MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission
JANUARY 25, 2006
The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the Sunnyvale Community Center Board Room, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale CA at 7:10 p.m. with Chair Lawson presiding.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
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Commissioners
Present: |
Chair Robert Lawson
Vice Chair Robert Locke |
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Commissioner Bob Kinder |
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Commissioner Richard Oliver |
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Commissioner Howard Chuck |
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Staff Present: |
Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of December 14, 2005
Vice Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to approve the December 14, 2005, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, with Commissioner Chuck abstaining.
Commissioner Kinder moved, Vice Chair Locke seconded, to excuse Commissioner Chuck’s absence on December 14, 2005. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, with Commissioner Chuck abstaining.
STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Serra Little League Request to Name Serra Park Ball Field in Memory of Robert Owen Bernhardt (Council Action 2/7/06)
Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report. Commissioners’ questions were answered regarding acquisition of the type of signage that would last for many years. In response to Commissioners’ questions regarding what were the significant contributions of John W. Christian and several other individuals who have had facilities named in their honor, Ms. Merrill responded that the records should be in the City’s archives, but she did not have that information on hand. She also noted that what is considered “significant contributions” may change over time. Commissioners stated that the significant contributions of Mr. Bernhardt should be permanently preserved in the City records for reference.
Chair Lawson opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Scott Erwin, Serra Little League umpire and coach, described what he felt was appropriate criteria for significant contributions. He said it is the purview of the City Council to set guidelines and criteria for significant contributions and then to determine if the guidelines and criteria are met. He presented Mr. Bernhardt’s significant accomplishments and shared the reasons why Serra Little League feels Mr. Bernhardt should have a field named in his honor.
Mr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Serra Little League President, urged approval of Serra Little Leagues’ request to name the Serra Park ball field in memory of Mr. Bernhardt.
Chair Lawson thanked the members of the public for their comments and closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Locke asked if a study issue would be the correct process to set criteria which could be used in the future to determine significant contributions of individuals. Assistant to the Director Merrill said if the Commission proposed a study issue for this topic, then staff would prepare the study issue paper for 2007.
Commissioner Oliver suggested that examples of the criteria that made the contributions of Bob Owen Bernhardt so significant be stated as part of the motion so the criteria for a “significant” contribution can be defined on record and would help begin to set the precedence and criteria of significance.
Commissioner Oliver moved, Chair Lawson seconded, that the Commission reiterate the specific criteria mentioned in Significant Community Contributions, Attachment B of the Draft RTC, so that it becomes the standard by which “significant” contributions are judged.
Chair Lawson noted that these specific criteria will give guidance to future judging of “significant” contributions.
The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Chair Lawson moved, Commissioner Kinder seconded, to note whereas Robert Owen “Bob” Bernhardt had made significant contributions to the Sunnyvale community in a variety of ways as well as in a special field of endeavor; he had the hallmark ability to inspire and motivate others; he was recognized and widely respected by the public; he was readily acknowledged for his achievements by his peers and embodied exemplary qualities and skills that serve as a model for others. Bob Bernhardt set a standard of accomplishment not easily achieved yet attainable by all; he had a continuous and exemplary record of achievement and demonstrated it over a prolonged period of time. In addition, Bob Bernhardt possessed sound moral character. Therefore, the Commission recommends that Council approve the Serra Little League’s request to name ball field No. 1 the “Bob Bernhardt Field” in memory of the significant contributions of their long time coach, manager, umpire and friend, Mr. Robert Owen Bernhardt.
Commissioner Kinder made a friendly amendment to note that ball field No. 1 is located at Serra Park.
The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion.
The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Mr. Fitzpatrick said that March 25, 2006, will be the opening day ceremony for Serra Little League. He hopes to obtain the new signage quickly and anticipates that it will be located on top of the scoreboard.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
COMMISSION
Commissioner Kinder gave an update on the recent Council action regarding the approval of the Cricket Club Agreement and the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element.
Commissioner Locke provided an update on the recent Council action regarding the approval of the Sustainable Community Gardens Agreement.
Commissioner Chuck said January 29, 2006, is the Chinese New Year (Year of the Dog), and he wished everyone a happy new year.
Chair Lawson said the Commission needs to be mindful of how to get Council’s attention and share Commission’s recommendations. He said this topic could be a possible future agenda item, and he would like to meet with Assistant to the Director Merrill regarding this matter.
Commissioner Oliver agreed to present the Commission’s recommendation regarding the Serra Little League request to name Serra Park ball field in memory of Robert Owen Bernhardt to Council on February 7, 2006.
Chair Lawson read his communication regarding the Commission’s desire to share the “Park It” scripts at Council meetings. He will present it to Council on February 7, 2006.
Chair Lawson said it would be positive for the Parks and Recreation Department to partner with the City’s schools to host nature walks and to present programs on obesity and diet. He also mentioned the “Fish Day at Vasona Park” program which taught youth how to fish and was sponsored by the Sunnyvale Rotary Club and Santa Clara County Parks. He said the program has been discontinued and asked if staff would be interested in starting it up again.
STAFF
Assistant to the Director Merrill updated the Commissioners on recent Council actions. She said that her next staff report would include the exact wording used in the final motion that approved the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
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Staff Liaison Written Report
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Council Ranking Results of Parks and Recreation Department’s 2006 Study Issues
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Memo to Parks and Recreation Commission from Nancy Bolgard Steward, Superintendent of Arts and Recreation, dated December 27, 2005, Subject: California Park and Recreation Society Award
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Miscellaneous Items of Interest
ADJOURNMENT 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy E. Merrill
Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department
Reviewed by,
David A. Lewis
Director
Parks and Recreation Department