The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:11 P.M. by Chairperson Gordie Burton at the San Carlos Library Conference Rooms A&B. Chairperson Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Commissioners present:

Gordie Burton, Chair

Ray Merala, Vice Chair

Cecily Harris

Tom Johnstone

Carol Taylor

Commissioners absent:  None

Staff present:  Barry Weiss, Director

Changes to the Order of Agenda

None

Approval of Minutes

Action

Minutes of the meeting of March 5, 2008 approved as submitted.

Presentations

a. Community Workshop for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and Other Recreational Facilities Master Plan

• Presentation by Bill Harris of Harris Design and Laura Livingston of The Sports Management Group.

A draft action plan for the City of San Carlos Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and other Recreational Facilities has been developed.Mr. Harris and Ms. Livingston presented highlights of the draft action plan.The goal of the master plan is to create a “blueprint” for the long term (looking out to 2020) development and improvement of San Carlos parks; focusing on physical facilities.

The development of an Action Plan is the third phase of the Master Plan project.The five phases of the project are:

1. Inventory and Analysis

2. Needs Assessment

3. Action Plan (draft discussed tonight)

4. Implementation Plan

5. Final Master Plan

The Action Plan Recommendations were grouped in five areas; new parks, existing parks, open space, active recreation facilities, and community facilities.Details associated within in each area are available in the draft Action Plan document, Highlights include:

I.  New Parks

Park Land Acquisition - potential sites were discussed; as were pluses and minuses of some ideas.

Dog Park

Skate Park

Sports Complex

II. Existing Parks

Specific recommendations for the existing parks were made.Facility upgrades/renovations are generally recommended at all parks (listed below). “Community Parks” are distinguished from “Neighborhood Parks,” by size.

III. Open Space

San Carlos is unique in that it has a significant inventory of open space.Recommendations for the following areas were made:Big Canyon Park, Eaton Park, and North Crestview property.The action plan recommended implementing the city council approved Trails Connection Plan, preparing an Open Space Management Plan, and investigating acquisition either outright or via easement of undeveloped privately owned open space areas east of Crestview Drive and immediately below the Devonshire Canyon area of unincorporated San Mateo County.

IV. Active Recreation Facilities

Sports Fields -

Sports Complex - requires 20+ acres; $30 to $80 million.

City/School District Joint Use Agreements

Court Sports - Tennis and Basketball

V.  Community Facilities

The community has expressed an interest in many facilities.

Aquatics Facility

Performing Arts Center

Community Center

Gymnasium for Adult Play

• Public Comment was significant with a large turnout from San Carlos Tennis Club

• Commission Discussion covered many areas highlighted and will be reflected, where possible, in the final draft document.

Unfinished Business

None

New Business

None

Commission Reports

a.Task Force Reports

None

Staff Reports

a.  Parks and Recreation Programs and Services

Barry Weiss presented the April 2008 report highlighted by:

·A warm thank you to staff from an Adult Community Center Patron

·Tulips and other plantings at Burton Park from home of Parks Professional Kim Cairo

·A new walkway has been put in between City Hall and the Senior’s Center

·Two San Carlos residents, each 11 years old, are holding “Apprentice” birthday parties at Burton Park to raise funds for the Park Renovation.

Discuss Potential Agenda topics for Future Meetings

The following items were identified as potential agenda items:

a.  Consideration of Recommendation Regarding Zoning of Parks and Open Space Areas

b.  Parks and Recreation Commission FY 2007-08 Work Program Update by Commissioners

c.  Consideration of One or More “Green’ Policy Recommendations – May 7, 2008

d.  Study Session on Potential Measure G Extension or Other Ongoing Funding Mechanisms

Public Comment

None

Set Date and Time of Next Meeting

a.  May 7, 2008

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M.

Ray Merala, Vice Chair