City Hall
San Carlos, CA 94070
February 6, 2008
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:03 P.M. by Gordie Burton in the City Hall Council Chambers. Gordie Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Commissioners present:
Gordie Burton, Chair
Raymond Merala, Vice Chair
Cecily Harris
Tom Johnstone
Carol Taylor
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present:
Donna Giampaoli-Dillard, Recreation Superintendent
Changes to the Order of Agenda
None.
Approval of Minutes
Action
It was noted that the “Meeting Summary – Public Workshop 2 of the Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings, and other Recreational Facilities” did not include note of the following comments/observations by Bill Harris, ASLA, Principle of Harris Design Group (the outfit leading the effort on master plan development):
It was unusual to encounter a city such as San Carlos that had not adopted synthetic turf fields in public parks.
San Carlos has about 2˝ acres of developed park land per 1,000 people.A “standard” of five acres per 1,000 people is a generally recognized target in the community planning world.
Minutes of the December 5, 2007 meeting were approved, 3:1.
Presentations
None
Unfinished Business
None
New Business
a.Consideration of Development of Parks and Recreation Commission FY 2008-09 Work Program
Commissioners identified work program items for the following year.The four primary elements are:
1. Review and plan for implementation of Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings, and other Recreational Facilities
2. Find ways to secure funding of Master Plan for Parks, Open Space, Buildings, and other Recreational Facilities
Conduct a study session on ongoing funding mechanisms (including discussion of Measure G extension)
Contact at least three (3) communities to research their success and challenges in securing ongoing funding for Parks and Recreation
3. Greening of San Carlos
Conduct at least one study session to discuss “Greening of San Carlos” for the San Carlos Community through Parks and Recreation (review Final Report of the 2006 Natural Resources Task Force before this study session).
Develop policy recommendations for adoption by City Council
4. City of San Carlos General Plan Update
Conduct at least two community meetings seeking input regarding development of the Parks and Recreation Element for inclusion in the General Plan Update.
Review and comment on the Environmental Management Element of the General Plan Update
Participate in Parks for the Future planning and implementation
4b. Making the Future Better
Conduct at least one study session to discuss “Making the Future Better” for the San Carlos Community through Parks and Recreation
Develop big picture goals for recommended adoption by City Council
b. Consideration of Scheduling Joint Meetings With Other City Council Appointed Commissions, Beginning With Senior Citizens Advisory Board
Commissioners recognized the value of knowing and understanding the interests, concerns, priorities and personalities associated with other City Council appointed commissions, advisory boards, and the City Council itself.The synergy associated with joint advocacy was recognized.
Commissioners opted to proceed with meeting with designated city council member.
Commissioners opted to schedule meetings with other commissions and advisory boards after commissioners receive and review the Draft Master Plan - this will allow commissioners to come into the meetings with some knowledge (at least as we interpret the draft) of the priorities and interests of the other bodies.
Commission Reports
a.Task Force Reports
Cecily Harris reported that the Trails Committee met; there had been a two year hiatus.The task force has identified some trails that need completion and/or improvement.The Eastridge trail and Pulgas Ridge trail are identified in the County Master Plan.Other (some civil) bodies are involved in trail issues - SFPUC is one.“Trail people” are on the general plan advisory committee.
Staff Reports
a.Parks and Recreation Programs and Services
Donna Giampaoli-Dillard presented highlights of the Staff Report - Parks and Recreation Program Services:
-Park and Recreation employee Gary Hogan was praised by citizens for outstanding efforts and results associated with park bathroom maintenance
-Filling of Recreation Supervisor Position for the Adult Community Center
-Around the clock work of Parks Division, assisting Public Works Department, during recent strong storms
-New defibrillators (and staff training) installed in all City Buildings
-Youth Advisory Council adoption of family in need during holidays.Funds raised during Youth Center dances were used.YAC members had a soul searching moment when reviewing the list or items requested by the family - shoes, socks, warm jacket
-Youth Center Cultural Awareness widened - through Culinary Culture Adventure - this month they studied the “melting pot of Asia,” - Malaysia.
-Youth Center became first building in San Carlos to receive “Green Building Certification” - CA State Legislature was involved
-Burton Playground Committee is within $107,000 of $800,000 fund raising goal
-Burton Park Playground Construction to begin mid May; (demolition in February); the park land base needs to be explored and understood before construction begins
-Solar Power Engineering and Adventure class is attended by 15 youngsters
-Sponsorship (and location of) Summer Concert Series is being discussed.
Discuss Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings
a. Consideration of One or More “Green” Policy Recommendations (March 5, 2008)
See if we can get Anne Iverson and Drew Shell to come and talk with us about this.
b. Study Session - next meeting
Department Discussion with Parks and Recreation Director
1. Programs, Facilities and Services
2. Alternative Fund Development Program
3. Future Planning
4. Budget Updates – Operating & CIP
Public Comment
Bonnie McClure (wearing a fine Summer Concert Series Sweatshirt) suggested further effort toward permanent zoning of land currently used as, but not zoned as, park land, as park land.
Ms. McClure also called for support for Parks for the Future.
Set Date and Time of Next Meeting
a.The Commission set March 5, 2008.
b.April 2, 2008 – Community Workshop for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and Other Recreational Facilities Master Plan
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 P.M.
Ray Merala, Vice Chair
