REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals Final Update for FY2018-19 and FY 2019-20 Work Plan Goals Discussion
Report
BACKGROUND
At the regular Commission Meeting on July 17, 2018, the Commission discussed current issues, trends, and local needs related to city parks operations and maintenance, recreation programs and community services, cemeteries, and special events. Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission considers three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and/or activities for the year. These are intended to focus Commission efforts and respond to community and City Council priorities within existing budget direction, resource limitations, and the purview of the Commission as set forth in the City Charter and City Code.
On August 21, 2018, the Parks & Recreation Commission established the draft goals for FY2018-19. At subsequent meetings, the Commission discusses the Work Plan and makes sub-committee assignments, as necessary. Members then work toward goal completion and provide updates at the regular Commission meetings. The Parks & Recreation Commission FY2018-19 Work Plan Goals are to:
(a) inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions, future funding needs and potential new funding sources;
(b) review existing park rehabilitation needs and new residential development park project plans;
(c) hold a joint meeting of the Parks & Recreation and Cultural Commission;
(d) host the 38th annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival; and,
(e) begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
On January 15, 2019, the Commission met with City Council to report on the goals and progress. The Council inquired about including an additional goal related to future funding for the International Swim Center (ISC). The ISC was considered as part of a potential City infrastructure bond project in 2018 but, did not have enough voter support and currently is an “unfunded project.” The Commission will consider this as a goal for FY2019-20.
On March 19, 2019, the Commission discussed its efforts, including a) to inform the community about Parks & Recreation needs and new residential development park project plans, b) the subcommittee’s work on a top ten list of the most “critical” and “poor” facilities for future Capital Improvement Program funds based on age, condition, use, and other information, c) the completion of the goal to meet with Cultural Commission, and d) completion of the goal to host the Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.
On April 16, 2019, the Commission discussed the remaining work plan items for the year, including: a) the top ten list of facilities for the Capital Improvement Program and upcoming discussion of the Central Park Master Plan (including the ISC and Arbor Playground among others), and e) begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
On May 21, 2019, the Commission discussed the need for a subcommittee for Work Plan Goal e) begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City. Three commissioners will be participating in the subcommittee, Commissioners Knaack, LaCoursiere and Martinez.
On June 18, 2019, the Commission confirmed that the subcommittee for Work Plan Goal e), will have their initial meeting on June 26, 2019.
DISCUSSION
At the July 16, 2019 meeting, the Commission will discuss and review Work Plan Goals for Fiscal Year 2019-20. The review of existing park rehabilitation needs and prioritization of projects for the next Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget will be deferred until August to provide additional time to develop project scope and timelines and estimated sources and availability of funds to manage community expectations. New residential development park project plans will be discussed as specific items on the Commission agendas. The Commission will discuss potential approaches and draft timeline to accomplish Work Plan Goal e) begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission’s agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation