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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Commission 2026-01-15 Agenda Packet1 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 15, 2026 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-1-15-2026 Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171 ID: 846 2351 0390# AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MINUTES 1. Approve regular meeting minutes of November 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. Draft Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility Use • Recommended Action – Receive report and comment b. CPRS D1 Professional Service Award Nomination • Recommended Action – Support Nomination of Steve Mason c. Review Draft Park and Recreation Commission 2026 Annual Workplan • Recommended Action – Receive report and comment 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/. Page 1 of 6 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 20, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. DRAFT MINUTES __________________________________________________________________ Watch the meeting on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-UQz-q3DUo CALL TO ORDER Chair Sandoval called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Cabrales Commissioner Emerson Commissioner Gutierrez Commissioner Pasternak (Arrived 6:05pm) Chair Sandoval Absent: Also Present: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director Patty McCulley, Program Coordinator Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant AGENDA AMENDMENTS None. MINUTES 1. Approve regular meeting minutes of October 16, 2025 Commissioner Cabrales moved, and Commissioner Gutierrez seconded, to approve the meetings minutes of October 16, 2025. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None 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. 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. Marin Master Gardeners Annual Report Mr. Veramay introduced Patty McCulley who introduced Lillian Trac with Marin Master Gardeners who presented the Marin Master Gardeners Annual Report Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission. Public Comment: None Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded, to accept the Marin Master Gardeners Annual Report. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved. b. Annual Citywide Park and Recreation Master Plan Update Mr. Veramay presented the update for the Annual Citywide Park and Recreation Master Plan. Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission. Public Comment: None 3 Commissioner Pasternak moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded, to accept the Annual Citywide Park and Recreation Master Plan update. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved. c. Selection of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Committee Assignments Mr. Veramay gave a brief overview of the selection process of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Committee Assignments. Ms. Quffa gave a brief overview of the Albert Park Library and Community Center stakeholder committee. Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission. Public Comment: None Commissioner Gutierrez motioned to nominate Commissioner Pasternak as Chair, and Commissioner Sandoval seconded the motion. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved Commissioner Gutierrez motioned to nominate Commissioner Emerson as Vice Chair, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded the motion. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved Commissioner Emerson moved, and Commissioner Sandoval seconded, to accept Commissioner Cabrales as the Albert Park Library & Community Center Community Stakeholder Committee representative and Commissioner Pasternak as the alternate. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None 4 ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded, to accept Commissioner Gutierrez as the Pickleweed Advisory representative and Commissioner Pasternak as the alternate. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved Commissioner Sandoval moved, and Commissioner Gutierrez seconded, to accept Commissioner Sandoval as the Public Art Review Board representative. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Motion approved d. Review Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule for 2026 Mr. Veramay presented the proposed Park and Recreation Commission meeting schedule for 2026. Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission. Public Comment: None Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Pasternak seconded, to approve the Park and Recreation Commission meeting schedule for 2026. AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval NOES: Commissioners: None ABSENT: Commissioners: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None Minutes approved as submitted. 5 STAFF LIAISON REPORT 4. Staff Liaison Report. Mr. Veramay shared a few updates with the Commission: The Board and Commission celebration will be in early December. Ms. Quffa shared that a lot of the big projects are wrapping up and the focus will shift on the cost recovery analysis, which will shift the focus to the program side for 2026. 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. Commissioner Gutierrez shared that she spent a lot of time at the Pickleweed in the Fall and said how beautiful it was. She also recently won a Bocce tournament. Commissioner Pasternak also serves as the President of the Terra Linda Orca swim team and thanked the staff for a successful season. Commissioner Emerson appreciated the City of San Rafael for their partnership with the County. Commissioner Sandoval shared that he has spent a lot of time at the Peacock Gap park with his family and was surprised by the 60/40 in the votes regarding the playground fence. Staff commented regarding the survey. Public Comment: None ADJOURNMENT Chair Sandoval adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m. ___________________________________________ BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2025 6 ___________________________________________ CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT January 15, 2026 Item #3a TITLE: REVIEW OF GUIDELINES FOR LIBRARY AND RECREATION FACILITY USE RECOMMENDATION: That the Commission reviews and comments on the proposed Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility use BACKGROUND: The San Rafael Library and Recreation Department has various rules and guidelines that help the community understand appropriate uses and set clear expectations and rules. However, certain facilities, specifically Recreation Community Centers, didn’t have clearly defined policies in place for rules enforcement. As part of the Department’s policy review process, staff conducted a comprehensive review of the Library Use Guidelines and updated those guidelines to apply to both Library and Recreation Facilities. This update is intended to create a concise, streamlined set of guidelines that can be used consistently across all Library and Recreation facilities. The revised policy reflects staff input and supports a unified approach to facility use across the department. A draft of the updated Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility Use was reviewed at the department’s leadership team meeting in October 2025 and includes feedback gathered from staff throughout the process. The draft was also reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office to ensure legal consistency and compliance. In addition to review by the Park and Recreation Commission, the Guidelines are also being reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees at their regular January 2026 meeting. Staff will consider comments from both of these groups and finalize the policy with the intent of implementing a final draft in early 2026. DISCUSSION: The updated Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility Use significantly expand and update the former Guidelines for Library Use to serve all Library and Recreation facilities. Changes include updated section organization, clarified behavioral expectations, new categories addressing safety and sanitation, and strengthened guidance for staff and patrons. The revised policy provides a more comprehensive, consistent framework for department-wide facility use. Key updates include: Formatting & Organization Page 2 of 3 • Updated title to reflect department-wide applicability. • Added clearer structure with new sections (Purpose, Guidelines, Prohibited Conduct categories, Consequences, Appeals, Reasonable Accommodations). • Improved clarity through reorganized headings, subsections, and consistent formatting. Scope & Applicability • Expands policy to cover all Library and Recreation facilities, including community centers, pools, sports fields, and other sites. • Acknowledges facility-specific rules where applicable. Encouraged Behaviors • Broadens encouraged activities to include recreation programming and use of departmental resources. Prohibited Conduct Updates • Adds and clarifies rules related to safety and security, including harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior, and disruptive conduct. • Expands guidance on items that interfere with access, safety, or operations, including size limits and unsanitary or hazardous items. • Adds specific expectations on facility use such as furniture misuse, unplugging City equipment, restroom misuse, and unsanitary behaviors. • Clarifies rules regarding food consumption, appropriate attire, and odors. • Updates guidance on supervision of children and vulnerable adults and clarifies service animal definitions. • Expands commercial, solicitation, and petitioning restrictions to all facilities. Consequences & Enforcement • Clarifies range of enforcement actions, including warnings, removal, suspensions of up to one year, and permanent restrictions. • Updates language regarding trespassing and potential law enforcement involvement. Appeals & Accommodations • Aligns appeals process with department leadership structure. • Adds Recreation contact information and links to the City’s Reasonable Accommodation Request Form. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with these policy updates Submitted by: Craig Veramay Assistant Library and Recreation Director Page 3 of 3 Attachment 1 – Draft Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility Use DRAFT Guidelines for City of San Rafael Library and Recreation Facility Use Purpose The purpose of the Guidelines for Library and Recreation Facility Use is to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment at San Rafael Library and Recreation facilities. In alignment with our goal to enrich our community through discovery, learning, and play, these guidelines promote an atmosphere conducive to reading, study, exploration, and the appropriate use of the facilities, resources and services. Guidelines To maximize your experience and fully utilize our resources and services, we encourage all patrons to: • Explore our extensive library collections through reading, listening, and viewing • Engage actively in recreation activities, study, learning, and information-seeking activities • Connect with our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are ready to assist you • Take advantage of both our physical collections and comprehensive digital resources • Participate in our diverse library & recreation programs designed to serve our community Prohibited Conduct The following behaviors are prohibited on City of San Rafael Library & Recreation Department facilities to ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all patrons, staff, and volunteers. In addition to the rules below, some Library and Recreation Department facilities offer specialized programs that require speciflc rules (e.g. Terra Linda Pool, Community Gardens, Sports Fields, etc.). Violations of facility speciflc rules or the general guidelines below may result in warnings, removal from the premises, or suspension of privileges: 1. Safety and Security a. Behaving in any manner prohibited by federal, state, or local law b. Use of loud, abusive, threatening, harassing, or insulting language, noises, or behaviors c. Engaging in any sexual behavior, including advances, suggestive comments, or physical contact of a sexual nature d. Public displays of affection that disrupt the environment e. Use of the fa cilities while under the infiuence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs f. Bringing weapons of any kind onto the facilities 2. Access and Pathways a. Blocking or impeding access to entrances, exits, or walkways with bicycles, strollers, power cords, furniture, or other items b. Bringing inappropriate items including bicycles, shopping carts, large trash bags, bedrolls, and strollers without children. c. Bringing items that interfere with operations, create safety hazards, deny space to other patrons, block aisles or building access, are unsanitary or foul-smelling, or exceed 16" x 18" x 24," (roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase) singly or collectively (excludes medical or childcare items). d. Leaving personal belongings or animals unattended on the facilities 3. Facility Use and Conduct a. Lying on fioors or sleeping (except during approved events) b. Failing to wear appropriate attire (shirt/top, pants/skirt/dress, and shoes required) c. Unplugging City equipment to utilize an electrical outlet d. Inappropriate use or rearrangement of furniture or equipment, including disregarding posted guidelines or staff instructions regarding their use e. Inappropriate use of restrooms and water fountains, including laundering and bathing f. Exuding offensive or pervasive odors (including body odor or fragrances) that interfere with others' comfortable use of the facilities g. Actions that create an unsanitary environment, such as clipping nails, wiping bodily fiuids on hands, clothing, or furniture and equipment, or engaging in other unhygienic behaviors h. Consuming food and beverages outside of designated areas, or consuming full meals or aromatic foods anywhere inside the library or community centers (except during approved events) 4. Service and Account Policies a. Fraudulent use of another person's library card or recreation division account b. Leaving children under eight years of age unattended without the supervision of a caregiver aged 15 or older c. Leaving vulnerable adults who require supervision unattended d. Entering with animals other than service animals as deflned by federal and state law 5. Commercial and Solicitation Activities a. Selling or soliciting services or merchandise without prior written permission from the Library and Recreation Director or their designee b. Petitioning, conducting surveys, leafieting, or soliciting funds on the premises Consequences of Non-Compliance Individuals who violate the City’s Municipal Code, these Guidelines, and/or other established policies may be subject to one or more of the following actions: • A warning from Library & Recreation staff and an opportunity to correct the behavior • Immediate removal from the premises • Suspension of access to Library & Recreation speciflc services, facilities, and/or programs for a deflned period of up to one year. • Permanent restriction of access to speciflc services, facilities, and/or programs Refusal to leave the library or recreation facilities when instructed to do so may constitute trespassing. Illegal activity, as well as any willful or repeated violations of these Guidelines or other posted regulations (such as computer use rules, park rules, etc.), may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of privileges. Where permitted under federal, state, or local law, such violations may also lead to arrest. Appeals Process Individuals who believe a suspension has been imposed unfairly or in error may submit a written appeal to the City Manager's office (City Hall, Room 203). Appeal letters must include the appellant's name, contact information (mailing address, email, and telephone number), and reason for appeal. Upon receipt, the City Manager will obtain a report from the Library and Recreation Director or their designee and may schedule a meeting with the appellant. The City Manager will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of flling. This decision is flnal, and the suspension remains in effect during the appeals process. Reasonable Accommodations Individuals requiring reasonable accommodation according to these guidelines due to a disability or health condition may contact library staff at (415) 485-3319, or recreation staff at (415) 485-3333. Individuals requesting a reasonable accommodation may use the City’s form available here: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/documents/reasonable- accommodation-request-form/. Reviewed by Library Board on XXXXXXXX Reviewed by Park and Recreation Commission on XXXXXXXX Date Adopted: ___________________ PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT January 15, 2026 Item #3b TITLE: CALIFORNIA PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY – DISTRICT 1 2025 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD RECOMMENDATION That the Park and Recreation Commission support the nomination of Steve Mason for the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) Professional Service Award. BACKGROUND Founded in 1946, CPRS is a nonprofit, professional and public interest organization and the leading professional association for the Parks and Recreation industry. The California Park and Recreation Society’s mission is to advance the park and recreation profession through education, networking, resources, and advocacy. The state is divided geographically into 15 districts and supports over 4,000 members. The City of San Rafael is a member agency of District 1, which includes the counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Trinity. Individual members are linked to their Agency and/or District and are given the opportunity to designate which of the seven (7) special interest sections within the organization they would like to join. The interest sections include Administrators, Aging Services and Activities, Aquatics, Development & Operations, Educators, Recreation and Recreation Therapy. On an annual basis, CPRS District 1 hosts an awards ceremony to acknowledge community service efforts and install their board of directors. Agencies can nominate community members who have made an outstanding contribution to a CPRS District 1 agency and community either by volunteering or making a significant contribution that assisted in “Creating Community Through People, Parks and Programs.” Agencies may submit up to 2 nominations on an annual basis, and nominees who are selected for award will be invited to participate in the District 1 Awards ceremony. The banquet date is January 31 in Napa, CA. DISCUSSION Following a review of the many wonderful programs, activities, and individuals that have contributed to San Rafael’s Park, Recreation and Childcare programs, staff agreed that the efforts of Steve Mason are particularly deserving. Steve Mason - Professional Services Award Steve Mason retired from the City of San Rafael in August 2025. Steve was an incredible colleague and retired from the City of San Rafael after 16 years of service as a Senior Recreation Supervisor. While Steve had worked for numerous agencies throughout his career, since 1989, most of his work has focused on serving Marin residents: 1989 – 1994 City of Sausalito Recreation Supervisor 1998 – 2000 City of Foster City Recreation Supervisor 2000 – 2002 Strawberry Recreation District District Manager 2002 – 2009 City of Novato Recreation Supervisor 2009 – 2025 City of San Rafael Senior Recreation Supervisor Steve graduated from California State University – Chico with a BA in Recreation Administration. Throughout his career, Steve championed Park and Recreation programs for his communities. He has been a tremendous role model for hundreds of Recreation staff, and he has committed his career to forming and maintaining close community partnerships. Steve has helped to create and produ ce numerous regional community-wide events, including the Labor Day at the Lake (Novato) and the Dia De Los Muertos Celebration (San Rafael). Steve strived to empower individuals in the community through participation in committees, boards, programs and community input. Steve’s coworkers chose him as the San Rafael Employee of the Year in 2015, and he is a past President of the California Park and Recreation Society District 1 and received the California Park and Recreation Society’s Citation Award in 2008. For these reasons, we recommend nomination of Steve for the 2025 CPRS Professional Services Award. FISCAL IMPACT If Steve is awarded, they will be invited to attend the awards banquet in Napa on 1/31/26. CPRS typically furnishes one complimentary banquet ticket pre recipient. The City has budgeted funds available to contribute to purchase additional banquet tickets for City staff and community partners to attend the banquet if necessary and would coordinate attendance with interested attendees. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Any other action as determined by the Commission. Submitted by: Craig Veramay Assistant Library and Recreation Director PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT January 15, 2026 Item #3c TITLE: REVIEW OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION’S ANNUAL WORK PLAN FOR 2026 RECOMMENDATION To review and comment on the draft 2026 Park and Recreation Commission work plan. BACKGROUND The Park and Recreation Commission has requested the opportunity to receive regular reports on Park and Recreation programs and activities, so that the Commissioners can better understand, provide feedback, and advocate for offerings that enhance the vibrancy of the community. The Commission has also expressed interest in providing input on the topics that will be brought forward by staff at Park and Recreation Commission meetings for their consideration. As a result, staff drafted a one-year work plan designed to inform the community and the Commission of the City’s Park and Recreation facilities, programs and services, and policies scheduled to be discussed at future meetings. The Work Plan is subject to changes at the discretion of staff and at the direction of the Commission and is designed to help facilitate and generate agenda items that will be scheduled for future Park and Recreation Commission meetings. City staff seek the Park and Recreation Commission’s assistance in refining or amending the draft work plan and will bring a refined work plan to the Park and Recreation Commission for review and approval at the regularly scheduled January 2026 meeting. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the review of this item. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Any other action as determined by the Commission. Submitted by: Craig Veramay Assistant Library and Recreation Director Attachment: 1. Park and Recreation Commission Draft Work Plan for 2026 Park and Recreation Commission Work Plan – 2026 ATTACHMENT 1 Additional topics: Measure P Updates (likely combined with Library Board), 620 Canal Street Planning and Design Meeting Date Agenda Items January 15 • Review of Draft Work Plan - 2026 • Review Draft Library & Recreation Facility Use Guidelines February 19 • Park Signs Update • Review annual Measure A Work Plan- FY27 • Goldenaires Older Adult Program Annual Report • Marin Bocce Federation Annual Report March 19 • Cost Recovery Analysis • San Rafael Girls Softball Annual Presentation • Canal Community Garden FARE Grant Update April 16 • Pickleweed Advisory Committee Annual Report • Parks Maintenance & Projects Biannual Status Report May 21 • Sports Field Priority Allocation Policy June 18 • Park Tour Field Trip – current & upcoming parks projects TBD July 16 • No Meeting - DARK August 20 • Parks Maintenance & Projects Biannual Status • Trails Existing Conditions Feasibility Study Update September 17 • San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Team Program Report October 15 • TBD November 19 • Marin Master Gardeners Presentation • Annual Citywide Park and Recreation Master Plan Update • Selection of Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Assignments • Review of Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule 2027 December No Meeting - DARK