HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2025-04-17 Agenda Packet1
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APRIL 17, 2025 AT 6:00PM
In-Person:
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE
618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
Participate Virtually:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PRC-04-17-2025
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 846 2351 0390#
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of March 20, 2025
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 two minutes and should be respectful to the
community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. None
AGENDA ITEMS
3. Agenda items:
a. Biannual Parks Project and Maintenance Status Report – October 2024-March 2025
• Recommended Action – Receive and comment
b. Annual Pickleweed Advisory Committee Report - 2025
• Recommended Action – Receive and approve as submitted
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events and 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 available in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 20, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES
__________________________________________________________________
Watch the meeting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsxp3Iya5HU
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Pasternak called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Cabrales
Commissioner Emerson (arrived 6:09 p.m.)
Commissioner Pasternak
Commissioner Gutierrez
Absent: Chair Sandoval
Also Present: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Darcie Chellew, Recreation Supervisor
Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None.
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of February 13, 2025
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded, to approve the
meetings minutes of February 13, 2025.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Pasternak
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Sadoval, Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Minutes approved as submitted.
2
MEETING OPEN FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
NA
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. NA
Public Comment: NA
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. San Rafael Girls Softball Annual Report
Allison DeLeo, President of the San Rafael Girls Softball League, who presented the San
Rafael Girls Softball annual report.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Cabrales moved, and Commissioner Gutierrez seconded to accept the
San Rafael Girls Softball annual report.
AYES: Commissioners: Sandoval, Cabrales, Emerson, Guttierez, Pasternak
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
b. Draft Measure A Fiscal year 2025-26 Work Plan
Mr. Veramay presented the Draft Measure A Fiscal year 2025-26 Work Plan.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission.
Public Comment: NA
3
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded to accept the
Draft Measure A Fiscal year 2025-26 Work Plan.
AYES: Commissioners: Sandoval, Cabrales, Gutierez, Pasternak
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report.
Mr. Veramay shared several updates with the Commission:
• Pickleweed Park has a lot going on. There is concrete and fencing work, and
equipment is starting to go in. The turf material will be coming soon. Now is a good
time to see it in progress, and it should be finished by Summer.
• We did present an update to City Council on the Terra Linda Park Enhancement Plan.
• Recruitment for a Library and Recreation Marketing Coordinator.
• Karina Vasquez was promoted to Site Supervisor at the Pickleweed Preschool.
• Plans are being worked on for the Pickleweed Preschool facility. We are hoping to
design will be completed this year.
• Spring/Summer activity guide was mailed out. It is the 150th year anniversary of the City
of San Rafael and there are plans for a ribbon cutting celebration.
• Catherine and other staff are currently at the CPRS conference in Sacramento.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission
Public Comment: None
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
None
Public Comment: None
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Pasternak adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
4
___________________________________________
BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2025
___________________________________________
CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
April 17, 2025
Item #3a
TITLE: PARK PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE BIANNUAL STATUS REPORT FOR
OCTOBER 2024 THROUGH MARCH 2025
SUMMARY:
This biannual report is submitted by Department of Public Works (DPW) staff to provide a summary of
recently completed, current, or upcoming parks projects and maintenance. The goal is to provide a
summary of parks projects and update the Commission on the status of projects since the last reporting
period.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission receive the biannual report and
provide comments.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
PICKLEWEED PARK ENHANCEMENTS
The conversion of the fields at
Pickleweed Park to all-weather turf has
long been a priority for the City and the
Canal neighborhood. Typically, the
heavily used sports fields are closed for
six months of the year to repair. By
converting the fields to all-weather turf,
the City could more than double
community access to this critical
recreation resource. The City has also
gathered input on additional
improvements that the community would
like to see made at the park, including a
basketball/sport court, fitness
equipment, a playground for children
under 5, a gazebo, and replacement of
the outdoor restroom.
Project Status
In January 2024, the City’s design consultant, Gates + Associates (GATES), submitted 90% plans and
specifications for City review and continues to work with staff to address City comments. The City’s
environmental consultant, WRA has been coordinating with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development District (BCDC) to obtain the necessary permit required for construction.
In March 2024, the City secured its LWCF grant funding by fully executing the grant agreement with the
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State’s Natural Resource Agency. City staff has been coordinating with Marin Audubon Society (MAS)
on the Tiscornia Marsh Restoration project, which is contiguous to the Pickleweed Park Enhancement
project, throughout the design process and will continue to coordinate with MAS into construction and
beyond.
Project design and construction documents were completed in May 2024. City staff advertised the Notice
of Inviting Bid and a Request for Proposal for construction management in May 2024 and June 2024,
respectively. The City received and reviewed four contractor bids and three construction management
services proposals. On July 15, 2024, City Council awarded the construction contract to the low bidder,
Bauman Landscape & Construction, Inc. (Bauman), and the construction management services contract
to Coastland Civil Engineering (Coastland).
In September 2024, Bauman started preparing for construction by submitting product specification
sheets for City review and setting up the project staging area and temporary fencing, while maintaining
continued pedestrian access to the existing restroom. Furthermore, a groundbreaking ceremony was
held on September 27th where Mayor Kate, Councilmembers Maria Llorens Gulati and Rachel Kertz, and
City Manager Cristine Alilovich expressed appreciation for all parties that were involved in making this
project possible and excitement for the completion of the project improvements for the community. City
staff and representatives from Bauman and Coastland also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Since our last report, Bauman
progressed with construction of the
Pickleweed Park Enhancement
project through the wet weather
season to complete grading for the
new all-weather turf field, basketball
court and parking lot extension,
install new storm drain systems, and
install fence posts and concrete
mow band along the new field fence
line. In January 2025, Bauman
installed a sound-attenuating barrier
along the construction fence line
between the construction site and
the eastern marsh habitat, which
allows the project to continue during
the rail nesting season from
February to August. Additionally,
City staff have been coordinating with various design consultants and vendors to ensure the new
restroom complies with the City’s floodplain ordinance.
Over the next few months, Bauman will be installing the all-weather turf for the sports field, gazebo,
playground equipment and storage sheds, and paving the basketball court and parking lot extension.
This project, excluding the new restroom, is anticipated to be completed by July 2025.
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PEACOCK GAP PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
With 4.1 acres of space and several amenities, Peacock
Gap Park is one of the City’s most popular parks. This
project will seek to redesign the play area including
replacing the sand surface with engineered wood
surfacing and replacing failing playground structures.
Other improvements may also include landscaping,
upgrading nearby benches and picnic tables that are at
the end of their lifespan, and improving accessibility to
and from the play area.
Project Status
City staff prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit
landscape architectural and engineering design services
associated with the upgrade of the Peacock Gap Park play area
in the fall of 2023. The City selected landscape architectural firm
RHAA to lead the design effort with a $130,000 budget.
The project was officially kicked off in March of 2024 with a site
coordination meeting and topographic survey collection.
A public outreach effort was completed in June and a layout for
the toddler and school age play areas was selected and
presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission in August.
The project was advertised for construction in October 2024 and
received seven construction bids.
On December 16, 2024, City Council awarded the construction contract to the low bidder, Rapid
Grading Services. The play equipment was ordered early 2025 and construction is anticipated to start
in April 2025 and be completed in Summer 2025.
BOYD PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
Until permanent improvements are made relating
to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the
City will be utilizing existing landscape features
and incorporating a new swing set and play
structure designed for ages 2-5 years old. The
new playground equipment will include various
features, such as a musical bell panel, spring
bobber, and saddle spinner, for user
engagement and interaction. In addition to new
playground equipment, a new ADA compliant
accessible ramp and engineered wood fill will be
installed.
Project Status
Due to reaching the end of its useful life, the existing playground equipment at Boyd Memorial Park
was removed by DPW Park maintenance staff. In September 2024, Gates + Associates coordinated
with City staff during the design development of the playground equipment and layout plans and
provided a construction estimate of approximately $90,000. City staff received quotes from #
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playground equipment providers and awarded the contract to Ross Recreation Equipment Company,
Inc. for the construction and installation of designed playground improvements utilizing the “Best
Value” construction procurement process as outlined in the Public Contract Code Section 10506.4-10.
Start of construction is dependent on the availability of the playground equipment, which has a delivery
and processing period of 12-16 weeks after the purchase date. The playground equipment is estimated
to arrive in Summer 2025 and project construction is anticipated to last about four weeks depending
on weather conditions.
MAINTENANCE UPDATE:
Retaining Wall Repair
A section of the retaining wall at Boyd Park recently fell. Parks staff were able to repair the wall,
making it safe for the public.
Roadside Maintenance
The Park Department maintains over 40 miles of roadsides and medians throughout the City of San
Rafeal. The crew is seen here maintaining a sidewalk stretch of Pt. San Pedro Rd.
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Irrigation Maintenance and Repair
Each spring before turning on the irrigation systems, the Parks Department does a thorough check for
leaks, missing sprinklers and other issues to ensure the systems are functioning properly.
Page 6 of 6
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no costs associated with accepting this report.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Joanna Kwok
Joanna Kwok
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer
Ryan Montes
Ryan Montes
Operations and Maintenance Manager
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
April 17, 2025
Item 3b
TITLE: 2025 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PICKLEWEED ADVISORY COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Parks and Recreation Commission receive the 2025 Pickleweed Advisory Committee
Report and comment.
BACKGROUND:
Annually, the Park and Recreation Commission is to receive a report from the Pickleweed
Advisory Committee. Additionally, the presentation provides an opportunity for members of both
the Commission and the Committee to meet together.
The purpose of the Pickleweed Advisory Committee is to provide valuable input in representing
and advocating for Canal area resident’s needs and wishes for programs and services; and is a
primary public networking resource between Canal residents, representatives from
governmental and non-profit agencies, plus other stakeholders. The duties of the Committee
include being responsible for advising the Park and Recreation Commission, the City Council,
and City Staff on matters pertaining to the facilities, programs, and services for the Albert J.
Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park. They are to make recommendations on policies
and procedures governing the use of the Center and Park in accordance with the mission of the
City of San Rafael. They also serve as an additional layer of review in the City’s Public Art
Review Process for proposals related to the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed
Park. The Committee additionally promotes the use and support of the facility within the Canal
neighborhood, including working in cooperation with citizen and business organizations,
foundations, school districts, and other governmental agencies. The Committee, however, does
not have authority to direct City staff, officials, or volunteers.
For years, the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park have been referred to as
the center of the Canal as they serve as a gathering place for the Canal neighborhood. The
Center provides classes, activities, and events for preschoolers to older adults. In addition to
City run programs, the Center partners with local organizations to provide programs as well as
space for non-profits, private businesses, and individuals to rent and hold activities for the
community or their families. The Pickleweed Advisory Committee enables the Center to more
fully meet the needs of the diverse Canal community.
DISCUSSION:
The Pickleweed Advisory Committee continues to be an essential part of the operation of the
Albert J. Boro Community Center. Through the Committee, the Center is able to co-sponsor
vital programs being offered to the community by providing space, which also saves the City
staffing expense had the City implement the proposed program itself. The Pickleweed Advisory
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Committee has the authority to accept or reject rental fee reduction/waiver requests for the
Center and Park, not exceeding a combined total of $144,200 in 2024, through the Co-
Sponsorship Program. This ability, combined with the City Council setting the Boro Community
Center’s nonprofit and resident rental rates at approximately half the cost of the City’s other
community centers, has proven successful in allowing multiple agencies to also provide a
variety of programs to the community.
The Committee also makes sure a balance of programs is being offered to all interests and
ages, toddlers to older adults, as well as discussing community issues relating to the Center,
Park, and Canal neighborhood.
In 2024, the Pickleweed Advisory Committee was comprised of 11 members (7 voting). These
members include: Jairo Ceballos, Miguel Hau-Gutierrez (Youth Member), Nancy Palacios, Kate
Sprague, Janet Tanchez, Rosa Vasquez, Louise Yost; Andre Pasternak (Commission
Representative as of January 2024), and Steve Mason (Staff/Chair). Darlin Ruiz and Mydung
Nguyen served as alternates to the Committee. At the end of the year, seats vacated by Jairo
Ceballos, Miguel Hau-Gutierrez and Nancy Palacios were filled by Darlin Ruiz and Sergio
Campos.
Four regular meetings were held during the year on the first Wednesday of February, April, June
and August at 7:00 pm, with a special meeting held in September, taking the place of the
regular October meeting. In addition to reviewing co-sponsorship applications, the Committee
received presentations on the Sea Level Rise, Canal Garbage Q & A, the upcoming Pickleweed
Library Renovation, and program updates and overviews provided by Committee members and
staff.
Co-sponsorship applications were accepted twice in the year to accommodate program seasons
so that the Committee could more fairly evaluate the applications against each other.
Season Application Due Application
Presentation
Award
Announcement
Summer (June – Aug) January 10, 2024 February Board Meeting April Board Meeting
School Year (Sept. – May) March 13, 2024 April Board Meeting June Board Meeting
Applications approved by the Pickleweed Advisory Committee in 2024 include:
Program Organization Co-Sponsorship Amount
Youth Day Camp Program
(Summer 2024)
YMCA/SRCS $21,630
Afterschool Program
(2023/2024 School Year)
YMCA/SRCS $46,638
English As A Second
Language Class
Tamalpais Adult School/Bahia
Vista Elementary School
$3,240
Weekly Expressive Art Group DrawBridge $1,408
Aprendiendo Juntos* Parent Services Project $9,823*
Zumba Vivalon $2,063
Canal FC Canal Alliance/ACCESS U
Foundation
$1,386
Troop 2000 Scouts BSA $4,136
Canal Families Art The Canal Arts $648
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Raices Del Canal Afterschool
Program
Raices Del Canal $10,360
Total Co-Sponsorship 2024 $101,332
*Awarded but program
restructured and relocated to
Parent Services Project
All programs listed for 2024 received a full rental fee-waiver for use of the Albert J. Boro
Community Center and/or Pickleweed Park.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no costs associated with accepting this report.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Steve Mason
Senior Recreation Supervisor