cooperative Extension (UCCE), answering public inquiries and providing information on
all areas of plant health and gardening practices. Additionally, the Gardeners have
installed signage to allow visitors to self-guide through the gardens to learn about
plants, pollinators, habitats and water-wise gardening practices.
MMG has had a presence at the Falkirk Cultural Center for more than 20 years. The
group evolved in interest and commitment to the Falkirk grounds. In 2013 the City
entered into an Agreement with MMG' s parent organization, the University of California,
acting through its Cooperative Extension in Marin, to improve and maintain specific
landscape areas on the grounds as per the City adopted Falkirk Landscape Masterplan.
The Agreement was amended in 2014 to include improvements and use of the Falkirk
Greenhouse, and the City authorized a new ten (10) year agreement in 2017, with a
term expiration of March 31, 2027.
In a typical year, volunteers will spend almost 2,000 hours working in these gardens. A
primary activity has been maintaining eight distinct gardens that demonstr ate water-
wise plants that do well in our Mediterranean climate and a new garden that focuses on
native plants endemic to the Bay Area was established. Sheet mulch and reclaimed
water were used to prepare the site over the summer. Over 50 plants went into the
ground in time for the rainy season. Since 2012, Marin Master Gardeners have also
maintained the greenhouse at Falkirk, a structure that dates back to 1927.
In 2022, the greenhouse was used for three grows – pollinator plants, tomatoes, and
succulents. The pollinator and succulent plant sales were held in the greenhouse
parking lot, while the very popular tomato sale is held at different nurseries around
Marin.
Marin Master Gardeners have continued to nurture the Falkirk gardens, adding in fire-
smart features, replacing worn signage, and much more. In 2022, Marin Master
Gardeners had a gradual return to more public interaction through demonstrations and
workshops.
Fiscal Analysis
Below are the expense and revenues for the Falkirk Cultural Center for the past three
fiscal years.
Revenue FY 2019/2020 FY 2020/2021 FY 2021/2022
Rentals $99,219 $16,068 $79,684
Art Exhibits $16,852 $6,586 $14,071
Classes $0 $16,561 $17,684
TOTAL $116,071 $39,215 $111,439
Expense FY 2019/2020 FY 2020/2021 FY 2021/2022
Personnel Costs $176,079 $143,272 $300,414
Services $71,996 $44,781 $42,582
Supplies $1,356 $87 $1,483
Utilities $8,661 $4,452 $6,753
Total Expenses $258,092 $192,592 $351,235
Expenses and revenues have increased from FY2020/2021 to FY2021/2022 as a result,
an increase in rentals and participants in classes. Fluctuations in personnel costs in
recent years are due to changes to the program model due to the Covid -19 pandemic, or
vacancies. Based on Year-to-Date actuals, Fiscal Year 2023 is currently on track to end
the year with increased revenue from rentals and contract classes than FY2021/22.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Cristina Farhang, Debbie Younkin,
Program Coordinator Sr. Recreation Supervisor
Attachment B
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 18, 2023
To: Park and Recreation Commission
From: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Subject: Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest
Date Time Meeting/Event Location
TBD TBD Sun Valley Playground Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony Sun Valley Park
May 5-June 9 Falkirk Exhibit: Marin Open Studios Falkirk Cultural Center
May 20 10:30am-
5:30pm C Street Celebration C Street between 3rd &
4th
May 26 6pm San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Home
Opener Albert Park
May 30 7pm City Council Meeting City Council Chambers
June 1 5:30pm-
8:30pm
Downtown San Rafael Summer Farmer’s
Market
Fourth St, between A
and Lootens St.
June 8 Last day of School - MCSD
June 9 Last day of School - SRCS
June 9 6pm-
10pm
2nd Friday Artwalk & Dining Under the
Lights Downtown San Rafael
June 12 7pm City Council Meeting City Council Chambers
June 15 6pm June Park and Recreation Commission
Meeting SRCC