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P&R 07-11-02 APPROVED PAP. KS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF CUPERTINO REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Peng called the meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 7 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Rod Brown, Jeanne Bradford Frank Jelinch, Roger Peng, Kris Wang None Staff present: Others: Therese Ambrosi Smith, Made Preston Jana Sokale, Lynne Trullio, Ph.D. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 1. The minutes of June 6, 2002 were approved with the following change: item 3, the Stevens Creek Trail, add, "Commissioner Brown recused himself". ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None WRITTEN COMMLrNICATIONS - None UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3. Stevens Creek Trail - Review of the Draft Feasibility Report Commissioner Brown recused himself. Therese requested that the commission review the feasibility study for the Stevens Creek Trail that has been in preparation for 18 months. The Stevens Creek Trail Task Force's final minutes and recommendations were included in the packet. She noted that the commission has had a couple of updates, tour oppommities, and the draft feasibility report to review. She showed a short video of the proposed trail alignment. Following the video, Jana Sokale gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining in greater detail the four study areas. This was followed by a short presentation by Lynne Trullio, Ph.D. on the ecological restoration opportunities. Therese stated that the commission would be asked to recommend or not recommend the draft feasibility report, or recommend it with amendments to the City Council. The commission will also be forwarding the report on to the Planning Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 2 of 10 Planning Commission's role will be to review it for conformance with the city's General Plan. Jana reviewed the five recommendations by the Stevens Creek Trail Task Force forwarded for review to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. Commission Questions Commissioner Bradford asked about the research that has been done regarding Sudden Oak Death and the impact on restoration activities. Dr. Trullio stated that it is a non-native pathogen that is assaulting the native oak trees. There are also huge problems with Monterey Pines. In trying to overcome these assaults, restoration opportunities should be taken advantage by replanting as many oaks as possible. Commissioner Bradford stated that in her own research, she has talked to representatives from an organization called Sudden Oak Death Mortality Task Force. She stated that there is not a lot of definitive information about this problem. Her question was, "Does building trails promote that disease." She stated that the answer she got from this organization was no that there is no evidence to show that is true. Research is early in knowing what is tree and what is not tree about Sudden Oak Death. Dr. Trullio suggested identifying areas of oaks that are free of the pathogen and collect their acorns to plant in the restoration process. Commissioner Wang inquired about the postponements of Areas C and D, timeframes, and would this impact Areas A and B? Jana answered that Area A is on a separate tract and is moving forward in an August-to-October timeframe. Area B will proceed on its own course because the connected Canyon Heights Academy development project is currently under review. Areas C and D are connected to the Blackberry Farm Master Plan. Jana believes Areas C and D should be evaluated as a unit. Timeframe for C and D could be an 18 to 24 months process. Commissioner Jelinch asked about the trail surfaces being used at San Antonio Park and if decomposed granite could be used on the Stevens Creek Trail. Jana answered that Rancho has a variety of surfaces, which are mostly native soil that has been graded. There is a paved asphalt pathway and then there are some decomposed granite sections. She also stated that decomposed granite could be used on Stevens Creek Trail if the commission wants to make the trail a multi- use, all-weather surface. The granite would need to be combined with some kind of a binder because the compaction in decomposed granite is too soft for wheelchairs and strollers. Commissioner Jelinch stated that he was concerned with the cost and maintenance of the proposed 1/3-mile boardwalk. Jana stated that boardwalks are often used more in wetland habitats. But it has been proposed on this trail to preserve the trees. It will be more expensive and may be able to be made out of recycled material called Trex (recycled lumber). She reported that there is a movement to stop using arsenic-based treated wood (pressure treated wood), and in fact, the EPA is removing that type of treatment. Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 3 of 10 Commissioner Wang asked if there were width requirements for trails. Jana stated that the trails in Rancho are under county guidelines. In Area A, equestrian-only use would be 5', and if shared with hikers, it would be 6' wide. These widths are being proposed in the CEQA documents. The multi-use path is being proposed between 8 and 10'. The width in the mountain biking and hiking areas of the quarry will probably be between 4 and 5'. For Areas C and D's multi-use sections, the trail would be 10' wide trail to meet Cal-Trans standards for a Class 1, off-street bikeway. Public Comment Craig Breon, 22221 McClellan Road, Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (250 members in Cupertino, 4,000 in Santa Clara County, based out of McClellan Ranch Park). Praised the task force and staff for their 18-month efforts. Stated that Blackberry Farm is the most problematic area, and hopes the city can isolate the for-pay areas from the non-pay areas. Feels the tunnel idea is awkward and noted that the task force did not like the idea. He recommended that dogs should not be allowed on the trail. Regarding surfacing, he hoped that the surface material will be based on the type of use, i.e., strollers, small bikes, scooters, roller blades. He would like something less than asphalt that looks natural but still accommodating family uses. He stated that the crossing at McClellan would be difficult because it is an area of already difficult traffic. He liked the idea of the below-grade crossing if possible with the renovated bridge. If it is an at-grade crossing, it will disrupt people on the path. He is an advocate for restoration and encouraged taking advantage of restoration opportunities. Commissioner Bradford asked for his feedback as a task force member who represented the different organizations using McClellan Ranch. Craig stated that he also represented the McClellan Ranch Task Force and they agreed that the McClellan Ranch Master Plan does say that more trail access is a good thing. But he reminded the commission that McClellan Ranch is a nature preserve dedicated to natural and agricultural purposes. The McClellan Ranch Task Force wanted the trail not to interfere with the community gardens, the 4-H center, the big open field, and the creek corridor. The task force supported an alignment that is away from the creek corridor. For those who really want to get close to the creek, there is already a dirt path. On the issue of surfacing, the group felt a paved or non-paved trail would be ok; they would accept the city's judgment in the long run. They didn't feel that a paved trail would fundamentally violate the McClellan mission, although some people do feel that it would. He would like to see something that is a little less than fully paved. The 4-H organization liked the idea of trail coming close to them; they thought it would bring more young people into awareness of 4-H. Margaret Limberatos, 20724 Garden Gate Drive, supportive of the trail. David Greenstein, 10066 Byme Avenue, chair of the Stevens Creek Trail Task Force, believes that the feasibility report is a good report, that the task force worked hard to listen to the community by going on field trips and holding 70+ hours of meetings. He agrees that Study Area A is ready to go and that the other areas still need to take some time to define. He believes that the trail is three different trails: rural/suburban connector which connects Rancho San Antonio, Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 4 of 10 regional destination park with easy access to residential, businesses, and schools, and a challenging hillside trail. John Brazil used to work for the County Board of Supervisors covering environmental and land issues. Currently works for the City of San Jose's transportation department and is directly involved in the 22 creek corridor systems in San Jose. From his research and community contacts, this trail will make neighborhoods safer and brings them together. Requests the commission to support the study. Robert Levy, 10802 Wilkinson Avenue, believes that the task force did an excellent job and they worked against obstacles that made the job difficult. The task force should have studied McClellan's master plan. Believes that the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail are more interested in their mission than in the people who live along the creek. In the matter of environmental restoration, believes that a hard-surfaced trail through McClellan Ranch would be in conflict with the vision of the park. Shane Reed, 1530 Brookvale Dr., #3, San Jose, is excited about the prospects of the trail being developed and wanted to thank the task force for all their hard work. Two positive things coming out of the trail would be a good place for families who wish to bicycle and walk with small children and provide a safer access to Stevens Creek Park compared to Stevens Canyon Road. He is a mountain bicyclist who normally rides up McClellan Road to the busy, narrow Stevens Canyon Road. Recommended checking out other trails for their safety. May Kolski, 22030 Regnart Road, spoke in support of the Stevens Creek Trail. Her family would like to see more safer biking and hiking opportunities in Cupertino. Rhoda Fry, 10351 San Femando Avenue, stated that her home sits between San Femando Avenue and the driveway to Blackberry Farm. Read from her written correspondence to the commission. She was not noticed directly about the trail task force, but learned of it in March of 2002 from a neighbor. She was disappointed with this oversight. Urged the commission to reopen the Blackberry Farm Master Plan Task Force and include her neighborhood in the decision process. Had concerns about the 10' wide path with 2.5' shoulders - does this mean the width will be 10' or 15'. The plan should include all properties that make up the proposed trail including her. Privacy and security in Area D. She believes a 10 to 15' wide path is incompatible with an area that the city knows is a flood zone. Due to flooding, the trail would have to be closed at times and require ongoing maintenance. Why build something needing expensive repeated repairs? She does not like the design of the Blackberry Farm tunnel and building it in a flood zone makes no sense to her. Believes the environmental opportunities should be considered separately. If Blackberry Farm is made a trailhead, where will the users park? Concerned about the trees along Blackberry Farm. Would like the entrance to Blackberry Farm relocated to Stevens Creek Blvd. Commissioner Peng asked about the status of the Blackberry Farm focus groups. Therese answered that the eight focus groups had met over a two-week period and there will be approximately 18 months worth of other meetings on the subject. Therese reported that Marie Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 5 of 10 has added Mrs. Fry to the notification list. Commissioner Peng stated that the San Femando Avenue and nearby neighborhoods will be notified and invited to future meetings. Mrs. Fry thanked the commissioner. David Scionti, 22070 San Fernando Court, stated that approximately 200' of his parent's property is actually the driveway to Blackberry Farm. He believes that he had not been notified of the meetings until March. He stated that he has now been added to the notification list. He understands that over 80,000 people visit Blackberry Farm and pass by his home. Cars idling, waiting for the park to open, emit exhaust. Some times it takes hours for the cars to filter through. The emissions from the cars come up into his home. He would support an entrance to Blackberry Farm off of Stevens Creek Boulevard. He suggested to move the 8th and the 9th tees and put them behind the retreat center, bring the traffic in that way, and have the trail come down the new entrance to Blackberry and separate it from the rest of the pay area. Joan Meehan, 21082 Northcove Square, owns a horse that is stabled at Whispering Creek. She is supportive of expediting Study Area A, and in favor of the whole trail concept for the residents of Cupertino. Paul Nam, 19863 Portal Plaza, spoke in strong support of the Stevens Creek Trail. Would like to see a section of the trail open to dog owners. Would like to see the Blackberry Farm entrance on Stevens Creek Boulevard. Supports starting Study Area A. He is a ROMP ride coordinator and believes that the trail would not be of interest to mountain bikers. He stated that he would communicate to members of his organization that it is not appropriate for mountain bikers to park on neighborhood streets to access the trail. Deborah Jamison, 21346 Rumford, spoke in support of the Stevens Creek Trail, but has concerns with the type of trail recommended to go through McClellan Ranch Park. She urged the commission to consider the many points she made in her position statement given to the commission. She also asked that the commission go back to the community for fuller, more open forum-type input. She said there is a strong perception in the community that the task force was flawed in its composition in leaving out some of the neighbors, flawed in its notification, and some neighbors are feeling disenfranchised. She suggested that the commission not adopt the feasibility study as is, but that they use it as their base to get more open-forum input. Believes that the 3-minute time limit did not allow people to say all that they wanted to say. Does not believe that the trail should be linked to the acceptance of the Canyon Heights development in Study Area B. She would like the trail through McClellan Ranch to be a narrow, soft-surfaced, pedestrian trail with a maximum width of 8', and that an alternative trail be established for faster moving recreationalists on wheeled vehicles through city streets. Tony Vandersteen, 10401 Phar Lap Drive, attended many meetings, as well as participated in a Blackberry Farm focus group. He generally supports the trail. He comes from England where trails run through private property and are unpaved. He believes what is being recommended for the Stevens Creek Trail is a road. He doesn't believe that trails should allow hikers and bikers as they compete for the same space. He believes Study Area A should be started as soon as Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 6 of 10 possible. He is uncertain about Study Area B. He said a 15' wide path through McClellan Ranch and Blackberry Farm appalls him. He does not support the tunnel in Blackberry Farm. Ralph Riddle, 1061 November Drive, is a community gardener at McClellan Ranch. He supports trails in general, but believes that the trail through McClellan Ranch should be a soft-surfaced, narrow hiking trail in order to preserve the wildlife. Asked if the trail through McClellan allowed bikes and dogs, would it be fenced off to keep people on the trail? He stated that on many weekend days, there are a lot of events occurring at McClellan Ranch that take up the parking. It doesn't make sense to him to increase the demand for this limited parking lot. He would like the commission to revisit this idea. Mike Vroman, 10681 Johnson Avenue, commended the job of the Stevens Creek Trail Task Force. Supports the trail for community and family involvement. He wanted the commission to know that parts of Yellow Stone Park have paved trails without any detrimental affects. He likes the idea of the environmentally safe trail materials that were presented. He liked the idea of the deferring the trail through Blackberry Farm while master plan was being worked on, and does not like the depressed trail through Blackberry Farm. Bill Walster, 22116 Dean Court, expressed concern with the feasibility study process, lack of openness, lack of democracy, conduct of the task force, and strongly recommended that the commission reject the feasibility report and establish a more open process for gathering input from residents of Cupertino. He believes the trail width is confusing and he did not trust the reasons. He wanted the task force to consider alternative alignments and was disappointed that the task force felt it was not in their mandate to consider any other alternative alignments. He felt that the decisions of the task force were already made up and that the task force did not listen to the community. Andrea Grindeland, 10362 San Femando Avenue, lives close to the entry of Blackberry Farm. Has concerns of safety to the park as there are no sidewalks, there will be more cars going into the park, plus cars will want to park on the streets before they have to pay the entry fee. She wishes these concerns had been addressed. Don Burnett, 729 Stendhal Lane, represents the Silicon Valley Bicycle Association. Sat on the City Council when the city bought the Stocklmier property for $6 million. He stated that if it had not been bought by the city, it would have been developed for residential use. It took $19 million to purchase Blackberry Farm. Approximately $30 million was spent acquiring this land along the creek corridor, or $600 per person in Cupertino. It was not his intention when he voted for the purchase that it not be used for recreational purposes. The city council had in mind that there would be some kind of a trail through this corridor. He stated that he is not happy with what is happening at Blackberry Farm. He is in agreement with the task force to take another look at the operations of Blackberry Farm and see if something better can be done. He also stated that boardwalk trails are tough for bicyclists and he likes the idea of treks. He is glad with the progress of the trail study. Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 7 of 10 Marilyn Goodman, 10374 San Fernando Avenue, believes having Blackberry Farm be a trailhead and the width of the proposed trail through this area are concerns. She also stated that she was not notified. She is concerned about increased parking in her neighborhood. Paul Sievert, lives on Orange Avenue and stated that he was not notified so that he could participate in the task force. He requested the commission read Bond Measure T that was passed to purchase Blackberry Farm. He also stated that Don Brown, prior city manager, promised that Blackberry Farm would not be developed; it would be operated as it sits for 25 years. Unknown person asked the commission why so many people feel disenfranchised. She has her concerns why people were not better informed. Chairman Peng closed the public hearing portion of the meeting and took a 5-minute break. Commission Bradford represented the commission on the Stevens Creek Task Force and felt she could answer some of the issues raised. Regarding the disenfranchised feelings, she acknowledged the frustration of some community members about the lack of communication. She also stated that whenever there is a public process that potentially includes so many people, it is difficult to identify every person that wants to be a key stakeholder at the beginning of the process. She believes that the task force did well under some difficult situations. She was not involved in fomtulating the members of the task force, but knows that a person was added late due to their strong interest. She believes that a good and honorable attempt was made to identify the key stakeholders, and did acknowledge that not every group who had an interest in the trail had a position on the task force due to the size of the task force. She also acknowledged there has been some upset about getting noticed; there are differences of opinion of who was noticed and who was not noticed. She stated that it has been wonderful seeing so many people at the meetings. Many people with strong opinions participated during the public comments portion of the meetings, they sent emails and letters - there were ways to participate and influence other than being on the task force. The task force process was typical of a public process. She encouraged the community to get involved in the Blackberry Farm master plan process. In addressing other issues raised by the public, Commission Bradford stated: · Traffic at entrance to Blackberry Farm: she sees this as a separate issue despite what happens with the trail alignment. This should be an issue that is discussed and evaluated in the Blackberry Farm master plan. Alignment for Blackberry Farm: she believes all are in agreement that the proposed alignment for Blackberry Farm is not great, but the task force was asked to come up with a recommendation based on the current constraints, and one of those was use fees generated through the entrance. She believes that through the Blackberry Farm re-plan process, the use fee will be reviewed and then a better working trail alignment can be developed. Lack of openness and democracy: Based on other public processes she has been involved in or witnessed, she believes that the public input was significant over the last 18 months. There was always good turnout on either side of the issue. Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 8 of 10 Alternative alignments were not considered and that a decision had already been made: Though she felt the task force took too long in coming to their decision on the matter, she believes that the alignments were considered. One of the reasons that an alignment through the quarry was not considered was it would have been on private land in an active quarry business. Another alignment was suggested on Stevens Canyon Road, which is narrow and unsafe for families with small children. She acknowledged that it wasn't the outcome the petitioners were looking for, and there wasn't full feasibility in terms of geological reports, but she did feel it was considered and was not deemed feasible based on the constraints the task force was working with. Unique nature of McClellan Ranch: It is a preserve and an asset to the community. She does not believe that an asphalt trail would be a good idea in this area. There needs to be a lot of consideration to how the trail is put in place. She is optimistic that the constituents of McClellan Ranch are supportive of a multi-use trail. The alternatives should be carefully studied to make sure the preservation aspects of the park are kept in tact. Commission Bradford reminded the public that they were not being asked to recommend whether or not the trail should be built. The commission is being asked to recommend or not whether it is feasible to put a trail in these four areas. There is a big difference. She believes that a lot of the issues that have been raised are design issues that were outside the scope of the Stevens Creek Trail Task Force and requires more than 18 months and 70 hours of public meetings to resolve. As needed, some design issues were addressed to answer the question of feasibility. · Security: this is a big issue for those living along the trail, and with input from the community, a recommended design was put forward that put a buffer behind their houses. · Parking: this is an issue that will be addressed in the CEQA process and will guide the decision as to whether parking is adequate or not. · Fence/restraint in McClellan Ranch: this is a design issue that would need to be addressed. Commissioner Jelinch acknowledged the hard work of the task force, the public involvement, and he explained the mission the Commission. Commissioner Wang acknowledged the task force's dedication and efforts. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 to accept the recommendation that the Blackberry Farm master plan process consider changes to the park operation and/or design that would permit the trail alignment in this area to move closer to the creek and be integrated within the park setting as opposed to isolated from the fee use areas. The Task Force was challenged to recommend a design that fit the character of the park under the current operating system. Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 9 of 10 ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 to accept the recommendation that alternative all-weather surfaces to pathways that are just now becoming available on the market such as pine tar be fully investigated for use in Study Areas C and D between McClellan Road and Stevens Creek Boulevard. The investigation would include environmental consideration, durability of surface and long-term maintenance costs. It was also agreed to eliminate the words "paved asphalt" from the original recommendation. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 to accept the recommendation that the environmental review for Study Areas B, C and D from Linda Vista Park to Stevens Creek Boulevard be incorporated into the environmental documentation that will be prepared during the master plan process. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 to accept the recommendation that the environmental review for Study Area B from Linda Vista Park to Stevens Creek County Park continue on course as an element of the environmental review being conducted for Canyon Heights Academy, the private development project proposed on the site. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 to accept the recommendation that the city work with the county to initiate the development of the trails in Study Area A upon completion of the environmental review process. Commissioner Bradford said that she had heard several people say, who live around the Blackberry Farm/McClellan Ranch area, that they requested this commission suspend work on this task force, reopen it up to more public hearing and more public process so that they can get involved. She explained that they have addressed this concern. There is not going to be any more work done on trail development with the task force in a separate process. It is all going to be done in the Blackberry Farm master plan. There will be other ways over an 18 to 24 month timeframe to figure out how to address the re-plan for Blackberry Farm. She encouraged everyone to get involved in the public process. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously passed 4 to 0 for the Parks and Recreation Commission to forward on the five recommendations related to the Stevens Creek Trail feasibility study to the City Council and refer it to the Planning Commission. Therese reported on two August meetings. One is the Environmental Review Committee on Wednesday, August 14 to review the CEQA analysis for Study Area A. On August 26, the Planning Commission will review the proposed alignment for conformance with the General Plan. NEW BUSINESS - None Parks and Recreation Commission July 11, 2002 Page 10 of 10 MISCELLANEOUS - NO ACTION REQUIRED 4. Staff Updates - 40 Years of Fun: Therese announced that the Parks and Recreation Department celebrated its 40th birthday party at Memorial Park. She thanked the commission for their participation. A promotional video made for the department's birthday was shown. Legislative Update - None Community Contacts - None ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Peng adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted: ~//~a~e ~dmin~i~¢~et~ary Televised Council meetings may be viewed live on Cable Channel 26, and may also be viewed live or on demand at www. cupertino, or~:. Videotapes of the televised meetings are available at the Cupertino Library, or may be purchased from the Cupertino City Channel at 777-2364. Minutes approved at the August I, 2002 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission.