The regular meeting of Belmont Recreation & Parks Commission was called to order at 7:32 p.m. 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Metropulos, King, Gay, Cheechov, Davis & Dentler

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Bortoli, excused (on vacation)

STAFF PRESENT: Director of Parks & Recreation (DPR) Mittelstadt & Secretary Saggau

Secretary Saggau noted at the end of the minutes the date of September 1, 1999 should be changed to October 6, 1999. The minutes were approved as corrected.

None.

Commissioner (C) Davis reported the Belmont Community Players have started rehearsals. They could still use help with stage set-up.

None.

DPR Mittelstadt reported that the City has received several requests that the play equipment at Cipriani Park be replaced. DPR Mittelstadt stated staff is recommending this project be approved and funding come form the Park Improvement Fund. He distributed a revised drawing showing the proposed play structure. The project will cost $24,500 for the materials and the Park staff will provide the labor to prepare the site.

C Gay requested that Cipriani school be shown the proposed plan since it is adjacent to their grounds.

DPR Mittelstadt answered the Commissions questions on the project.

Belmont resident Tatiana Cherwinski submitted a petition signed by 70 Belmont residents requesting the Cipriani Tot Lot be upgraded to proper safety standards.

C King moved that the Commission recommend to the City Council that the play equipment, as described, be installed at Cipriani Park provided there is no negative input from the school and the funds of $24,500 come from Park Improvement Funds. (S) Davis. Vote 6-0 in favor.

 

DPR Mittelstadt stated the City Council renewed the leases for one year for the 1870 Art Center, Creekside Studios and San Mateo County Arts Council. They received a 4.1% increase.

DPR Mittelstadt said a report was presented by Park & Recreation staff to the City Council on skateparks. If a site is found for a skatepark, staff recommends that it be supervised and that there be restricted hours. Staff would also recommend that no fees be charged.

DPR Mittelstadt announced at the November 9, 1999 City Council meeting staff will report to the Council on the Commission’s recommendation on the process to design the Fox School Park. The hiring of an architect for the Lodge Remodel Project is also on the agenda.

DPR Mittelstadt reported park staff installed over 60 tons of soil to improve the fields at Ralston and Fox Schools.

DPR Mittelstadt noted that included in the Commission’s packet was a memo which was sent to all the youth sports organizations regarding false rumors about the Belmont Sports Complex.

DPR Mittelstadt said the Park & Recreation and Arts Commission Sub-Committee has met once to review the Art & Wine Festival. They will meet again on November 17.

Other City Facilities Tour – no action

View Ordinance - C Gay requested this remain on Status of Issues until the City Council takes action.

DPR Mittelstadt reported the Sub-Committee met with the Landscape Architect to review and revise the landscaping plans for the Grade Separation Project. C Gay requested a memo describing the changes be forwarded to the Commission.

C Metropulos requested staff consider replacing the sign for Barrett Community Center along Ralston Avenue.

C Metropulos announced the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Carlmont Shopping Center will be on November 29 at 5:30 p.m. and the Central School Third Grade Chorus will be performing. C Dentler added that immediately following the tree lighting ceremony there will be a ribbon-cutting at HOLA.

DPR Mittelstadt reported over 500 people attended the Haunted Lodge. The VOICES group worked with staff to put the event together.

C Dentler suggested replacing the signboard on Ralston Avenue with an electronic signboard. DPR Mittelstadt said that could be reviewed in the budget process.

C Dentler announced that on Sunday, November 21 (during the weekend of the Holiday Craft Faire) there will be a Farmers Market in the meadow of Twin Pines Park.

C Dentler noted the Chamber will hold a Fundraiser at Oracle on December 4, 1999 with proceeds going to the Belmont Safe School Program.

DPR Mittelstadt stated the Commission Appreciation Dinner on November 19^th is at the Iron Gate Restaurant.

C King said the seminar offered by CPRS that she and C Cheechov were enrolled in was canceled due to low enrollment. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Grace Saggau, Secretary

November 3, 1999