body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,1,"MINUTES OF
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
ALAMEDA
RECREATION & PARKS
MEETING OF APRIL 14, 2005
1327 Oak St., Alameda, CA 94501
(510)747-7529
DATE:
Thursday, April 14, 2005
TIME:
7:00 p.m.
PLACE:
City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Ave., Third Floor, Room 360
Alameda, CA 94501
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Jay Ingram, Vice Chair Jo Kahuanui, Commissioners Christine
Johnson, Georg Oliver, Bruce Reeves
Staff:
Dale Lillard, Acting Director (AD)
Christa Johnson, Assistant to the City Manager
Absent:
None
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve Minutes of March 10, 2005 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
REEVES/KAHUANUI
(approved)
In Favor (3) -
Ingram, Kahuanui, Reeves
Abstentions (2) - Johnson, Oliver
""That ""Action"" be removed from items C & D on page 4 and that Minutes of March
10, 2005 Recreation & Park Commission Meeting be approved with the above
corrections.""
3.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA
(Any person may address the Commission in regard to any matter over which the
Commission has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the agenda.)
4.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
5.
NEW BUSINESS
1
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,2,"A.
Discussion of Transportation Master Plan Policies - (Discussion Item)
Barbara Hawkins, Public Works Supervising Civil Engineer, presented the Transportation
Master Plan Policies to the Recreation and Park Commission. The policy portion of the
completed Transportation Master Plan will be recommended as the transportation element
of the future General Plan update.
In March and April, the document is being presented to each of the Boards and
Commissions represented on the Task Force (with the exception of the Planning Board) to
solicit comments and approval.
Chair Ingram asked if a chain link fence or wrought iron fence is considered a sound wall.
Ms. Hawkins stated no.
Chair Ingram asked Ms. Hawkins for an explanation of a Traffic Calming Toolbox. Ms.
Hawkins stated that a Tool Box is a list of ways to calm traffic.
Commissioner Reeves asked if ""one way"" streets were ever considered on some of the
smaller streets (e.g., Walnut, Chestnut, etc.). Ms. Hawkins stated that part of the
Transportation Master Plan is to look at the grid map and see which streets should be main
thorough fares, etc. The issue of one way streets will be looked at.
Chair Ingram stated that he agreed with objective B-2.5, maintaining the speed limit of 25
mph on all streets in Alameda in order to avoid creating barriers between neighborhoods.
Exempt current roadways with speed limits above 25 mph: Ralph Appezzato Memorial
Parkway, Main Street, Constitution Way, Tilden Way, Doolittle Drive, Island Drive, North
Loop Road, South Sloop Road, and Harbor Bay Parkway.
Chair Ingram also stated that he agreed with objective B-5.1, consider a fully-funded on-
street and off-street parking permit to support access and transportation objectives. Mr.
Ingram asked if the program would be like San Francisco where you purchase a permit
through the City and then you can park on the street if you have a permit. Ms. Hawkins
stated that permits need to be structured for the City and they are investigating the issue.
B.
Presentation of Facility Photos/Inventory - (Information Only)
Item is tabled until the May Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
C.
ARPD Office Relocation to 2226 Santa Clara Avenue - (Discussion Item)
AD Lillard stated that the lease for 1327 Oak Street came to an end on December 31,
2004. The School District has extended the lease for six months which will end in June.
The ARPD administrative office will be relocating to 2226 Santa Clara Avenue (old County
Mental Health Building). Renovation of the new building has begun and it is anticipated
2
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,3,"that we will be moving in the weekend of May 20, 2005.
D.
Update on Leydecker Park Playground Project - (Oral Report/Discussion Item)
AD Lillard reviewed the selection of the playground equipment with the Recreation and
Park Commission. Playgrounds by Design, Inc. was selected to provide the equipment
with installation to be completed by Community Playgrounds, Inc.
The playground will be moved from its existing location (next to Library) to where the
volleyball court is now located. The volleyball court will be removed. The playground is
being relocated due to softballs being hit/played into the play area during softball games.
Moving to the new area will be safer for children.
A Neighborhood Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. in the
Leydecker Recreation Center.
Commissioner Reeves stated that if it is safer and in a place where it is more visible and of
the same quality as the other newer playgrounds then it will be great.
Chair Ingram asked if earth tones will be used for the colors. AD Lillard stated that the
sample is in earth tones, but that may change at the Neighborhood meeting.
Vice Chair Kahuanui asked what will happen to the old play area. AD Lillard stated that the
area will probably be resodded and left open. Playing in the old area is discouraged
because we do not want the kids to get hurt.
AD Lillard stated that the playground should be completed in time to use it during most of
the summer.
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
Revised Site Plan for Wireless Telecommunication Facility at Washington Park
(American Tower Corporation) - (Discussion/Action Item)
Bruce Knopf, Redevelopment Manager, and Jason Peery, American Tower representative,
presented the revised site plan for the wireless telecommunication facility at Washington
Park. At the last meeting there were three major issues of concern. They were:
-
Reducing size of area to be occupied.
-
Reducing the obtrusiveness of the equipment enclosure.
-
Making the antennae's blend in and change size of the pole.
American Tower has revised the plans from the ground up to address the issues.
-
Equipment area was moved down the third base line. Fence will be moved in to
3
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,4,"create more space for the building.
-
Air conditioning units were placed on the side of building to reduce height.
-
New fence will be installed.
-
Selection of building and the pole colors will be determined by the Recreation
and Park Acting Director and approved by the Planning Board.
-
Landscaping will be done with climbing vines (not on the field side) between the
building and the fence.
-
Interior area (between new fence and third base of the ball field) will have sod
replaced.
-
Enclosed fenced-in area that was shown on the drawing a month ago is now
gone.
AD Lillard asked Mr. Knopf if he could negotiate to have American Tower take care of the
landscaping of the vines that will be planted by the building. Mr. Knopf stated that he will
ask.
Chair Ingram asked if staff had looked into the tree antennae's. Mr. Knopf stated that it
was felt that installing a pole would fit in with the current look of the park. The antennae's
will be hidden inside the light pole and the pole can be painted any color desired.
Chair Ingram asked what would be the girth of the pole. Mr. Peery stated that it will be
approximately three feet. It will be similar to what is out there now.
Lil Arnerich, Alameda resident, stated that for the record in the Lease Agreement it states
that the particular pole and building could become obsolete. American Tower should be
responsible for the removal of building and the pole should it be abandoned. This is also in
the Lease Agreement.
Mr. Arnerich also stated that the construction will be happening during the summer which is
a very busy time, both during the day and night. Construction hours should be regulated.
There will be people in the picnic areas and on the tennis courts. Mr. Arnerich showed the
Commission and Mr. Peery where gates are located that will let the large crane in to install
the pole.
Regarding the eight foot fence, Mr. Arnerich suggests theatrical scenery (trees, shrubs,
etc.) be used to hide the building. He will forward pictures of other areas where this has
been used to the American Tower representative.
Mr. Arnerich asked Mr. Peery to sod between the new fence and third base of the ball field.
He would like picnic tables and benches installed to be used by the families that frequently
use the area.
Chair Ingram asked what four carriers are being looked at to use the tower. Mr. Knopf
stated that Cingular (AT&T and Cingular merged), Sprint (Sprint and Nextel merged), T-
Mobil, Metro PCS are now significant carriers. Mr. Arnerich stated that many times one
4
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,5,"firm will take over for another firm and they will say that they are not responsible for their
actions. Mr. Knopf stated that typically where there are terminations of the contracts the
City is vulnerable. But, where there are contracts in place they are liable for lease
payments during that time and removal of equipment.
Chair Ingram asked if the air conditioning units that are being installed on the side of the
building were going to be the same size as the ones that were being proposed for the roof.
Mr. Peery stated they are 2.6 feet tall. Chair Ingram asked if the container will be 18 feet
wide instead of 15 feet wide. Mr. Peery stated that with the air conditioners being installed
on the side it will be a lot thinner.
Commissioner Reeves asked how noisy the air conditioners would be. Mr. Peery stated
that they will not be any noisier then a typical air conditioning unit. The City can specify
quiet air conditioning units.
Chair Ingram asked what was the length of the lease? AD Lillard stated that American
Tower is into two years of the contract on a ten year lease. The lease was for ten years
and American Tower is just building the tower now.
Chair Ingram stated that he assumes this project will now go before the Planning Board. It
states that the colors will be picked by the Recreation and Park Department and Mr. Ingram
would like the Planning Board to approve the colors since they are the usual Board to pick
the color. AD Lillard stated that the Recreation and Park Department will pick the color and
it will go before the Planning Board. The Planning Board will have the final decision.
M/S/C
REEVESIJOHNSON (Approved)
""That the revised site plan for wireless telecommunication facility at Washington
Park be approved with the following stipulations:
-
Equipment area be moved down the third base line. Fence will be moved in
to create more space for the building.
-
Air conditioning units were placed on the side to reduce height of the
building.
-
New fence will be installed.
-
Selection of building and the pole colors will be determined by the
Recreation and Park Acting Director and approved by the Planning Board.
-
Landscaping will be done with climbing vines (not on the field side)
between the building and the fence.
-
Interior area (between new fence and third base of the ball field) will have
sod replaced.
Enclosed fenced-in area that was shown on the drawing a month ago is
now gone.
Approved (4) - Johnson, Kahuanui, Oliver, Reeves
5
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,6,"Opposed (1) - Ingram
B.
Status Report on the Sports Advisory Committee's Recommendation
regarding Field Use Fees - (Discussion Item)
AD Lillard stated that the various sports seasons have begun and staff was unable to get
commitments from the coaches prior to this Commission Meeting. The Committee is
meeting Tuesday, April 21, 2005, to go over the draft participant per play charge. When
that is complete it will be brought back to the Recreation & Park Commission.
Chair Ingram asked if AD Lillard has a sense of what the Committee would be
recommending. AD Lillard stated that he felt they would propose to the Commission that
they (sports groups) will propose that the groups have the option of paying the fee or work
off the debt.
Commissioner Reeves stated that he is curious as to what the Recreation and Park
Department would like.
Vice Chair Kahuanui stated that if the Commission does not want to impose the usage fee
to help offset maintenance costs for the existing maintenance that goes on just by them
using the field. AD Lillard stated that the best option is to collect a fee. This is fine for large
organizations, but for the smaller groups or groups just starting up they may have to say
that they will work with volunteer labor. Most groups have been good about doing both.
Soccer has been real good and has made donations.
Commissioner Reeves stated that he would rather the Commission dictate to them what
the Commission wants rather than accept what the group has to offer.
Vice Chair Kahuanui stated that potentially what could happen is that some areas will be
well taken care of (e.g., Lincoln as opposed to Woodstock) and other areas will not. AD
Lillard suggested that when the group presents the policy to work the debt off then the
Commission could add the stipulation that it would be up to the discretion of the Recreation
and Park Director and/or the Park Manager to select where the work needs to be done.
Vice Chair Kahuanui also stated that staff will have to monitor what is being done. AD
Lillard stated that staff does a lot of monitoring now. It would be much easier and
convenient for staff to have the groups pay the money. Although this would not be feasible
for all of the groups which will be a complaint the Commission will receive from the groups.
Commissioner Reeves stated that we only have so many resources. None of us
(Commission) like the idea that we have to charge the organizations. We need to get the
various groups onboard and hope they understand that we have limited resources.
Chair Ingram stated that he was hoping that the Joint Council and Recreation and Park
Commission Meeting would be held soon so that the Commission could let the Council
6
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,7,"know that some of these groups may be coming to them because of this issue. AD Lillard
stated that the City Clerk is working on setting a new date for the Joint Meeting.
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARK
DIRECTOR
A.
Park Division
AD Lillard stated that five new trees were installed at Franklin Park along with picnic
benches. This was provided by the Friends of Franklin Park.
As a result of recent budget constraints athletic fields will be mowed once a week, but the
berms, borders, etc. will be mowed every other week.
See attached Activity Report for additional information.
B.
Recreation Division
See attached Activity Report.
C.
Mastick Senior Center
See attached Activity Report.
D.
Other Reports and Announcments
1.
Status Report on Alameda Point Golf Course Design Committee (Vice Chair
Reeves)
No report at this time.
2.
Status Report on Alameda Point Advisory Committee (APAC) (Chair Ingram)
No report at this time.
3.
Status Report on Transportation Master Plan Committee (Commissioner
Johnson)
No report at this time.
8.
STATUS REPORT ON ONGOING PROJECTS
None.
9.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL
7
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-04-14,8,"10.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
-
Housing Authority Request to include additional parking by Using Part of Neptune
Park.
-
Discussion about $1 Million Designated for Open Space.
-
Follow Up on Ballena Bay.
11.
SET DAY FOR NEXT MEETING
Thursday, May 12, 2005
12.
ADJOURNMENT
8
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-04-14.pdf