CC MIN 04122022 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Testa, Assistant Director Crose confirmed a 180-foot radius field would be limited to ages 11 and under for safety reasons. She clarified there have been requests for both a 180-foot radius field for children and a 240-foot radius field for adults but requests for a 240-foot field have been lower because the cricket community understands the City does not currently have a site to accommodate the extra size. In response to Councilmember Testa, Assistant Director Crose stated the initial cost estimate to convert the softball field to cricket is $500,000. In response to Councilmember Testa, Landscape Architect Gruber clarified the $50,000 cost of a cricket pitch was estimated for the cost of the pitch itself. He advised construction costs have changed significantly in the years since. Assistant Director Crose clarified the biggest portion of the estimate is the removal of the softball complex, and relocation of irrigation to account for the current dirt infield. Councilmember Testa stated she likes the softball option for a near-term solution over Muirwood and her long-term preference is for Bernal over Staples Ranch. Mayor Brown stated this time is only for questions. She noted she also halted Councilmember Balch earlier when he started to drift off topic during a question. In response to Councilmember Narum, Landscape Architect Gruber stated Upper Bernal is able to fit in a cricket pitch. He advised it is smaller than the Alisal space. He estimated it could only accommodate a 130 to 150-foot radius. In response to Councilmember Narum, Assistant Director Crose stated the short grass request would have to be discussed more, agreeing they would likely have to also mow to the costlier shorter length on soccer fields. In response to Councilmember Narum, Assistant Director Crose stated it is her understanding the City of Dublin and the City of San Ramon are not mowing the grass short on their cricket pitches. Director of Operations Services Kathleen Yurchak clarified the Ken Mercer Sports Park grass is currently mowed at an optimal three inches. She explained when soccer groups request 2.5 inches for competitive tournaments the City does it but charges the users for the additional service. She advised the shorter cutting costs approximately 100 hours of staff time. She stated if there was a cricket pitch at Ken Mercer Sports Park, staff would either ask to mow at the same three inches or to purchase equipment set at a lower height for better staff efficiency. In response to Councilmember Narum, Director Yurchak confirmed staff could differentiate the cricket pitch and soccer field lengths. The pitch could also be an artificial material not requiring mowing. Mayor Brown noted a 240-foot radius circle is 160 yards in diameter, making it rather large. In response to Mayor Brown, Assistant Director Crose reported staff has not done extensive research about having a youth and adult field overlap. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. Tim Correa expressed concern for safety and park access. He advised there is a demand for adult cricket games requiring larger fields. He noted there is confusion as to whether 180 feet can be suitable for adults. He advised the field will likely be used year-round and not in a defined season. Gary Kohler expressed excitement about the possibility of a world-class cricket pitch with recycled water at Staples Ranch. He expressed concern that the open area at Muirwood would be taken away City Council Minutes Page 8 of 18 April 12, 2022