REGULAR MEETING
November 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Council Chambers
101B Sand Creek Road
Brentwood, CA 94513

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Rodrigues called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Present were Vice Chair Ernie Rodrigues and Commissioners Blythe Lind, Lanny Brown and Sandra Myers. Excused: Chair Eileen Hofstadt. Staff members present were Roger Stromgren, Landscape/Facilities Manager; Poldina Scherff, Recreation Manager; Barry Margesson, Landscape/Facilities Supervisor; Sue Barry, Recreation Supervisor; Mac Kaiser, Recreation Supervisor; Jackie Dwyer, Recreation Coordinator; Devin Hidalgo, Pool Manager; Edie Keller, Administrative Supervisor and Linda Stadlbauer, Administrative Assistant II.

PRESENTATION(S): Landscape Structures, Inc., Representative Jon Bawden, gave his presentation with the Revised Option A playground, which includes a Weevos area for 2-5 year olds, and an Evos area for 5-12 year olds. He gave three cost options; Idea A, the original as shown, at a cost of $58,000; Idea B, which would include shade over the structures, at a cost of $72,000; and Idea C, which would include rubberized play surfacing, at an additional cost of $45,000. The Commissioners liked the options, but are restricted by the $60,000-or-under budget. However, as a compromise, they would like to have more wobble-pads added to the design of the Evos, which Jon agreed to provide within our budget. It was suggested that a Mom’s group, like the Crusade for Shade, might be able to raise funds for the shade structures. Jon will leave the color samples for the Commission to decide final colors of equipment. He will return to next meeting with final design and cost.

CITIZEN COMMENTS: Concepcion James, a representative of the Contra Costa Health Services, was specifically interested in the value of the play equipment for cardio, strength and endurance and its impact on childhood obesity prevention. The presenter, Jon Bawden, responded that the equipment is designed to challenge children’s minds and bodies and that he would be glad to have her contact him directly for more specific information about the studies used to design the equipment.

CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve minutes of regular meeting of October 22, 2009.
2. Accept Recreation Manager project status report. (P. Scherff)
3. Accept Recreation Division quarterly report. (P. Scherff)
4. Accept Parks Division monthly report. (B. Margesson)

Motion to approve items 1-4 of Consent Calendar.
Motioned: Lind
Second: Myers
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0

SCHEDULED MATTERS:
5. ACTION ITEM: Approve the chart of parks and fields available for use information to the new Field Rental Application. (S. Barry & F. Ruiz)

Staff is requesting the Commission to approve adding the chart of parks and fields available for use information to the existing “special event” application and including it in the new Field Rental application.

Motion to approve Item 5 of Scheduled Matters
Motioned: Brown
Second: Myers
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

6. ACTION ITEM: Approve the disbandment of Team Azul and amendment to Article 17. of Adult Coed Soccer League House Rules (J. Dwyer/B Gary)

Discussion included the history of red cards/yellow cards and more specifics on Team Azul and the reasons for the disbandment request. The Commissioners agreed with staff’s reasons for disbandment.

Motion to approve Item 6 of Scheduled Matters
Motioned: Myers
Second: Lind
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

7. ACTION ITEM: Accept the Advertising Policy for City of Brentwood publications, brochures, and/or on suitable City-owned facilities and forward to City Council for approval. (S. Barry & P. Scherff)

The Commission was advised that their previous suggestions were included in the revised Policy, and that the City’s legal counsel has approved the Policy.

Motion to approve Item 7 of Scheduled Matters and forward to City Council for approval.
Motioned: Lind
Second: Brown
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

8. ACTION ITEM: Accept the revised Park Closure Policy and forward to City Council to accept and file. (S. Barry)

The Commission was advised that Staff has revised the existing “Field and Skate Park Closure Policy” to update terminology for user/renters and to help create a more universal document that covers outdoor facilities, as well as sport activities. This information is available on our webpage with the Hotline link, and through our Hotline phone number.

Motion to approve Item 8 of Scheduled Matters and forward to City Council for acceptance and filing.
Motioned: Lind
Second: Myers
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

9. ACTION ITEM: Accept staff recommendations for Tournament Use of Sports Fields and forward to City Council to approve. (S. Barry)

On October 22, 2009 staff brought areas of concern to the Parks and Recreation Commission as they relate to tournament use of City sports fields. Staff was directed to make revisions and return with recommendations. Staff recommendations are presented in the Staff Report, including the “Priority of Use”, reservation and cancellation policy and dates available for tournament reservations.

Motion to approve Item 9 of Scheduled Matters and forward to City Council for approval.
Motioned: Brown
Second: Lind
Ayes: 4
Noes: 0
Abstained: 0

STAFF COMMENTS
Barry Margesson advised the Commission that Rodda Electric has been working on the electrical repairs, due to copper theft, at Sunset Park. A couple of options being considered to discourage theft are: pouring concrete over the electrical boxes rather than have lids, and installing technology that would monitor the wiring continuity so that if it is cut it will send out a silent alarm. There was discussion of the three light poles around Creekside Park that are out, to which Roger Stromgren responded that two were burned out, but that the third had been knocked down in a traffic incident. All are being repaired as a priority work request. The two picnic tables are not being replaced at this time. Commissioner Myers informed the Commission that she is a resident of the neighborhood adjacent to Creekside Park, and that there are going to be a couple of community meetings in early December to discuss the concerns of increasing vandalism and violence at the park.

Sue Barry thanked Commissioners Rodrigues and Brown for their assistance at the EDYSL meeting.

Poldina Scherff reminded the Commission that the Annual Tree Lighting will follow the Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 21. She also advised them that Youth Basketball signups were going well.

Roger Stromgren informed the Commission that McClarren Park is coming along, and that the play equipment should be installed by the first week in December. He also requested that the Park Naming Committee, Commissioners Lind and Brown, meet and think of ten new park names for the parks that will be coming on-line in the next year. He reminded the Commission to examine the color samples that Landscape Structures left for their consideration and choose colors for the equipment at Summerwood Park.

Barry Margesson informed the Commission that the shade canopy at Orchard Park had to be sent to Texas for repair, and due to that, the reinstallation will be delayed. Also, that the Police Department is well aware of the increase of vandalism and illegal activity at our parks. Parks and Recreation Department and Police Department have a “Parks Team” that meets quarterly to discuss prevention plans, and are convening in December to coordinate increased counter measures.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Myers requested Commission Lind to cover for her at the Senior Meetings in January thru the remaining of “tax season”. She also inquired as to the status of the bocce court renovation project. Roger Stromgren replied that the Boy Scout who is doing the project will be finishing in the early Spring. Barry Margesson will check the courts to repair any minor damage in the meantime.

Commissioner Rodrigues requested that the Parks staff inspect the flags at Veterans Park and replace the damaged ones. Also, that he believes it would be a good public relations gesture to see a City sponsored event at the park on next Veterans Day.

REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
None

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.