CALL TO ORDER: Chair Rodrigues called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present were Chair Ernie Rodrigues, Vice Chair Blythe Lind, Commissioners Lanny Brown and Eileen Hofstadt. Alyssa Madden was excused absent. Staff members present were: Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager; Barry Margesson, Park/Maintenance Supervisor; Edie Keller, Administrative Supervisor and Linda Stadlbauer, Administrative Assistant II.

PRESENTATION(S): NONE

CITIZEN COMMENTS: Sash Migay spoke on behalf of EDYSL (East Diablo Youth Soccer League) He wanted to clarify what they believe to be the purpose of their organization; that the League offers soccer to ages 5 and under to 74 and to skill levels from special needs to competitive. He stated that they are the largest organization in town, but do not necessarily want all the fields. Traci Tovani (for EDYSL) continued with the statement that adult soccer is still a level that residents are interested in, and that they like to have that common interest with their children who are involved in the soccer program. She was concerned that the Parks and Recreation Department and EDYSL’s definition of recreation may not be the same.

Chair Rodrigues informed the audience that this subject will be on the Parks and Recreation Commission agenda for December 16, 2010.

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of October 28, 2010
2. Accept Recreation Manager project status report. (P. Scherff)
3. Accept Parks Division monthly report. (B. Margesson)
4. Accept Landscape Division monthly report. (A. Wanden)
 Motion to approve items 1-4 of Consent Calendar.
Motioned: Hofstadt - with correction to Item #1 Minutes of October 28, 2010; in the Scheduled Matters section Item #6. Change Commissioner Brown’s comment about retrofitting fields from accommodating a “higher capacity” to accommodating “a different level of play”.
Second: Lind
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Absent: 1

SCHEDULED MATTERS:
5. DISCUSSION ITEM: Presentation by Ross Recreation for Special Needs Equipment (B. Margesson/J. Bawden)
Jon Bawden gave a PowerPoint presentation with a detailed overview of examples of the play equipment and the kinds of play areas that Ross Recreation has created for special needs. He also expanded on the company’s vision to try and encompass the needs of all ranges of special needs children and their families. Discussion included: the high cost of equipment being separate from the cost of preparation of the area, installation of surfacing and the installation of the equipment itself; the cost of maintenance/repair/replacement, which will be higher with custom parts; and that retrofitting existing playground areas is still a possibility. It was also requested that the new Parks and Recreation Commissioners, who will be coming on board in January, be well informed about this subject so that they can make decisions for future play areas that incorporate special needs. It was also suggested that the next General Plan should footnote these issues.

STAFF COMMENTS
Poldina Scherff reminded the Commission that there are lots of happenings at the Brentwood Senior Activities Center. We will have our first Arts and Crafts Faire this Saturday, November 20th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Annual Tree Lighting will be on Friday, December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Join us in front of the Senior Center for entertainment, a visit from Santa and goodies. And later in the month, Friday December 17th at 7 p.m., the Summerset Singers will entertain us with a holiday concert.

Ms. Scherff advised the Commission that she has met with PONY and EDYSL, and will report the results back to the Commission at the December 16th meeting.

Barry Margesson advised the Commission that the company, Gametime, will be at the December Commission meeting with more suggestions for special needs play equipment.

Edie Keller reminded the Commission that our December Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled for the 16th, and for staff to please call and remind George Migay so that he may attend.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Hofstadt inquired “what is the definition of an R-area as seen in Aaron Wanden’s staff report?” Barry Margesson responded that these are the landscape areas found in the older parts of Brentwood. These are funded through the City’s General Fund, as opposed to those funded by the Lighting and Landscape District (LLD) funds.

Commissioner Lind expressed her appreciation to the audience for their participation and comments, as the input greatly helps the Commission in addressing the needs of the community.

Chair Rodrigues reported that the November 11th Veterans Day Celebration at Veterans Park turned out well. We had a good size crowd, and the day was beautiful. He also reported that he will be running for the Senior Club President position when his appointment with the Parks and Recreation Commission is over. He thanked the audience for their attendance and input.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.