[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6613448,"mediaKeyId","2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90","parentId",2870108,"title","Votes at a glance: minutes approved and athletic field policy amended (April 2, 2025)","audioSeconds",58,"startMs",6888000,"endMs",6946000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90&start=6888&end=6946","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90/thumbnail_6888000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6613448/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-approved-and-athletic-field-policy-amended-April-2-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613448-310c043615d13c47f0ab757ddd5ee45b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185878&Signature=UoY6nEOAbIH7gANQNqOQpPvquHGEV2AJA4ibk77qXg~79mQL36j7tx9-sPKXvDXIriokejmVb36qhRsWjUXd7CT19Hl1E0liy70OL0S-3bRcQD8fu~koIJQBzjHZaCxxiSkBmUCLr3bvsS3PIKOr-PIl6tmAMqn0vlT6mRzeSRo1SHRkqoBpTmmxnobuKvsmzG23vKNOq~da5YKmFsqls678qkgUOglLM80KLVU9qkUIE5Mm-wfMHguFxdiVL~B9VGMLgfWC2Rng8NNheebghHI7FidELeCFXzXCpbSgg96dbZ7-Vgt3~fZdI0l0ekTgYBO090QAhqiF3aZxJyavfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Belmont City","date","2025-04-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Parks and Recreation Commission recorded two formal votes during its April 2 meeting.

1) Draft minutes (03/05/2025)
I move to approve the minutes as presented. — Motion recorded and seconded. Roll-call votes: Commissioner Cunha (yes); Commissioner Lightford (yes); Commissioner Whitmore (yes); Commissioner Hill (yes); Commissioner Michaels (yes); Chair Emkin (yes). Motion passes 6-0. (Consent calendar item; no substantive debate recorded.)

2) Athletic Field Use Policy Amendment (Item A)
I move to amend the field use policy as presented. — Motion recorded and seconded. Roll-call votes: Commissioner Cunha (yes); Commissioner Lightford (yes); Commissioner Whitmore (yes); Commissioner Hill (yes); Commissioner Michaels (yes); Chair Emkin (yes). Motion passes 6-0. The amendment adds a November winter allocation meeting for Northfield, an inclement-weather schedule, a written nondiscrimination complaint process and implements the city\u0007s AB 2404 reporting requirements; staff will publish the amended policy and AB 2404 materials on the city website and monitor winter allocation outcomes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Belmont City - Parks and Recreation Commission - Apr 02, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two formal actions recorded at the April 2 Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission meeting: approval of draft minutes for March 5, 2025 (6-0) and adoption of athletic field use policy amendments (6-0).","taxTitle","Belmont City, San Mateo County, California","taxId",68612,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6613452,"Commission explores pilot \"commons\" at Twin Pines, program ideas to build belonging in parks",2931,3919000,6850000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90&start=3919&end=6850","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90/thumbnail_3919000.jpg","/articles/6613452/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Commission-explores-pilot-commons-at-Twin-Pines-program-ideas-to-build-belonging-in-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613452-4a679be2eb1e08a11a6eaa70e8a65be4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185878&Signature=apa7HmE81ZFQHjX4n4iu2e9jgis5aH0E27J6UcmrgRNq7-tgTUaZjhSz-Jer-ywYBrrG9IU3~K0kdg99Tz8~hAClAFCKQeWNUcxB7F3i~UjeLUdZwGNcL5g1RAaSR4eYzduRWJftZZMmMpRh6DUzxaciWnCr-8Ju976YEfQXlW1NbZ3s07vXiv12lhZacWFpEjCFSJQpaNavR-6Liy7aNIVQEdddVJ69Btw0oDWRcQGTY3aNHp98BUEeJD6KoW~vlNzpitHHpsIiL1ZOCIqJO1IHvOgnJlsyrdzZ1SToyJbVYsxfSUN8DRjrXYds9I8snieuyuKbayTU8w7O1K0GCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners and staff discussed a proposal to pilot small, intentionally designed public amenities at Twin Pines to encourage social connection and a sense of belonging. Staff framed the idea as a low-cost, phased pilot that could start with a few permanent or semi-permanent amenities and evolve based on community response.

The proposed Twin Pines \"commons\" would include features such as a conversation bench (a marked seat encouraging a brief hello or conversation), a swing or swinging conversation bench, game tables or a \"game grove\" with board games and chess/checker boards, a \"ready post\" message board with a weekly prompt, and string lights or a visual marker to make the space feel welcoming. Staff suggested decomposed granite with a binder for an accessible ground surface and said many items (books, games) could be community-donated and rotated. The presentation included examples from other cities and a recommendation to pilot some features by July (Park & Rec month) if feasible.

Commissioners asked staff to design signage or a distinctive marker for the conversation bench so the amenity is not mistaken for typical playground equipment and to consider safety and durability for items such as swings. Commissioners and youth commissioners recommended targeted outreach to teens and seniors, using small-group sessions and school contacts, and suggested partnering with local businesses or donors to sponsor amenities. Staff noted partial funding for projects had been included in the fiscal-year 2026 budget planning and said some initial work could proceed this year depending on available staff time and remaining fiscal-year funds.

Other program ideas raised during the discussion included volunteer-led clubs (art, walking groups, \"dad jokes\" coffee for men), movie or live-sports nights on the city\u0007s existing outdoor projection equipment, small field trips for seniors, more coffee/food anchoring at events, and working with the community college for off-site classes at Barrett. Commissioners suggested building an analog or digital map of small gathering spots and rotating seasonal prompts or activities to keep the network fresh.

Staff described next steps as scoping a phased pilot, identifying low-cost or donated items to begin, exploring sponsor/donor opportunities, and preparing a simple map or seasonal campaign to highlight spots for connection across the city.","Commissioners discussed a pilot concept to create a small \"commons\" at Twin Pines with conversation benches, game tables, a message post and lighting; staff proposed testing amenities by July and building a rotating map of welcoming public spots across Belmont.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6613456,"City reports wildfire chipping pilot served 150+ homes; staff to seek further grants and continue fuel-reduction work",526,2780000,3306000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90&start=2780&end=3306","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90/thumbnail_2780000.jpg","/articles/6613456/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/City-reports-wildfire-chipping-pilot-served-150-homes-staff-to-seek-further-grants-and-continue-fuel-reduction-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613456-55f75a644e496b35cef407550f9a9c8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185878&Signature=PBR8e0XasxZ9PgcS6JF7Zh8pFlVCk4vlvjmVkOWUnGhbQAM1qjnqfSk4smA3sB9s-u3ssL8wxHouFrlOS8Ztz3jVeOSG7Ld7woAlUJOXGusiDpogD7UF3sWmCj0CkAoKwqYJ6KyF0sE3dRfCIecO0A7YiqCxLdEAd~SEFdhQRA1481nxecSG9mIUTe47rQv8PHDMp6J3AikTyw6kZY7PJwKqzsk00IQUfdYRE1AVRgY7Kne84PqxJDSIHVwBq-JwJwKeYJy6PQXzIvLXc7N6FB5WjVkAuBOdxBLjC6ckDQ6IB3gcpof5NonLG6zbkVbO27ZJHQ0EAnhdL3bYq10oDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and Recreation staff recapped a grant-funded wildfire chipping pilot that targeted the western half of Belmont, said the city contracted Bay Area Tree Specialists, and reported the program serviced more than 150 homes.

Bridget (Parks & Recreation staff) said the program was funded by CAL FIRE and expanded the city's earlier pilot efforts. The contractor logged addresses and took before-and-after photos; staff said the program was generally successful but identified operational improvements for future efforts.

Lessons learned staff listed included: require participant pre-registration to allow contractor route planning; avoid offering the option for the contractor to leave chips behind (removing chips proved faster and less labor intensive); select service dates that do not coincide with regular trash pickup; request clearly visible house numbers and that residents move nearby cars on service days; limit overflow/extra registrations so contractors are not overcommitted; and increase door-to-door or neighborhood-level outreach where needed. Bridget said some addresses received service more than once across two working weeks because homeowners staged multiple piles for collection.

The contractor took and composted chips at Recology per staff; staff noted the city currently has a significant volume of chips stored (for reuse in parks) and asked homeowners to plan accordingly. The program logged about ten full contractor workdays; staff said additional participation would require more funding and work days.

Separately, staff said the city received six proposals for fuel-reduction work along emergency access roads (Lake Road, Salson Trail and parts of John Brooks) and expects to select a contractor by the end of the week; work likely will occur late summer or early fall to avoid nesting season and will require trail closures and neighbor notifications. Staff also launched a wildfire resources page (belmont.gov/wildfire) and announced a free community Wildfire Safe & Ready event on April 26 at the event center.

Commissioners and members of the public asked about volunteer coordination (neighbor-to-neighbor assistance and CERT involvement), the disposition of chipped material (composted at Recology) and whether future grant cycles would allow chipping in additional neighborhoods. Staff said future grants are possible but depend on state and federal funding availability and that the city will continue to apply for funding.","Belmont staff summarized a CAL FIRE grant-funded wildfire chipping pilot that serviced more than 150 homes in western Belmont, described lessons learned for future runs and said the city will pursue additional grants and fuel-reduction work in open space.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6613460,"Commission discusses next steps for Barrett Community Center outreach and design refresh",1108,1672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90&start=1672&end=2780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90/thumbnail_1672000.jpg","/articles/6613460/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Commission-discusses-next-steps-for-Barrett-Community-Center-outreach-and-design-refresh","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613460-945c5590e2d3193d721f831255e76062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185878&Signature=m0BmqmStssdovnOqGDt3bP0Mzv9n1f7fii4zZoL~A3-pGrBZtkEZUvSdvW~5V3ugCXTcjkYMiInFrPTZIFtcuHfRcSmxFiPnKQIhM7n4xSyw0s5Xrukq9z~KGs8viFlb8yPTj5zsAnTo3yYtBPbRI~Bp5vag6GYHz18oju6RYOpIZg-pguHbMOkOUyK3WvpeSGYAv-7F6jS9HqWvD2NzvN3Pzob8WRsl6ucqwCKLi9bu-joWdb1VUnreHnVmRmJDLXsdJgZSfnnL1SOchT0iw3z21bUprZsX~tsPKDLxAZkdKOvrZyu-bASWX3z5GcTZ3qv0kg9gPu93gYWRgGV8Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff provided an update on ongoing community engagement regarding Barrett Community Center and said the city plans to re-engage Group 4 Architects to refresh the 2019 conceptual design and broaden outreach this year.

Staff described the outreach underway as part of the broader Your Voice, Your Belmont community-priority process. The city is using mailed surveys and small-group discussions and will host presentations at community events; staff invited commissioners and residents to host small-group sessions. The presentation said staff will ask community members for input on program priorities, whether the community prefers a modern or historically sympathetic building, and how a facility could serve as an emergency resource or a gathering place.

Staff said the architect engagement and outreach work could take about six to eight months with the aim of having a more concrete design by the end of the year. The Belmont Community Foundation was identified as a potential partner for volunteer outreach and fundraising support. Staff also noted the library and senior center are used as emergency sites today; options for emergency operations include the library (during open hours), the senior center (which has a kitchen and is a designated Red Cross shelter but no showers) and the Belmont Sports Complex for some functions.

Commissioners and youth commissioners encouraged targeted outreach to seniors, teens and middle- and high-school students, suggested partnering with local schools and youth groups, and recommended clear prompts for community conversations so residents know which topics staff seek input on (program types, room sizes and accessibility, emergency-use capability and aesthetics). Several commissioners said visiting recently built centers in Burlingame and Foster City helped clarify design choices and lessons learned.

Staff asked commissioners to promote the Your Voice, Your Belmont mailer and to consider hosting small-group conversations; contact information for staff was provided during the meeting. No formal action was taken; this was a discussion item.","Commissioners heard an update on community outreach for a potential replacement or renovation of Barrett Community Center and staff said they will re-engage the architect who prepared the 2019 concept design and aim for community design work with the architect over the coming 6–8 months.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6613464,"Commission approves athletic field use policy amendments adding winter allocation, inclement-weather rules and Fair Play Act reporting",6627,302000,6929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90&start=302&end=6929","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2870108-4d113d3155ea10af829a42f8c8d7ea90/thumbnail_302000.jpg","/articles/6613464/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Commission-approves-athletic-field-use-policy-amendments-adding-winter-allocation-inclement-weather-rules-and-Fair-Play-Act-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613464-de963e0806cac6d2f429e17a9b0339b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185878&Signature=XiLfyDu1U3bg-eg-ycLaHjD7PCfUjXT3a4YJvnQ0aYoxw4Ol0vCZM~xWpRGG4x5U7-t1rRrrql5y7Bio8cSf~VMde4i6GXlUKket7xzIBx1G2QtVK-0oqvxPolmpabytDmZze-N69l8Kpl46ZBecm9lNUikPZ1pcEJJKrwa-~gxNLi7SxizxmjKfD5Wf6uf935qcSWk7eWf6kpX2c6vCv2zXlwnr8XMXgnGHOfC24sWK9hTYGg~DjDQz1HHMWc7~6mhwA8gi7ALjMq-DnDxoeyniZG4sMA0kDzLQAzCP9CC1-bwb5VOElpjJ7mRvX9r6LpdBF~vafBzWbdsz~fgtZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission on April 2 approved amendments to the city\u0007s athletic field use policy that add a November allocation meeting for winter use of the Northfield synthetic turf, a formal inclement-weather schedule, a nondiscrimination grievance procedure and the reporting requirements of AB 2404 (the Fair Play Act).

Cody George, Belmont recreation manager, presented the proposed package and said it includes \"three new sections into the use policy and one kind of like clarification\" including the Northfield winter schedule, an inclement weather policy and AB 2404 compliance. The Northfield is the only city field available when grass fields are closed for winter restoration; the November allocation meeting was added at leagues\u0007 requests to coordinate winter play on the synthetic surface.

The commission's new inclement-weather schedule assigns time blocks on Northfield by location, age group and in-season sport so younger players get earlier times and older players progress later in the evening. George said leagues coordinated to allow flexible use when groups are not using their allotted time. He also described a new, formal written nondiscrimination policy and complaint process for people who believe field allocations have been inequitable.

AB 2404 (the Fair Play Act) requires local agencies to report specific metrics annually, George said: the number of youth in the agency\u0007s jurisdiction classified by gender; total enrollment of participants in community youth athletics programs by gender; and the number of coed teams classified by sport and competition level. George presented the department\u0007s calendar-year 2024 enrollment breakdown: males represented roughly 72% of enrollment and females 28%; the presenter noted four rosters listed \"unidentified.\" The department posted the full AB 2404 documentation and the city\u0007s annual reporting on the city website under the athletic use / Fair Play Act pages, George said.

George also described a minor priority change in the policy so Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (BRSSD) users receive priority on school fields over citywide sports leagues when the district requests use of its own fields. Commissioners pressed for clarity on what datasets are included in the AB 2404 report; George confirmed the city report covers leagues and programs scheduled on city-operated athletic fields, not every school- or privately run program in Belmont.

The commission approved the amendment by roll call vote, recorded as six yes, zero no. The vote was recorded for Commission members: Commissioner Cunha (yes); Commissioner Lightford (yes); Commissioner Whitmore (yes); Commissioner Hill (yes); Commissioner Michaels (yes); Chair Emkin (yes).

The full amended policy, the inclement-weather schedules and the AB 2404 roster templates and annual report are available on the city\u0007s athletic use web page, the presentation noted. Commissioners asked staff to adjust graphics to explicitly show which programs are excluded from the AB 2404 counts (for example, high school, school-run or privately run programs not scheduled through the city).

Looking ahead, staff said they will monitor the winter allocation process and make minor adjustments as needed for next year and will continue coordinating with leagues and BRSSD on field sharing and communications.","Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission voted 6-0 April 2 to amend the city\u0007s athletic field use policy to add a winter allocation meeting for Northfield, a formal inclement-weather schedule, nondiscrimination grievance procedures and compliance steps for AB 2404 (the Fair Play Act).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: minutes approved and athletic field policy amended (April 2, 2025)

Commission explores pilot "commons" at Twin Pines, program ideas to build belonging in parks

City reports wildfire chipping pilot served 150+ homes; staff to seek further grants and continue fuel-reduction work

Commission discusses next steps for Barrett Community Center outreach and design refresh

Commission approves athletic field use policy amendments adding winter allocation, inclement-weather rules and Fair Play Act reporting