Day 1999.09.01CS

STAFF PRESENT: Director Linda Celestre, Landscape Architect Bob Farrington, Parks Superintendent Rollie Simons, Recreation Manager Donna Fox

A motion was made by Commissioner Thurmond, seconded by Commissioner Kallirai “ to approve the Agenda as presented” . Motion carried.

Arts Council President, Richard Gideon, addressed the Commission and stated that the Arts Council newsletter was not included in the packet because there are additions that he wanted the Commission to be aware of. Mr. Gideon stated that on the front of the newsletter is the announcement of the Showcase of the Stars which is part of a weekend of events beginning October 15. October is the National Arts and Humanities Month. The Concert Society will perform on October 15, the Showcase on October 16, and the Lettermen will perform in concert the evening of October 17.

Included in the newsletter is a survey of what people would like to see at the theater. After completion, the surveys will be turned in to Lisa Rico, Marketing Manager for the Theater.

Recreation Manager Fox then introduced Kathy Garvey. Ms. Garvey’ s latest photographic contribution is on the cover of the Fall Events guide. Chair Kidder then thanked Ms. Garvey, and presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Director Celestre stated that a request was submitted at budget time to reorganize the Department. The new Recreation Manager is Donna Fox. Recreation Manager Fox has been with the City for 27 years, 17 years of which was part-time. She became a full-time Recreation Coordinator in 1991, became a Supervisor in 1993, and Senior Recreation Supervisor in 1997.

The new Recreation Supervisor is Doug DeFabio who came to the City in 1995, first as part-time and then became full-time. He has been very successful in running the Youth Sports Program, and will continue with Sports. Supervisor DeFabio then thanked both the Commission and staff for the opportunity to serve the Department and the City. Recreation Supervisor Chip Wallace will move to supervise T.G.I.Fun, Preschool, Cultural Arts, the Creekwalk programming, and Special Events.

Director Celestre stated that she has worked with the City Attorney’ s office to develop a skatepark lease agreement. Director Celestre stated that there are a few changes which will be made to the lease agreement. Exhibits A (a site plan), and B (a conditional use agreement) were distributed to the members of the Commission. The proposed changes are highlighted in the Corrected Copy of the lease agreement which was distributed to all members of the Commission. The PAL (Police Activities League) Board approved the lease yesterday. Upon the Commission’ s approval, the lease agreement will go to the City Council on September 14 for approval, and then the lease will be signed.

Director Celestre stated that PAL will have to meet the funding requirements and must prove they have 80% of the required funds for the skatepark. Director Celestre stated that PAL will insure the skatepark facility. A child’ s parent will sign a liability waiver, the child will join PAL for a year, and then pay extra and be able to skate free for a year. We are looking for ways to allow skating for single sessions. In order for PAL’ s insurance to cover the skatepark, a child has to be a member of PAL and get a liability form signed. Helmets and pads will be required for the skaters. The lease is for 15 years with the opportunity for extension.

A motion was made by Commissioner Garland, seconded by Commissioner Johnson “ to approve the draft lease agreement and forward to the City Council for final approval” . Motion carried.

Director Celestre stated that in July, it was realized that there had been no election of officers for the Commission since 1997. Since it had been agendized, there were two options— it could be tabled until a new Commission member was selected, or selection could be done at this meeting. It was the consensus of the Commission to table this item until the meeting in October.

Director Celestre stated that the Commission has one committee that reports to the Commission. In the bylaws of that Committee, an annual report is to be made each year on the achievements of the Committee over the last year. Richard Gideon, Cultural Arts Advisory Committee Chair, was then introduced and explained that the report this year was divided into two sections. The first part is an overview and the second part is a month by month outline. Chair Gideon then read the addendum out loud, which was an appreciation to Meryl Nesbitt. Commissioner Johnson added a personal thanks to Ms. Nesbitt and to the contributions made by her late husband, Saul Nesbitt.

Ms. Nesbitt then addressed the Commission and stated that her husband’ s sculptures are part of the public art in Vacaville. The Public Art Brochure which is being compiled will give credit to each artist. The brochure will have a picture of the sculpture, the name of the artist, the title of the work, and the date of its gift or purchase to the City. Each piece of art will have a marker. There are 13 sculptures in Vacaville, the newest being located in front of the public library which will be dedicated on September 11, from 6 – 7 p.m.

Recreation Manager Fox stated that one topic for discussion at the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee meeting on September 8 will be a collaboration of the Committee and the Art League doing an art display/show of purchased art. The City has purchased pieces of art for 25 years. Information will be brought to the next Commission meeting. The show would be held in November or December in the lobby of the Theater.

Superintendent Simons stated that the Parks Maintenance Division has six new full-time employees. Also, there is an addition to a park, Phase III of Arlington Park, in which the last 5 acres were developed which is now 50% complete. Director Celestre added that this area will be used by the Department’ s Flag Football program, both adult and youth, and also by the Nerf Football program.

Landscape Architect Farrington stated that there will be a meeting tomorrow in Sacramento with three of the agencies for the Lagoon Valley Lake Management Plan to discuss their interaction and concerns with the site. There are nine agencies who will be making recommendations.

The Creekwalk project is progressing. The landscaping will start after September 15. The plaza will be another six to eight weeks, and it is hoped the physical construction will be done in November. The City will then take possession 90 days after completion.

At Centennial Park, the park access road is under construction. All parking areas are graded, and capping of the landfill will start soon.

Director Celestre stated that progress at the Senior Center has been slow. Also, the Reservation/Registration section of Finance is in the process of being transferred back to the Community Services Department. This move will improve customer service, and promote teamwork between the front counter staff and recreation staff.

Commissioner Johnson inquired as to the Facilities Grant Expansion Program. Director Celestre stated that after the applications come in, a committee will be set up to review the applications, make the recommendation to the Commission, and then the Commission will act on that. Any request over the $25,000 amount would go to City Council. The Council would then make a decision whether to come up with additional funds that were not allocated.

A question was then raised regarding the Volunteer Luncheon. Director Celestre stated that the Volunteer Luncheon is an annual event that the Senior Center puts on where the staff recognizes its volunteers with a lunch and distribution of certificates.

Commissioner Garland thanked the Department for the wonderful youth sports programs that are offered, specifically the co-ed sports camp and hoops camp during the summer. The children received some great coaching. Chair Kidder suggested that Commissioner Garland write a letter to the Reporter with her comments.