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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-16-2015 Approved P&CS Minutes PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN March 16, 2015 The March 16, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:01 PM at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chair Totaro. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Totaro led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners (Cm.) Present: Ballesteros, Giannini, Thalblum,Totaro, Tran, Tucker Commissioner Absent: . None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3.1 BRIEF INFORMATIONAL ONLY REPORTS FROM THE SENIOR CENTER AND YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEES Senior Center Advisory Committee Cm. Thalblum, Parks and Community Services Commission Liaison to the Senior Center Advisory Committee, reported on the Senior Center Advisory Committee meeting of March 5, 2015. The Advisory Committee received reports on the St. Patrick's Day Celebration Festivities, the Youth Fee Assistance Benefit Concert and the Senior Center Marque. Youth Advisory Committee Cm. Tran reported on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meeting of February 25, 2015. The Advisory Committee received reports on the upcoming Benefit Concert to support the Youth Fee Assistance Program, as well as the YAC Annual Report to be presented to the Parks and Community Service Commission and City Council. The Advisory Committee discussed the upcoming Easter Eggstravaganza event. 3.2 PUBLIC COMMENTS- None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1 Regular Meeting February 23, 2015 On a motion by Vice Chair Ballesteros, seconded by Cm. Tucker, and by a vote of 6-0-0, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 23, 2015 as presented. WRIITEN COMMUNICATIONS—None PUBLIC HEARING—None UNFINISHED BUSINESS—None P&CSC Minutes—March 16, 2015—Page 2 of 4 NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Dougherty Hills Dog Park Renovation Ms. Meghan Tiernan, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Vice Chair Ballesteros asked about the no-mow turf. Ms. Tiernan stated no-mow turf is a scruffier and more durable turf. Vice Chair Ballesteros stated she liked the proposed change with the hours of use and asked if there would be a review period in order to see if the new hours were acceptable to the neighbors. Mr. McCreary stated the hours could be reviewed if recommended by the Commission. Vice Chair Ballesteros asked if pavers could be a landscaping option to provide more durability. Ms. Tiernan stated Staff is suggesting pavers or decomposed granite in the "launch area." Cm. Giannini asked if the proposed changes would be made in phases or as one project. Ms. Tiernan stated the improvements would be implemented in phases as funding becomes available. Cm. Giannini asked about the priority level of the "launch area" and the drainage. Ms. Tiernan stated the drainage improvement may have to be at a later date as it would have a high cost due to the ground work to connect to the drainage pipes. Mr. McCreary stated there is $40,000 available in the Park Maintenance Budget for improvements at the Dog Park during the current Fiscal Year. Cm. Thalblum asked about moving the fences. Ms. Tiernan stated only the fence along Amador Valley Boulevard would move in towards the park. Cm. Thalblum commented on the benches at the entrance area causing congestion. Ms. Tiernan stated many senior citizens use the benches as they are easily accessible. Chair Totaro asked about the consideration for noise mitigation other than the adjustment in hours of operation. Ms. Tiernan stated the proposed improvements do not offer much noise mitigation options. Chair Totaro asked about the $40,000 Park Maintenance Budget. Mr. McCreary stated the $40,000 budget is in addition to the normal operating and maintenance budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The total estimated cost for the Dog Park Project is $75,600. Ms. Patricia Bell, Dublin resident and dog park user, addressed her concerns with the drainage issue. Ms. Maureen Zekman, Dublin resident and dog park user, addressed her concerns with the ground squirrel population, park rules, the purposed closure and the large dog park entry. Ms. Marjorie Bolander, Dublin resident and dog park user, commented on the holes from the ground squirrels, park maintenance, increased signage and mentioned dogs that have not been neutered or spayed tend to be more aggressive. Ms. Claudia McCormick, Dublin resident and dog park user, stated her concerns are with the safety issues, seniors having a hard time crossing the lawn due to the clumps of grass and crowding at the entrance. Mr. John Sherwin, Dublin resident, stated he lives across the street from the dog park and addressed his concerns with the noise and appearance of the dog park. Mr. Sherwin proposed that the City redirect the funds for improving the park to creating a simple dog run in front of the Public Safety Complex facility. Ms. Sheila Jessup Schwarz, Dublin resident and dog park user, agreed with previous concerns regarding the drainage and ground squirrel issues and added that pavers could cause slip hazards. She commented on the proposed closure, the price of each proposed improvement item; and requested to not close the park completely. P&CSC Minutes—March 16,2015—Page 3 of 4 Mr. Steve French, Dublin resident and dog park user, voiced his concern with a dog run, the proposed closure and the ineffective signage. Mr. Karl Emrick, Dublin resident and dog park user, agreed with previous comments regarding the drainage, ground squirrels, safety, and maintenance issues. Mr. Emrick stated he likes the proposed dog park improvements and suggested installing additional garbage cans and waste bag stations as well as additional dog parks in eastern Dublin. Ms. Jamie Aird, Dublin resident and dog park user, commented on her concerns with the drainage and agreed with previous comments regarding the ground squirrels and waste bag stations. The Commission concurred that the top concerns are the drainage, safety issues and signage. Cm. Thalblum asked about the current maintenance schedule. Mr. McCreary stated the current schedule is very limited due to the lack of remaining turf; after the renovation the turf would be regularly maintained once a week. Cm. Thalblum asked about squirrel abatement. Mr. McCreary stated the dog park would close for 2-3 days at a time for abatement and holes are filled daily; as the dog park is near the Dougherty Hills Open Space, the squirrels will be an ongoing issue. Cm. Giannini asked Staff if another possible dog park location has been determined. Mr. McCreary stated the Jordan Ranch Community Park in eastern Dublin has been selected as a future dog park location. Staff continues to work with developers and other public agencies for potential dog park sites to present to City Council. Mr. McCreary commented the Public Safety Complex would not be recommended by Staff for a dog run. Vice Chair Ballesteros asked for clarification on the renovation process. Ms. Tiernan stated the renovation would include aerating the soil, reseeding, fertilizing and a resting period for the roots to become well established. Cm. Tucker commented that he was concerned that the no-mow turf might hide the dog waste; he suggested posting a number or website at the park to report any issues to the City. Cm Tucker also commented on possible opportunities to collaborate with local veterinary offices for a workshop on how pet owners can take care of their dogs and safety issues. Cm. Tran commented that providing more garbage cans and waste bag stations would give people more initiative to clean up after the dogs. Chair Totaro stated there should be reasonable alternatives during the closure period; routine maintenance should take place during low usage times; the operational changes are a good idea and should be implemented. Chair Totaro asked about the drainage. Ms. Tiernan stated the City is referring to the drainage structure; it is possible the whole budget could be used toward the drainage alone. Chair Totaro commented on putting together a Committee for the different issues. Mr. McCreary stated rather than creating a Committee, Staff could invite the community to a workshop outside of the Commission meetings to follow up on the park rules. The Commission was in agreement to have Staff meet with the public to discuss adjusting the closure time, safety issues and park rules outside of the Commission meetings to bring back to Commission for input. Vice Chair Ballesteros asked about the time frame for the renovations listed. Mr. McCreary stated the renovations would not be completed by the 14-15 Fiscal Year; Staff is looking to start the renovations by June 2015. P&CSC Minutes—March 16, 2015—Page 4 of 4 Cm. Thalblum commented on the drainage not being an immediate issue due to the current drought situation and suggested that Dublin Pride volunteers could help clean up and improve the dog park. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 BRIEF INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS FROM PARKS& COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS AND/OR STAFF Cm. Thalblum reported she attended the Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex (EGRAC) Ground Breaking Ceremony and the March 5, 2015 Senior Center Advisory Committee Meeting. Cm. Giannini reported he attended the California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Conference. Vice Chair Ballesteros reported she attended the EGRAC Ground Breaking Ceremony and the St. Patrick's Day Green and White Gala, Festival and 5K Fun Run. Cm. Tucker reported he attended the EGRAC Ground Breaking Ceremony and the CPRS Conference. Cm. Tran reported she attended the St. Patrick's Day festival. Chair Totaro reported he attended the EGRAC Ground Breaking Ceremony. Mr. McCreary provided project updates. Chair Totaro asked about Fallon Sports Park Phase II FSP. Mr. McCreary stated the project is currently out to bid. Vice Chair Ballesteros asked about Dublin Crossing Neighborhood Park. Mr. McCreary stated the park would be a joint use facility with the Dublin Unified School District on the elementary school site. Vice Chair Ballesteros stated she loved the new Camp Activity Guide layout. Chair Totaro asked about summer staffing for the camps and activities. Ms. Cronin stated the Parks and Community Services Department has year round and seasonal staff, contract employees as well as new hires. Chair Totaro asked how the positions are advertised. Ms. Cronin stated the jobs are posted on online with www.Calopps.org, at the Teen 1ob Fair and by word of mouth. Ms. Cronin provided program updates. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Re� Ily submitted, � Jennif Kransky Senior Office Assistant APPROVED: �,