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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,1,"a
NOTICE OF MEETING
ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, January 14, 2010
TIME:
7:00 p.m.
PLACE:
Room 360, City Hall, corner of Santa Clara Avenue and Oak
Street, Alameda, CA 94501
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Terri Ogden, Vice Chair Joe Restagno , Commissioners Lola
Brown and Mike Cooper
Staff:
Dale Lillard, ARPD Director
Jackie Krause, Senior Services Manager (SSM)
Absent:
Commissioners Gina Mariani and Bill Sonneman
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve Minutes of:
-
November 12, 2009 Recreation & Park Commission Regular Meeting
Approval of November 12, 2009 Minutes tabled until February 11, 2010.
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.)
Commissioner Brown stated that she wanted to talk about the Mif Albright Course issue.
She was wondering if there was a possibility of tying this into the Friends of the Parks,
Inc. Director Lillard stated that it may be possible. Staff is researching golf courses that
are run by non-profits, but that would entail running the whole golf course.
What would probably happen is the non-profit would contract with either the current
vendor or another vendor to do the maintenance and then collect the fees which would
go into the non-profit and then would pay the maintenance, starters, etc. There are a
couple of courses that staff is researching that were set up by non-profits (The First Tee
Foundation, etc.). It would take a lot of commitment and the non-profit would have to
have a lot of golf expertise.
Commissioner Brown asked for clarification that they would have until May 2010 to do
something. Director Lillard stated that is when it is anticipated to go to Council to award
the long-term lease.
Chair Ogden asked if maintenance, staffing, and water would be included. Director",RecreationandParkCommission/2010-01-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,2,"Lillard stated yes. Chair Ogden asked what other expenditures would there be.
Director Lillard stated that you would have to contract out the maintenance, supplies
(e.g., sand, mats, flags, poles, pencils, score cards, tees, etc.). SSM Krause asked if
they would need insurance. Director Lillard stated yes, they would have to have some
kind of hold harmless insurance.
Vice Chair Restagno stated that for the record he wanted to thank former Recreation &
Park Commissioner Jo Kahuanui for all of her hard work, time, and effort while she was
on the Recreation & Park Commission. He is very sorry that she resigned but
completely understands her position. Chair Ogden agreed.
Vice Chair Restagno stated that he felt that Council's decision was ludicrous and
applauds Councilmember's deHaan and Matarrese for not voting in favor of funding the
Alameda Boys & Girls Club project with Measure WW Funds. Mr. Restagno also feels
that since a lot of the Recreation & Park Commissioners serve on the Friends of the
Parks Inc. Board that they should seriously consider asking one of the members to step
down because it is in conflict and would be hard to call oneself a Friend of the Park and
award part of those funds, that should have gone for the benefit of the City and the
Alameda Recreation and Park Department, to go to a non-profit organization that will
benefit just a few individuals. Chair Ogden stated that she agreed and would like to see
the item put on the Friends of the Parks Inc. agenda for their meeting in March. Director
Lillard asked how it should be listed on the agenda, as a discussion item. Chair Ogden
stated no, she wanted it listed as an action item and as asking for a resignation.
Commissioner Brown stated that she agreed with asking for the resignation of the Board
Member.
Commissioner Brown asked if a letter of thanks could be sent to former Commissioner
Kahuanui from the Recreation & Park Commission. The Commission agreed that the
letter should be sent.
4.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
5.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
Paratransit Transportation Program Update - (Information Only)
SSM Krause stated that at their meeting on November 30th the City Council suggested
informing various commissions, including the Recreation & Park Commission, about the
Paratransit Transportation Program and proposed program modifications. Kei Louie,
Public Works Jr. Engineer, spoke to the Commission regarding the Paratransit changes.
Proposed changes included:
Premium Taxi Services which provides transportation services for individuals
eligible for East Bay Paratransit (EBP), as well as individuals age 70 and older
without a driver's license of 75 and older.
Medical Return Trip Improvement Program (MRTIP) which provides a free ride
home after medical appointments.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,3,"Group Trip Program which offsets transportation expenses for Mastick's Travel
Program, Leisure Club, and the Annual Nursing Home Picnic.
In addition, the City would reduce the number of complimentary EBP coupons
issued to eligible EBP certified users.
Modifications to these programs along with a fund-balance will help create shuttle
services for seniors and the disabled. It is proposed that the shuttle will be available
three days per week. Surveys regarding the proposed shuttle service were sent to
existing users with approximately 350 responses.
Commissioner Cooper stated that he recently attended a few AC Transit meetings and
one of the concerns from the seniors was the bus routes being cut back. Mr. Cooper
asked Mr. Louie if staff had met with AC Transit to look at the changes. Mr. Louie
stated that Barry Bergman, Transportation Coordinator, has begun the process with AC
Transit and they are aware of the changes.
B.
Review of Draft Bike Plan - (Discussion/Action Item)
This item was tabled for a future date.
C.
Measure WW Project Application - (Discussion/Action Item)
Director Lillard stated that based on the direction provided by City Council, staff will be
submitting the following applications for Measure WW Funds for 2010:
Construction of the Boys & Girls Club Facility
$2,000,000
Replacement of the Krusi Recreation Center
(Installation of outdoor restroom/concession,
renovation of play area, park pathways and lighting)
$1,365,489
Replacement of Tillman Play Equipment
$ 100,000
Totals:
$3,465,489
In the event that the Boys & Girls Club project is not funded, we are recommending the
following for the 2011 cycle:
Renovation of Harrison Recreation Center and Field
$ 650,000
Replacement of Restroom at Encinal Boat Ramp
$ 250,000
Renovation of Field Lights
(Washington, Leydecker, & Woodstock Parks)
$ 750,000
Tennis Court Resurfacing
$ 350,000
Total:
$2,000,000
Applications are submitted to EBRPD from February 1st through March 31st each year,
and in any given year you can only apply for the maximum amount that you have been
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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,4,"allocated.
Director Lillard stated that Littlejohn Park will be funded and renovated through
Community Block Grant funds.
Vice Chair Restagno asked how large the liability is with regard to tennis court
resurfacing. Director Lillard stated that staff can keep the courts going for another year
with patching, etc. What really needs to be done is to grind the whole court and put a
special mat down under the court to stop the cracking. If this type of new surface is
installed then we should not have to redo the tennis courts for approximately 25 years.
Chair Ogden asked if the resurfacing costs include all the courts (e.g., Franklin Park,
Leydecker Park, and Washington Park). Director Lillard stated yes.
Vice Chair Restagno stated that there is no guarantee that the funds will be available in
a year, so how much longer can staff continue. Director Lillard stated that he can keep
them going for another two to three years. Vice Chair Restagno stated that his concern
is that it is a huge liability with people playing on the courts. Director Lillard stated that
there may also be an opportunity through the City's CIP process to get the courts done.
Director Lillard stated that staff will be working with the Alameda Boys & Girls Club to
compile/submit their grant for Measure WW funds to the East Bay Regional Park District
(EBRPD).
Chair Ogden asked what the renovation of the Harrison Center would entail. Director
Lillard stated that the renovation includes removing the wall between the kitchen and
storage room to expand the kitchen to a commercial kitchen, new flooring, new HVAC
system, wall resurfacing, and energy efficient lighting. Part of the cost will be the
drainage problem in the right field corner out at the field.
Vice Chair Restagno stated that in looking at the list it does seem to be focused on the
east end.
Chair Ogden stated that the tennis court resurfacing is all over the City as well as the
field lights renovations. Director Lillard stated that Littlejohn Park will also be renovated
with Community Development funds.
Chair Ogden asked about Estuary Park and the Alameda Belt Line Park. Director
Lillard stated that he is working on obtaining some Base funds for Estuary Park. If that
does not work out in the course of the next year then an item will be shifted from the
Measure WW list and we will apply to EBRPD. The Alameda Belt Line will have to be
funded separately.
Chair Ogden asked about the O' Club Kitchen. Director Lillard stated that we can keep
patching it together so that it is usable, whereas, Krusi recreation center is unusable at
this time.
Vice Chair Restagno asked how much revenue could be generated from Krusi Park
Recreation Center versus having a good kitchen at the O' Club? Director Lillard stated
that if staff ran a day care at the site and added more classes $30,000 to $75,000 could
be generated per year. For the O' Club we could generate approximately $250,000 if
there was a full commercial kitchen that caterers could use.
Vice Chair Restagno asked what the cost would be to renovate the O' Club Kitchen.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,5,"Director Lillard stated that the cost would be approximately $1 - $2 million.
Chair Ogden asked if the new Krusi Park Recreation Center would be like the
Washington Park Recreation Center. Director Lillard stated no, it would be a
traditionally constructed building.
Chair Ogden stated that she would not vote to give Measure WW Funds to the Alameda
Boys & Girls Club. Vice Chair Restagno stated that all of the Recreation & Park
Commission are on record as being opposed to giving the $2 million to the Alameda
Boys & Girls Club.
M/S/C
RESTAGNO/BROWN
(approved)
""That the Measure WW Application List for funds ($1,465,489), minus the $2
million for the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, be approved.
Approved (4):
Ogden, Restagno, Brown, Cooper
Absent (2):
Mariani, Sonneman
Vice Chair Restagno stated that he is concerned and due to the liability he would hope
that the tennis court renovation could get done as soon as possible.
Chair Ogden asked for a copy of the Measure WW report that will go to Council.
Director Lillard stated that he will send it to the Commission when it is done.
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND
PARK DIRECTOR
A.
Park Division
See January 2010 Activity Report.
B.
Recreation Division
See January 2010 Activity Report.
Director Lillard announced that Sandi Bertero, Program Coordinator, has retired.
Commissioner Brown requested that Director Lillard send a letter from the Recreation &
Park Commission to Ms. Bertero thanking her for her many years of service. Director
Lillard responded in the affirmative. Director Lillard also stated that Ms. Bertero will still
be working for ARPD on a part-time basis to do Day Camp.
Director Lillard stated that the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) approached the
Recreation and Park Department regarding assisting them with their day care program
at Washington School. The YMCA had been operating a day care at Washington
School and they informed AUSD on December 15th that they would be discontinuing the
service to the school as of January 1, 2010. ARPD is now providing before and after
school care at the school site, at least until the end of this school year, under a Joint
Use Agreement with AUSD.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,6,"Commissioner Brown clarified that there were 14 students in the program. Director
Lillard stated yes. As soon as parents were informed by the YMCA parents had made
other arrangements. We feel that the program will grow in the future.
C.
Mastick Senior Center
See January 2010 Activity Report.
SSM Krause stated that preparations are underway to begin the Tax Program.
SSM Krause stated that the Lobby Renovation is underway. The first set of drawings
has been done and is under review. On January 20th the group will meet to go over
recommended changes and comments. This project is funded with fundraising revenue
(Bingo and Thrift Shop) for the Senior Center.
D.
Other Reports and Announcements
None.
8.
STATUS REPORT ON ONGOING PROJECTS
None.
9.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL
Director Lillard stated that at the February Recreation and Park Commission Meeting
there will be the annual review of fees. Also, there will be a written request from
Franklin School. They are asking to use Franklin Park for physical education and
recess. The school is considering putting portables on part of their black top in the back
of the school grounds, so they will want to bring the kids over to the park. They will be
sending us a request to enter into an agreement where they use the park during the
day. Chair Ogden asked exclusively? Director Lillard stated no, it will be open to the
rest of the public but they will be in the park too. One of the things that will need to be
worked out is supervision and a few other items.
Commissioner Brown stated that could be kind of scary that they are at the park.
Director Lillard stated that will be one of the things that will need to be addressed.
Things to consider would be to whether to fence off an area, etc.
Chair Ogden stated that she visited a lot of parks recently and that is one of the parks
that is active all day long. Director Lillard stated that it is a very busy park and patrons
also drive to the park to use it. We will need to take a close look at the item.
Chair Ogden stated that she brought this item up last year and wanted to bring it up this
year too, speaking of the Christmas week before Christmas, she does not think ARPD
should even have the parks open. There is nobody in them. Director Lillard stated we
probably won't. Chair Ogden stated the week after Christmas yes, but the week
of/before Christmas, no. The parks where camps are held should be left open. Director
Lillard stated that it will probably be one of the easier reductions that we propose. Chair
Ogden stated that it is a waste.
Vice Chair Restagno asked what the water situation was and field use. Director Lillard
stated that the drought restriction had been lifted. Staff is scheduling outside groups on
space availability.
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RecreationandParkCommission,2010-01-14,7,"Vice Chair Restagno asked if there are Recreation Commissioner Applications on file.
Director Lillard stated that the City Clerk's Office has the applications. The Clerk
forwards the applications to the Mayor and the Mayor decides when to interview and
who to appoint. Mr. Restagno asked if there were people on the list. Director Lillard
stated that he does not know. Usually if there is an opening on a Commission they do
an announcement in the paper. When they get a few applicants they are passed on to
the Mayor who then selects who she wants to interview and makes a recommendation
to appoint.
Chair Ogden stated that one other thing on parks and playgrounds, every park should
have a carom table for play. Director Lillard asked did not have them or they did not put
them out? Chair Ogden stated that they did not have the pieces to them; they did not
have the stands for them. If you put a carom table out at the parks you will draw in the
kids. The parks have tables, just not the pieces to them.
10.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
None.
11.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE:
February 11, 2010
12.
ADJOURNMENT
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