May 26 2016

Priorities: Coaches Field, Beach Tot Lot, Community Hall, Oakland Avenue Bridge, Highland Strip, Blair Park, Etc. Capital Improvement Projects – Committee Report for 2016 -17 Budget

Report listing priorities presented by the Capital Improvement Projects Review (CIP) Committee to the City Council at their Budget Workshop on May 21, 2016  for potential funding. –

2016-2017 Capital Improvement Projects Committee  – Bobbe Stehr, Chairman

The Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) committee reconvened in February 2016 to begin work on project recommendations to the City Council regarding community needs and desires for new capital projects for the 2016-2017 budget cycle. At our first meeting, City Manager Paul Benoit and Councilman Bob McBain discussed the current and future direction of the committee’s responsibilities and the committee’s outreach efforts to compile a list of new capital projects that would be considered by the Council as funding opportunities became available, whether through City funding sources or grants.

After considerable discussion by the committee members, we recognized that under the new direction of the City Council, our responsibility was to conduct an extensive outreach process, inviting participation by individuals, citizen groups, commissions and City staff. The process included an on- line proposal form on the City’s website. The Committee also developed a list of criteria to be used for evaluating all proposed projects and provide specific conclusions with recommendations for future planning.

Under this new direction, the committee reviewed all new proposals; projects submitted through the on-line proposal form as well as long standing projects that have remained on the list. We considered all public comments and staff evaluations. All of our meetings were noticed to the public and our on-site tour of the proposed project locations occurred on May 7, 2016.

Our criteria for evaluating and recommending potential projects included such factors as wide benefit to the community, public safety, broad public support, and protecting and enhancing community assets. The committee also considered whether projects had funding options from public and private partnerships, revenue generating potential, expanded recreational opportunities and/or tied into the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.

We have listed every proposed project in priority order. There were four proposals that we concluded were actually not CIP projects, which we referred to the proper departments and have included those in the addendum.

We would like to express our gratitude for the initial guidance provided by City Administrator, Paul Benoit and Councilman Bob McBain; vital assistance from Parks & Projects Manager, Nancy Kent; very thoughtful and perceptive understanding of Piedmont’s extensive recreation needs by Recreation Director, Sara Lillivand and insights provided by our City Council liaison, Jeff Wieler.

Project recommendations listed in order of priority with estimated costs:

1. Coaches Field Master Plan $50,000

The goal of the master plan would be to assess the possibility of expanding the playfield area to maximize the use where a larger field would meet more demand; define the technical needs associated with artificial turf; research “dark sky” directional lighting to extend use time; and address the serious parking shortage.

Believing that it is more efficient to work with an existing facility and because this field is heavily used by several sports, expansion to a regulation under 14-sized soccer field would allow concurrent practice by more than one team at a time.

This field does provide some revenue-generation and does have public interest for cooperative private funding. It would also allow for more “home team” use and spirit.

2. Beach Tot Lot/ADA Compliant Howard Ave Entrance and Restroom Facilities Master Plan $30,000

The goal of the master plan would be to review existing facilities, solicit community input and propose a new layout for improved recreational opportunities at the existing Tot Lot area and the unused space around the restroom facilities, and the space between the Oakland Ave Bridge and the Beach Playfield.

The current Tot Lot is used heavily by residents and the City recognizes the need to maintain tot lot facilities for the neighborhood. In its current location and configuration, the tot lot is unsafe with an unguarded retaining wall and outdated play equipment. An overall study of the most efficient use of the space now occupied by the Tot Lot and its situation with the tennis court, playfield and restrooms, plus access to and from each component would improve the flow and maximize the future use of the area.

The Recreation Director has requested that the Tot Lot not be looked at in isolation, but incorporated into an overall, long-range vision for the area, which may include relocation to the other side of the playfield. This would put the play area closer to the existing restrooms and eliminate the sand creep onto the tennis courts.

Additionally, with the completion of the new townhouses at 408 Linda Ave, it would be a great opportunity for the City to improve the use, aesthetics and functionality of the area between the Oakland Ave Bridge and Linda Beach Field.

In the current budget, Public Works is in the planning stage for the ADA access from Howard Ave and the City is currently reviewing all play structures in the City for safety compliance as well as a schedule for play equipment replacement. This is the time for a Master Plan for this area.

3. Piedmont Community Hall – Entry Court Renovation, $200,000 – $300,000

Parking and ADA access are the urgent needs for this facility and a top priority for the Recreation Department. The recommendation is to enhance the entry court for ceremonial and civic events with decorative paving and improved event lighting. The plan would redirect service vehicles to the edge of the turnaround and relocate the trash area, eliminating the need for heavy trucks to cross the entry court. 2

Currently the City Engineer is working on a survey of the parking possibilities and ADA access. If feasible, the committee recommends that the entry court be upgraded sooner rather than later.

4. Piedmont Community Hall – Rear Balcony and Amphitheater Architectural Master Plan $50,000

Because the Community Hall is in full use nearly daily, an architectural master plan would study and propose enhancements that would improve use, circulation and revenue generation.

Expanding the terraces and rear balcony of Community Hall over enlarged space beneath, would greatly improve the rental opportunities and community programs use with the inclusion of indoor/outdoor access.

Relocating the pre-school facilities to a more easily accessible location would free the lower level of the Hall and provide space for concurrent facility use, better storage and increased rental revenues.

The Amphitheater currently is over impacted and underutilized. An upgrade to permeable paving with current water catchment technology would be both environmentally smart and revitalize the overall area. Relocating the bleachers and access from both stories of the Hall to the amphitheater would connect this space to the interior spaces for better flow and function.

Community Hall is a perfect venue for public/private funding.

5. Oakland Avenue Bridge – Complete the String of Lights $40,000

This is a new proposal by William Blackwell who has done extensive research on both the engineering requirements to add two new light standards, suppliers for exact matches to the existing light standards and the infill string of lights. This definitely qualifies as a stand-alone project to revive what was once a stately entrance to the City of Piedmont.

This is a project that would attract private funding from several sources.

Both Mr. Blackwell and the CIP committee independently came to the same conclusion while on site at the bridge. The Oakland Avenue Bridge is in dire need of some safety improvements. Crossing Oakland Avenue at the crosswalks at both ends of the bridge on the way to or from the Beach playfield area is hazardous.

The CIP committee suggests that the safety issues be included in the future implementation of the Bike/Pedestrian Plan or as part of the Master Plan for the Beach Playfield project.

6. Highland Strip $200,000

Because of the recent wet winter, momentum has stalled for a drought tolerant and native garden to replace the lawn at the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Highland Avenue. There were regional interests to fund parts of this project, however, much more education and outreach appears to be needed.

7. Dracena Park: Upper Park Master Plan, Ravine Lighting and Pathway improvements $30,000 – $75,000

Proposed by Garrett Keating, Daniel Stein and John Lambert, the three elements were considered individually.

A Master Plan for Upper Dracena Park, especially one that can be implemented incrementally, could be valuable, however, the CIP Committee would need further direction from the Park Commission and we suggested that the proposal be presented to the Park Commission.

Pathway lighting within City parks has been discussed over the years and current policy is not to have artificial lighting from dusk to dawn at most locations.

The request to repair the sidewalk along Dracena Avenue, add handrails and clearly marked crosswalk painting at the intersection of Park Way and Dracena Avenue have been referred to Public Works Maintenance Department.

8. Blair Park: Split Rail Fence, Additional Trees, Parking Lot $65,000 – $100,000

Two separate proposals were reviewed together: Marge Blackwell proposed a split-rail fence along Moraga Avenue for the length of the park and additional planting within the park; Melanie Robertson proposed new trees along Moraga Avenue and a small parking lot for park users.

A split rail fence could be a charming addition and more trees in a park would be wonderful. However, the site does not currently have any water supply that would be needed to irrigate new landscaping and the estimated cost of a new water meter is $65,000. In addition, the City is in the process of having the park’s boundaries surveyed and the CIP committee concluded that any project in Blair Park should be put on hold for the present and would likely need to be considered by the Park Commission at some future date.

ADDENDUM TO CIP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016-2017:

Two proposals submitted by Paul Lettieri and Tom Gandesberg requested repaving for safety and bike access. These were referred to the Public Works Maintenance Department and are currently being implemented.

Tom Gandesberg also suggested better irrigation for the median in the 300 block of San Carlos Avenue. Again, this location is currently being upgraded to a more water efficient irrigation system as part of the City’s cyclical review of medians,

Bob Kunselman proposed a new License Plate Reader on Trestle Glen Road. Parks and Projects Manager, Nancy Kent contacted Police Chief Rikki Goede for guidance on this. Chief Goede contacted Mr. Gandesberg and provided the CIP committee with her determination.

I wrote a thank you letter to each person who proposed a project, stating the CIP committee’s appreciation for their suggestions and informing them of the status of each proposal.

Bobbe Stehr, Chair of CIP Committee

_______________________

Recordings  and minutes of the CIP meetings are not available, as no recordings or minutes were produced.

Residents interested in providing input to the Council on Budget priorities may send emails to John Tulloch, City Clerk:

jtulloch@piedmont.ci.ca.us

Next Council consideration of the 2016-17 Budget is June 6, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. City Hall.  The Council meeting will be recorded and broadcast.

____________

Members of the CIP Committee are:

Michael Henn

Susan Herrick

Bobbe Stehr, Chair

Jamie Totsubo

PBF (Piedmont Beautification Foundation)      Representative – Deborah Van Nest

Representative of Recreation Commission

Representative of Park Commission 

Council Liaison: Jeff Wieler (H) 428-1648
Staff Liaisons: Chester Nakahara (W) 420-3061 & Nancy Kent (W) 420-3064

May 21 2016

Aquatics Center Plans Moving Ahead: Meeting Tues, May 24

Public Meeting

City of Piedmont Aquatics Master Plan Steering Committee will meet Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave (Main Park), Piedmont.  

 Agenda

1. Presentation by Consultant of Possible Designs for Aquatics Center Renovation

2. Small Groups Discussions on Presented Designs

3. Reports from Groups to the Consultant

This meeting will not be broadcast or recorded. Interested individuals are welcome to participate in the proceedings.

May 18 2016

Where Do My Taxes Go? City 2016-17 Budget

Attend the Saturday, May 21, Council Budget Work Session and learn how your taxes are spent.

The public is invited to attend the Work Shop and speak to the City Council about spending priorities for the city in the coming year. 

Saturday, May 21st – 9:00 a.m.

The Budget Work Shop will be held in the Emergency Operations Center in the Police Department at 408 Highland.

The Piedmont City Council will consider the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 at three separate meetings.

Those attending will hear briefings from departments heads – Police Chief, Fire Chief, Recreation Director, etc. These presentations will be preceded by City Administrator Paul Benoit introduction. Council members will have an opportunity to make inquiries about the budget in the relaxed setting.

Public participants may also make inquiries at the Work Session and can observe the inner workings of the budget process.  

There will be no broadcasts of the Work Session.  

Spending priorities, revenue projections, and planned expenditures are rarely changed after the Budget Work Session.

Click to visit the 2016-2017 Proposed Budget page, where all sections of the budget are available for download.

Two required Public Hearings regarding the proposed budget and the levy of the Municipal Services Tax and the Sewer Tax will be held during the regularly scheduled City Council meetings on:

June 6 and June 20, 2016.  

For questions on contents of the budget, please contact Interim Finance Director Jim O’Leary via email at joleary@ci.piedmont.ca.us or by phone at 420-3045 with any questions.

If you wish to write to the City Council regarding the Budget, please address your letter to City Council, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, 94611 or send an email to the City Clerk at cityclerk@ci.piedmont.ca.us , who will forward your comments to the Council.

2016-2017 Proposed Budget   <

May 15 2016

Aquatics, Recreation Building, Veterans Hall, Hampton Park and Summer Plans

The Recreation Commission will consider Summer activities update, Hampton Park Master Plan, Recreation Department/Veteran’s Hall Master Plan, and Aquatics Master Plan at the Wednesday, May 18, 2016, Recreation Commission meeting starting at 7:30 p.m.  in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.

The meeting is open for public participation.  The meeting can be observed live on Cable Channel 27 and from the City website under on-line videos.

Read the > Recreation Commission Agenda for May 18 and the > Draft April 20 minutes. 

Comments or questions on Summer activities, the Hampton Park Master Plan, Recreation Department/Veteran’s Hall Master Plan, and Aquatics Master Plan or other Recreation Commission issues may be sent to the Commission via the Recreation Director Sara Lillevand at slillevand@ci.piedmont.ca.us.

May 13 2016

Park Commission: Lorita Avenue Trees, Linda Tennis Courts, Updates

On May 4, 2016 at 5:30 pm, the Park Commission meeting commenced as Chair Jamie Totsubo called the participants to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. On the first Wednesday of every month, the Park Commission meets to address issues and come up with arrangements regarding the beautification of Piedmont; everything from the parks to the street landscaping. After Commissioners Brian Mahany, John Lenahan, Jim Horner, Jonathan Levine, Patty Siskind, and Betsy Goodman introduced themselves, the discussions began.

The meeting started off with the Public Forum, where several Piedmont High School students brought their concerns to the attention of the Commission. Sam Cheng and Alex Chueh requested that lights be put in around the softball field. Kalen Davison stated that the Linda tennis courts are in terrible condition, especially the nets, and suggested that the courts be checked every three months so as to keep them in a safe, playable condition.

After the Public Forum, the meeting moved on to address the items on the agenda, the first of which was a hearing to consider a request from residents Maggie and Lannie Spencer for the implementation of additional street trees on Lorita Avenue and Monticello Avenue. They proposed to remove the agapanthus on the street, and instead put in five new street trees.

Maggie Spencer brought up the point that there is a city owned space on the street that used to have street trees; however, these street trees were removed many years back and never replaced. Three other residents spoke in favor of street trees; one resident on Monticello Avenue later stated that they attended the meeting to make sure that their “opinions were being heard”, as they were “strongly in favor of beautifying the street.”

However, Anne Hall, a resident on Ramona Avenue, wanted to express her feelings against tall street trees, as they would block sunlight from her backyard and the roots going under her fence would be problematic.

I agree with this sentiment, as it is not often taken into consideration the tremendous barrier that tall trees can impose.

Therefore, the residents as well as the Commissioners agreed that the agapanthus should be substituted with a plant that grows the height of the fences, and does not spill over so as to disturb the neighbors. Commissioner Jim Horner stated that ginkgo trees stay small in a confined setting, and suggested to use ginkgos but keep the spacing narrow (about 20 feet apart). All of the Commissioners agreed on replacing the agapanthus with ginkgos, and the motion passed.

The Commission then moved on to the next items on the agenda, which included an update on the Linda/Kingston Triangle. They will soon be setting a date to put the drawings to bid, hopefully within the next month, so that the bulk of the project will be completed before school starts again in the Fall.

The next item involved the planting of a maple tree in Piedmont Park; the planting ceremony date is set for May 24, 2016 with the ceremonial planting beginning at 10 a.m.

The Park Commission also was given an update on the Hampton Master Plan; the project was awarded to Suarez and Munoz, a local group from Hayward. The project is to begin on June 13, the Monday after school lets out for summer, and the goal is to complete the project by August 16, the start of the 2016-­17 school year.

After the final item on the agenda (the monthly maintenance report), the Commission came to the decision that July 6 would be the date for their summer recess, and the meeting was adjourned.

Kaelli Thiel, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
May 11 2016

Proposed New Aquatics Center: Neighbors Are On Board

“The city has said that the carriage house, where Dress Best for Less is, behind the pool, the space between the recreation department building and the current pool, as well as the play structure area are all open territory for the new facility to take advantage of.”  

Stakeholder Aquatics Center Meeting – 

Last Wednesday, May 5, 2016, the Piedmont Community Pool managers held an exciting stakeholder’s meeting to discuss a new aquatics facility. Kevin Post and his associate were present from Counsilman-Hunsaker, Associates to hear the needs of the various interest groups present at the meeting. Post is a pool specialists who manages aquatic facilities, as they are all very unique and require more planning than most other facilities.

When I arrived, there were about 10 people sitting around a conference table, in a back room of the Piedmont Center of the Arts building. This meeting was the second of three sessions held that afternoon, each targeted to hear from different pool users.

At around 3 o’clock there were mom’s of high school freshmen, a few lap swimmers, recreation department representatives, and the club swim team coach, Stefan Bill. John Savage, high school water polo coach, and Megan Hernandez, High School athletic director, came in a few minutes later.

The greatest issue that was being discussed was lap lane availability and practice times for the various teams. Bill mentioned that he would love to be able to host competitive meets and events at the new facility, although it is recognized that parking would be a major issue.

The city has said that the carriage house, where Dress Best for Less is, behind the pool, the space between the recreation department building and the current pool, as well as the play structure area are all open territory for the new facility to take advantage of.

One concern that was brought up was the issue of neighbors being unhappy with noise levels. In past years neighbors used to call the pool office angrily to tell Jesus, a past swim team coach, to be quiet and not have the team do cheers in the morning or at night.

Rebecca Sermeno, the aquatics manager, reassured the meeting members that she knows the neighbors all quite well and that they are all on board with a new facility. The issues of the neighbors has been a reoccurring problem that has actually partially prevented previous plans of renovations.

Megan Hernandez, who grew up in Piedmont, said she can remember there always being talk of getting a new facility, and another, more skeptical meeting member, Stacy, said “show me the money and I’ll get excited” because she has seen so many proposed plans that all just fall through for one reason or another.

Sermeno however is much more optimistic and declared that this is the first time the pool has taken as many steps toward actually redoing the facilities.

I, a high school senior who practically lives at the pool, am also slightly skeptical. I remember that even when I was in middle school there was talk of a grand new 50 meter pool that was coming our way, but nothing ever happened. I do, however, have faith in Sermeno to watch this through and make sure it happens, it may just take much more time than predicted.

Things became real interesting when Post brought out his sample models of the different pool scenarios that could be built. One idea was a pool over 50m that had a bulk head, another was a 50mX25yd pool as well as a play pool that had a s0ft depth decline.

The meeting members all became very engaged in trying out different configurations on the printed out map to see what may work the best. Bill commented that he would love for there to be two competitive pools, however there is an obvious need for a more shallow, play and instruction pool. No conclusion was made, but Post was able to understand and hear the needs and wants of the various people present.

I stayed after the meeting ended to talk to Kevin Post a bit more to see his perspective on this plan.

Post told me that his company, Councilman-Hunsaker, has done over 1,000 pool facilities and that their employees are a mix of people with swimming backgrounds, like himself, and engineers that can plan out an effective and efficient aquatics facility.

Post explained that during the meeting they were getting input first, then they would work on getting together a few models and scenario with construction costs, which would then be presented at Council and public meetings.

Finally a decision about the level of funding would be declared which would allow a bid election to take place. Only then would they be able to begin working on deconstructing the current facilities and constructing the new one.

I was very intrigued by this meeting, I knew almost everyone there from my years of being in the pool community so I felt comfortable talking and giving my input. I felt like what I had to say was valuable to the discussion since I gave a unique perspective on the situation compared to all of the adults that were there.

Although the adults are the ones who pay the dues and fees at the club, I still believe that the younger generation’s voices needed to be heard since they make up a large majority of the people who swim at the pool. All in all, it was an exciting meeting to participate in and I am thrilled to see how the plans will actually turn out.

Kelsey Fennell, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author. 
May 4 2016

FUNDING TOUR: Beach and Coaches Field, Blair and Dracena Parks, Highland Strip, Community Center, Lights on Oakland Avenue Bridge: Saturday, May 7

What should Piedmont Fund?

Tour open to the public Saturday,

May 7 at 8 a.m. starting at the Tea House.

On Saturday, May 7, the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Review Committee will meet at  8:00 a.m. at the Tea House in Piedmont Main Park to tour and view various proposed projects to potentially be funded through the Piedmont budget process.  The public is welcome to participate in the entire meeting, tour, and discussions.  Individuals attending are encouraged to provide their own transportation.  Lunch will be served at the Tea House following the tour. 

 A tour schedule, detailed list of projects, information, and agenda can be obtained through:

Parks and Project Manager Nancy Kent at 420-3064 or nkent@ci.piedmont.ca.us 

 There will be no recordings made of the tour. 

May 2 2016

New Pools: Aquatics Master Planning, Wednesday, May 4

Aquatics Master Plan Meeting

 Wednesday,  May 4,  7:00 p.m.

801 Magnolia Avenue in the East Wing of the Piedmont Center for the Arts Building across from Piedmont High School. 

Aquatics Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting: 

The City Council has appointed a committee to investigate a plan for the Piedmont Municipal Pool and Aquatics.  Two Council members are on the Steering Committee, Tim Rood and Teddy King. 

The May 4 meeting is a public meeting to discuss with the consultant new pools, new ideas for aquatics and other associated matters.  The meeting will not be recorded or broadcast.  Anyone interested can attend and participate in the meeting. 

Agenda for the meeting.

Staff report to the City Council.

For further information, contact:

Recreation Director Sara Lillevand at:  slillevand@ci.piedmont.ca.us   (510) 420-3070

May 1 2016

Crime Report, Ambulance, Drug Disposal, Volunteers, Beach Field, FY 16-17 Budget Presentation, SunShares, Transportation: May 2 Council Meeting

On Monday, May 2, starting at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall, the City Council will consider approving agreements with Alameda County for ambulance and advanced life support measures. The current agreement expires October 31, 2016.  Additional agreements will be considered with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the Alameda County Transportation Commission, and for Prescription Drug disposal.

The Proposed FY 16-17 Budget for the City of Piedmont will be presented.

The Council will consider a resolution commending a number of volunteers who will each receive the resolution at the reception on May 19 at the Community Hall.

Nominations for Piedmont Civic Volunteer of the Year are due May 6. (Nomination Form)

Staff Reports for May 2, 2016 Council Meeting:

05/02/16 – Approval of a Resolution to be Presented to Volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Reception for 2016

05/02/16 – 2nd Reading of Ord. 722 N.S. Modifying Section 3.8 of the City Code to Allow for Expanded Use of Linda Beach Playfield During the Renovation of Piedmont Sports Field (Hampton Field)

05/02/16 – Approval of Agreements with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for the Following:

a. Critical Incident Handling (Mutual Aid)

b. Evidence Collection and Processing

05/02/16 – Approval of the Master Programs Funding Agreement between the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) and the City of Piedmont

05/02/16 – Approval of the Extension of an Agreement with Alameda County Regarding First Response Advanced Life Support and Ambulance Transport Services

05/02/16 – Approval of Agreements Related to Prescription Drug Take Back Program in the Police Department

05/02/16 – Receipt of the 1st Quarter 2016 Crime Report from the Chief of Police

05/02/16 – Consideration of Authorization to Sign a Letter of Support Authorizing Participation in the 2016 East Bay SunShares Program

05/02/16 – Consideration of a Resolution Approving an Agreement and Establishing a Project Construction Budget for the Oakland and El Cerrito Aves. Pedestrian Improvement Project

The meeting on May 2, 2016 will be broadcast live on Channel 27 and from the City website under online videos.

May 1 2016

Residents Priority Use of Recreation Facilities, Donations, Awards to Katrina Morris and John Morrison, More Pools: REPORT: Recreation Commission

New Commissioner urges Recreation Facilities use priority for residents, $55,000 private donation pledged for Hampton Park may show up later or not be needed, Betty C. Howard Award to employee Katrina Morris and volunteer John Morrison –

 On April 20th, 2016, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Piedmont Recreation Commission called into session its monthly meeting. The Commission works with allocating, regulating, renovating, and creating park properties. According to Director Sara Lillevand, who facilitated the meeting, these tasks actually have a very “large breadth” in the city.

 The meeting, specifically broken down into nine agenda items, began with a warm welcome to three new members of the Commission: Glyn Burge, Jeff Dorman, and Vincent Fisher. Each was given an introduction stating their background. After the meeting, Fisher kindly granted an interview in which he stated that he had previous experience in local government in Connecticut, from where he had just moved. He mentioned that his top priority was dealing with “the space issue” which plagues Piedmont parks and making sure that “Piedmont residents get priority” when it comes to park use. After the members were applauded into their new roles, the Commission voted on the next Chair and Vice-Chair, unanimously electing Elizabeth Smegal Andersen and Brian Cain, respectively.

 After a couple of brief formalities, the Commission unanimously approved their minutes and reviewed the Commission’s duties.  Then the Commission began its main point of discussion, the Hampton Field renovation Master Plan. Since the plan had already been approved the previous Monday by the Council, the discussion turned out to be more of a recap of events rather than a discussion of possibilities and details.

 Director Lillevand led the rearticulation, highlighting her personal investment in the project and noting that the Hampton renovation had been about ten years in the making.  She verbalized her appreciation for the many people who worked painstakingly to see the project come to fruition, as well as the private sponsors whose donations made the project feasible.

 Interestingly, Lillevand stated that of the $254,000 pledged for the Hampton project at a January meeting, only $199,000 was actually handed to the Mayor at the Monday meeting.  While this may seem disconcerting, given the members’ lack of reaction, this drop may have been expected, or the remaining $55,000 may show up later or not be needed at all.

 Lillevand concluded by reiterating just how much this development is needed by the community, as Hampton holds league soccer and baseball games, recreational tennis and basketball, as well as summer camps and general park-usage. When asked whether the tennis and basketball courts would be maintained so they do not reach their current level of wear again, she gladly explained that the courts have been placed on a “facility master plan” that has a rotation for resurfacing Piedmont courts.

 After going over how the City planned to deal with the loss of park space during construction time, which will occur this summer, Lillivand stated that opening up Beach Playfield for longer hours on the weekends would be done.

 The commission began discussing the Aquatics Master Plan. Unlike the Hampton situation, no plan is currently in effect, and so the members were able to share ideas on how they felt the aquatics in Piedmont could be enhanced.

 Director Lillevand explained how various stakeholder groups such as competitive swimmers, passholders, and the general public each would get their own meetings in order to express their desires. Additionally, she mentioned some of the current proposals to get more out of the Piedmont Community Pool, which included building new pools, hosting fitness classes, providing adaptive education, and restructuring pools.

 While increasing recreational use is not a bad ideal to have, currently the pools are in such high demand that doing so would restrict access to many groups. As Andersen said, “no groups feel like they have enough water space,” and so the most beneficial change would be to create more pool space. Once more pool space has opened up, then the Recreation Department can focus on providing more activities without having to cut into the already limited time many groups receive. While no voting occurred on the aquatics plan, most members seemed to agree that, in general, Piedmont should revamp its aquatics.

 To conclude the meeting in a most fitting way, the Commission voted unanimously to give the Betty C. Howard Award to Katrina Morris, an employee, and John Morrison, a volunteer. The annual award is bestowed upon citizens who perform superior service, show programming ability, demonstrate loyalty and dedication, and work many hours in service of the Recreation Department and Piedmont community. Once descriptions of the nominees’ work in service were given, and they were officially put into consideration, they were chosen with a simultaneous “Aye.” With that, the meeting was adjourned.

Report by David Monical, Piedmont High School Senior

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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