Kim Kiefer gave a brief description of the changes that have been made to the 1998 Dimond Park Master Plan. She stated that at the September 15, 1998 PRAC meeting, the PRAC made a recommendation to endorse the August 1998 Dimond Community Complex Master Plan Final Draft with the caveat that the sports field area be left flexible so that if other needs are identified, they can be adapted, such as a track or other sports and recreation activity. Since that time, a track has been added into the design of the complex, without the elimination of a field.

Alex Lukshin asked if the tennis and basketball courts will be used as an ice skating rink in the winter. Kim replied that the courts would not be used as an ice skating rink to prevent damaging the courts. Kim stated that Representative Hudson did not support the bridge crossing being close to Meander Way, but that he did not have a problem with the new bridge location as seen on the drawing. She also stated that the current road around the park would stay open until the other access road is complete. She stated that the trails near the bridge will be paved and that the long range plan is to have a trail along the bank that connects to the bridge. It was suggested that the area surrounding the large community field area be a hill rather than flat so that people can sit on the slope to watch the ball games on the fields.

Tracy Rivera, PO Box 020193. Tracy asked if the track will be an 8-lane track and Kim replied that it will be. She stated that the School District would be building the track. Tracy stated that the track was in a better position than the original plan. He thanked the PRAC.

Dennis Watson, 9330 Northland. He asked that in the event the high school doesn’t happen, what are plans for this area and the parking lot above the school. Kim stated that we are going with the understanding that the school will go in within the next couple of years.

Tom McLaughin, 136 Behrends Avenue. He stated that he is happy with the plan and that it looks great. He too thanked the PRAC.

THE PRAC MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REVISED DESIGN OF THE DIMOND COMMUNITY COMPLEX MASTER PLAN. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Kim stated that the Shelter Island Neighborhood Association requested this be pulled from the agenda since the lot was recently purchased by an individual who claims to have very modest plans, which has reduced the will of the Association to recommend the parcel for the Lands Acquisition List. The issue might be raised again in the future, after the next general Shelter Island Neighborhood Association meeting.

Kim gave a brief description of the 5 options proposed for the Channel Drive Wayside. She stated that the main force behind the project has been parking. It was recommended that the kiosks be renamed picnic shelters and include barbecue pits.

THE PRAC MADE A MOTION TO RECOMMEND OPTION 4 ALONG WITH CREATING MORE GREEN "PARK" SPACE, CREATE A COMMUNITY DESTINATION PARK, LOOK AT THE ACCESSIBILE DOCK OPTION, AND HAVE THE DOCK COME OFF OF THE FOSKIN FILL AREA NEAR THE PICNIC SHELTERS. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Don Beard of KCM and Chris Mertle of Jensen Yorba Lot were present to give a presentation of three preliminary plans for the improvements. He stated that they were looking for comments on the goals and objectives.

The PRAC members made the following comments, questions and suggestions. There was concern about what the definition of the "park" land in the area is, concern about the current shelter not being able to keep many people out of the rain, concern about backing buses up, suggestion that the shelter be more of an old fashioned bandstand with storage underneath, there is a need for a covered shelter that allows natural light to come in, concern about losing park area, concern about park space versus bus space, create a year round park with year round restrooms, keep the existing lightering dock, wondered if more people would attend Friday Night Concert Series if the facility was better, suggested a grassy hillside slope where people can view the performers on stage, keep the visitor’s center and restrooms near the library, possibility of putting a roof on the existing wharf, concern about losing tidal access, if a retaining wall is built – have it usable seating.

The PRAC gave direction to the Marine Park Improvements Subcommittee to look at seating for 200, 500 and 1,000 people, keeping the restrooms and visitor’s center along the library, drawings that show 10 bus spots rather than 12, double-line parking, on street van parking, and relocate gangway.

Dan King mentioned that he, Joan, Alex and Kim are on the Project Oversight Committee and invited the PRAC to attend the next meeting on Tuesday, April 13th at 5:00 at Centennial Hall.

Food Vending Regulations were adopted by the Assembly and will go into effect at the end of the month. Letters went out to previous vendors, and 1999 bids for both commercial and non-profit vendors will be granted by April 20, 1999.

The issue is in front of the Assembly.

Kim stated that basically everything is on hold because of the snow.

Kim stated that the High School Phoenix Program will be working with Building Maintenance to repair the score sheds at Dimond Park on fields #1, #2, and #3.

Kim stated that there is talk of the State asking the City to take it over the trail. It is estimated to take $600,000 to do basic repairs on the trail.

Kim stated that the grand opening of fishing pier will be Sunday, May 23^rd starting at 2:00 p.m. at Twin Lakes. She also stated that there is an Arbor Day activity scheduled for Sunday May 16^th from a grant with the Urban Forestry Program.