Feb 28 2017

Dogs in Dracena Park, Policing, and City Project Updates

Questions have arisen in the community regarding dog usage of the upper path next to the upper Dracena Park grassy area.

Piedmont Park Commission, Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue.

Agenda:  

  1. Consideration of approval of new signage design for on and off leash areas for dogs
  2. Update on the Hampton Park Master Plan
  3. Update on Update on Linda Kingston Triangle
  4. Arbor Day Update: Park Commissioner Brian Mahany
  5. Monthly Maintenance Report: Park, Open Space and Street Tree Update for the Month of February

1.  Approve new signage design for on and off leash areas for dogs as conceived by Peter Fishel of Fishel Design. Staff report by Nancy B. Kent, Parks and Project Manager is below.

At the March 21, 2016 City Council Meeting, the City Council accepted the recommendations of the Park Commission regarding the Dracena Park Off Leash Area as detailed in Staff Report dated March 31, 2016.

To move Resolution 26-16 forward, the Council directed Public Works staff, in conjunction with the Park Commission, to begin the process by clarifying park signage, increase educational efforts by Animal Control regarding park regulations with park users and if required, to change the City Code to implement these changes.

In order to provide a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing, and consistent approach to new on and off leash dog signage throughout the City, Staff consulted with Piedmont resident, Peter Fishel, of Fishel Design. Peter was directed to look at the existing on and off leash dog signage and develop new signage design concepts that could be used first in Dracena Park, and in the future, be incrementally used to replace dog signage throughout the City’s parks. The goal was to provide staff with a toolbox of signage options that could be used in various configurations to address specific issues unique to each park. See attached Exhibit A for Peter Fishel’s designs.

The main components of Peter Fishel’s new signage design include:

Post mounted signs: These signs consist of anodized aluminum panels mounted between 2” square matching aluminum posts with post finials. The new design has the name of the park on each sign and a graphic image of a leashed dog, or when applicable, a graphic of a dog chasing a ball to designate the area where an off leashed dog is allowed. Peter Fishel’s concept behind the graphic image of the dog was to convey a friendly, positive image. This signage has several size options and includes a main entry sign that has a map of the park. The emphasis of the map is to identify only the off leash areas and paths and identify where you are relative to the entire park. Space is also allocated to clearly list park regulations and cite applicable municipal code sections. Signage can be mounted back-to-back with each side indicating a different message with respect to leashing the dog depending on what direction the dog walker is traveling.

 Path Medallions: As a unique way to distinguish the path system, Peter created off and on leash medallions using the same dog logo employed in the signs. These medallions would be mounted on the path indicating the appropriate activity for the path. Specifically in Dracena Park, the subcommittee wanted the medallions to identify the off leash areas only. The off leash loop and connecting pathways would have medallions mounted in the pavement and at path intersections, which would clearly identify the permitted off leash activityand appropriate direction for dog owners.

Path stencils: As an additional tool to distinguish and mark the different path systems, Peter also designed a stencil that Public Works staff could use to mark the different paths. Stencils were used in Dracena in the past and remnants of these stencils are visible at both the Park Way entries. At this time, the subcommittee was not recommending using the stencils in Dracena Park.To further study and make recommendations on the new signage proposal, a subcommittee was formed consisting of three Park Commissioners, Jamie Totsubo, Patty Siskind and Betsy Goodman. This subcommittee met on December 30, 2016 and February 16, 2017. The subcommittee reviewed the overall new dog signage concepts and then developed specific recommendations that would be applied to Dracena Park on and off leash areas. They are the following:1. Minimize the number of signs making those installed as clear as possible. 2. Demark all of the off leash pathways clearly with the off leash medallion. 3. Clearly indicate on the signage adjacent to the Upper Lawn area that dogs must be on leash on the lawn area.

Enforcement

Public Works staff has also been actively coordinating with the Piedmont Police Department and Animal Control officers to review the new sign format and park regulations. Revisions to the park regulations to bring Dracena Park regulations in line with other off leash park areas in the City, are in progress.

At the March 16, 2016 meeting, the City Council also encouraged educational efforts over punitive citations. In the past year, Animal Control officers have had an increased presence in the Park. Our officers have been talking with park users and letting them know about the park regulations. However, the recent missing park signage near the upper oval lawn area has complicated Animal Control efforts.

          Code Revisions

Efforts by the City Clerk, Staff and Piedmont Police Department are underway to amend the code as required for any approved changes to Dracena Park on and off leash areas. The first reading of these code changes will be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting.

2. Progress Report on the Hampton Park Improvement Project – by Nancy B. Kent, Parks and Project Manager. This is an informational item. No action is required.

The Park Commission has received regular updates on this project as it has progressed. This is a continuation of those updates.

In the month of February, the contractor finished the sand slit drainage system for the outfield. As the contractor waited for a dry spell to install the natural turf, the contractor, Coastland Civil engineers and staff had a chance to see the new field drainage system in action during and after heavy rain events.

The weather cooperated in early February and allowed the contractor to install over 22, 000 square feet of sand based sod for the outfield. The sod is a tall fescue with a touch of Kentucky bluegrass. This sod was selected for its it deep root system to ensure drought resistance, once established it provides superior wear tolerance, and dense growth habit makes it resistant to disease.

The City was also able to specify a “no netting” sod. Fescue sod is usually grown on top of plastic petroleum based netting which makes the turf stronger and easier to install. The netting remains a part of the turf and after time when the turf gets worn, the netting can be exposed. Exposed netting can be a tripping hazard. The “no- netting” turf is a great selection for young athletes.

The heavy rains after turf installation provided optimum conditions for turf establishment. The new turf was substantially rooted by late February and the first mowing occurred on February 24, 2017.

The contractors are currently finishing up the La Salle planter, entry plaza where the donation bricks will be installed and sidewalk along La Salle Ave.

The project is on schedule and the park will be open, weather permitting, in early March.

3. Progress Report on the Kingston-Linda- Rose Triangle Project  This is an informational item. No action is required.

The Park Commission has received regular updates on this project as it has progressed. This is a continuation of those updates.

PG&E notified the City that the designated power pole for the electrical service for the triangle is now scheduled to be replaced on March 20, 2017 and electrical service connected on March 30, 2017. Per the utility’s request, the City pruned the adjacent London Plane street trees to facilitate the new pole installation. This pruning has opened up the canopy over the island and will allow more sunlight for the triangle’s planting beds.

As the City awaits PG&E pole replacement and power hook up, staff met with the general contractor- Rays Electric, and Coastland Engineers- Rosario Romo on Friday 24, 2017 to field test the three ornamental lights in the raised planting bed. Using a portable generator, the three ornamental lights were successful turned on and are operating properly.

An update on the triangle’s plant material and the spring daffodils planted with a donation from PBF in honor of Piedmont resident, Jane Lee will be discussed.

The Park Commission meeting is open to public participation and will be broadcast live on the City website and on Cable Channel 27, March 1, 2017 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Feb 28 2017

Aquatics Center Cost Estimate Expected In March

Recreation Commission discusses Linda Beach Playfield Restrictions, the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project, and progress on the Aquatics Center Design.

    On the evening of February 15, 2017, I attended the monthly meeting of the Piedmont Recreation Commission at the Piedmont City Council Chambers (120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA, 94611), where they discussed the upkeep of the City’s recreational facilities. On this particular night, the commission covered such topics as the Linda Beach Playfield Restrictions, the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project, and a price estimate for the Aquatics Master Plan Conceptual Design.

    The meeting began with Tyler Waespi, the Aquatics Director at the Piedmont Pool, giving a presentation about the the programs and opportunities that the pool would be offering in the coming months. Waespi covered information regarding the seasons of Fall, Spring, and Summer, and what each season would offer. Swim lessons would be available on Monday thru Thursday during all three seasons for anyone interested with the exception of Spring Break. During which time the pool will be offering the Spring Break Aqua-Camp for any youth that are interested.

    Following the presentation on the Piedmont Pool, Recreation Director Sara Lillevand discussed the success of the restrictions on the Linda Beach playfield that were implemented during the Hampton Park construction to address noise complaints from the surrounding residents. Due to the success of the restrictions, Lillevand proposed making these restrictions permanent with a motion made by Commissioner Steve Roland and passed unanimously by the commissioners.

    Lillevand then updated the commission on the progress of the Hampton Park Improvement Project in light of recent weather related setbacks. The final steps in the completion of the field, the pouring of the concrete, may need to be postponed due to the weather in order to ensure that the concrete is able to set properly. The extreme wind also caused four of the trees towards the back of the park to fall, which must be removed by a cleanup team before construction can continue. At the time of the meeting, construction was a week behind but estimated to improve due to the weather forecast over the next few weeks.

    Finally, Lillevand concluded the meeting with an update on the Aquatics Master Plan Conceptual Design. Since no members of the audience were prepared to speak about the topic, the details of the plan were not repeated from last meeting.  An “operational cost analysis” will be acquired and presented to the Council at their second meeting in March or first meeting in April according to Lillevand.  The commission could then continue with the implementation of the plan.

    After the meeting came to a close, I approached Director Sara Lillevand to ask her a few questions about her time as Director of Recreation. For Ms. Lillevand, “working on projects such as Hampton Park allows [her] to have a direct positive impact on the community”, something that few other jobs can offer. When asked about her reaction to the meeting that just took place, she responded saying that she enjoyed the meeting like she does with the majority of her Recreation Commission meetings. Lillevand stated, “It is always exciting when a project is nearing completion,” and for a project such as the the Hampton Park Improvement Project where weather has caused some unpredictable issues, it is important to stay in the right state of mind and not let the issues go without acting on them. Overall, she is happy to be working with a group of people that are so involved with the betterment of the community, and cannot wait to see the finished Hampton Park project.

by Geoffrey Burge, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author. 
Feb 21 2017

Important: City Council Seeks Volunteers for Commissions and Committees

 VOLUNTEER for important positions!

Be a part of Piedmont’s decision processes!

Application Deadline: Monday, March 20th – 5PM

The City Council of Piedmont is looking for volunteers to be appointed to Piedmont commissions and committees. Interested Piedmont residents may download the > Application for Appointive Vacancy.

Applications are due to City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, on or before the deadline of Monday, March 20, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

No. of Vacancies No. of Incumbents Eligible
for Reappointment
Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
CIP Review Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Civil Service Commission 1 Vacancy 0 Incumbents
Park Commission 2 Vacancies 0 Incumbents
Parking Hearing Officer 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Planning Commission 3 Vacancies 1 Incumbent
Public Safety Committee 2 Vacancies 2 Incumbents
Recreation Commission 3 Vacancies 2 Incumbents

Interviews with the City Council for these positions will be scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2017.   All applicants must be interviewed.  No appointments will be made without a Council interview.

You can read about the duties of the commissions and committees by clicking here.  The Planning Commission considers construction laws, applications regarding houses, apartments, and buildings in Piedmont, some as referred by the City Council or Planning Department. 

For more information, contact City Clerk John Tulloch at: 

jtulloch@ci.piedmont.ca.us (510) 420-3041

____________________

Until February 24th, the City Council is also recruiting for members of the 2030 Climate Action Plan Task Force. For more information on appointments to that body, please click  > Volunteers Sought for Climate Action Plan Task Force.

Feb 9 2017

Finance Director Departs Piedmont After One Year

Finance Director Kiran Bawa will leave the City staff as of March 6, 2017, having arrived in March 2016. 

Finance Director Kiran Bawa to leave Piedmont for Virginia –

City Administrator Paul Benoit announced that Finance Director Kiran Bawa will be leaving the City of Piedmont effective March 6, 2017. Ms. Bawa will leave Piedmont to move to Virginia to fulfill an unanticipated family obligation. During her time here, Ms. Bawa helped revise the City’s purchasing procedures, spearheaded the implementation of financial transparency software, and worked tirelessly to ensure that taxpayer dollars were well spent.

Ms. Bawa came to Piedmont in March 2016 from the City of Oakland, where she served as Budget Director. Prior to her work in Oakland, Ms. Bawa served as capital planning and grants manager for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.

“I am very sorry to see Kiran leave Piedmont,” said City Administrator Paul Benoit. “In her short time here, she quickly learned and understood how Piedmont’s finances work. She also helped to move Piedmont forward in significant ways. Her hard work and great interpersonal skills helped her become an invaluable member of Piedmont’s management team.”

“I was extremely delighted when the Council appointed me as Finance Director in 2016, Finance Director Kiran Bawa said. “The work environment was excellent and professionally satisfying. The Council, staff, and the community provided all manner of support as well as opportunities to make financial operations more efficient. While I do not wish to leave Piedmont, my upcoming move to the east coast to be with my future husband is the primary factor.”

The City Council and City Administrator will work in the upcoming weeks to develop a plan to replace Ms. Bawa as Finance Director.

Feb 9 2017

City Capital Improvement Committee Seeks Resident Proposals

If you have a great capital improvement idea, the committee would like to hear from you.

Deadline: Monday, March 6, 2017 –

The Capital Improvement Projects Review Committee (CIP) is soliciting proposals for new city projects which would enhance our community. Ideas submitted by individuals, community organizations and City staff are all considered.

Download the > Proposal Form. Proposals are due no later than March 6th at 5:00 PM at 120 Vista Avenue, Public Works Department. 

All applicants/residents that have submitted proposals will be personally invited to attend the CIP Meeting to be scheduled in March. At this meeting, applicants will be asked to briefly describe their projects to the CIP Committee. The CIP Review Committee will then determine which projects will require a site visit.

The CIP Site Visit Tour will be scheduled for a Saturday in early May. The tour will commence at City Hall at 9:00AM and then will proceed to CIP tour stops located throughout the City. At each of the tour stops the CIP Committee will see the locations for proposed projects first hand.

At noon a working lunch will be provided at City Hall for Committee members, city staff, and interested citizens. At this working lunch the CIP Review Committee will attempt to compose their list of 2017-2018 CIP projects that they recommend as a part of this year’s budget process. The CIP chair in conjunction with CIP Review Committee members will be asked to prepare a list of recommended projects and narrative that will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration in the budget process.

Completed forms should be returned to the Department of Public Works, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.  If you have questions regarding the CIP process, please contact Nancy Kent, Parks & Project Manager, at (510) 420-3064.

Feb 9 2017

City Bond Capacity and Fiscal Report, Monday, February 13

The Budget Advisory & Financial Planning Committee will meet on Monday, February 13th at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the East Wing of 801 Magnolia Avenue (Piedmont Center for the Arts Building).  This location does not provide for broadcasting of the meeting. Those interested in City finances and a potential bond measure may speak at the meeting.

The agenda lists a review of the 2016 -2017 Mid-year Financial Report and the City’s bonding capacity. 

The City has been studying and planning improvements to recreation facilities including a new aquatics center with potential for-profit activities such as a food concession, etc.  In addition, the City has been considering various Civic Center projects. Fiscal projections have indicated a need for additional funding to finance the projects. Bond funding has been mentioned as a potential source of funding.

The City’s bond capacity informs many decisions.

Bond approval per the City Charter and State laws requires approval by 2/3rds of Piedmonters voting on any bond measure.

Feb 5 2017

T Mobile Will Pay Its Overdue Utility Charges to the City

T-Mobile formerly leased City property at 898 Moraga Avenue for wireless communications equipment. The Lease expired, but T-Mobile remains on the property on a month-to-month basis. In April 2016, the City discovered that T-Mobile had not been paying its electricity utility charges in accordance with the terms of the lease. The proposed Settlement Agreement provides for the payment of $13,731.28 to the City for past electricity charges, and establishes a monthly rate for future electricity charges that will be paid by T-Mobile to the City in conjunction with its monthly rent payments. The Settlement Agreement does not alter any other terms of the existing lease.
Read the Settlement Agreement here.
Jan 22 2017

Editorial ALERT: Changes Impacting All Piedmont Houses and Properties Obscured in Proposal Documents

 

Have you read the 535 page staff description of proposed changes to Piedmont’s zoning?  

Rather than simply affecting the commercial and “civic center” zones, this proposal has become a massive set of changes affecting essentially every Piedmont single family residence (SFR).

The changes appear to include:

  • reducing minimum square footage required Single Family Residence lot size by 25% 
  •  reducing frontage – reduced by 33% (90 feet to 60 feet)
  • reducing side setbacks by 50% (to as little as 2 feet (using language that falsely appears to expand the setback!)
A simple proposal for “Grand Avenue zoning fixes” appears to have expanded exponentially. If this proposal moves forward, it could potentially significantly increase the density of Piedmont’s residential areas.  It would allow substantially larger structures next to your home . . closer to your home, allow many larger lots to be subdivided, and allow much larger second homes on one lot.
Is there any description in the voluminous city documents of the total eventual impact on our city?  Will these proposals, in combination, lead to a tear down of many old Piedmont homes? Will residents only find out what’s really in this massive proposal after the Council passes it?
Unfortunately, no effective executive summary of the 535 pages is provided, nor any effective notice of specifics in this massive mission creep.
Changes having the potential to transform Piedmont should not be obfuscated within a 535 page document.  It now seems to cover everything from Airbnb rules . . to parking . . . to 4-story civic center buildings with zero (0) setbacks . . . to increasing density for virtually every Single Family Residence lot.   All important issues – and in some cases “hot-button” issues for Piedmont.

The multiple issues encompassed in this hydra-headed proposal should be dealt with separately, with appropriate opportunity for public input for each.

Staff was initially simply working on clean up language in the ordinance and a few zoning changes affecting the Grand Avenue commercial or civic area. Why have Single Family Residence changes been slipped in? Does the citywide impact on single family residences, commercial, and public property make a citywide vote necessary . . . . or at least desirable?

For those who have a few spare days to review it, the 535 page staff report is here:

http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/publicworks/docs/planning/ch17revisions/2016-11-10_report.pdf

The Council will be educated at a Council Study Session on Monday, January 23, 2017 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 120 Vista Avenue.   Live viewing will be from the City website and on Cable Channel 27. The meeting will be video recorded.

Comments can be sent to the Council as a whole at the following link:

citycouncil@ci.piedmont.ca.us.

Comments and contacts for individual Council members are as follows:

Jeff Wieler, Mayor

jwieler@ci.piedmont.ca.us

(510) 428-1648

Robert McBain, Vice Mayor

rmcbain@ci.piedmont.ca.us

(510) 547-0597

Jennifer Cavenaugh

jcavenaugh@ci.piedmont.ca.us

(510) 428-1442

Teddy Gray King

tking@ci.piedmont.ca.us

(510) 450-0890

Tim Rood

trood@ci.piedmont.ca.us

239-7663

Comments for PCA publication can be submitted at the bottom of this article.

Dec 19 2016

Hampton Park Project on Schedule and on Budget, Linda Triangle Improvements Suggested

Student report on a City Hall gathering on the evening of the Tree Lighting ceremony. Although the Park Commission had cancelled its December meeting, Commissioners were encouraged to attend the December 7 Tree Lighting ceremony at the Community Hall. (read November 2 minutes of the Park Commission.)

On Wednesday, December 7, I attended the Park Commission gathering at the Piedmont City Hall. This commission meets once a month, but typically takes a recess during the Holiday season, so this meeting manifested itself as a casual event that involved people from all City Commissions and City Council members. I took this time to socialize with people who both held leadership positions in government and others who were simply curious about the meeting.

A major topic of conversation was the renovation of Hampton Park. This ongoing project was celebrated, as it is both on schedule and on budget. In response to the rain influencing construction of this project, I was informed that the new drainage system was working well avoiding any holdups for the project.

The recently completed Linda Triangle was another achievement spoken of at this event. People expressed their excitement for this addition to Piedmont, while some hoped to see some improvement, such as lighting fixes.

Upon arriving at the event, I spoke to a number of people, including the Mayor, the Vice Mayor, and the Public Works Director. Mayor Jeff Weiler said that he is particularly pushing for lighting improvement on the Oakland Avenue Bridge, in order to “make it safer for pedestrians.” Speaking from personal experience, it can often be unnerving walking on the Oakland Avenue Bridge, especially when people are driving fast and come right up next to the walkway, so I feel that lights would be a much needed addition.

Students spoke about our concern on the drought, but Mr. Weiler assured students that the California drought was not currently posing much of an issue to Piedmont parks, as the recent rains and the water used for firefighter training help keep the greens watered.

Halley Wolin, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author. 
Dec 18 2016

City Council: Elimination of Recreation Department Transportation, New Full Time Planner, Council Liaisons

The Council faces a full agenda on December 19, 2016, broadcast will be on Channel 27 and via the City website.  The Council will vote on elimination of Recreation Department transport of participants, addition of a full time Planning Technician, and a loan mechanism to pay for sewer work (see separate article.)

Agenda items:

Political appointments chosen by the Mayor to represent Piedmont on various Boards:

12/19/16 – Approval of Council Liaison Assignments through 12/31/17

Piedmont’s Planning Department continues to grow as a full time Technician is added to the Department.  At a recent Planning Commission meeting, five Planning Department employees were present.

12/19/16 – Authorization to Add a Full Time Planning Technician Position

Elimination of transport by the Recreation Department of juvenile participants:

12/19/16 – Report from the Recreation Director on the Discontinuation of Transportation Services

With a new Police Chief appointed from within the Police Department, a vacancy has occurred in the Police Captain position:

12/19/16 – Consideration of an Agreement with Bob Murray & Associates in the Amount of $24,400 for the Recruitment of a Police Captain

12/19/16 – Consideration of a Three Year Agreement with OpenGov, Inc. for Implementation of Interactive Financial Visualization Software in the Amount of $24,502.50 and an Appropriation to Fund the Agreement

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