Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 12Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 12, 2011 Members Present: Chair Kathy Evans, Scott Vanderlip, Val Metcalfe, Julia Zarcone, Patty Radlo, Rebecca Hickman, Community Services Coordinator Sarah Gualtieri, Councilmember Jean Mordo. Call to Order: 9:05 a.m. Approval of Minutes: September minutes approved as written. Motion Julia Zarcone/second Scott Vanderlip Committee Business The PRC was informed of the resignation of Whitney Sagan, who is moving out of the area. It was discussed that the committee needs to recruit more members to increase our membership. The need for a 50% FTE was discussed. Sarah Gualtieri stated that she thought she had made it through the transition period of her new position and would like to revisit the need for additional help at a later date. Facilities and Parks Update Town Riding Ring - the tie racks need to be placed in a different location. Deb Goldeen will meet with Sarah to determine the new location. It was reported that the water was left on at the riding ring with no one notified of the problem in a timely manner. Sarah talked about the need to revisit the procedures for reporting problems at the ring. Incident reporting forms are available however they must be utilized to document problems. The form needs to contain an after hours contact number. The Incident Report Form and the after hours number also need to be placed on the LAHHA website. WWCB - Sarah reported that she has received two proposals for rodent control at the barn. The Town has signed a contract to control the ground squirrels with poison, with Sarah stating that the Town needed to move quickly because of impending hibernation. There is also concern over the many holes the squirrels have dug and the possibility of horse injury. Committee members expressed concern that if squirrels are poisoned, other animals will be poisoned as well. Concern was expressed that even if the squirrel dies under ground, the body still decomposes leaving poison which can affect both eco and water systems. Val Metcalfe told the PRC that this was not a new procedure at the barn, that poison has been used for more than a decade. Trapping is not considered a viable option because it is too labor intensive and costly. Several PRC members stated they thought the Town should be looking into Green, non -pesticide methods to control the squirrel/rodent populations. A draft of the Rules, Regulations and Procedures for WWCB was handed out by Sarah for the committee's review. Chair Kathy Evans said that she wants the various user groups to see the draft and give their feedback. Sarah is requesting that PRC members review the draft and email any comments/changes to her. The subcommittee of Val Metcalfe and Julia Zarcone will meet and discuss the draft and any potential changes. Camp Facilities - The PRC wants to have a time frame for getting a composting toilet for summer camps held at the barn. The toilet needs to be hidden by tree cover and be set away from the water table. Julia and Val will meet and choose a location. Activity Guide Update Sarah gave the PRC an update on the Department's Activity Guide. She said that she has received good feedback from the committee and others regarding potential new program/camp offerings. If there are any other recommendations, Sarah needs them right away. Additional comments: - Sarah thinks that offering a free preview class for some of Parks and Rec programming is very beneficial - the free Astronomy and Stepping Strong classes are both full - Sarah will try to get additional Astronomy classes for spring - Qigong needs more explanation for potential users and to possibly hold the class outdoors at WWCB - Committee needs to discuss the potential use of facilities at Foothill College - is this viable or something we even want? - Sarah does not think that Keith Gutierrez will be returning as an instructor. - The cover of the spring/summer guide will feature Little League - All instructors must now go through a background and insurance check before being hired. Additionally instructors that will be working with children under the age of 18 will need the background check and be fingerprinted. Sarah will provide a complete explanation of these requirements for each potential instructor. Public Events Barn Lighting - costumes for elves and Santa suit have been reserved. We are currently looking for two people to be Santa. LAHF - The group is holding their Halloween event at Fremont Hills. Youth Commission - having a Monster Bash for Halloween at the Legion Hall in downtown Los Altos on October 21, 2011. Easter Egg Hunt - Kathy Evans reported that a carpet is available to cover the arena during the Easter Egg Hunt. She has not received an estimate of the cost yet. PRC Charter Review A handout was given to committee members to review to look over and reply to Kathy Evans and Scott Vanderlip with any comments. Joint Meeting With Los Altos Potential dates for the joint meeting with the Los Altos Parks Department were discussed and will be proposed to Los Altos: 1) Thursday, January 12, 2012 2) Wednesday, January 18, 2012 3) Wednesday, January 25, 2012 4) Thursday, January 26, 2012 5) Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Los Altos Hills will be the host for this meeting. Next meeting is November 9, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parks and Recreation Building. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Patty Radlo, secretary