Background
On May 8, 2006 the City Council approved improving four athletic field sites in the following priority order:
1. Highlands Park lower athletic field renovation replacing the sand-based natural turf with soil-based natural turf using Measure G funds, when they become available.
2. Heather School athletic field, renovating the natural turf and building a first-class field.
3. Tierra Linda Middle School upper and lower natural turf athletic fields converted to all-weather turf.
4. Central Middle School natural turf athletic field converted to all-weather turf.
On June 12, 2006 the City Council authorized staff to include all-weather turf at Heather School athletic field in the analysis of options.
On August 28, 2006 the City Council decided not to pursue renovating Highlands Park lower athletic field replacing the sand-based natural turf with soil-based natural turf since no increase in usage would be realized. The City Council also decided to begin negotiations with the San Carlos School District regarding improvements to athletic fields at Tierra Linda Middle School – upper and lower, Heather School and Central Middle School.
The City Council at their October 9, 2006 regular meeting discussed over-use conditions displayed on City athletic fields and those belonging to the San Carlos School District. Staff was directed to place consideration of a feasibility study for one or more athletic fields on a future agenda. Cost estimates can be provided should the City Council desire to look at other athletic fields other than school fields.
A feasibility study is an industry standard to begin the process of improving an existing facility. This study is done by a landscape architect or other qualified professional. A feasibility study involves cost estimates for the project and long term costs as well as evaluating all aspects of the project and providing alternatives. These aspects include environmental considerations - although not an Environmental Impact Report; engineering considerations such as soils, irrigation, drainage, stormwater requirements and retaining walls; and the potential for increased use and demand on ancillary facilities such as parking, roads, restrooms and bleachers. An evaluation of current and potential usage and contributing factors is also part of the study.
Should City Council approve, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be developed. Staff will return to City Council with the RFP seeking further direction.
There are advantages and disadvantages to conducting a feasibility study for more than one site as noted below:
Advantages
· Potential savings with the selected firm conducting more than one feasibility study
· The information is available should funding become available for more than one field
Disadvantages
· The information in the feasibility study could become dated if a field is not renovated in the near future
· Use agreements do not exist for school sites other than Heather School. Funding for City maintenance and scheduling needs to be identified should that be part of an agreement
The configuration of the Tierra Linda lower field may significantly change due to new construction on the site that encroaches on the existing field. The school district has indicated a conceptual new design that would have the field rotated 90 degrees and eliminate some of the hardscape area currently used for physical education and parking. This plan has not been discussed by the School Board nor has any funding been identified. The firm doing the feasibility study would need to make a best guess on a field configuration.
There has been discussion of extending the existing Central Middle School field into the adjacent play structure area. This was mentioned at the May 8, 2006 City Council meeting as well as the October 3, 2006 2 + 2 meeting with the school district. No approval for expanding the field has been received from the School District. The firm doing the feasibility study would again need to make a best guess on a field configuration. Direction from City Council could clarify these field configurations for purposes of a feasibility study.
The configuration of the Tierra Linda lower field may significantly change due to new construction on the site that encroaches on the existing field. The school district has indicated a conceptual new design that would have the field rotated 90 degrees and eliminate some of the hardscape area currently used for physical education and parking. This plan has not been discussed by the School Board nor has any funding been identified. The firm doing the feasibility study would need to make a best guess on a field configuration.
There has been discussion of extending the existing Central Middle School field into the adjacent play structure area. This was mentioned at the May 8, 2006 City Council meeting as well as the October 3, 2006 2 + 2 meeting with the school district. No approval for expanding the field has been received from the School District. The firm doing the feasibility study would again need to make a best guess on a field configuration. Direction from City Council could clarify these field configurations for purposes of a feasibility study.
Alternatives
The alternatives available to the City Council include:
1. Authorize preparation of a Request For Proposal (RFP) to conduct a feasibility study to analyze cost-benefit implications for renovation of one or more identified athletic fields; or
2. Do not authorize preparation of a Request For Proposal (RFP) to conduct a feasibility study to analyze cost-benefit implications for renovation of one or more identified athletic fields; or
3. Provide staff with alternative direction.
Respectfully submitted,
Barry E. Weiss
Parks and Recreation Director
Approved for submission by:
Mark Weiss, City Manager
