MINUTES
SUNNYVALE parks and Recreation Commission
JANUARY 12, 2005
The Parks and Recreation Commission adjourned from 6:30 p.m. Study Session – Review of Draft Community Conditions Section of Update of Recreation and Open Space Sub-Elements – held in the West Conference Room and met in regular session in the City Council Chambers, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, at 7:30 p.m. with Chair Arnett presiding.
SALUTE TO FLAG
Chair Arnett led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
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Present: |
Chair Jeff Arnett |
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Vice Chair Raymond Pole |
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Commissioner Howard Chuck |
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Commissioner Robert Lawson |
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Commissioner Robert Locke |
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Staff Present: |
Robert Walker, Director |
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Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
SCHEDULED PRESENTATION None
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes (Regular Meeting of December 8, 2004)
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Commissioner Locke moved, motion was seconded, to approve the December 8, 2004, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes.
Motion carried unanimously |
There were no comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Serra Park Dedication Plaque
There was no staff report. Ms. Merrill pointed out the following policies, which were included in Commissioners’ packets:
- Naming/Renaming Parks and Recreation Facilities Policy 7.3.10
- Recognition and Plaque Policy 7.3.11
Chair Arnett open the Public Hearing. The following members of the public spoke in support of a recognition plaque for Mr. Bob Bernhardt.
Scott Erwin, Sunnyvale resident, presented an introduction to Mr. Bob Bernhardt’s Recognition Project. Mr. Erwin requested approval of a small commemorative plaque, slightly larger than the 3” x 5” size allowed by City policy. The full cost of the recognition plaque will be borne by Serra Little League. A sample of the plaque was shared with the Commissioners.
Rev. Mark Bollwinkel reflected on his friend, Mr. Bob Bernhardt.
Mr. Ron Swegles spoke of Mr. Bob Bernhardt as a friend.
Mr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, President, Serra Little League, said he has great respect for volunteer umpires, and Serra Little League made Mr. Bernhardt their Honorary Chief Umpire even though he was fighting an illness and could not participate for the first time in many years. It was Serra Little League’s request to place the recognition plaque near the first base line at Serra Park field.
Mr. Felix Balga said Mr. Bernhardt was a role model for both youth and adults. He continued as a volunteer even after his children left the league and also volunteered at district level.
Mr. Park Chamberlain, former president of Serra Little League, noted that each league has those that they can count on, but Mr. Bernhardt was someone to count on longer than anyone else — he volunteered from 1970 to 2002.
Mr. Eric Ehlers, umpire with Serra Little League, spoke in favor of a recognition plaque for Mr. Bernhardt and reflected on his leadership and ability to keep a calm demeanor.
Chair Arnett closed the Public Hearing and extended his appreciation to members of the public for their comments.
Mr. Erwin and staff answered Commissioners’ questions.
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Commissioner Lawson moved, Vice Chair Pole seconded, to recommend that Council approve a 7” x 9” recognition plaque for Mr. Bob Bernhardt as presented with the addition of the dates of his life span and to be installed on the back stop fence at Serra Park ball field. Serra Little League to bear full cost, including maintenance. The Commission also recommended that Council revise the Recognition and Plaque Policy 7.3.11 to include the recognition of donations other than monetary donations. (Staff plans to create a Study Issue paper to be ranked for 2006.)
Commissioner Lawson encouraged service to the community and said he would like the plaque policy to more routinely allow memoriam recognition.
Vice Chair Pole said he is pleased that Mr. Bernhardt will be recognized for his volunteer contributions and his work will set a high standard for other citizens. Mr. Bernhardt serves as a role model for all citizens to aspire to.
Motion Carried Unanimously 5-0 |
3. Review of Relationships with Outside Groups Policy 7.2.6
Ms. Merrill reviewed Relationships with Outside Groups Policy 7.2.6 and handed out sample agreement and fee schedules. There was no action to be taken on this item.
Staff responded to Commissioners’ questions regarding long- versus short-term relationships with the City, Las Palmas spray pool fees, catering information, and how fee schedules are calculated.
The Public Hearing was opened. There were no comments and the Public Hearing was closed.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
· BOARDMEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS ORAL COMMENTS
Commissioner Lawson asked if the City Attorney could define why it was necessary to have a public hearing when the Commission reviewed the Relationship with Outside Groups Policy and it was not an action item. Director Walker responded that the Brown Act states that a majority of Commission members are prohibited from discussing parks and recreation related issues and services without publicizing it as an agenda item.
Vice Chair Pole apologized to the Chair for mixing up his interest regarding Las Palmas spray pool with Relationships with Outside Groups Policy. Director Walker indicated staff could provide the Commissioners with an update in the near future regarding the status of the Las Palmas spray pool, which might help Commissioner Pole determine whether he wanted to pursue a Study Issue paper. Commissioner Pole indicated this would be helpful.
Chair Arnett noted that Council approved the Girl Scouts Agreement without including the Commission’s recommendation for the Girl Scouts to provide a roster of members. Director Walker responded that the agreement does state the Girl Scouts will provide a roster at the City’s request, should the City find that it needs that information.
Vice Chair Pole referred to letter from Council on Aging that was included in Commissioners’ packet and suggested that staff could have included a cover memo bringing it to Commissioners’ attention. Ms. Merrill noted that Information Only Items are in packet as a way to bring items to the Commissioners’ attention.
· STAFF ORAL COMMENTS
Ms. Merrill shared information from Facilities Management that the Council dais chairs were removed to be reupholstered and will be returned within one month.
Director Walker shared that Council requested that a Study Issue paper be prepared regarding commercialization of space in Sunnyvale parks.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
- Staff Liaison Written Report
- Miscellaneous Items of Interest
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Vice Chair Pole moved, Commissioner Chuck seconded, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously |
ADJOURNMENT 9:02 p.m.
Cathy E. Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department
Reviewed by:
Robert A. Walker
Director
Parks and Recreation Department