Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting – September 4, 2024

The Parks and Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane, and virtually via Zoom. The meeting covered routine approvals, a detailed presentation on the ADLP Corridor Improvement Project and its MTC Complete Streets checklist, a summer program recap, and departmental updates. No formal votes were taken on business items; the consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The draft minutes from the July 17, 2024 meeting were approved by a unanimous voice vote (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Juliano (community member and cyclist) spoke during the Community Forum. He expressed frustration that the city does not adequately support cycling infrastructure despite stated goals of reducing global warming and increasing mode shift. He noted that only $21,000 out of $1.5 million spent on the Ralston phase three project went to protected bike lanes, and that Belmont remains one of the scariest places he bikes. He argued that safety must trump convenience and that mode shift is the only way to reduce congestion.
• During the ADLP discussion, Juliano submitted a speaker slip and spoke again. He claimed the proposed median did not come from public workshops (he attended all) and called it a bad idea that takes up space that should go to protected bike lanes. He stated he spent 15–20 hours observing the corridor and saw no jaywalking. He urged the commission to move the anti-jaywalking feature to protect the bike lane instead.

Discussion Items

MTC Complete Streets Checklist – ADLP Corridor Improvement Project

• Presentation: Tracy Scremolia (Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer) and Josh (Senior Engineer, new to the city) presented. The Alameda de las Pulgas (ADLP) Corridor Improvement Project is a multi‑agency effort involving Belmont, San Carlos, and two school districts. The 2014 corridor traffic study was approved by City Council in 2018. Design funding was secured in 2022; two community workshops were held. The project is at 65% design. Major improvements include three mini‑roundabouts (replacing stop signs), a new signal at Common Drive, repaving from Ralston to San Carlos city limits, new sidewalks, driveways, curb ramps, crosswalks (ADA compliant), Class 2 and Class 3 bike lanes, raised median, and green infrastructure (bioretention) for stormwater. Construction cost estimated at over $10 million. The city is applying for MTC Active Transportation Program Cycle 7 funding, which requires a Complete Streets checklist review with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). No action was required from the commission; only feedback.
• Commissioner Questions and Comments:
  • Commissioner Wetmore asked about construction timeline (could start once fully funded, likely summer break, total ~2 years) and whether bike lanes would be protected (no barriers due to parallel parking).
  • Commissioner Hill raised safety concerns about kids crossing at the roundabout, merging of bikes into traffic, and the need for education. He also asked about parking width (12–15 feet travel lane with 2‑foot buffer).
  • Commissioner Wang noted that if funding is only partial, the project may not be phased but would wait for full funding.
  • Commissioner Whitmore questioned the median’s necessity (brought up by workshop stakeholders) and suggested moving it to protect the bike lane. She also noted that a bus option now exists via SamTrans, potentially reducing car trips.
  • Commissioner Lee suggested inviting students to participate in future design discussions.
  • Commissioner Emkin raised concerns about bike safety at drop‑off zones, where cars would cross the bike lane. He urged more protection for cyclists.
  • Commissioner Fox asked about red curbs for daylighting and whether crosswalks would have flashing signals (e.g., HAWK). Staff said they would look into it but currently no HAWK signals beyond the signalized intersection.
  • Chair Michaels summarized that the median and bike lane safety were primary concerns, and staff agreed to review meeting minutes from the workshops and potentially re‑observe the corridor to reconsider the median placement. No formal action was taken.

Youth and Teen Summer Program Recap

• Presentation: Danielle Giuliashi, Recreation Coordinator, provided a recap. Camp SOAR (Summer Outdoor Adventure Recreation) for grades K–5 ran 8 am–5 pm with extended care. In 2024, there were 837 total enrollments (84% Belmont residents), up from 810 in 2023, 722 in 2022, and 792 in 2019. 30 part‑time staff (17 returning, 20 residents). 48 Counselor‑in‑Training (CIT) youth accepted from 68 applicants, contributing 2,136 volunteer hours; 7 graduated to paid staff. Inclusion camp was fully funded for the first time (previously via grant), with 25 total signups across 5 weeks, 4 dedicated staff serving campers with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and hypotonia. Scholarships totaled $3,000 awarded from $8,625 in donations (from Water Dog Run, Community Foundation, Rotary, and community donations); 600 went to Camp SOAR, 2,400 to contractor camps. 15 weeks of discounted camp were awarded ($200/week for up to 4 weeks). 241 contractor camp sessions were offered (increase from 2023), with 3,612 enrollments (also increase). July events included water dog hikes, mobile recreation, Belmont Blooms (85 participants), and a bingo card. Fall preview: movies in the parks (Super Mario Bros., Matilda, Encanto), Friday Night Hangout, High School Fair, Diwali celebration, Trunk or Treat, Letters to Santa, Winter Wonderland Workshop, and Santa at the Firehouse.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners praised the program, noting the CIT development, inclusion camp, scholarship expansion, and the “cozy corner” idea for sensory breaks. Commissioners also appreciated the training staff received on emotional regulation and inclusion. No action was required.

Department Updates

• Anne Marie presented updates: Belmont Blooms event was successful; mobile recreation intergenerational event with seniors and campers; staff photo for Parks Make Life Better Month; aquatics programs; senior center Olympic games and field trips (Roaring Camp, Santa Cruz); movies in the park with new activities; senior police pizza lunch with emergency preparedness presentation; Trunk or Treat sign‑ups open; centennial website live (Belmont.gov/100years); upcoming Community Center Conversation (Sept 12); Friday Night Hangout; rescheduled anti‑Semitism/Islamophobia speaker session (likely in Foster City); Belmont Creek Restoration Project on track for summer 2025; Salsen Trail repair delayed to spring 2025 due to additional permits near waterway. A holiday craft fair vendor registration sold out in 45 minutes. Commissioners had no further questions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7‑0).
• ADLP Corridor Improvement Project: No formal vote taken; staff received extensive feedback from commissioners and the public. Staff agreed to review workshop minutes and re‑observe the corridor to evaluate the median placement and explore ways to improve bike lane safety. No immediate action required.
• Youth and Teen Summer Program Recap: Received by commission; no action required. Staff noted plans to implement a sensory room for all campers next summer based on parent feedback.