Day 1999.12.01CS

Director Celestre requested that the Commission consider the addition of an item to the Agenda, Item 8c – ART DONATION. The City has the opportunity to acquire a piece of art. The donor wishes to complete the donation prior to December 31. It is requested for the Commission to take action tonight and consider acceptance of this art.

A motion was made by Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield, seconded by Commissioner Kallirai, “ to add Item 8c to the Agenda” . Motion carried. A motion was then made by Commissioner Thurmond, seconded by Commissioner Garland, “ to approve the Agenda as amended” . Motion carried.

Commissioner Johnson noted that there was a letter to the Editor in the Reporter from Randy Villa, regarding the California Baseball League. Director Celestre stated that Mr. Villa has asked Council for an appeal, and is trying to get a Council member to put the item on the Agenda. The Department is continuing to work with Mr. Villa to try to locate another field not used by other leagues. There are concerns about using a neighborhood park. The Department cannot support a travelling team, and it would need to be a league. Unless there are enough signups for the group to establish an actual league, we would not be able to assist them. We have moved forward on putting a major league division in Fall Ball, which will play under the rules Mr. Villa’ s group wants. The letter to the editor was intended to persuade Council to put this item on the agenda. The Commission will be updated as to whether this item goes to Council.

Chair Kidder stated that there was no nominating committee established. Director Celestre stated that at the September meeting, the Commission opted to go with nominations from the floor. Director Celestre also stated that it was not inappropriate for a Commissioner considering nomination to ask for support from other Commissioners.

Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield then nominated Commissioner Johnson for Chair, which was seconded by Commissioner Garland. Commissioner Thurmond then nominated Chair Kidder for re-election, which was seconded by Commissioner Kallirai. Nominations were closed, a vote was taken, and Commissioner Johnson was elected Chair. The meeting then resumed with Commissioner Johnson as Chair. Nominations were then opened for Vice-Chair. Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield nominated Commissioner Garland as Vice-Chair, which was seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Nominations were closed, a vote was taken, and Commissioner Garland was elected Vice-Chair.

Director Celestre stated that there is a grandstand project underway at Keating Park, Field #2. Two large grandstands existed, and it was decided to make it more like a stadium, and to cut some of the wind. During the budget process, $50,000 was approved by City Council from a General Fund allocation to improve the Keating grandstands. A volunteer construction is being coordinated in January. The old grandstands were relocated to the ice rink, and new ones have been ordered. Public Works is removing the asphalt and will install concrete. There will be a metal shade structure with a windscreen around the outside, and trees will be planted to give additional shade for spectators.

Director Celestre stated that two proposals are being considered for the concrete contract for the skatepark. Jerry Holzapple is the contractor who has volunteered to oversee construction of the project. Curtis Stocking, Jerry Holzapple, and Landscape Architect Farrington have determined that it is such a specialized concrete pour and finish, that it is worth the money to hire a contractor who is familiar with this type of project. One proposal is less expensive, and the other proposal has more experience. Grading is currently in progress, and a significant amount of clean fill is needed (1500 cubic yards). The Creekwalk fill on the second test did not compact properly and cannot be used. The project may be delayed until Spring when labor and materials can be better coordinated. The two proposals being considered were not donations.

Director Celestre stated that the City has been negotiating for some time with the Department of Corrections for an agreement for water and sewer services. One of the benefits of this agreement would be a lease extension for Keating Park. The current lease expires in 2001. With this agreement, the lease will run through 2039. There are approximately 35 acres on the corner of California and Peabody which will be leased to the City until 2039 for use as a public park. The recommendation will be to construct softball fields and perhaps some additional youth sports fields. Concerns from neighbors regarding field lighting is expected. It is anticipated that with CIP and DIF (development impact fees), it will be 3 to 5 years before we can build. Chair Johnson added that the new lights at Keating are more efficient and directional.

Director Celestre stated that the last time any Commissioners attended the CPRS Conference was in 1991. This coming year, the conference will be held in Ontario, will have some good training sessions, and is a good opportunity for networking. Director Celestre offered the opportunity for interested Commissioners to go to the Conference, March 15– 18, 2000. Any interested Commission members should contact Director Celestre.

Director Celestre received a call from Valerie Haynal who represents an artist who wants to donate a piece of art to the City. The Cultural Arts Advisory Committee has been developing a Public Art Policy which would give the Department a procedure to follow to accept artwork. Typically, Staff would go to the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee and get their recommendation prior to coming to the Commission for acceptance. The City would have to accept the artwork, which has an appraised value of $25,000, before the end of year. There are six hammered copper panels, each depicting a historical scene. Recreation Manager Fox further stated that each panel depicts a piece of American history. Because it is copper, the art will need to be displayed indoors. The location where the artwork will be displayed has not yet been decided. Some potential places could be discussed by the Cultural Arts Committee when they meet next week. Director Celestre stated that any donation made to the City would be a tax-exempt donation. An artist’ s agreement will be obtained which addresses maintenance, vandalism, and what happens if the City does not want the artwork anymore.

Director Celestre stated that the Commission could approve acceptance pending a positive recommendation from the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee. A motion was then made by Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield, seconded by Commissioner Thurmond, “ to approve the acceptance of the artwork with the stipulation that it is favorably accepted and recommended by the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee” . Motion carried.

Recreation Manager Fox stated that the Beanie Baby/Pokemon show was very successful with 700 attending. The Youth Basketball program has 700 children registered. The next Events Guide has been sent to the printer and will have a photo of Vaca Valley in the springtime on the cover.

Letters have been sent to potential artists for the mural project with a deadline of December 15. The mural will be commissioned, painted, and dedicated at Fiesta Days in May, 2000. A donation of $5,000 has been given by the City for the mural. The mural itself will cost more, in addition to costs for installation and mounting.

The Strategic Plan brochure was included in the distribution of Commission packets. The area that the Community Services Department had was for enhancement of senior citizens services. The Commission of Aging will hold its second meeting next Wednesday. A Senior Roundtable is being established which will be a collaboration of interested agencies, non-profits, and businesses who will meet and collaborate on senior issues. The first Senior Roundtable will be January 21, Conference Room A and B in City Hall. Helen Thompson will speak to the group at that meeting.

The Outback Steakhouse event on November 29 was very successful with each person paying $20. One charitable group is selected within the community to receive proceeds the night before the restaurant opens. The total amount the fund-raiser donated to the PAL program was $15,072. This was a record amount in donations.

Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield requested an update on the Senior Center progress at the January meeting. Director Celestre stated that she has approved additional expenditure for new carpeting, wall covering, and flooring for the older section of the Senior Center.

Vice-Chair Garland inquired as to the facility expansion grant item which was tabled at last month’ s meeting. Director Celestre stated that the groups are not ready at this time. Commissioner Garland added that she is very proud to serve on the Community Services Commission.

Commissioner Greaves thanked Staff for assisting in her transition to Commissioner. Commissioner Greaves inquired as to parking availability at the Vacaville Ballet Company. Director Celestre stated that Vacaville Ballet prefers to hold classes at their facility rather than at our facilities. The parking is on private property, and the Police Department normally does not enforce parking on private property, unless it is properly posted.

Chair Johnson reminded the Commission of the upcoming Festival of Trees, and also the production of Clara’ s Gift in the Performing Arts Theater. Chair Johnson asked Commissioner Greaves for a Commission update of what transpires at the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee meeting next week regarding the art donation.