Meeting
Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission
City Hall Council Chambers
1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 
Thursday, February 13, 2025

AGENDA
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
Webinar Link: https://albanyca.zoom.us/s/89865496950
PUBLIC MEETING GUIDELINES
Albany Advisory Body meetings are conducted in person at City Hall Council Chambers. As a courtesy, and technology permitting, members of the public may continue to participate virtually. However, the City cannot guarantee that the public’s access to teleconferencing technology will be uninterrupted, and technical difficulties may occur from time to time. Unless required by the Brown Act, Advisory Body meetings will continue despite technical difficulties for participants using the teleconferencing option.
                                                                                                                              
1.
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“The City of Albany recognizes that we occupy the land originally protected by the Confederated Villages of Lisjan. We acknowledge the genocide that took place on these lands and must make strides to repay the moral debt that is owed to this indigenous people, specifically the Ohlone Tribe. We thank them for their contributions which have transformed our community, and will continue to bring forth growth and unity.  The City of Albany commits to sustaining ongoing relationships with the Tribe and together build a better future for all that now make this their home.”
2.
COMMISSION ADMINISTRATION
2‑1.
Selection of Commission Chair and Vice Chair for 2025
2‑2.
Approval of Minutes: December 12, 2024
3.
PUBLIC COMMENT
For persons desiring to address the Advisory Body on an item that is not on the agenda. Please note that each speaker is limited up to three (3) minutes.  The Brown Act limits the Commission’s ability to take and/or discuss items that are not on the agenda; therefore, such items may be referred to staff for comment or to a future agenda.
4.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Staff and Commissioner announcements, reports and updates of status of previous agenda items.
5.
PRESENTATIONS
5‑1.
Final Draft of Albany Hill Forest Management and Habitat Restoration Plan – Staff and the City’s consultant team will present the final draft of the Albany Hill Forest Management and Habitat Restoration Plan. The Commission is to discuss the plan and provide final comments before the plan is presented to Council for Approval. (Presentation by Margot Cunnigham, Natural Areas Coordinator)
5‑2.
Overview of Proposed Work Items 2025 – Staff will present proposed work items for 2025 for discussion by the Commission. (Presentation by Mark Hurley, Public Works Director)
6.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
6‑1.
Quarterly Street Tree Removals – Presentation by John Hawkridge, Urban Forester
  • Location: 728 Masonic Ave – Recommended for Removal
  • Location: 1106 Pomona Ave – Recommended for Removal
  • Location: 1518 Sonoma Ave – Recommended for Removal
California Environmental quality Act (CEQA Review: The removals at 728 Masonic Ave., 1106 Pomona Ave., and 1518 Sonoma Ave. are Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15304 “Minor Alterations to Land” of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts the minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees.
7.
SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES
Commissioners provide updates (if available) on subcommittee work. Informational item only. No action will be taken.
7‑1.
Ohlone Greenway Mini Park Subcommittee – Ad Hoc (Kent)

The purpose of the subcommittee is to research and recommend exercise or other play equipment to be placed at the Ohlone Greenway Linear Park.

Discuss remaining work of the subcommittee and possible sunsetting.
8.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners announce requests for future agenda items.
9.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, March 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
10.
ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE
As a general policy, the Advisory Body will not begin discussion or consideration of an agenda item after 9:30 PM.

Agendas are posted for public inspection in advance of meetings at the City Hall, the Albany Community Center, and the Albany Senior Center. Agendas and supporting documents can also be found online at: www.albanyca.org. Supporting documents and any public comments received will be made available for public inspection online or via email request. If you have any questions pertaining to any agenda item or meeting procedure, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 1 (510) 528-5710 or [email protected]. 

Please note that if you provide your name and address when speaking before the Committee or submitted as part of your written public comment, the information will become part of the official public record, which will be posted online and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and State Law, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administration Office 1 (510) 528-5710.  Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting where possible will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102.104 ADA Title II)”.  Upon request, we will provide written agenda materials in appropriate alternate formats, of disability related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in public meetings.  Please deliver a written request, including your name, mailing address, phone number and brief description of the requested materials and preferred alternative format or auxiliary aid or service at least two (2) days before the meeting where possible.  Request should be sent to: [email protected] or City Clerk, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706.

How to watch or listen to the meeting:
  1. Meetings are available to watch, listen, or participate virtually via Zoom webinar. Register for the meeting:  https://albanyca.zoom.us/s/89865496950. To join by phone via Zoom, please call 1 (669) 900-9128 at the noticed meeting time. Webinar ID 898 6549 6950. Participant ID “#”.
  2. Meetings are also streamed live on City website www.albanyca.org/meetings or on YouTube (www.YouTube.com/AlbanyKALB). Recording of the meetings are usually available for viewing 24 hours after the meeting.
  3. Meetings are broadcast live on local TV – Albany KALB Channel.

How to submit Public Comment:
  1. Members of the public may attend Advisory Body meetings in person at City Hall Council Chambers and request to speak during public comment period.
  2. Members of the public may submit comments in writing by emailing the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Commission at [email protected] with the agenda item number clearly identified in the subject line of the email. Comments may also be submitted by mail to City of Albany – PROSC Meeting Comments, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706. All written comments received by 3 PM on the day of the meeting will be provided to the Committee before the meeting and posted on the City website. Other written comments received after 3 PM will still be provided to the Committee and be included as part of the meeting record.
  3. To comment by video conference, click the “Raise Your Hand” button to request to speak when public comment is being taken on the agenda item. You will be asked to unmute yourself when it is your turn to make your comment for up to 3 minutes. After the allotted time, you will then be re-muted.  
  4. To comment by phone, you will “Raise Your Hand” by pressing *9 to request to speak when public comment is being taken on the agenda item. You will be asked to unmute yourself by pressing *6 when it is your turn to make your comment for up to 3 minutes. You will be re-muted after the allotted time.