HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2019-07-18 Minutes1
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
San Rafael Community Center – 618 B Street, San Rafael, CA
July 18, 2019 – 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Tom Obletz called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Chair Tom Obletz, Vice Chair Mark Machado, Jeff Jones, Stacey
Laumann (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Kathryn Reisinger, Cecily
Emerson, Nicholas Skewes-Cox
Commissioners Absent: Mark Bustillos
Staff Present: Susan Andrade-Wax, Library & Recreation Director, Jinder
Banwait, Senior Administrative Assistant, Catherine Quffa,
Management Analyst, and Kevin McGowan, Assistant Public Works
Director & City Engineer
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None
2
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of June 6, 2019
A motion was made by Commissioner Laumann, seconded by Commissioner Jones, to
approve the minutes of the June 6, 2019 meeting as corrected. The motion was approved
unanimously.
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
2. Introductions/Awards/Recognitions/Presentations
Kevin McGowan, Assistant Public Works Director & City Engineer
3. Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
None
MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMISSION
4. Parks Quarterly Status Report for March – June 2019
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared that going forward, the Commission will receive quarterly reports
related to Parks & Recreation from the Department of Public Works. Of which, the very first
report was presented during the meeting by Mr. McGowan. The reports will provide updates on
the progress of Parks & Recreation projects. Commissioner Obletz expressed appreciation for
this effort to Ms. Andrade-Wax and welcomed and thanked Mr. McGowan for presenting the
report.
Mr. McGowan began his presentation with the Albert Park renovation project. The project was
completed, however due to funding shortages, a restroom was not installed. A concrete slab
with plumbing is available for a prefabricated restroom to be installed as soon as funding
becomes available.
A prefabricated restroom has been installed at Bret Harte Park and is functioning. PG&E has
not finalized power connection to the restroom. Therefore, it currently does not have lighting.
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A professional engineering firm was hired to assess all City facilities (approximately twelve
buildings) to determine needs and improvements such as water damage repairs and any
immediate issues. The list was prioritized and was presented by Mr. McGowan. One of the
places identified was the restroom siding at Gerstle Park. It is completely torn off on one side.
Commissioner Laumann asked whether a budget was estimated. Mr. McGowan replied that
the firm that was hired is not familiar with Marin County’s economics and the numbers provided
are not very accurate. For example, the Falkirk House roof was estimated at $60,000, but cost
substantially more.
At Commissioner Obletz’s request, Ms. Andrade-Wax explained how the City Facilities
Assessment Plan compares to the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The City Facilities
Assessment Plan focused on infrastructure issues such as repairs, ADA compliance, or
renovation. The Parks & Recreation Plan will focus on the needs of the City, current inventory
assets, then based on usage and demographics, projects the build out numbers. It predicts
deficiencies or potential deficiencies over the next ten years and recommends funding
strategies. Both plans work together. A recommendation in the General Plan 2040 is to
prepare a Parks & Recreation Master Plan Citywide as the last plan was completed in 1974.
The Parks & Recreation Master Plan will go into depth and provide specifics such as how
many tennis courts, pools, recommend converting natural turf to artificial turf, recommend
drought resistance ground, etc. As part of the plan, it will include the General Plan, any
development plans that have already been adopted. For example, a housing development, the
Parks & Recreation Master Plan will determine the type, size, and number of parks, school
acreage, and trails connectivity for such a development. This information is a huge guiding tool
and is important for funding needs and for developer expectations. Ms. Andrade-Wax will email
a link to the City’s General Plan to the Commission Members. Mr. McGowan offered to provide
information on any specific Commission Members’ questions from the City’s General Plan.
Mr. McGowan continued presenting and provided an update on the Terra Linda Community
Center warped and worn out flooring. The floor has been replaced.
The Pickleweed Park renovation project has been completed. Ms. Andrade -Wax shared that
the project was completed at a third of the cost of the Victor Jones or Albert Park playground
replacement projects. Mr. McGowan contacted Ms. Andrade-Wax at the start of the
Pickleweed Park renovation project and recommended a different approach. Mr. McGowan
recommended contacting the playground equipment manufacturers directly instead of hiring an
architect. Since the new structure would be the same footprint, an architect was not required.
After input from public meetings and a survey, the manufacturer’s design team designed, and
custom built the structure to fit the existing footprint.
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The City Streets Department removed the old structure, debris, and prepared the ground. A
separate contractor was hired for the installation. Commissioner Obletz asked whether an
independent inspection was completed for the new Pickleweed playground equipment. Mr.
McGowan answered yes, an independent inspection was completed before the playground
was officially certified. Commissioner Jones asked where the additional $40,000 came to
complete this $240,000 project. Mr. McGowan replied, the City’s General Fund.
Commissioner Obletz asked whether the new sign at the Albert J. Boro Community Center
was installed and operational, if so, are we promoting events, and whether the sign can display
different languages. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied yes and that it is currently programmed to turn
on at 7 a.m. and off at 10 p.m. The policy for the sign usage is being developed. Currently,
only City and non-profit related events are being promoted. Multiple languages can be
displayed, but only as an image file. The staff are still learning the features and operation of
the sign.
The City is working with the Bay Conservation & Development Commission to reopen a
restroom at the Jean & John Starkweather Shoreline Park. The restroom was installed in the
early 90’s and was shut down at the property owner’s request due to illicit activity. Now, the
Bay Conservation & Development Commission are requiring that a restroom be reinstalled.
However, there were certain conditions from when the park was originally developed that are
making this process challenging. There are also ADA compliance, op en hours, and sanitation
engineering issues preventing further progress.
The restrooms at the San Rafael Community Center are in the queue for renovation. The
partitions are rotting. As soon as a contractor becomes available, a date will be set to begin t he
work sometime in November based on the community center’s hours and programming
schedule. A local architect was selected to design the restrooms.
San Rafael Community Center stage lighting is old and needs replacing. A designer has
designed new lighting and an electrical system for this upgrade. The City is putting together a
packet for RFPs. The City is researching to find the right electrical contractor but is having
difficulties.
Modular buildings for Mary E. Silveira Elementary, Lucas Valley Elementary, and the
Pickleweed Children’s Center need to be replaced. Pickleweed will be the easiest as it is not
part of a school District. Mary E. Silveira and Lucas Valley Elementary School locations must
be approved by the State Architect as there are certain procedures the City is obligated to
follow. The City is looking into hiring an architect to assist with this project. Commissioner
Reisinger asked whether the new modular will be the same size. Mr. McGowan replied, yes.
Commissioner Laumann asked whether there is currently a lack of space at schools and for
childcare. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that replacing the modular buildings and dealing with
the State Architect Office is very difficult and challenging.
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The work must be done during school closures. The building codes have changed since the
modular buildings were last installed and must be taken into consideration. ADA access must
also be considered. The location of the crane bringing in the modular, etc. There are many
steps involved. Architects have the knowledge and understanding that is required for this
project. The Parks & Recreation Master Plan will evaluate the facilities and programming
needs and will let us know what areas we need to expand. Commissioner Laumann expressed
that there is a current need for childcare programming and facilities and since we have the
capital, why can’t we address that need now. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that something we
need to keep in mind is the possibility of school districts going to full day kindergarten end ing
at 3 p.m. Most programs start at 3:30 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. State licensing is no longer
required for these programs, which means more flexibility as far as programming. Another
thing to remember is that the need may change in the next few years and what we need to
provide may change. Therefore, we don’t want to overinvest in something we may not need in
a few years. Commissioner Machado asked how much the cost is to replace the modulars. Ms.
Quffa answered, approximately one million in total.
Mr. McGowan continued to present and discussed the proposed projects in FY20. One project
is the restroom at Gerstle Park, the siding needs replacing. Other projects include replacing
the playground structure at Sun Valley Park, Peacock Gap, and Bernard Hoffman F ield,
following the same approach as Pickleweed Park. Ensuring there is community involvement in
the process. Commissioner Obletz asked whether the footprint will be expanded. Mr.
McGowan explained that it is much more cost effective and efficient not to e xpand the footprint
as it eliminates the need of an environmental document and a design architect. Ms. Andrade -
Wax explained that the footprint accommodates both preschool and school age children. The
requirement in replacing the playground structures is not that they are not large enough, but
the requirement is that they are outdated. This approach also takes a lot less time, months
versus years. Commissioner Obletz shared that the B Team was instrumental in the renovation
of Albert Park and that he would like to see that replicated with future projects. Ms. Andrade-
Wax assured the Commission that community participation is very important, and she and Mr.
McGowan will facilitate community engagement throughout the process.
Mr. McGowan continued presenting and discussed the needs of the Albert Park Stadium. An
ADA compliant lift is needed to reach the bleachers and old restroom facilities need updating.
He added that miscellaneous repairs are needed at all the community center locations and that
the Department of Public Works Staff are coordinating planning to address the issues.
Mr. McGowan shared information about upcoming parks maintenance projects. The
Department of Public Works team will be replacing benches and barbecues at the Pickleweed
Park. The juniper at Victor Jones Park will be cut back as requested by the San Rafael Fire
Department. The metal grates in the tree wells in downtown will be replaced with sand as the
metal grates are a tripping hazard. Schoen Park is a tiny park where a lot of illicit activity takes
place and it doesn’t really serve its purpose due to its small size , it will be eliminated.
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The community has been encouraged to utilize the newly improved Pickleweed Park. The land
will be used to increase parking in the Canal Area, provide access for encroaching trail, and
space for marshes.
Mr. McGowan continued and discussed Routine Park Maintenance. He explained that during
the six cold months, the Parks and Streets crews at the Department of Public Works join forces
to assess storm damage issues. However, they separate during the six hotter months. It is
during the six hotter months, Parks can address major projects in parks. Boyd Park has
lighting issues due to a fallen electrical poll. A new pole will be installed to ensure enough
lighting.
Mr. McGowan completed the presentation and the Commission Members expressed their
appreciation. Ms. Andrade-Wax also expressed appreciation for the Department of Public
Works and their efforts.
Commissioner Obletz asked Mr. McGowan whether a park sign will be installed at Albert Park.
He explained that there is a sign directing the public to the community center, but not Albert
Park. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that she would investigate Commissioner Obletz’s request. Mr.
McGowan shared that the City is looking into new directional signs throughout the entire City.
Commissioner Obletz also informed City staff that the new wooden sign at the entrance of the
San Rafael Community Center appears to have sustained damage. Ms. Andrade-Wax said
she would inspect the sign. The Commission Members expressed their appreciation to Mr.
McGowan for his presentation and efforts. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained to the Commission
Members that the quarterly reports will start with the City’s fiscal year and will be presented in
the month succeeding each quarter.
Commission Reports and Comments
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
Commissioner Emerson attended the General Plan meeting where economic consultants
presented the Downtown Precise Plan. The plan covered commerce, retail, real estate, and
transportation. The optional element that was added was the Economic Vitality Element.
Commissioner Emerson urged everyone to review the professionally prepared Downtown
Precise Plan as it is very detailed and included interesting information about San Rafael.
Everyone is including the Economic Vitality Element in their plans. One of the things that was
emphasized in the plan was that more people live in San Rafael than there are in downtown.
Questions such as how we get more people downtown, more businesses to do business in
downtown, and more housing and hotels in downtown. How to keep people shopping in Marin,
for example auto businesses, so that revenue isn’t lost, having policies in place that support a
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healthy economic infrastructure. For example, policies that make it easier to obtain a business
permit. Ms. Andrade-Wax recommended watching the entire presentation at the Council
Meeting on the City’s website, dated 7/15/2019. Commissioner Emerson explained that there
are lot of good things happening, but there are concerns about adequate maximization of
things like the SMART Train and how more people can come downtown to a lively night scene.
Most businesses close at night, but during the day six thousand people work in downtown.
Commissioner Obletz shared that the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce had a campaign a
while back named “Alive after Five” to promote downtown after 5 p.m. Commissioner Emerson
encouraged everyone to review the information and watch the presentation online. She also
said that as part of the infrastructure policy, there will be a community engagement plan or a
committee for equity planning to ensure adequate community engagement from diverse
communities. Commissioner Obletz said the committee is about thirty to forty members.
Commissioner Jones added that they don’t always agree but are highly organized and detailed
in their effort.
Commissioner Obletz shared that he was appointed by the Mayor and City Council to
participate on the Wildfire Safety and Advisory Committee. The committee has seventeen
members and have had two meetings, with another upcoming meeting. The members include
a fire commissioner, someone from a local nursery, someone from the Association of Realtors,
and others from different interest groups. The committee had an hour-long discussion about
what plants should be allowed in Marin County. They discovered that there is a lot o f overlap
throughout the County with creating documents, ideas, and creating defensible space. This will
not be a long-term committee with ongoing monthly meetings. The committee was established
by the City Council as a temporary advisory committee. Fire Safe Marin is taking the lead and
has done so for years. They hold seminars and workshops and have published a fair amount
of comprehensive material. However, the concern is that Mill Valley is creating ordinances and
is keeping their foot paths open as emergency routes and have even installed emergency
sirens at cost of five hundred thousand dollars. There appears to be a lot of duplication.
Commissioner Reisinger asked whether Fire Safe Marin is a County program. Commissioner
Obletz replied it is, that it was initially a state program, but is now administered by the County.
Commissioner Reisinger shared that a firefighter from the County and a firefighter from the
City came to her house and provided conflicting information. Commissioner Obletz shared that
certain plants such as bamboo, acacia, cypress, and junipers are forbidden. Commissioner
Reisinger added that weeds are also prohibited. Commissioner Emerson asked whether there
are any incentives for homeowners to eliminate problem plants. Commissioner Obletz shared
that someone from the Association of Realtors said that removing these plants as a condition
of sale would to slow down sales and add cost to the exchange of ownership. He was making
a strong case, like sewer laterals, which must be inspected, and a determination is made
whether the seller or buyer covers the cost, who is responsible?
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Commissioner Machado shared that there are twenty-three to twenty-four thousand homes
and it could take up to 40 years to go through and inspect each home. Commissioner Jones
shared that when the fire department came to his house to talk about his juniper bushes, they
provided a truck to pick up and chip any prohibited plants that were cut. Commissioner Obletz
said that the City has a contract with California Conserva tion Corp who provide this type of
service to San Rafael Residents.
Commissioner Obletz asked whether the Falkirk House roof project was completed. Ms.
Andrade-Wax replied it’s done, and it came in far less than the five hu ndred to six hundred
thousand dollar estimated price.
Commissioner Reisinger expressed interest in setting up a table representing the Park &
Recreation Commission and share what the members do at the Movie in the Park Night
events. Commissioners Obletz and Jones agreed that it was a great idea. Commissioner
Jones stated that after sitting in at the 2040 Plan meetings, the Park & Recreation Commission
is misunderstood as to what the members do and represent. He shared that the consensus is
that our parks are a mess, but he wondered when the last time these individuals visited City
parks to see the changes that have been taking place over the last decade or more.
Commissioner Reisinger volunteered to assist in coordinating this effort and added that this
would be a great community engagement opportunity and to receive feedback. Commissioner
Obletz pointed out that 5 movies were scheduled, and only 3 remain. Commissioner Reisinger
asked how this type of engagement can get started. Commissioner Laumann asked who
manages these events. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that the entire department manages these
events, not one specific staff member leading. She shared that if this is something the
Commission Members are interested in pursuing, depending on site, we can organize
something. Ms. Andrade-Wax suggested an alternate event like the Downtown Market for this
type of engagement. She recommended bringing back this topic at a future meeting and
shared her only concern that the members refrain from having a quorum during th ese
engagements. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that discussing items on an agenda could be a
violation and that she supports and wants to assist with the idea but would like to understand
the Commission Members’ needs. Commissioner Obletz asked whether popcorn is served or
sold at Movie in the Park Night events. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied, popcorn is given away while
a vendor sells ice cream. Commissioner Reisinger asked if Ms. Andrade-Wax would ask staff
how the Commission Members can have a presence at these eve nts without getting in the
way. Ms. Andrade-Wax replied, she would.
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared that the Commission will be having some vacancies and while
engaging with the community, the Commission Members can ask people if they are interested
in serving on the Commission.
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Commissioner Skewes-Cox announced that he is moving to Ross in August and therefore will
no longer be eligible to serve on the Commission. He shared that being a Commission
Member has been a great experience, that it is fascinating, he feels like a more complete
person through the experience, and he has supreme faith in the work of the Commission. The
Commission Members thanked and congratulated Commissioner Skewes-Cox.
Ms. Andrade-Wax announced that Commissioner Bustillos has also shared that the current
term will be his last. She said she will follow up with the Alternate Commission Member to see
if she is interested in becoming a permanent member. Ms. Andrade -Wax recommended that
Commissioner Emerson send an email to Ms. Andrade -Wax and the City Clerk expressing
interest in filling one of the permanent vacancies. The City Clerk will notify the City Council as
they are currently recruiting. Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that since Commissioner Skewes-
Cox will not be attending the next meeting, Commissioner Emerson, as an alternate, will be
filling in for Commissioner Skewes-Cox’s at the meeting.
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared that there wasn’t a problem us moving the Commission meeting time
up to 6:00 p.m. and asked whether the Commission Members were interested in making the
change. A consensus was reached to meet at 6:00 p.m. for the next meeting based on
responses from the Commission Members. The next meeting is scheduled for September 19,
2019.
Staff Comments
6. Schedule of Upcoming Meetings and Events of Interest
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared upcoming meetings and events. She provided a copy of the Parks &
Recreation Society Magazine to all Commission Members. The California Watercolor
Association Exhibit is on display. The awards will be on August 9th after the 2nd Friday Art
Walk and the gallery will be open at Falkirk.
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared with the Commission that Mr. Banwait is filling in while Ms. Ordin is
out on leave. Ms. Ordin will be away until the end of August.
Ms. Andrade-Wax announced that on Monday, July 15th, Community Services officially
became the Department of Library and Recreation. The management is working with the City
Manager on the formal organizational chart to determine the new structure and positions. It will
then go to City Council for approval.
Ms. Andrade-Wax shared that the New Library Facilities Planning Process has concluded, and
a draft report is ready. Management is working with the City Manager and City Council to
determine when the report will be presented. The study reports on the Pickleweed and
Northgate expansions, but also three options for the downtown Main Library. The three options
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are the existing location, Boyd Park, and the San Rafael Community Center/Albert Park. Ms.
Andrade-Wax emphasized the importance of attending the Council Meeting as the third option
in downtown, if selected, would completely rebuild the community center and would share the
space with the library. Since the departments have combined, the new facility would be a great
symbol of this merger. Commissioner Obletz asked what would happen to the Carnegie Library
if the community center location is selected.
Ms. Andrade-Wax replied that the City Council would direct staff to research possible options
for “re-use” of the building. Upon review, the City Council may take one of the following
actions. Accept the report with no action or accept the report and take further action which
include one or more of the following action steps: ask staff to develop a conceptual plan of the
selected site, a plan to reuse the Carnegie building, and /or provide funding strategies. Ms.
Andrade-Wax encouraged everyone to attend the meeting and to spread the word. She
expressed her excitement about the New Library Facilities Planning Process and her new role
as the director of the merged department.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned 8:23p.m.