body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2013-03-14,1,"ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, March 14, 2013
TIME:
7:03 p.m. Called to Order
PLACE:
City Hall Council Chambers
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Restagno, Vice-Chair Delaney, and Commissioners Cooke, Brown, and Sonneman
Staff:
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation & Parks Director
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Delaney asked about Krusi Park options for design. Director Wooldridge reported
there are options to value engineer it to a simpler design for lower costs. The revised design would
then go out to bid again. Alternative options will be brought before City Council.
Approved the minutes of January 10, 2013 regular Recreation & Park Commission meeting as edited.
M/S/C Sonneman, Cooke (unanimously approved)
3.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA - None
4.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None
5.
NEW BUSINESS
A. None
6.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Alameda Beltline Conceptual Uses (Review and Make Recommendation)
Director Amy Wooldridge provided a brief presentation and overview of this long-term, multi-phase
project. She further reported on the community meetings, the survey and the process.
Chair Restagno asked about the sports groups accepting this as a non-sports field area. Director
Wooldridge reported that at the routine spring field allocation meeting with youth sports organizations,
the groups expressed interest in supporting the Beltline as passive use and instead focusing on
Estuary Park, located near the old Coast Guard Housing for active athletic fields. They felt that area
would better accommodate lighting and parking. All groups agreed and voted unanimously.
Commissioner Sonneman asked about the paint color for the historic railroad building that is being
done as a volunteer project by the Church of Latter Day Saints. Director Wooldridge stated the colors
would match what is currently on the building (pale yellow with brown trim). She further stated that
she provided a memo to the Historical Advisory Board. Commissioner Sonneman expressed a thank",RecreationandParkCommission/2013-03-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2013-03-14,2,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2013
Page 2
you to Mrs. Barbara Rassmusson, former AUSD Board Member and member of the Church of Latter
Day Saints, for stepping up and volunteering to do this.
Commissioner Sonneman asked if there has been a discussion with the aquatic community about
pools being an issue. Director Wooldridge stated she has talked with the various aquatics groups.
She is currently presenting a proposal to the school district to renovate the existing facilities and
rehabilitate for a 34 meter pool.
Commissioner
Delaney
asked
if
we
should
we
be
putting
together
a
project
list
for
Beltline
development.
Director Wooldridge stated that once there is a plan in place this could happen. She reported adding
to the Capital Improvements Plan the Beltline and Estuary Park projects, and these will go to City
Council in the near future.
Commission Cooke stated it appears the community is being best served by items such as a
community garden, or perhaps a gazebo because they are income producing, which could help
maintain the property moving forward.
Vice-Chair Brown stated reading all 35 pages of comments and suggestions. The overwhelming
response seems to be keeping the area as open space. There are wonderful opportunities. She was
pleased to see so many responded.
Commissioner Sonneman agreed with the comments and response to the surveys and meetings. He
feels strongly about keeping the property in line with Jean Sweeney's vision to keep it open space.
He further stated that we have a big need in this community for recreation.
Commissioner Delaney stated there are many things on our agenda. He asked that the public be
aware that this will be a long process, and to please be patient with the process. It could be many
years moving the project forward.
Chair Restegno expressed many thanks to the people who have come forward with comments, and
attending the public workshops on this project. He opened the meeting to public comment, and
asked speakers to limit their comments to three minutes.
Speaker Jim Sweeney thanked the Commission for their support, including Amy Wooldridge. Jean
Sweeney started this effort in 2002. He expressed that the top six items in the letter from the Jean
Sweeney Open Space committee fall into the scope and vision of Jean. They aren't expecting it to be
a fast process. He further thanked all of the community for coming out.
Speaker Dorothy Freeman said she and Jim would like to thank everyone, including Ms. Wooldridge
and staff who have helped this project to get this far. They would also like to thank the two local
newspapers, staff at the Alameda Museum, the Citizen's Task Force, Kiwanis, Rotary, Mr. Doug
deHaan, and Alameda Public Affairs Forum, and all the people who have participated in this process
including the meetings and walking tour.",RecreationandParkCommission/2013-03-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2013-03-14,3,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2013
Page 3
Speaker Peter Wolfe read to the Commission a story by Dan Thomas, circa 1965. He stated the
meaning of ""play' has changed, from being outside to digital play. He cited AMC 2-62-3 that is a local
ordinance for a local participation policy requirement in all RFPs for local contractors/designers.
Speaker Barry Parker wanted to state that he was moved by the presentation and efforts put forth for
this property. He stated that he is a swimmer and suggested getting away from the idea that a swim
facility could be part of this property, due to funding issues. There is a great need to recondition the
two pools. He spoke on the Highline railway rehab project in NY City being a great example.
Commissioner Delaney asked if outside Alameda groups use the pools. Mr. Parker stated, no.
Director Wooldridge stated only Alameda teams use the pools but a competitive meet can bring in up
to 800 people.
Mr. Parker further stated that if a swim complex was built, the high schools would have to transport
students and equipment to a non-school site and it could lead to the existing pools not be repaired.
The best thing to do is to rehab the current pools, especially Emma Hood.
Speaker Doug Siden, East Bay Regional Park District Board representative, wanted to share that this
is a unique opportunity as many cities do not have properties able to be developed, especially of this
size. He stated that we may not need to duplicate what we already have on the island. He would like
operational costs and maintenance to be considered. He asked for the naming ordinance to also be
considered.
Speaker Aaron Thies wanted to reiterate a thank you and is pleased to see the walking and biking
trails. He and Jean had discussed a tiered system for trails and trails can be incorporated into other
areas. He suggested mountain biking being separate from BMX.
Speaker Doug deHaan said all the individual speakers previous have thanked everyone but he
wanted to make a mention to the Commission. He shared some of the constraints with this property.
He provided the background on renaming and remediation of Estuary Park. The community is willing
to do many different aspects for developing this project and could keep the funding issues low. He
suggested asking for help from the community. He stated the pools need to be rehabbed, but the
schools need to put in their part. He's looking forward to the next step.
Speaker Pat Colburn said her house overlooks the Beltline and agreed the Commission has identified
sports facilities options in other locations. We don't have a space that fosters wildlife, and sports
facilities and wildlife won't mix. She suggested moving the parking area.
Speaker Debra Arbuckle said she was a friend of Jean's for years prior to the beltline project. People
love the sense of peace in this property. There is a sense of wonder in this property and would love
to have kids play in this area.
Speaker Mali McGee said she is a 17 year resident of Alameda and said she proposed building a 5-
acres community farm on the Beltline property. A community farm would employ good land
management with grazing with goats, pigs, and chickens. The project would be self-funded and could
benefit the community in many ways. She runs a shareholder dairy.",RecreationandParkCommission/2013-03-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2013-03-14,4,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2013
Page 4
Speaker Marisa Wood said she is a resident and here to represent the youth community. She is
working with Mali McGee to learn about raising animals. She supports her proposal for a 5 acre
community farm. Many people have to travel far to visit a community farm.
Speaker Jane Jackson said she is glad to see a community garden as part of the beltline plan. She
owns a plot in the Eagle community garden. She would like to know how big the community garden
would be.
Amy Wooldridge reminded the public there is a sign-up list to receive email announcements and
information on the Beltline project.
Speakers Lil Arnerich said he understands the role of Commissions ad he has been on several. He
complimented the people who have come to the meetings and participated in the project. He and
Norma like to stay active in the community, and they have been friends with Jean. Lil provided the
Commission a briefing on the history of Jean's vision, with handouts. He said personally he wants to
see swim centers, but not at this location and this isn't the vision of Jean's. He asked for the
Commission to read the articles he handed out.
Chair Restagno closed the public comment period of the meeting.
Commissioner Sonneman asked if this was a conceptual recommendation or more detailed. Director
Wooldridge stated this was a recommendation for specific use types. There will be further discussions
on things like parking and fencing around the property.
Commissioner Sonneman stated the comments for open space, and the words, ""walk, look, listen and
enjoy"" were in mind when reviewing comments and listening to others. He recommends passive use.
Vice-Chair Brown agreed to the passive use, and community gardens should be a part of this
proposal, although she isn't sure if a community farm is appropriate for the beltline.
Commissioner Delaney stated we are all in agreement, and while working with Director Wooldridge
and others he suggested this proposal matched what came out of those meetings, and that we begin
to prioritize accordingly but also to include picnic areas.
Chair Restagno stated there could be other uses but in keeping with the vision is important, and is
supportive of a plan to include other items from the list.
Commissioner Cooke agreed that this isn't something that will happen overnight, and she feels very
sensitive to the neighbors around the area and parking issues. She would really like this become a
passive open space facility in the vision of Jean and moving forward needs to happen.
Commissioner Sonneman expressed concerns with this being a big area and the need for security.
Director Wooldridge stated the most common question is when the property will be open. It contingent
on two major factors, those being soil clean-up, and safety (lighting and police access).",RecreationandParkCommission/2013-03-14.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2013-03-14,5,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2013
Page 5
Commissioner Cooke anticipates the community coming out to help when asked.
Commissioner Delaney talked about the approval of this report and how the process would work, with
designs and more detailed items coming to this Commission before those items move forward.
Motion to recommend conceptual uses for the Beltline/Jean Sweeney Open Space Park that define
the definition of passive space with the top six uses based on community input. These items include
walking/bike trails, natural open space, picnic areas, community gardens, playgrounds, and open
lawn areas. M/S/C Delaney, Cooke (unanimously approved)
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION & PARK DIRECTOR
A.
Recreation Commission Reports - Vice-Chair Brown reported that Mastick is
continuing with their free tax preparation. Some special presentations upcoming. The daily
lunch program continues, fund raising, trips abroad, and the annual volunteer recognition lunch
will be held in April. They are hosting a walk around the Beltline. Chair Restegano suggested
a wheelchair or walker be made available to clients if needed.
B.
Friends of the Park Report - Commissioner Delaney reported they have schedule the
Play-for-the-Parks golf tournament on September 25, 2013. He thanked the Greenway Golf
people for helping this happen. He reported that the exercise equipment at Lincoln Park is
getting a lot of use and looks terrific.
C.
Recreation and Parks Director Report - Director Wooldridge reported working on a
grant application for Encinal Boatramp, due April 1st. The July 4th Jubilee has been canceled
due to declined attendance and sponsorship. September 28th is being planned for an event to
celebrate everything Alameda and she is asking for volunteers for a Steering Committee.
Summer program registration is in full swing, and the activity guide is coming out soon. She
explained that she is working to get more aquatic based programs available, and subsequently
this summer ARPD partnered with Alameda Dragonflyers for a Dragon Boat camp for teens,
free Family Fun Runs and New Paddler clinics. ARPD is teaming with City of San Leandro for
Camp Concord, which is a week-long family camp. New offering of trips for families and active
individuals to location such as Costa Rica and the French Riviera. We are offering new sports
camps such as Lacrosse and Advanced Basketball for Girls. The egg scramble is March 23rd
D.
Other Reports - Chair Restagno was given a letter regarding the naming of the beltline
property, and asked that it be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
8.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL - None
9.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA - Item 7.D.
10.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, April 11, 2013.
11.
ADJOURNMENT
M/S/C Commissioner Sonnemen motioned to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. Commissioner Cooke
seconded, and unanimous.",RecreationandParkCommission/2013-03-14.pdf
SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard,2013-03-14,1,"RESOLUTION NO. 13-07
RESOLUTION OF THE OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA ADOPTING
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING, MARCH 14, 2013
WHEREAS, the Oversight Board for the Successor Agency to the Community
Improvement Commission of the City of Alameda organized itself pursuant to Chapter 4
(commencing with Section 34179) of Part 1.85 of Division 24 of the Health and Safety Code (the
""Board""); and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for said Board to adopt minutes of public meetings;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The approval of meeting minutes of the special meeting on March 14, 2013, of
the Oversight Board for the Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission of
the City of Alameda, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of April , 2013, by the following
vote:
AYES: Russo, Biggs, Me Mahon, Potter
NOES: O
ABSENT: Chan, Gerhard Ortiz
ABSTAIN: D
for
Chair
ATTEST:
Germany Valisha
Secrétary of the Board",SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard/2013-03-14.pdf
SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard,2013-03-14,2,"Exhibit A
MINUTES
City of Alameda
Successor Agency Oversight Board
Au
Special Meeting
Thursday, March 14, 2013, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue
Conference Room 360
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Chairman Russo called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., with the following
Board Members present: Vice Chair Biggs; Members Chan, McMahon, Ortiz, and
Potter. Board Member Gerhard was absent. Board staff in attendance: Assistant
General Counsel Garrabrant-Sierra and Secretary Valeska.
2. CONSENT AGENDA: Action
a. Resolution Adopting the Minutes of the February 26, 2013 Special
Meeting
(Resolution No. 13-05) The Resolution was passed by unanimous consent.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Selection of Oversight Board Legal Counsel - Full Board Interviews with
Stein & Lubin LLP and Law Offices of Craig Labadie: Action
The first interview was with Laurie Gustafson of Stein & Lubin LLP,
followed by the second interview with Craig Labadie of Law Offices of
Craig Labadie. Following the interviews, the Board Members discussed
the strengths of both applicants. Motion and second (Chan/Biggs) to
recommend Law Offices of Craig Labadie as the legal counsel for the
Oversight Board. Motion passed unanimously (6-0-1). Member Potter
stated that at the April 9 annual meeting, the Board will be asked to adopt
a resolution authorizing the Successor Agency to enter into the legal
services agreement with Law Offices of Craig Labadie. The approval of
the agreement is scheduled for the Successor Agency's May 7 meeting.
4. NEW BUSINESS
(At the Chair's direction, the Board heard items 4.a. and 4.b. during the
interval between the first and second law firm interviews.)
a. Resolution Authorizing the Successor Agency to Enter into the Second
Amendment Expanding the Scope of Work and Adding $15,000 to the
Agreement with Keyser Marston Associates, inc. for Financial Services
through June 30, 2013, for a Total Budget Amount of $89,000: Action
(Resolution No. 13-06) Motion and Second (Chan and McMahon) to adopt the
resolution. Member Ortiz was out of the room at the time of the vote. Motion
passed (5-0-2). Upon her return to the meeting, Member Ortiz stated that she
wanted to go on record as voting yes for this motion.",SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard/2013-03-14.pdf
SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard,2013-03-14,3,"Minutes
March 14, 2013
Successor Agency Oversight Board
Page 2 of 2
b. Confirm the Date of the Oversight Board's Annual Meeting: Action
Member Potter stated that according to the Oversight Board's bylaws, the
annual meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of April, at 6:30 p.m.,
unless there is a conflicting holiday. The Board Members concurred that the
2013 annual meeting would be scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m.
The secretary was directed to send the appointment to the members.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT (non-agenda items) (none)
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (none)
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF (none)
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peremany Valedea
Rosemary Valeska
Secretary
Approved as submitted on April 9, 2013
Resolution No 13-07",SuccessorAgencyOversightBoard/2013-03-14.pdf