Day 1999.02.03CS

Mr. Parker stated that the reason that Vacaville hired a public information officer is that now Vacaville is large enough to warrant the position, and he has been given the task of finding out the best way to communicate with the citizens of Vacaville. He has selected twelve focus groups within the City, and is meeting with them to find out how they get their information, establish trends and attitudes, find out areas of commonality, and thus find out issues to focus on. Mr. Parker has established several areas of concern: (1) Vacaville’ s identity is great; everyone knows what the logo stands for, and (2) Vacaville’ s image is not clear; Vacaville used to have the onion plant and the Nut Tree, and people knew where Vacaville was.

Through the focus groups, Mr. Parker has found that there are several common themes within Vacaville— it is a safe community, it is still a small town, there are good parks, there are not enough jobs locally, and people want a better downtown. People get information from the Events Guide or from the local newspaper. It has been suggested that the local radio station and cable television be utilized more in the future for communication purposes.

Commissioner Cringle stated that she would like to see more public art in Vacaville. Director Celestre stated that the Department is currently working on a public art policy. Commissioner Thurmond stated that she feels there is a sense of “ community” here in Vacaville— a sense of safety, you know your neighbors, and there is a community effort to accomplish things. Mr. Parker would like to continue talking to the focus groups and get their feedback. Commissioner Silveria stated that this is an outreach, a direct contact with the constituency.

Commissioner Cringle also stated that she would like to see more positive things in the Reporter which the paper does not always cover. Mr. Parker stated that the City may need to buy a page in the newspaper. Director Celestre stated that the Department needs to do more press releases for the newspaper. Mr. Parker expressed his desire to work with the Department on this issue.

Director Celestre stated that at the City Council meeting on January 26, funding was requested to contract with a consultant to do construction drawings and cost estimates for the skateboard park. The Council did appropriate the money. In addition, in working with the Police Activities League Non-Profit Board which has committed to the operation and building of the skate park, the City will lease the land to PAL. There would be a DD agreement (disposition and development) with PAL. CC Yin, President of PAL, and Curtis Stocking, Vice-President of PAL, addressed the Council and presented the idea that if the Council will match the amount, they will raise up to $90,000. However, this item was not agendized on the City Council agenda, and will be on the agenda for a future Council meeting.

Director Celestre stated that according to the City Attorney, PAL’ s involvement works as a way to open the park to kids under 14 years of age. The park would be supervised, and with PAL operating the park, it would reduce the City’ s liability. PAL’ s liability insurance will cover the park. There will probably be a yearly fee to use the park to join the PAL skate club. The skaters would receive some sort of identification system to show that they are a member. This provides an opportunity to get signed liability waivers, and make sure the skaters have the necessary safety equipment, i.e., helmets and pads.

Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox stated that when the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee was formed a couple of years ago, these guidelines existed. The Committee reorganized and redefined the guidelines this year. Included in the Commission packet is a copy of the original Steering Committee guidelines, and the proposed new copy which is a more organized format.

Commissioner Thurmond suggested that this document should be consistent with that of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, and be called Policies and Procedures rather than By-laws. Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox stated she did not think there would be any objection to this suggestion. Cultural Arts Advisory Committee member Helen Allen asked if “ by-laws” is a more legal definition. Senior Citizens Advisory Committee member Jean Carlson stated that the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee did not want it as rigid as “ by-laws” .

Director Celestre stated that this document was based on the document for the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. These Committees are both advisory in nature, and report to the Commission. It is the Commission’ s decision to make any changes, and then the document will be taken back to the Committee. Commissioner Thurmond added that by-laws are usually used for a corporate business. Director Celestre stated that the Commission has the authority to change the name.

A motion was then made by Commissioner Silveria, seconded by Commissioner Banks “ to approve the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee, as amended, By-laws, to be Policies and Procedures” . Motion carried.

Director Celestre stated that each year the Commission has a joint meeting with the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. There has been discussion of having a combined meeting of the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee, the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Community Services Commission. Chair Kidder stated that the Commission does want to meet with each group, however, a request needs to come from the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. Senior Citizens Advisory Committee member Jean Carlson suggested that the Commission schedule the joint meeting, and she will report the date back to the SCAC. Director Celestre suggested scheduling the joint meeting to coincide with the March Commission meeting. A joint meeting with the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee will be a separate meeting. Cultural Arts Advisory Committee member Helen Allen wanted to know the purpose of the joint meeting. Chair Kidder stated that the joint meetings are an exchange of information on specific issues from the Advisory Committees.

Landscape Architect Farrington stated that the Lagoon Valley Lake Management Plan consultant, LSA, met with City staff and discussed concerns over the lake regarding drainage, siltation, fishery conditions, dam restrictions, and wildlife and waterfowl concerns. The consultant has ideas on what can be done to improve the lake. Some of the jurisdictional agencies have not yet responded on what they would like to see happen with the lake. A proposal is being prepared to go to the agencies with preliminary plans and suggestions. The goal is to get the Conditional Use Permit for the Park Master Plan and the Lake Management Plan in October.

Superintendent Simons reported that the fencing project at Keating Park is now complete except for Diamond C because of the new lighting project there. Fencing for the Irene Larsen fields will begin February 8. The new playground is in at the Alamo TGIFun site. Diamond 3 at Centennial Park has a new sod infield. Superintendent Simons stated that a lot of projects have been accomplished this year because the weather has been so favorable.

Landscape Architect Farrington added that Arlington Park Phase III will be out to bid shortly. Superintendent Simons stated that at Keating Park, there will be new lights and poles at Diamond C; new lights on Diamond 2; new lights and poles on Diamond A; and some enhancement on Diamond B. Some of the old lights will be moved to the artificial soccer fields at Centennial Park.

Director Celestre announced that on Saturday, February 6, will be the CPRS District 1 Community Awards and Installation Banquet. Superintendent Simons will be installed as the Secretary for the Board. Anna Bell, a volunteer for this Department with the Teens, will also be honored at the awards. Ms. Bell is a member of the Youth Round Table, an advisor of the Brickhouse, a parent volunteer, and served on the volunteer board when the Brickhouse was being created.

On Stage Vacaville, a non-profit group, will be hosting a kick-off event for the Performing Arts Theater on February 26. Their event, “ Starry, Starry Nights” will feature singer, Peabo Bryson. There will be a wine and food reception before the event. Following the concert, there will also be a champagne and chocolate reception with Peabo Bryson for table sponsors and their guests. An announcement will be made at the concert for the upcoming scheduled season.

Bids opened today for the Senior Center construction and 13 bids were received. The lowest bid was $86,000 over the engineer’ s estimate, but this bid will probably be disqualified because the company did not meet some requirements. The next bid was $186,000 over. It is planned to ask for the extra funding through CDBG at a future Council meeting.