CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Tom Jones called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Commissioners present as follows: Chairperson Tom Jones, Commissioners Lanny Brown, Jan Melloni, Sandra Myers and Ernie Rodrigues. Staff members present were Ken DeSilva, Landscape/Facilities Manager; Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager, and Tammy Homan, Administrative Supervisor.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge was given by all present

PRESENTATIONS: None

CITIZENS COMMENTS: None.

AGENDA REVIEW: No changes or additions.

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of October 27, 2005.
2. Accept staff project status report from Recreation Division. (P. Scherff)
3. Accept staff report from Arts Division. (R. Burr-Siegel)
4. Accept staff report regarding Tennis Subcommittee. (P. Scherff)
5. Accept regular meeting calendar for 2006. (T. Homan)
Motion by Commissioner Rodrigues to accept the Consent Calenda. Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown, motion carried unanimously.

SCHEDULED MATTERS:
6. ACTION ITEM Project overview and review and approve park concept plans for Prewett Ranch Project, Subdivision #8954 by Suncrest Homes. (K. DeSilva)
Mr. DeSilva, Landscape/Facilities Manager introduced the subject matter and the first speaker on the project, Mr. Gordon Gravelle, President of Suncrest Homes. He gave a brief description of the property and the history of the developer and former owner of the ranch. He also gave a history of the Prewett family’s relationship with him and his company. The property consists of a 240-lot subdivision of upscale homes. Mr. Gravelle used maps which were in each of the Commissioner’s packets and also on display in a much larger format for the Commissioners. He described the types of neighborhoods in the plans and home lot sizes. Mr. Gravelle described the location of the parks within the development. He then introduced Mr. Curt Honodel, Vice President of Operations of Suncrest Homes. He also introduced Ms. Leslee Temple, Vice President of Nuvis Landscape Architecture and Planning.

The first park described will be at the primary entrance to the development. Mr. Honodel described the sizes of the lots, and average square feet of the different styles of homes to be built on these lots. There will also be ten lots in excess of 20,000 square feet to accommodate custom homes. The homes were described as traditional and French Provincial and designed for families who were moving upwards in the types of homes they were purchasing. Roads and entrances along with placement of the parks were described in detail by Mr. Honodel. He responded to questions from Chairperson Jones and other Commissioners. The developer is also in compliance with the art ordinance of the City and has met with the Art Manager. Safe trails and trail crossings into the parks were also described.

Ms. Leslee Temple was then introduced and described each park in detail and the types of landscaping, and park equipment in each of the three parks. The third park will be divided by an entrance and bridge over a man-made lake. Examples of play equipment were also described along with the shade and other elements of each park. Union Land and Miracle brands of play equipment are proposed. All of the parks and entrances are designed around inspiration from Thomas Kincaid’s paintings. Water features and an artificial lake was described in detail. The bridge is themed to the Kincaid painting, Lamplight Inn. Other paintings used as inspiration in the parks are Kincaid’s Open Gate and Pools of Serenity. Commissioner Myers questioned the ability of the children to get into the water to play in the artificial lake. Commissioner Melloni also questioned this and depth of the water questioned by Commissioner Brown. Ms. Temple said the depth will be between 12 to 18 inches. Children will have the ability to push buttons to cause water to jet into the air. Other details of materials and trails connecting to the parks were discussed. Risk management issues were also discussed.

Chairperson Jones commented that he felt this the best park design ever presented to the Commission. Commissioner Rodrigues also said he really liked the designs. Chairperson Jones also asked Mr. DeSilva about the City’s responsibility to maintain the property, drains, etc. after completion of the proposed designs and turning over of the property to the City. Mr. DeSilva said all maintenance at that time would then be the responsibility of the City. Commissioner Brown asked about the possibility of chess tables and chairs in the parks. Commissioner Myers asked for sand area and drinking fountains. She was assured that would be provided. Commissioner Myers and Rodrigues volunteered to work with staff and developers on this project. Commissioner Melloni asked about LLD fees and when applicable, Mr. DeSilva explained when they were applicable. Commissioner Rodrigues moved to accept the plans as presented, motion seconded by Commissioner Melloni, motion carried unanimously.

7. ACTION ITEM Consideration of setting date for a holiday social. (K. DeSilva)
Mr. DeSilva and Chairperson Jones asked the Commissioners to check their schedules so this social could be planned. The date and time of 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2005 was set. This is the regular meeting night for the Commission.

8. ACTION ITEM Consideration of canceling December 15, 2005 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Rodrigues moved to cancel the regular December meeting in lieu of the Christmas Social gathering. Motion seconded by Commissioner Brown, motion carried unanimously

9. UPDATE Discussion of Park and Recreation Commissioners terms expiring December 31, 2005. (K. DeSilva)
Chairperson Jones and Commissioner Melloni’s terms will expire December 31, 2005. Chairperson Jones said he has received the notice and he has filed his reapplication. Commissioner Melloni has also received her letter.

10. UPDATE Discussion of Veterans Park Holiday Tree. (K. DeSilva)
Chairperson Jones asked what new information Mr. DeSilva had on this subject. Mr. DeSilva said the Holiday tree has just been installed at City Park. He said the issue in supplying another tree at the Veterans Park was that their just wasn’t sufficient funding for another tree at about $1,200 - $1,400. The City Park tree cost approximately $2,000 plus staff time in setting up and decorating. Chairperson Jones said the ideas had come from a City Councilman to himself and Commissioner Rodrigues. They thought it a good idea if it could work, if not then possibly some other type of decorations could be arranged. Commissioner Rodrigues would like to see something at the Veterans Park. He also said that if they cannot put up the tree, it would be nice to send a letter to Councilman Taylor with an explanation. Chairperson Jones will send this letter, drafted by Mr. DeSilva in response.

CITIZEN COMMENTS: None

STAFF COMMENTS:
All wished a Happy Birthday to Commissioner Rodrigues.

Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager commented on the Tennis Subcommittee Update which was also included as Agenda Item #4. Chairperson Jones apologized for missing the Tennis meeting. Commissioner Brown also commented on the recent subcommittee meeting. She also said that they are applying for two USTA grants.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS:
Commissioner Rodrigues said that he had a good meeting with the CPRS District #3 at Livermore that day.

Commissioner Myers said that she had a picture of the train going into the Rose Garden Park and passed it around for all to view.

Snowpark is coming up soon and Chairperson Jones asked if they would like participation from the Kiwanis Club again this year and they would have volunteers available if needed. Ms. Scherff will be in touch with the staff that are working on this project and notify him of any needs.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None were given

ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Jones adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Jo Whincup, Minutes Recorder