The regular meeting of the Belmont Recreation and Parks Commission/Tree Board was called to order at 7:33 p.m.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Solomon-Rice, Bortoli, Gay, King, Cheechov, Davis & Dentler

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.

STAFF PRESENT: Director of Parks & Recreation (DPR) Mittelstadt, Recreation Superintendent (RST) Holte and Secretary Saggau

The minutes of the December 2, 1998 regular Recreation and Parks Commission meeting were approved.

None.

Commissioner (C) Davis reported that the Melodrama tickets are on sale.

None.

DPR Mittelstadt reported Sat Singh, the property owner of 1150 North Road, has applied for a permit to build a single family home. The applicant is requesting a Tree Removal Permit from the Tree Board to remove seven trees from the site. DPR Mittelstadt displayed a diagram of the site showing the lot and the proposed trees to be removed.

Staff is recommending the Tree Board grant the Tree Removal Permit with a tree replacement ratio of 2 to 1.

There was some discussion on saving a pine tree located along the proposed retaining wall. C Gay suggested reviewing the plans for the retaining wall to see if the pine tree could be saved or included in the design of the wall. C King and C Cheechov did not agree with that idea considering tree growth and potential root damage.

C Solomon-Rice moved that the Tree Board grant the Tree Removal permit based on the proposed plan, with conditions that will require that fourteen (14) 15 gallon sized trees be replanted on the site and $700 bond, Letter of Credit or cash deposit be posted to insure the survival of the trees. (S) Davis

C Dentler proposed amending the motion to include C Gay’s suggestion to look at saving the tree along the retaining wall.

The Commission voted on the motion without amending it. The vote was 4 to 3 (C Gay, Bortoli & Dentler opposed).

DPR Mittelstadt stated Ken Hall, the property owner of 1815 Mezes Avenue, has applied to construct a single family home. The project includes the removal of six trees at that site.

DPR Mittelstadt noted the original plans were modified to save the largest oak tree on the property. Staff is recommending the Tree Board grant the Tree Removal Permit with the condition that six new trees be planted.

The adjacent neighbors (1811 Mezes Avenue) were present at the meeting and requested the plans be revised to save a grove of three oak trees on the lot where deer frequently go. They felt the largest oak was not that healthy and could be removed instead.

Ken Hall explained his wife and he would like to save the largest oak

tree. An arborist looked at the tree and he was told the tree is healthy and should survive any pruning required for the construction.

C Davis moved to recommend approval of the staff proposed site plan

for 1815 Mezes Avenue. (S) Cheechov. Vote 7-0 in favor.

DPR Mittelstadt reported the recommended improvements to the North Field will be presented to the City Council at their next meeting. The youth sports groups would like to start this project so it is completed this spring.

DPR Mittelstadt said the slab for the storage shed has been poured. Staff will work with the Park Boosters to select the style of shed.

RST Holte reported on Holiday events. Breakfast with Santa included visits with Santa, a balloonist and a puppet show. The Community Learning Center had their holiday party. Winter camp enrollment was high.

C Gay asked about the condition of the parks following the cold weather. DPR Mittelstadt some there has been some frost damage to plans but does not expect to see any major loss.

C Dentler asked on the status of Alexander Park. DPR Mittelstadt said an additional $83,000 was received from a subdivision. Combined with the St. Mark’s subdivision over $200,000 will be available for park improvements.

C Gay asked about the park in the Diamond Classics subdivision. DPR Mittelstadt said he would let C Bortoli & C Gay know when a meeting is set up with the neighborhood.

C King noted she has received inquiries on why the City is not able to

accept credit card payments. DPR Mittelstadt said the City has been working on that and is currently doing a technology study. The Commission noted they would like to see the City be able to accept credit cards.

C Bortoli reported the youth softball leagues will be taking signups. He noted Babe Ruth in San Carlos has disbanded and Belmont may expand their league to take some of their players.

C Gay stated Jim Bennett, a Senior Citizens Advisory Committee board member passed away.

C Dentler noted part of the Grade Separation funds will be going to putting banners across the streets. C Dentler said that the City Manager will see if the poles could be left in place for possible use for Art & Wine Festival banners.

C Dentler said the Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the William Chapman Ralston Award through early February.

RST Holte stated the CPRS Conference will be February 19 & 20 and gave the Commission information on registration.

RST Holte gave an update on the Arts Commission. They had a meeting in November with Redwood City Art Board members in attendance. The next meeting will be on January 25 and a South San Francisco Arts Board member will attend. On February 22 a member from the Millbrae Arts Commission may attend. In March the Arts Commission plans to have a workshop meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Grace Saggau, Secretary

January 6, 1999