Day 1995.09.06CS


MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - SEPTEMBER 6, 1995      UNAPPROVED
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.

ITEM 1 -    CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order by Chair Turpen at 7:08 p.m.

        MEMBERS PRESENT:    Commissioners Kidder, Silveria, Sogge, and Chair Turpen

        MEMBERS ABSENT:    Commissioners Banks, Chandler, and McCord

        OTHERS PRESENT:    Director Ball
                    Landscape Architect Farrington
                    Management Assistant Phan
                    Park Superintendent Simons
                    Recreation Superintendent Celestre

ITEM 2 -    PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ITEM 3 -    APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 2, 1995

A motion was made by Chair Turpen, seconded by Commissioner Kidder, "that the minutes of August 2, 1995, be accepted as written."  Motion unanimously approved.

ITEM 4 -    APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Item 10a-Dog Park was moved to follow Item 6-Correspondence.

ITEM 6 -    CORRESPONDENCE

Director Ball stated that he received a letter from the Sacramento Soaring Club.  The Club is requesting permission to fly their motorized glider planes at Lagoon Valley. They are willing to pay the park entry fees and abide our regulations.  Staff anticipates no problems in working with the club.  

Commission Kidder asked if any thought was given to flight safety.  Director Ball stated that they would not be able to fly over the picnic area and will have to stay within the flight zone.  The club will be required to have liability insurance.  Director Ball stated that any additional information will be forwarded to the Commission.

ITEM 10a-    DOG PARK

Director Ball stated that the Department has been approached by Ms. Susan Chambers to establish a Dog Park in one of our city parks.  He has asked staff to speak with other cities that have such a park for their information and input.  

Susan Chambers, resident of the community, presented the Commission with a petition of six hundred signatures, to establish a "Dog Park" in Vacaville.  She stated that she has visited a dog park in the City of Sausalito.  The park is completely fenced with a double gate entrance and dogs are allowed to play unleashed safely.  It is a place where you can take your dog for play and interact with other dogs.  Ms. Chambers added that this would be a fun,  educational, and relaxing place for owners to enjoy their dogs. An estimated cost for the park would be approximately $15,000. She noted that there are many people who are willing to help with this park.

Commissioner Silveria asked if there was any peer pressure among the dogs.  Ms. Chambers explained that it is a natural instinct for dogs to socialize.  She explained that all dogs must be licensed and have their vaccinations.  The owner is to remove the dog from the park if it becomes aggressive. There would set hours for operation for the park.

Chair Turpen asked what the City's policy is for dogs in a park.  Director Ball stated that all dogs must be on a leash and you are to clean up after your dog.

A motion was made by Commissioner Silveria, seconded by Chair Turpen, "that the Community Services Commission approves to have staff continue research into the feasibility of a Dog Park."  Motion unanimously approved.

ITEM 7a-    PRESENTATIONS

Recreation Supervisor Frank Luna gave a brief background of the Counter Force Section of Recreation.  He noted that he was been appointed to the Counter Force Task Force Task Force out of Sacramento.  He said that high praises have been given to the Vacaville Counter Force section.  Mr. Luna then introduced Lisa Geerlof, Teen Coordinator and Doug DeFabio, Youth Sports Coordinator.  

Ms. Geerlof stated that she has been with the city since January, as Teen Coordinator since June.  She noted that she is in charge of the Teen Center and the various programs held there.

Mr. DeFabio said that he is pleased to be with the city.  He stated that he is working with Youth Sports and he noted that the new Mobile Recreation Program is going great.

ITEM 8 -    CONSENT CALENDAR

Chair Turpen noted that Commissioner Kidder has volunteered to serve as liaison on the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and that the Chair would serve as alternate liaison.

Charlotte Roberts, Senior Citizens Advisory Committee member, gave a brief report on the Senior Needs Sub-committee.  The sub-committee's concern is for the needs of seniors in our community.  Members of this committee will be going out into the community and making direct contact.  They will be looking for those needs that are not be met for our seniors.  She said that once these concerns are articulated and understood, the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee will be able to bring them to the attention of the Commission and Council.  

Ms. Roberts stated that this committee will have an action plan and their first plan is to contact and meet with those seniors living in mobile home developments.  The sub-committee will be exploring concerns regarding adequate housing, nutritional requirements, and community resources for seniors.  If there is an issue presented in which there is no immediate answer, the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee will notify the City and then return to the citizens with an answer.

A motion was made by Chair Turpen, seconded by Commissioner Kidder, "that the Community Services Commission approves the subject Consent Calendar items as reported."

ITEM 9a-    SOCCER COMPLEX AT KEATING PARK

Director Ball stated that he met with Robert Fracchia of the Vacaville Youth Soccer Association.  The VYSA have indicated that they are ready to work with the City on developing the ten acre site at Keating Park as a soccer complex.  They are currently looking for funding for the project and will begin their fund-raising with a spaghetti supper on November 18.

Commissioner Kidder asked where the ten acres is located.  Landscape Architect Farrington stated that it is located behind Diamond 'D', south of Diamonds 'D' and 'E', in Keating Park.

Commissioner Silveria asked if staff anticipates any special problems in the area.  The Landscape Architect noted that there may be a problem in the water tank area and the existing fence may need to be relocated. Commissioner Silveria also asked who would be doing the maintenance of the area.  Director Ball stated that staff will be talking to CMF staff regarding the work crews.  There may be a need to add manpower to the present crew.

John White, member of the VYSA, stated that the Association is ready and willing to work with the community and City.  The fields are greatly needed.

Director Ball stated that staff would continue to work the Vacaville Youth Soccer Association and keep the Commission informed of any developments.

ITEM 9b-    THREE OAKS PARK UPDATE

Landscape Architect Bob Farrington reported that the site plan for the Three Oaks Park site has been re-designed.  A modified multi-purpose court has been designed that will help to support our program revenue generation.  He said that staff reviewed the use of artificial turf on a portion of the turf area for a possible soccer court, but found it to be too expensive for the current budget.  The City Council gave the directive to proceed with the concept of the site, however we must stay within the budget and policy limitations. Staff will be reviewing the modified court plans with Community Development staff.  He noted that this is not the playground that some area residents wanted, however without the assessment district, we must stay within budget.

ITEM 11-    DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Director Ball thanked Commissioners Turpen and Kidder for their help with the stage at Andrews Park.  He thanked Commissioner Turpen for being successful in obtaining a $1,000.00 donation from Biosource Technologies, Inc.  Director Ball noted that Captain Carl Chevelar (Travis Air Force Band Conductor) is being transferred to Alaska and will be in charge of the Alaskan Band.  Captain Chevallard was instrumental in the formation of the Vacaville "Build a Stage" at Andrews Park project.  He also thanked staff for their support with the project.  

Director Ball noted the support and help received from Parks Supervisor Mike Leighton and his crew with the CMF Olympics held in August.

ITEM 12-    COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Silveria asked if any arrangements have been made regarding a Commission/Staff social.  Director Ball said that staff would check the availability of Pena Adobe Park or the swimming pool and report back to the Commission.

A dedication for the Centennial "Farmer/Daughter" sculpture is scheduled for September 23.

ITEM 13-    ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Young
Recording Secretary