body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,1,"a
MINUTES OF
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 8, 2007
2226 Santa Clara Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 747-7529
DATE:
Thursday, February 8, 2007
TIME:
7:00 p.m.
PLACE:
Room 360, City Hall, Santa Clara Avenue and Oak Street, Alameda, CA
94501
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Terri Ogden, Vice Chair Jo Kahuanui, Commissioners Michael Cooper,
Jay Ingram, Christine Johnson, Bruce Reeves, and Joe Restagno
Absent:
None
Staff:
Dale Lillard, Director, Jackie Krause, Senior Services Manager, Patrick Russi,
Recreation Supervisor
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of January 11, 2007Recreation and Park Commission Meeting.
M/S/C
JOHNSON/COOPER
(approved)
""That the Minutes of January 11, 2007 Recreation and Park Commission are
approved.
Approved (6):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Cooper, Ingram, Johnson, Reeves
Abstention (1):
Restagno
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
A.
Consideration of Request from Alameda Girls Softball to install a storage
container in Krusi Park - (Discussion/Action Item)
Director Lillard stated that Alameda Girls Softball Association has submitted a Long-Term
Park Use Permit to place a storage facility in Krusi Park. Director Lillard introduced Phil
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,2,"Woodworth, Alameda Girls Softball representative, to the Commission to give a
presentation.
Commissioner Ingram stated that he was a Board Member of the Alameda Girls Softball
Association and would abstain from voting on this issue.
Phil Woodworth stated that ARPD staff and the Association had been working on finding a
suitable place to put a storage facility (e.g., to store drags, safety equipment, etc.) for the
last few months. This would be more convenient/efficient for managers, volunteers, etc. to
operate on game days. The storage unit would be on the northeast corner of the tennis
courts, facing the school. The unit would be placed so that the windscreen and shrubbery
would obscure the view from Otis Dr. The size of the container would be 40 feet with 20
feet of the structure to be shared with ARPD.
Commissioner Restagno asked how much need was there that ARPD needed to access 20
feet of trailer space. Director Lillard stated that if the trailer was there it would be more
convenient for staff that is at the park because we do not have a centralized corp yard.
There is a limited amount of fertilizer that each park has on site. It would be more
convenient, but if they did not staff could get by. We are redoing the building within the
next couple of years so our needs could be incorporated into the new building. If the entire
container is dedicated to the Association, ARPD staff would not have a problem with it.
Chair Ogden asked who would be responsible for the painting and upkeep maintenance of
the container. Mr. Woodard stated that the Association would be responsible.
Chair Ogden asked how long the container would be in the park. Director Lillard stated that
is up to the Commission.
Commissioner Johnson asked if there were similar containers in other parks. Director
Lillard stated that there are smaller containers that are approx. 6 feet long by 6 feet wide by
6 feet high.
Chair Ogden asked if it would not be better to have a storage container at each field. Mr.
Woodworth stated that we would still be limited by size. More room allows them to
organize a bit better and store larger pieces of equipment.
Commissioner Restagno stated that where the group wants to put the container is very
close to the picnic area. He asked if putting the container out by the EBMUD Wet Weather
station might be better. Director Lillard stated that would put it in sight of Otis Drive, unless
there was a way to shield it.
Commissioner Reeves asked what the criterion was for selecting behind the tennis courts.
Director Lillard stated that the container would not be within sight from Otis Drive, existing
windscreen would help hide the structure, and closer to the fields.
Mr. Woodworth stated that he had a concern with putting the container by the Wet Weather
station which may be within the field of play of two of the ball fields. Commissioners
Cooper, Restagno, and Chair Ogden stated that if it was located up against the fence
closer to field number one it might be okay. Director Lillard stated that the container could
go up against the fence and screening it with slats.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,3,"Chair Ogden stated that she had a problem with the container being 40 feet. She felt that
20 feet would be better.
Robert Pardee, Krusi Park neighbor, stated he was against the location of behind the tennis
courts. He felt 40 feet was pretty big. It would change the wind blowing through the tennis
courts and could affect tennis players.
Commissioner Ingram asked that if the 40 foot container goes in, would the maintenance
storage shed and the now hardball storage unit go away. Director Lillard stated that the
maintenance storage shed would need to stay. If there was an agreement between the
groups then the hardball storage unit could go away if there was a joint use agreement.
Commissioner Ingram asked if a 40 foot container was rented on a trial basis would the
Association be able to return it for a certain amount of money to be returned. Mr.
Woodworth stated there is a 12 month minimum for approx. $298 per month.
Commissioner Ingram asked if you could then do a lease purchase. Mr. Woodworth stated
yes.
Vice Chair Kahuanui stated that she has been to quite a few parties in the area where they
would like to put the 40 foot container. She cannot visualize the area. And asked Mr.
Woodworth is he had photos. Mr. Woodworth stated that he did not. The container would
take up approximately 25 percent of the area.
Commissioner Reeves recommended considering a 20 foot container instead of the 40
foot.
Chair Ogden and Commissioner Restagno asked the group to look at locating the container
near the Wet Weather station. Director Lillard suggested visiting the site and taking
pictures to bring back to the Recreation Commission.
M/S/C
REEVESIJOHNSON
(Not Approved)
""Motion made for acceptance of a 20 foot container to be put in Krusi Park subject to
making the determination of the proper location by the three groups (staff, softball
group, neighbors).
Approved (2):
Johnson, Reeves
Not Approved (3): Cooper, Kahuanui, Ogden, Restagno
Abstention (1):
Ingram
Motion made by Vice Chair Kahuanui: ""Motion that this item be brought back to the
Commission at their March 8, 2007 meeting. "" Motion died for lack of a second.
M/S/C
RESTAGNOIKAHUANUI (approved)
""Motion was made that container be put along the fence in the vicinity of the Wet
Weather Basin building provided that it is logistically feasible and that we can place
a container in that area.""
Approved (6):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Cooper, Johnson, Reeves, Restagno
Opposed (0):
Abstention (1):
Ingram
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,4,"B.
Annual Review and Adjustment of Fees for Recreation and Parks -
(Discussion/Action Item)
Director Lillard reviewed the 2007 fees with the Recreation and Park Commission. Fees to
be raised were Adult Softball, Basketball, mainly due to costs for officials (e.g., referee's
and ump's); Field Prep Fees due to raises in salaries; and Day Camp due to bus
transportation costs.
Commissioner Cooper stated that in looking at the surveys adult public swim fees in other
cities (e.g., Newark, Union City) were significantly higher. Commissioner's Cooper and
Kahuanui would like staff to consider possibly raising fees for adult public swim next year
(2008).
Commissioner Restagno stated that in looking at the comparisons for Tiny Tot fees
Alameda seemed to be at the very low end. Director Lillard stated that in many instances
Tiny Tot fees are not realy comparable since the programs vary so much. We are not sold
out in any of our sessions and we are generating a lot of revenues. Until sessions are full,
he would like to be careful to not price ourselves out of the market. Commissioner
Restagno stated that fees could be raised to $5 and still be well within the range of other
cities.
Commissioner Reeves stated that he would like to keep the childrens programs at a low
cost and if fees need to be raised then think about raising adult program fees.
Commissioner Cooper stated that one of the great things about Alameda is that the kids
programs are not expensive and people can really get their children involved.
M/S/C
REEVES/RESTAGNO
(approved)
""That the following fee increases be approved:
Adult Basketball
$620 Resident
$670 Non-Resident
Adult Softball
$650 Resident
$700 Non-Resident
Field Preparation
$70/field - once a day
$95/field - twice a day
(To cover mandated salary increase)
Day Camp
$135 Hidden Cove (1/wk session)
$150 Trails End (1/wk session)
(due to transportation costs)
$65 Hidden Cove Extended Care
$55 Trails End Extended Care
Preschool
$4.50/hr Tiny Tot (Preschool)
Approved (7):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Cooper, Ingram, Johnson, Reeves, Restagno
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,5,"6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
Presentation by representatives of Catellus regarding their proposal for open
space within the Alameda Landing Project (Discussion/Action Item)
Director Lillard introduced Bruce Knopf, Catellus Development Group Vice President, to
further discuss the proposal for open space within the Alameda Landing Project. For
clarification Mr. Knopf stated that the plan is specifically for the promenade within the
Alameda Landing Project, not the whole Alameda Landing Project per se. The residential
piece of the project would come back at a later date. It is a conceptual plan only. The total
area will be developed in three phases.
At the last Commission meeting there were several issues raised:
-
Height of the office bulding.
Comment: There are no plans at this time, we do not know the height at this
time.
-
Size of the park in the future residential area.
Comment: This plan will be submitted seperately at a later time.
Basketball was a priority.
Comment: A number of areas were expanded that could be dedicated to
basketball courts even though the developer is not at that level of detail at this
time.
Need for an athletic field.
Comment: The Commission stated that the ball field needed to be larger than
the 120 feet from home plate to outfield distance that was shown on the plan at
the last meeting. The field has been enlarged to accommodate Little League
play. It is the smallest size softball field that can accommodate softball.
The waterfront green area struck the Commission as a passive recreational
area.
Comment: The waterfront area is a passive recreational area, but can also be
used for pick-up soccer play and is sized to accommodate that type of play.
Mr. Knopf stated that their group has signed a letter of intent with the Miracle League. In
talking with the Miracle League representative the developer decided to make the outfield
fence movable/portable so that it can accommodate Little League. Commissioner Ingram
asked what kind of turf would be used. Mr. Mariani, Miracle League representative, stated
that it would be rubberized surface to accommodate children with wheelchairs. It's part of
the Miracle League's program.
Commissioner Ingram stated that he supports the Miracle League, but where he is
conflicted is that it will still be a single use field. It may be of use on a rainy day for Little
League but on a sunny day they'll want to play on natural turf. Same with the soccer group.
To give up 1.2 acres of prime property for a single use is what he is having a problem with.
Mr. Knopf stated that the intent is that it not be single use. They feel that they can
accomodate aother sports play when not being used by Miracle League. Commissioner
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,6,"Ingram suggested going to the Sports Advisory Committee to get their input on other
groups using the field.
Mr. Knopf asked about the possiblity of using synthetic turf. Commissioner Ingram stated
that he checked and he did not think it was feasible.
Director Lillard asked if the Miracle League found another location for their field, what would
happen to the 1.2 acres. Would it still be a field? Mr. Knopf stated that would still be a part
of the waterfront promenade and could still be a ball field.
Commissioner Ingram stated that one of the things missing is the 4-5 acre park talked
about at the Commission Meeting last month. A park has everything (e.g., play area, field,
etc.) all in one area. He feels this plan is cut and separated. Bayport has a park in the
middle of their residential area.
Commissioner Ingram stated that he felt that the message was clear last month that the
Commission wanted a 4-5 acre park and this plan is basically saying that it is not going to
happen. Mr. Knopf stated that there is nothing to bring back to the Commission with regard
to the residential area because there are no plans at this point.
Commissioner Reeves stated that in these plans the developer is dealing with buildings
that are already in the area and providing as much recreation as they can. The
Commission asked them to come up with a ball field. They have come up with a ball field
whether Miracle League uses the field or the field is used by other groups. There is not
another way to get a large park in this area without removing existing buildings.
M/S/C
REEVES/RESTAGNO
(approved)
""That the plan submitted be adopted.""
Approved (6):
Ogden, Kahuanui, Ingram, Johnson, Reeves, Restagno
Not Approved (1): Cooper
Commissioner Ingram stated that it is frustrating as a Commissioner to have received the
information regarding a project on the night for consideration and action on the issue.
Agenda items should be given to the Commissioner's a week in advance.
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARK
DIRECTOR
A. Park Division
See February 5, 2007 Activity Report.
B. Recreation Division
See February 5, 2007 Activity Report.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2007-02-08,7,"C. Mastick Senior Center
See February 5, 2007 Activity Report.
D. Other Reports and Announcments
-
Status Report on Transportation Master Plan Committee (Commissioner
Johnson)
No report at this time.
8.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL
None.
9.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
None.
10.
SET DAY FOR NEXT MEETING
March 8, 2007
11.
ADJOURNMENT
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