The Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, California on May 28, 2003, at 7 p.m., with Chair Manfrey presiding.

Chair Manfrey called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Chair Manfrey led the salute to the flag.

Ms. Merrill said Commissioner Ringel notified her by telephone of the following corrections to the May 14, 2003, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes.

• Page 4: Commissioner Ringel accepted the friendly amendment.

• Page 5: Commissioner Ringel thanked Golf staff for cutting the dead tree between fairways 5 and 6 at Sunken Gardens Golf Course.

• Page 6: In response to Commissioner Ringel’s inquiry as to how many injuries there are to-date at the Skate Park, Director Walker replied that he did not know but that he would follow up. He said staff is required to log all injury accidents at the Skate Park and that the Commissioners would be kept informed.

Chair Manfrey opened the meeting for Public Appearances. There were none and the Public Appearances were closed.

Director Walker presented the staff report. He said that given the unique nature of the facility, City Council requested that staff consider the installation of a permanent plaque at the recently dedicated Fair Oaks Skateboard Park. He said that the plaque would be placed on the existing Skate Park sign/sculpture, the recommended language would be consistent with the Council’s policy for building plaques, and staff makes no recommendation.

Discussion followed and Commissioners’ questions were answered regarding cost of the plaque and consistency of wording with other City plaques. Chair Manfrey commented that he feels a plaque is not needed during this time of budget crisis. Director Walker clarified that the cost would not impact the City’s general fund and would be reimbursed by the State Park Bond Act monies. Commissioner DeWolf said that a plaque was attractive to her.

Chair Manfrey opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner DeWolf said it was very commendable to install a plaque. Commissioner Arnett said that the Skate Park was a special facility in the area and would garner attention; it was good to give recognition to the people involved.

Discussion followed regarding the merits of adding language to recognize the funding sources for the project.

Commissioner DeWolf said it should be a simple plaque and wording should be consistent with the Council’s policy for building plaques. Commissioner Arnett said concerned citizens could call the Parks and Recreation Department if they want more information on the funding source. Ms. Merrill noted that, in accordance with state requirements, the City has put up signage at the Skate Park stating funds were received through Proposition 12.

Commissioner Manfrey said a plaque was inappropriate at this time of fiscal uncertainties and he would not support the motion.

It is noted that the Commissioners adjourned, just prior to this meeting, from a Study Session regarding the Proposed FY03/04 Budget and 10-Year Resource Allocation Plan where they studied the proposed budget thoroughly and had numerous questions answered satisfactorily by staff.

Director Walker presented the staff report and said the proposed budget includes the response to Council direction, which was to retain services to youth in Recreation’s Program 642 at existing levels, to keep the water feature at the Community Center in operation, and to provide a low-key July 4^th event. He said that in order to retain these services, other reductions in the amount of $135,000 are proposed in both Neighborhood Parks and Baylands Park programs. Director Walker said that the Commission would make their recommendations prior to the Council’s adoption of the budget, which would take place on June 17, 2003.

Discussion followed and Commissioners’ questions were answered by Director Walker and Curtis Black, Superintendent of Parks, regarding removal of two more Parks’ staff positions and the dollar amount of reductions in Baylands and Neighborhood Parks.

Chair Manfrey opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Arnett said he was concerned about Baylands Park being unlocked at night since various hazards, such as litter, vandalism, and unkempt grasses, combined with the lack of maintenance could present safety concerns, especially during the hot and dry summer months. He also said that by leaving Baylands Park entry gate unlocked at night, visitors could be encouraged to use the park after posted hours. Chair Manfrey agreed that locking Baylands Park entry gate at night was important and if Baylands Park were left unlocked at night, it could further deteriorate and present more safety hazards.

Ms. Merrill said her staff report would stand as submitted. She referenced the following items in the Communications section of the Commissioners’ packet:

• Yahoo! Bay Trail Connection Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 6/27/03
• Liability Insurance Availability for Co-Sponsored Groups

In response to Commissioner DeWolf, Director Walker clarified that the City has given the senior co-sponsored clubs insurance waivers.

In response to Commissioner Pole, Ms. Merrill said that the youth sports co-sponsored clubs obtain their insurance through affiliated national organizations. Director Walker said the liability insurance offered through the City is strictly an attempt to help those co-sponsored clubs that have a need for assistance.

Commissioner DeWolf inquired as to how many claims are received per year from co-sponsored clubs. Director Walker said he would find out from Risk and Insurance but the claims may not be separated into co-sponsored and others and also that many claims go directly to the co-sponsored clubs and the City never sees these claims.

None

Communications distributed at the meeting:

Chair Manfrey read a letter he received from Mayor Miller regarding Sunnyvale Leadership Development Institute (SLDI) community leadership training focus groups. All community members are welcome and should contact Michelle Taiariol, Community Services, Office of the City Manager, for more information.

Commissioner Pole asked for clarification on the revised fee schedule "basic rate." Director Walker said that "basic rate" is market rate and fees are reviewed annually. He has met with all the co-sponsored club presidents, and they are supportive of the budget crisis and have been receptive to paying fees for use of fields and buildings. He is looking to the clubs to come back to staff with the amount that they can pay and then new fees will be imposed January 2004. Director Walker said that the Commission would be provided a copy of the revised fee scheduled when it is finalized.

Commissioner DeWolf said she writes a "Health Tips" column for the Senior Activity Guide, and there was an error in the latest column that will be corrected in the next guide to be published in the fall.

Commissioner Arnett inquired about the issues with the Cadillac Club and Mother’s Day picnic at Lakewood Park on May 11. Director Walker explained that he is looking at a number of concerns and exploring options for next year.

Commissioner Arnett asked whether the Commission would need to review or act on skate park rules for the future Lakewood Park skateboard facility. Director Walker indicated that the Municipal Code governing the Fair Oaks Skate Park would apply to the Lakewood Park facility as well and that no further action by the Commission was necessary.

Chair Manfrey manned a booth at Hands on the Arts and attended the Bianchi Barn Dedication on May 17, 2003. He said both events were very well done and complimented Director Walker on his presentation at the Bianchi Barn Dedication. Director Walker said Ms. Laura Babcock, Chair, Museum Project Team, Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association; Department of Public Safety; and other staff all contributed to a successful day.

Commissioner Pole said he also attended Hands on the Arts and was very pleased with the participation.

Ms. Merrill polled the Commissioners and it was decided that Sunnyvale Sun newspaper articles would continue to be distributed to the Commissioners.