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P&R 02-21-02 APPROVED MINUTES PAP, KS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF CUPERTINO WORKSHOP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Peng called the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Jeanne Bradford, Rod Brown, Frank Jelinch, Roger Peng, Kris Wang Commissioners absent: None Staff present: Therese Ambrosi Smith, Director; Michael O'Dowd, Special Projects Manager; Marie Preston, Admin. Secretary COMMUNICATIONS NOT ON THE AGENDA · ORAL · WRITTEN 1. Therese read a letter sent to the American Legion, Post #642 acknowledging a donation of an American flag for Memorial Park. ACTION: The commission requested that the American Legion be invited to the next meeting so that they may thank them in person for their donation. NEW BUSINESS 2. Blackberry Farm McClellan Ranch Master Plan Presentation - Therese introduced Mike O'Dowd, who along with supervising Blackberry Farm and McClellan Ranch area, has also volunteered to be the Special Projects Manager for the master plan process. Therese explained that the purpose of the workshop was to prepare the commission for their March meeting where they will begin to take public comment. Mike discussed the history, facilities, their operation, and the value of the Blackberry Farm/McClellan Ranch properties. This area encompasses over 60 acres. Mike stated that the city has committed to operate Blackberry Farm as a revenue-generating, self-supporting facility for 25 years, the length of the bond, until 2016. This was to offset the cost of its acquisition. There are no constraints that it should remain a recreational facility, but it has been identified in the General Plan for recreation and open space purposes. It was stated that the process for the project would start with public input from a couple of meetings that the commission would host beginning in March. Therese said that she Parks and Recreation Commission February 21, 2002 Page 2 of 3 has requested the public to join in at the March meeting and be prepared to complete the following statement, "For the city to be successful in planning for the future use of Blackberry Farm, they should...." After that input, a work program can be defined. Therese stated that the last thing to be determined is whether or not the commission can take on this project; this may be decided after a couple of meetings. If the commission takes on the task, it may add an extra meeting a month to their schedule. Commissioner Bradford suggested that a theme be developed to lead the process. She would like to see more Cupertino residents using the Blackberry Farm facilities. Mike explained that the high percentage of nonresidents comes from a long-standing traditional use of the facilities over the many years. He stated it is the nature of the business. Commissioner Wang asked if there were any historical buildings that needed to be preserved. Mike reported that there are no registered historical landmarks at Blackberry Farm, but that the barn at McClellan Ranch built in 1890 has the potential of being on a historical register. He also stated that there are many buildings, especially at McClellan Ranch, that are historical because of what they represent to the community. Commissioner Jelinch believes that to protect the revenue generating business, we should fix the things that need to be fixed and leave other things alone. Commissioner Brown stated that it is important to look at what increased benefits we can get for the city out of the properties. A question to ask is if the city should be in the restaurant business. The commission needs to look long-term at what will serve more of our citizens. Public Comment: Deborah Jamison, 21346 Rumsford Drive, spoke about her involvement in the development of the McClellan Ranch Master Plan. She is disappointed in the lack of progress in initiating this master plan, but glad that the Blackberry Farm Master Plan is starting and that work will be done and progress will be made in conjunction with the adjoining properties. She offered a possible theme for the project as being the Stevens Creek, its restoration, its enhancement, its enjoyment, and learning about our natural and human history of the creek. She also wanted to go on record as opposed to a 10-foot wide, hard surfaced trail through McClellan Ranch. She believes that this type of trail is not in keeping with the McClellan Ranch Master Plan or the philosophy of that area. She is a proponent of the Stevens Creek Trail. Robert Levy, 10802 Wilkinson Avenue, asked about the pump area, which is a part of McClellan Ranch and is leased out. He was concerned about Measure M extending the bonded indebtedness for Blackberry Farm, but was informed that is not the case. He would like to see Monta Vista High School use Blackberry Farm for student parking, lie Parks and Recreation Commission February 21, 2002 Page 3 of 3 had concerns about whether any of the buildings on the sites were of historical significance. Mike Vroman, 10681 Johnson Avenue, supports a 10-foot wide path through McClellan Ranch Park and is supportive of the Stevens Creek Trail alignment through this area. Rob Karr, 11157 Linda Vista Drive, supports the Stevens Creek Trail alignments. Norm Diamico, 22181 McClellan Road, raised questions about land that is leased to Flood Control and will contact Mike O'Dowd to have his questions addressed. Commissioner Brown requested a copy of the report by the Historic Research Committee. He also requested that Mike O'Dowd's presentation be added to Parks and Recreation's website. MISCELLANEOUS - ACTION IS NOT REQUIRED 3. Staff Oral Reports: Sudden Oak Death - A public service announcement was played that the city's video department put together. This will be placed on Cable Channel 26. Sprin~ Recreation Schedule - distributed to commission Legislative Update - CPRS update on legislative issues distributed to commission. Community Contacts: Jazz Festival - Commissioner Jelinch announced that he is helping to develop a jazz festival for 2002 at Memorial Park. Iran Federated Women's Club - Chairman Peng announced that he had received a plaque expressing appreciation to the city for all their support of their events. Golf Tournament - Commissioner Bradford announced the idea of a Commissioner's golf tournmment and barbeque. Mike O'Dowd said he would be pleased to help develop that event. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Peng adjourned the meeting at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted "- 2 Mane Preston, Administrative Secretary Approved at the March 7, 2002 regular meeting.