Loading...
P&R 02-03-00CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone (408) 777-3200 PRC#216 Approved MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 3, 2000 CALL TO ORDER Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission called to order at 7:00 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Cook, Jelinch, Peng, Stein, Wang Staff present: Stephen Dowling, Director of Parks and Recreation Pamela Eggen, Recording Secretary ORAL COMMUNICATIONS UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Director Dowling introduced newly appointed Parks and Recreation Commissioners Terri Cook and Roger Peng. 2. Director Dowling presented the report regarding the proposed pedestrian access gate at Kennedy Middle School. Raymond Chong, Traffic Engineer, described options reviewed by the Pedestrian Gate Ad hoc Committee and stated the committee recommended Option A. Robert Levy, 10802 Wilkinson Avenue, said when the playing field was set up, the gate was to be closed along Hyannisport to reduce impact on the neighborhood. As a committee member he voted for Option A, assuming it would be a safe place to drop children off for school. He now believes it is for the sports groups and thinks there should be a 24-hour per day parking pemfit required with no gate access installed. Commissioner Cook inquired as to the parking restrictions that exist now. Mr. Levy said there are parking restrictions during school hours on Wilkinson Drive. Susan Camilleri, 10812 Wilkinson Avenue, does not approve of the proposed access due to safety issues regarding traffic, parking and fence hopping. She feels these problems would be increased by public access. Cathy Gatley, 11510 Well Spring Court, stated the original proposal for an access gate were the safety issues. One main issue is the traffic. She pointed out examples of photos where other schools have access to sports fields. She feels it is safer for the children to have a pedestrian access to the field and would also be helpful for coaches to unload equipment. Shirley Pisano, 910 Ft. Baker Drive, has concerns regarding the safety issues already mentioned. She believes the proposed access gate will impact her street creating more traffic congestion, much like the access to Monta Vista High School has done. Steve Bangert, 10842 Wilkinson Avenue, feels this proposal will generate more traffic at the intersection were the proposed gate would be installed. Chris Gatley, 11510 Well Spring Court, stated the original intent for an access gate was sports related, not school related. He pointed out that traffic problems already exist. The benefit is for the parents and children using the fields for sports and not the school. The only park in the community that has no pedestrian access is the Kennedy field. Commissioner Jelinch asked if there were safety issues regarding injuries from anyone climbing the fence. Mr. Gatley stated yes, there have been injuries. Lynn Worsham, 7524 Waterford Drive, agrees the school fields are used as parks by the entire community and need to be made safer. When her son was injured on the field emergency crews found it inaccessible. Carl Wanke, 8165 Hyannisport Drive, agrees on the traffic issue, but stated that access to the field is the topic. Natalino Camilleri, 10812 Wilkinson Avenue, believes the proposed opening of the gate is a safety issue. He asked if staff could evaluate the traffic light at Bubb and McClellan. Mark Perkins, 903 Old Town Court, said it is not safe to cross the street on weekday mornings because of the traffic congestion. As a coach he has occasionally climbed over the fence. Suzanne Ford, 10853 Wilkinson Avenue, stated she did not receive a letter and elaborated on the history of the field and access gate. In the past, she has also accessed the field for soccer games. Her concerns are field access, safety and traffic. The proposed gate needs to be relocated due to traffic issues. She would like to know what traffic studies have been done for the Kennedy Middle School area. Mr. Dowling answered it would be unrealistic to create a transportation master plan for the school in regards to the access gate. The Kennedy situation is extreme, but most of the schools in the city now have increased traffic during the day. Ray Chong, Traffic Engineer, was on the ad hoc committee representing traffic issues. Suzanne Ford asked if there could be a sheriff or traffic guard available, through the Parks and Recreation Department, on Saturdays. Mr. Dowling responded that the sporting events have not created the traffic problems, that it is the school traffic that creates the traffic problems. Both baseball and soccer organizations do what they can to educate their users of being respectful to adjacent neighbors and use of school lots. Ray Chong, Traffic Engineer, stated the Public Works Department is meeting with the Sheriff's Department and the School District staff from Lincoln, Kennedy and Monta Vista to look at safety issues and traffic congestion in the Kennedy area. Andrew Gatley, 11510 Well Spring Court, said some of the coaches climb the fence when they are not carrying equipment. David Radtke, 22086 Linda Vista Place, would like to see all fields in the area opened up and a gate to help bring in equipment. Dana Drysdale, 21767 Terrace Drive, wanted to clarify that the Kennedy upper field is only used for physical education classes. Children are not allowed on the fields during recess and school breaks. The public comment portion of the meeting was closed. Commissioner Stein feels there is a need for a pedestrian access gate. Commissioner Jelinch supports the pedestrian access gate and does not feel it will add to the traffic problem. Commissioner Cook said the field should be made safe for the children and, therefore, supports Option A. Commissioner Peng agrees we need an access to the sports field with certain control over the gate. Commissioner Jelinch moved and Commissioner Cook seconded the motion to recommend to City Council installation of a pedestrian access opening as described in Option A, with an opening that would not be locked and subject to review after six months. MOTION: 5-0 Director Dowling updated the Commissioners of the preliminary site plan for Four Seasons Comer. He stated Commissioner Stein and Commissioner Jelinch are on the committee along with the fine arts commission, staff and consultants. The purpose of the group is to master plan what has come to be known as the Four Seasons Comer. Director Dowling said construction of the new Senior Center was awarded January 3, 2000. The ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for February 10% 12:30 p.m., and February 14~ demolition begins. One of the conditions of Council approval is city staff, in cooperation with a design committee, seek community donations to fund the furnishings for the building. The Cupertino Rotary Club has selected the Senior Center as the beneficiary of the 2000 Golf Tournament for donations. Business and services clubs can donate $2,000- $4,000. Seniors and members of the community can purchase mosaic tile for $100 that will be installed on the outside seat walls of the new Senior Center building. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 5. Commissioner Stein moved and Commissioner Jelinch seconded the motion to approve the minutes of Jatmary 6, 2000 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. All in favor. MOTION: 3-0 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 6. Director Dowling mentioned a letter praising a staff member who coordinates food services at the Quinlan Community Center. Director Dowling referred to a letter inquiring about a skate park facility. The Teen Task Force has a subcommittee that will meet on February 17th to begin the planning of a community skate facility. MONTHLY REPORTS 7. January Monthly Report was presented. 8. Commissioner Cook volunteered to serve on the Stevens Creek Trail Advisory Committee. Commissioner Peng volunteered to serve on the McClellan Ranch Task Force. MISCELLANEOUS 9. Director Dowling reminded commissioners of the Commissioners Dinner, February 4th. Director Dowling commented on Proposition 12 (Park and Clean Water Act) which will have an impact on Cupertino as the city per capita share through 3 of 5 programs. Under this funding $600,000 could be generated for park purposes in Cupertino. ADJOURNMENT 10. Commissioner Cook moved and Commissioner Peng seconded to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. to thc regular meeting of thc Parks and Rccrcation Commission on Thursday, March 9, 2000, 7:00 p.m., at Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Torte Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014. All in favor. MOTION: 5-0 Respectfully submitted, Pamela A. Eggen, Recordinl~'Je'cret~ ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: Chairp s~on~