Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes - March 5, 2008
The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:17 P.M. by Gordie Burton at the San Carlos City Hall Council Chambers. Gordie 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 Presentation by San Carlos Green associated with new business “Consideration of One or More ‘Green’ Policy Recommendations” moved to top of agenda - following approval of minutes.
Approval of Minutes Action
Notes associated with Cecily Harris’ report on the Trails Committee meeting of January 16, 2008 were amended to read as follows: Commissioner Harris reported that the Trails Committee met.There had been a two year hiatus.The Committee’s highest priority trail, the proposed East Ridge Trail is identified in the County Trails Master Plan.Other bodies involved in discussing this trails issue are the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District (MPROSD).Two Trail Committee members are on the County Trails Master Plan Update Committee (Tom Davids and Greg Rubens).Cecily is leading this effort for the County. The proposed East Ridge Trail and Dusky-Footed Wood Rat Trail of Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve could connect to San Carlos trails through Los Vientos Way. Minutes of February 6, 2008 meeting approved as amended. Presentations and New Business a. Consideration of One or More “Green” Policy Recommendations San Carlos Green represented by Drew Shell, Anne Iverson and Margaret Desmond, discussed bases for possible Green Policy Recommendations.Four guiding principals were discussed, elements of the guiding principles which are noted below: I. Commitment to open space and trails - maximize amount and facilitate access A - Commit current parkland to parkland - zone as parkland B - Commit to and achieve General Plan goals; enforce existing codes, ordinances and standards. C - Incorporate commitment into new general plan D - Increase inventory E - Establish park proximity goals F - Adjust in-lieu fees to fully reflect costs of providing parks II. Promotion of recycling and proper disposal of hazardous waste A - San Carlos’ waste diversion rate is 42%; the state of CA mandates 50% at this time; a rate of 75% is being discussed in the state legislature.The residential sector is exceeding goals; business and commercial sectors are lagging. B - More recycling containers at parks at other publicly popular areas such as Laurel Street C - Culture change needed - think recycle before think throw out; create cultural ofrecycling - it’s how we do things; it’s worth the effort; we are recyclers, at home, at work, downtown III. Investment in/Commitment to - energy and water efficiency and green building operations A - Increasing energy efficiency appears be to the lowest cost and highest impact method of reducing energy needs and carbon emissions B - Water distribution is one of the largest applications (kw users) of energy in CA C - Recommendations Follow through on city energy audit recommendations Install additional solar electric panels/systems at city facilities Use Green Business Checklist IV. Dedication to integrated pest management and native landscapes A.Sustainable gardening and landscaping B.Water is becoming a scarcer and more costly resource C.Chemical use associated with horticultural practices are effecting water quality and contributing to “carbon footprint” The need to create a culture of awareness of these issues was mentioned.Discussing possible changes to open space and parks, Mr. Shell suggested that change was often hard to effect because, “People love what they know, if they don’t know it, they don’t love it”. San Carlos Green sees its mission as “Inspiring a more environmentally conscious and sustainable San Carlos.”Resources referenced included the 2006 San Carlos Natural Resources Task Force Report, Green Business Check List - Recycle Works (http://www.recycleworks.org/green_business/index.html), and Energy Watch Facility Audit. Action Commissioner Taylor moved that “The commission recommend to the City Council that any city owned land currently used as park space and open space, and city owned open land, be zoned as park land.Commissioner Harris seconded the motion. A long discussion ensued.The meaning/specificity of some of the terms used in the motion was discussed. The motion was defeated 2-3.Commissioner Taylor agreed to draft another version of the motion, addressing the concerns discussed and e-mail it to all commissioners - that document will then be discussed at a future meeting.
Unfinished Business a.Parks and Recreation Commission FY 2007-08 Work Program Update by Commissioners Deferred to May meeting. b.Consideration of Parks and Recreation Commission FY 2008-09 Work Program Proposed work plan was discussed.Commissioner Taylor distributed a re-drafted work plan. It was moved and seconded that Commissioner Taylor’s draft re: implementation of the Parks, Open Space, Building and other Recreational Facilities Master Plan be adopted.The motion passed 5-0. Commission Reports a.Task Force Reports Commissioner Harris reported she has been attending General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meetings.Progress appears incremental.Commissioner Taylor is working diligently toward a satisfactory Parks and Recreation element of the general plan. Commissioner Merala reported on the Athletic Sites Advisory Council (ASAC) meeting of Feb. 25, 2008.The following organizations were present: San Carlos Youth Softball Association San Carlos Tennis Club San Carlos Soccer American Youth Soccer Organization California Youth Soccer Administration San Carlos Little League San Carlos Pony League Adult Softball Jennifer Moore, Acting Recreation Supervisor Guy Wallace – Parks Superintendent The continued shortage of field time was discussed.Field use time has been reduced from previous levels so that the grass on the various fields may be preserved as safe and playable.The various groups worked together to eliminate conflicts - all groups are working with less time than desired.Field closures are also affecting City of San Carlos administered adult and youth programs.Negotiations regarding implementation of all-weather turf at Heather School Field was discussed. The following fields are to undergo closure for annual renovation on the indicated dates: Lower field at Highlands Community Park (March 24- May 2) Crestview Field (June 2 - July 11) Stadium Field at Highlands Community Park (June 9 - July 18) Heather School Field (June 16 - July 25) Burton Park (July 21 - August 29) Burton North: (September 8 to October 17) Laureola Park (November 3 to December 12) Arguello Park (November 24 to February 21, 2009) The groups also discussed the Weekend Maintenance Worker Gary Hogan, who empties trash receptacles and cleans bathrooms, and wished to thank him for his help and friendly and positive attitude. Staff Reports a.Parks and Recreation Programs and Services Director Weiss presented the March 2008 report.Highlights (and a lowlight) included: -Five special programs at the Adult Community Center, as well as serving as a polling place for the Feb 5 (Super Tuesday) election -Dance classes, including “Hot Salsa” at the Kiwanis Building -Adult basketball - nineteen teams.(There is an unmet need for more adult programs here in San Carlos) -Youth Advisory Council and Youth Center participation at Special Olympics Invitational Basketball Tournament held in Foster City -SpecialNeeds and ARAP (Accessible Recreation Activities Program, RWC) held fourth annual Valentines Dance -Discussions of the philosophy of Gautama; the Four Noble Truths - at the Youth Center - India was the subject of last month’s Cultural Challenge -Phase out of Styrofoam at adult community center -Cancellation of all field trips and special events at the Youth Center - due to budget cuts. Discuss Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings a.Study Session on Potential Measure G Extension or Other Ongoing Funding Mechanisms This discussion will occur at a future meeting.
Public Comment Sandra Mentan emphasized the need to address the zoning of park lands.She reminded the commission that the upper part of Arguello Park was once offered for sale.The sale of San Carlos High School land was discussed.Ms. Mentan also encouraged the commission to emphasize making/shaping policy. Set Date and Time of Next Meeting a.April 2, 2008 – Community Workshop for Parks, Open Space, Buildings and Other Recreational Facilities Master Plan at the Library Conference Rooms A&B Adjournment to Study Session The meeting adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
_____________________ Ray Merala, Vice Chair |
