RED HILL COMMUNITY PARK JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY

Board of Directors Meeting

June 15, 2005

 

DRAFT MINUTES

 

M/s (Walter/Lopin) that Peter Breen act as Chair in the absence of Chair John Wright and Vice Chair Barbara Thornton.

Ayes:  Breen, Lopin, Walter.     Absent: Thornton, Wright.

 

1.      CALL TO ORDER.

 

Acting Chair Breen called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the San Anselmo Town Council Chambers.

 

2.      ROLL CALL.

 

Present:  Breen, Lopin, Walter.       Absent: Thornton, Wright

 

3.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES.

 

Approval of the minutes for the April 20, 2005 meeting was tabled until the next meeting.

 

4.      TREASURER’S REPORT.

 

Janet Pendoley presented the written Treasurers report for the period ending May 31, 2005, noting again the new report format and the remaining income in the amount of $53,773.

 

5.   REPORT FROM FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE ON LONG-TERM FUNDRAISING PLANS (ORAL REPORT).

 

Martin Grant presented an oral summary of fundraising efforts to date, including approximately  $70,000 in cash and pledges and $350,000 in in-kind donations. Activities include grantwriting, fliers at Easter egg hunt, a wine tasting event, contact with major donors, a newsletter to be distributed by mail shortly, and a letter writing campaign in the fall.

 

Nancy Okada asked if the fundraising committee would work with the dog park group.

 

M/s (Walter, Lopin) to accept the report as presented.

Ayes:   Breen, Lopin, Walter.      Absent:  Thornton, Wright.

 

6.       APPROVE PROPOSAL TO PHASE IN CONSTRUCTION OF PARK

 

Executive Director Long reported that the committee developed the two-phase concept in the construction of the park as a means of reaching a realistic financial goal to get the park built as soon as possible. Phase 1 would include construction of the athletic field with drainage, utilities, pathway, access from Shaw drive, Shaw Drive parking, and fencing around the dog park for an estimated cost of $1.3 million. Phase 2, estimated at $800,000, would include the restroom, dog park, ramping, and sports court.  Peter Arnold reported that the field and dog park would be usable at completion of Phase 1.  Timeline for completion of Phase 1 is March to October, 2006. He estimated 3 to 4 months for Phase 2 work. The budget will continue to use 2005 estimates for Phase 1 work due to low inflation and the reduction in prices of some items. Bob Walters suggested that the Phase 2 budget in future years be recalculated to reflect a realistic inflation factor. In-kind and pledged funds for the first phase currently total $900,000. Soft costs are estimated at 10%.  In order to break ground in March 2006, the JPA needs to make the decision to proceed by August 1, 2005. 

 

The site would be out of service to the public from March to October.  Peter Arnold expressed his professional opinion that completing the project in one phase is preferable; however, this project is fairly straightforward and should be doable in phases. Phasing may increase the total construction cost.

 

Bob Walters reported that the Tam Union District authorized him to support the JPA's request to Ross Valley School District to phase-in the project.  Peter Breen reported that the San Anselmo Town Council approved the JPA’s request for a phased project, and noted a request for an alternate dog park to be designated during the project's work months.

 

The public hearing was opened on this issue. Peter Breen indicated that the planning process must be completed including the State Architect's Office approval before any construction takes place. If the traffic study were to recommend traffic signals, that issue would have to be addressed through additional funding sources. Discussion ensued regarding the financial implications of phasing the project over time. The planning consultant has been hired and the plans sent to her to begin work on the planning process. Plans are available for public review. Lori Lopin commented that the Ross Valley School District will most likely act on the request at their July meeting. Interest was expressed in having drinking water fountains done in Phase 1. A document with 44 signatures stating opposition to the phasing of this project was submitted.

 

M/s (Breen/Walter) that the JPA make a request to the Ross Valley School District to amend the master lease agreement to allow for phased-in construction of the Red Hill Park.

Ayes:  Breen, Lopin, Walter.       Absent:  Thornton, Wright.

 

7.   STATUS REPORT ON EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SUNNY HILLS SCHOOL FOR USE OF PROPERTY FOR PARKING

 

Executive Director Long reported that Sunny Hills will present the draft easement agreement for additional parking for park use for their Board approval.  They will execute the agreement when the construction is assured.

 

8.      BOARD REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS, QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS TO STAFF; STAFF MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

 

Bob Walters indicated that new estimates of phased costs as well as revenue estimates will be presented at the next meeting. 

 

Doug Long updated the Board on his progress in obtaining an audit contract.  Nine firms were contacted, resulting in three quotes: $10,000; $6,000; and $2,000.  The lowest quote, from OUM, has been accepted.

 

9.      OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION.

 

Public comments included the problem of dog howling, access to the dog park after Phase 1, detailed fundraising reports, and financial contributions to the JPA. A request was made that a fundraising and dog park community presentation be made at the October 2005 meeting. 

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. to the next meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2005.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Janet Pendoley

Treasurer, Red Hill Community Park JPA

Finance & Admin Services Director, Town of San Anselmo