body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,1,"MINUTES OF
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
ALAMEDA
RECREATION & PARKS
MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2005
2226 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 747-7529
DATE:
Thursday, June 9, 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, and Georg Oliver
Staff:
Dale Lillard, Acting Director (AD)
John McDonald, Park Manager (PM)
Absent:
Commissioner Reeves
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve Minutes of May 12, 2005 Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
OLIVER/KAHUANUI
(approved)
In Favor (4) -
Ingram, Johnson, Kahuanui, Oliver
Absent (1) -
Reeves
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
-
Letter from Babe Ruth in support of the Field Use Fee.
5.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Consideration of Request to Provide Mobile Beverage Services at Washington
Park Dog Park - (Discussion/Action Item)
1
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,2,"Chair Ingram stated that this item will be for discussion only tonight as more of a public
process is needed.
Mr. Ensminger, business person, is seeking to operate a mobile coffee business at the
Washington Park Dog Park and also other parks including Shoreline Drive. AD Lillard
asked Mr. Ensminger to be specific with regard to which parks he would be selling the
beverages. Mr. Ensminger stated that he would be at all of the parks. Ideally he would
begin at Washington Park and branch out from there. The mobile beverage truck is self
contained. AD Lillard asked if Mr. Ensminger was talking about doing a few hours at
Washington Park and then a few hours at another park. Mr. Ensminger stated yes.
Commissioner Oliver asked if Mr. Ensminger had a Use Permit to operate in the City of
Alameda. Mr. Ensminger stated no, not currently.
Chair Ingram asked Mr. Ensminger for clarification on what happened at the Council
Meeting. Mr. Ensminger stated that there is an Ordinance in Alameda that is being
amended which will allow mobile beverage/coffee businesses to operate in the City of
Alameda.
AD Lillard stated that Mr. Ensminger applied for a Use Permit and Planning told him that his
request needed to first go before the Recreation and Park Commission for approval. Also,
there is an ordinance in place that is approximately 100 years old that does not allow rolling
stores with the exception of peanuts, rock candy, etc. There are two ways for Mr.
Ensminger to proceed. Mr. Ensminger could go through the process of putting his mobile
truck in the park or amending the Ordinance to where Mr. Ensminger could operate on the
street.
Mike Guerrero stated that this whole idea came about when Mr. Guerrero was in a meeting
with Doug Siden, EBRPD Board Member, and Mr. Siden mentioned that it would be nice to
get a cup of coffee at the Dog Park. Mr. Guerrero then mentioned that Mr. Ensminger had
a mobile coffee business and since the City (Alameda Recreation & Parks) owns the
parking lot of the park Mr. Ensminger needed to get permission from the Recreation and
Park Commission.
AD Lillard stated that at the Council Meeting, Council asked that this item be brought back
to them for further consideration before it is approved. This item may fall under the Long-
Term Park Use Policy.
Commissioner Johnson asked what the cons would be in having this type of service. AD
Lillard stated that one of the things that could come up would be that ARPD would be
inundated with requests from similar vendors (e.g., sno-cone vendors, hot dog vendors,
etc.). The Commission would need to deicide how future requests would be handled. AD
Lillard stated that he would not want to see ARPD lose a large portion of the parking lot to
multiple vendors because park users would be displaced.
2
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,3,"Commissioner Oliver stated that once you open it up for one vendor then you will receive
multiple requests and soon you could have many vendors wanting to provide the service.
Mr. Guerrero stated that this was an interim deal until Mr. Siden could get a permanent
structure built on EBRPD land. AD Lillard stated that this was the first time he had heard of
the idea. Mr. Guerrero stated that it would be somewhere, but not sure where. AD Lillard
stated that EBRPD property starts at the dog park fence and goes toward the beach and
Otis Drive.
Mr. Guerrero stated that Mr. Siden stated that the project could possibly take a year or two,
but he would like to have an interim spot. AD Lillard stated that this was the first time he
had heard that this would be an interim spot until there is a permanent structure on the
EBRPD property. Mr. Guerrero stated that Mr. Siden stated that they (EBRPD) would like
to build a store similar to mud puppies operation but it would take a year or two to get the
project rolling.
Mr. Guerrero stated that another possible way to be in compliance would be to sell
packaged peanuts.
Chair Ingram asked if the vendor could just put it on the EBRPD property with the EBRPD
District Board approval and not go to the Recreation Commission or City Council. AD
Lillard stated that it is their property and their Board could agree to go into a
concessionaire's agreement. But, Mr. Lillard believed that they would still have to go to the
Planning and Building Department for the proper/appropriate use permits.
Commissioner Johnson asked what time Mr. Ensminger would go to the Dog Park to do
business. Mr. Ensminger stated that the ideal time for weekdays would be approximately
4:00 p.m. to dusk. AD Lillard asked if there would be early morning hours. Mr. Ensminger
stated not during the weekdays. No one is there at that time.
Chair Ingram stated that with the Long-Term Park Use Policy in the works, he felt that the
Use Policy needed to be done first before approving any proposal.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the Commission approves the proposal would the other
vendors like Mr. Ensminger compete for the same thing. Commissioner Kahuanui stated
that by accepting this proposal the Commission would be setting precedence and would
have to have a procedure on how to choose a vendor, what kind of restrictions, etc. It
throws the Commission into a whole new set of policies and procedures to determine which
vendors come in and which ones do not.
Susan Krala stated that she has looked around the island and has counted at least 15
vendors that do business on the side illegally as roach coaches. They are at Alameda
Point, business parks, container ship areas, parks, etc. They are not licensed and do not
pay taxes to this City and the powers that be of Alameda just decided that they would look
the other way.
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Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,4,"Chair Ingram asked if there was a difference between industrial areas and neighborhood
areas. AD Lillard stated that the Assistant City Manager is looking into the issue.
Commissioner Kahuanui stated that being a life-long resident of Alameda as well, she feels
that it is irresponsible to think that we are all looking away when these so called illegal
trucks are coming around. Ms. Kahuanui asked if all the trucks were illegal. AD Lillard
stated that the Assistant City Manager is looking into the situation.
Commissioner Oliver stated that the concern of the Recreation and Park Commission is
vendors in our parks. Other City staff will investigate the issue of other truck vendors
having use permits, but for now the Commission is concerned about the parks.
Chair Ingram stated that he feels the Long-Term Park Use Policy should be worked on and
approved and then work from there. Unfortunately this will delay a decision on Mr.
Ensminger's request until at least the end of summer.
Commissioner Johnson asked Mr. Ensminger if he owned the truck. Mr. Ensminger stated
yes.
Commissioner Johnson asked if Mr. Ensminger is currently allowed to go into other cities.
Mr. Ensminger stated yes, he goes into San Leandro, Oakland, San Luis Obispo County,
Santa Barbara County (music festivals).
Commissioner Johnson asked if Mr. Ensminger is not really counting on Alameda. Mr.
Ensminger stated that his goal is to work in Alameda where he grew up. Branching out is
more of a necessity.
Chair Ingram stated that the Long-Term Park Use Policy will continue to be worked on and
it may be several months before the policy is completed. AD Lillard stated that when it is
appropriate the request will be revisited and those involved invited to another meeting.
B.
Consideration of Conceptual Drawing for Bay Port Park and Community
Building - (Discussion/Action Item)
AD Lillard presented the conceptual drawing for Bay Port Park which will be adjacent to the
school in the Catellus Development. Karen Folsom, LPA Architects representative, and
John McDonald, Park Manager, were present to answer any questions.
The Park will be 4 acres and includes 2 small soccer fields. The community building is
separate and a separate plan will be presented later.
Chair Ingram asked if Little League had seen the plans. AD Lillard stated that after it is
reviewed by the Commission the plans will be taken to the Sports Advisory Group for
review. The plans will be again reviewed by the Commission and then go to Council for
approval.
4
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,5,"Commissioner Oliver asked if the park entrance will be on Jack London Avenue. AD Lillard
stated yes and that is where the parking lot is located. PM McDonald stated that we will be
sharing the parking lot with the school.
Chair Ingram asked if the school has their own playground. Ms. Folsom stated the school
has their own play area.
Chair Ingram stated that a skinned infield would be great. AD Lillard stated that will be
taken to the Sports Advisory Group.
AD Lillard stated that the community building will be 1,720 sq. ft. of program space. There
is program space, storage, kitchen and one more restroom. This building was specifically
designed to fit in with the school. The building will be the Alameda Recreation and Park
Department's and according to the joint use agreement, as time and space is available, the
School District may also use the building.
The Recreation and Park Department is currently looking at providing before and after
school care and a Tiny Tot program. During the summer the Department will also run
sports camps out of the building.
Chair Ingram asked if it will be a prefab building. AD Lillard stated no.
Commissioner Oliver asked if one restroom is enough for a building that will hold 85
people. AD Lillard stated that would be adequate. It is a unisex bathroom with two stalls.
AD Lillard stated that it is anticipated the project will be completed by September 2006.
C.
Consideration of Proposed Additional Telecommunications Facility at Krusi
Park - (Discussion/Action Item)
AD Lillard stated that Cingular is proposing to replace the tennis lights on the other side of
the courts with the same type of lights and telecommunications antennaes that are
currently there on the other side. The equipment building proposed is in the back toward
the fence near the maintenance shed and is larger than the one that is currently there.
PM McDonald stated that the equipment building being proposed is close to 400 sq. ft., but
are not supposed to go more than 200 sq. ft.
Chair Ingram stated that he felt it was time to start setting a policy with regard to installing
cell towers in parks. Several other cities have policies in place and some have resolutions
for each telecommunications company. Something needs to be done or the Commission
will be discussing this issue a lot until Alameda has enough cell towers.
Chair Ingram stated that he is not prepared to make a decision tonight since the paper work
was just received tonight.
5
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,6,"Commissioner Kahuanui stated that whether it is cell towers or equipment structures, the
Commission needs to make sure that the policy covers everything.
PM McDonald stated that the few towers that have gone in have been a good source of
revenue. We have not fully tapped into the resources, which is good because we have a
little bit of reserve money. But, the Park Maintenance Division does not have any revenue
sources other than these rental monies. ARPD was able to repave a bad area of
Washington Park with these funds. Mr. McDonald stated that he would appreciate it if the
Commission would look into the particulars and the rental agreements that are made. The
best deal possible is what will help the Park Maintenance Division. The Division was cut by
$200,000 so any additional revenue will be of great help.
Chair Ingram stated that there is no doubt that this is a major source of revenue and that all
cities are looking for revenue, but we need to set a policy with parameters.
AD Lillard stated that the Commission can set a policy of building size that can be put in the
park, etc., but the negotiation part is handled through Development Services. The
Commission cannot put into the policy that they (Commission) will negotiate the terms of
the lease.
Commissioner Johnson asked PM McDonald what he would like for the Commission to do.
PM McDonald stated that he would like the Commission to get the best deal possible
because it would really help the Park Maintenance Division.
Chair Ingram stated that from his prospective, we need to respect the Park Manager's
opinion, but the Commission as park stewards needs to look at the policy and the bigger
picture of the parks and how it will effect the park.
This item will be tabled until the next meeting for further discussion.
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
Consideration of Sports Advisory Committee's Recommendation regarding
Field use Fees - (Discussion/Action Item)
AD Lillard stated that the Sports Advisory Committee has reviewed the Field Use Fee.
Babe Ruth has provided the Commission with a letter of support.
Policy includes:
1. Groups requesting City owned field space on an ongoing basis for either games or
practices will be covered under the policy.
2. Any applicable fees will be assessed per season according to the established field
allocation process.
6
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,7,"3. There will be a $3 per player fee assessed per organization. The minimum fee will
be $500 per group.
4. For organizations with memberships larger than the $500 minimum, there will be an
additional $3 per player fee assessed.
5. Groups will have the option to work off their assessment by completing field
improvements or providing goods or services equal to their assessment. The value
of such improvements will be determined by the Park Manager.
6. Groups failing to either submit payment or completing work projects will not be
issued permits for future seasons until the assessment is cleared.
All groups (Alameda Soccer, High Schools, Little League, Babe Ruth, Football, newer
leagues) agreed to support the proposed Field Use Fee.
AD Lillard stated that he felt that the organizations who traditionally do a lot of work will
work off the debt and smaller organizations will pay.
Commissioner Kahuanui asked if that included schools. AD Lillard stated yes that includes
the schools.
Chair Ingram stated that he received a call from Nino Borsoni, Alameda Soccer
representative. Mr. Borsoni had some questions with regard to the fee.
Questions were as follows:
-
Will this be a once per year fee, or once per season? AD Lillard stated it would
be per season.
Will kids that participate in multiples sports (e.g., soccer, baseball, football, etc.)
be expected to pay the fee for each sport in which they are registered. AD Lillard
stated yes, because they would be using the field for each sport they participate
in.
Will youth organizations that have already done projects be given credit for what
has already been done? If so, will there be a deferred start date given upon
credit already received? AD Lillard stated no, it would be starting from today. It
would not be feasible to try and credit items from prior years.
How will the collected fee be applied to field maintenance? Will certain fields be
given priority? If so, on what basis and terms? AD Lillard stated that it would be
determined based on need. We could generate a yearly list of fields and items
that need to be done for additional tracking if needed.
It has been determined that in lieu of fees the sports groups could do field
maintenance work themselves. If that is the case how will the work assignments
be made? Who will establish the value of each assignment? Is the Risk
7
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,8,"Manager okay with non-City people providing materials, labor and possibly using
heavy machinery to perform tasks? AD Lillard stated that the Park Manager
would determine the value. The group would determine that they want to do a
project. It could be to a specific park or it could be a monetary amount to be
determined by ARPD staff. The people doing the work would be treated as a
volunteer for the City just as is currently being done. Most of the work will be
manual. Unless volunteers are heavy equipment operators by trade they would
not be allowed to move heavy machinery.
Would the fee be applied to outside teams competing in Alameda? If so how
would that be returned? AD Lillard stated no, the fee would not apply to outside
teams.
Will the funds be put in the City's regular general accounting department? AD
Lillard stated that the fee will go into a regular Recreation and Park Department
budget and it will go into a dedicated account. There will be records of deposits
and expenditures that anyone can ask to look at because it is public record.
Chair Ingram stated that Mr. Borsoni states that all of the above questions should be
addressed and brought to the sports groups so they can have a final review and sign off for
approval. AD Lillard stated that was already done at a prior meeting. Mr. Borsoni was not
at the meeting and another representative was not present.
Chair Ingram stated that he would feel more comfortable if the groups would sign off on the
fee.
Commissioner Kahuanui stated that she understands that Chair Ingram wants to get the
groups to sign off on the policy; however the group works as an advisory to the
Commission. The Commission gave them an opportunity to have an option. Originally the
Commission and staff just wanted them to pay a fee. The Commission was nice and let
this item go to the Field Use Group because the groups wanted to try and barter out of the
fee. We are trying to increase revenue, keep fields playable, etc., and before ARPD was
not receiving funds. If we send this back to the group and two people do not sign, it will not
change her mind. Ms Kahuanui thinks the policy proposed is a good idea and the
Commission is being very generous in giving the groups the opportunity to barter work.
Motion was made by Commissioner Oliver:
""That this policy be accepted as is and approved tonight.'
Further discussion was held.
Chair Ingram asked what the harm was in having the proposal go back to the group again
and having them sign off. It will not hurt us.
Commissioner Oliver stated what if it is taken back to them and they do not sign off on it?
Chair Ingram stated that it would then be like Commissioner Kahuanui mentioned. If two
people do not sign it, then the group has had an ample opportunity. Commissioner Oliver
8
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,9,"stated that he felt the group has already had ample opportunity. Chair Ingram stated that in
his opinion he did not feel that was the case when Alameda Soccer has come back with a
letter that has seven questions.
PM McDonald stated that he did not want to give anyone the thought that this will take care
of all the maintenance problems. The Maintenance Division was just given another field
near the Alameda Point Gym that is approximately five acres and there is no extra money
to maintain it. Also, there is the Main Street Soccer Field and there were no extra funds
appropriated to take care of that field.
Commissioner Kahuanui asked if the group, by having this fee, that this does not mean that
the lawns are not going to be cut on their demand. AD Lillard stated that the group
understands that this is an attempt to defray a part of the cost. At no time has this been
presented to them as solving all of the field maintenance problems.
PM McDonald stated that since he has been here (1995) there has not been a whole lot of
support for maintenance costs. Granted there have been donations to repair damage or to
build or rebuild something, but no monies were given to assist with field maintenance costs.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the Acting Director recommended approving the policy.
AD Lillard stated yes.
Chair Ingram stated that again he favors giving the groups ample opportunity to review and
actually feels that having each group sign off would be the proper community process.
M/S OLIVER/KAHUANUI
(not approved)
""That the Field Use Fee Policy be accepted as is and approved tonight.
""
In Favor (2):
Kahuanui, Oliver
Opposed (1):
Ingram
Abstention (1):
Johnson
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARK
DIRECTOR
A.
Park Division
PM McDonald provided plans for the Dog Park drainage to the Commission.
Chair Ingram mentioned that he liked the newly installed gate at Franklin Park.
For additional information see attached Activity Report.
B.
Recreation Division
9
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2005-06-09,10,"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 new information to report at this time.
2.
Status Report on Alameda Point Advisory Committee (APAC) (Chair Ingram)
There was a public meeting held the week of May 30, 2005, at Mastick Senior Center.
3.
Status Report on Transportation Master Plan Committee (Commissioner
Johnson)
The Transportation Master Plan is Completed.
8.
STATUS REPORT ON ONGOING PROJECTS
Chair Ingram asked about the status of Leydecker Park Playground Renovation. AD Lillard
stated that equipment was to be shipped the week of May 30, 2005. As soon as the
equipment is delivered the project will begin.
PM McDonald stated that the biggest project was relocating the Administrative Office to
2226 Santa Clara Ave. Everyone is happy with the new location.
9.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL
None.
10.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
11.
SET DAY FOR NEXT MEETING
Thursday, July 14, 2005
12.
ADJOURNMENT
10
Recreation & Park Commission Mtg.
Minutes
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Dedicated to Excellence, Committed to Service",RecreationandParkCommission/2005-06-09.pdf