Loading...
P&R 09-02-99CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torte Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone (408) 777-3200 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Thursda, September 2, 1999, 7:00 p.m. PRC#211 Approved CALL TO ORDER Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission called to order at 7:10 p.m. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Staff present: Jelinch, Lowenthal, Shaikh, Stein and Wang Stephen Dowling, Director of Parks and Recreation Pamela Eggen, Recording Secretary ORAL COMMUNICATIONS UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Director Dowling stated the issue before the Commission is to consider recommending to City Council adoption of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Master Plan. Mr. Dowling said plans have been formally adopted by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Commission and Board of Supervisors. Lisa Killough, Deputy Director for Santa Clara County Parks Department, outlined the history of the master plan process that involved community input and 5 years of study with representation from all the jurisdictions. The Board of Supervisors authorized the County to proceed and seek funding where appropriate by the Streamside Committee, which was comprised of representatives from each city. Jana Sokale, Sokale/Landry Collaborative, stated this is a long-range process consisting of 10 to 20 years to develop. Ms. Sokale said the trail is divided into 6 Reaches. Cupertino's portion, Reach, 5, begins at the intersection of Pmneridge Avenue and Tantau Avenue, continues south on Tantau and either east on Bamhart or east on Bollinger. Much of the trail is along the creek; however, a significant portion is along Cupertino streets. Once the Master Plan has been adopted by all three cities, each city will be responsible for implementing the segment within their jurisdiction. Commissioner Lowenthal inquired about the Bollinger Road/Tantau Avenue intersection and Bamhart Avenue/Tantau Avenue intersection options. Ms. Sokale stated the Bollinger Road route was not excluded from the Barrington Bridge route. Commissioner Lowenthal asked if both the alignments were part of the proposal. Ms. Sokale stated yes they were and over time could become a spur alignment. Cornmissioner Lowenthal asked if the spur trail near the Hewlett-Packard property was part of the plan. Ms. Sokale stated the area is listed on the map. She pointed out Hewlett-Packard will be doubling the number of employees in the future and this would provide great access for the employees to commute. Commissioner Lowenthal asked if there had been a public hearing process at Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation and the Board of Supervisors. Ms. Sokale replied yes for both the feasibility plan and the master plan. Pat Bustamante, 10526 Sterling Boulevard, Cupertino, stated her two main concerns are the need for a sound wall between Lawrence Expressway; and the impact to the natural vegetation in the creek area including the preservation of Oak and Sycamore trees. Ms. Sokale explained the plan involves restoration work and removal of the construction activities out of that area. The intent is not to impact vegetation, but rather to enhance it. Ms. Bustamante said she is on the Board of Rancho Rinconada Recreation area and has applied twice for funds from the State of California. She mentioned the red-legged frog is endangered and the State might be willing to grant funds for the enhancement of the landscaping near the Barrington Bridge area. Julie Bisch, 10468 Sterling Boulevard, Cupertino, mentioned her concern is the crosswalk on Lawrence Expressway and Mitty Way where many accidents have occurred. Other concerns are parking permit problems, loss of her property line by the embankment, and graffiti and vandalism. She also mentioned there are homeless people in the area. Commissioner Lowenthal asked Ms. Sokale if a parking lot was planned. Ms. Sokale stated the area is intended to be a neighborhood access with no parking available. Results of a recent survey in Mt. View showed no one had driven to the trail, instead they had jogged, walked, or rode bikes. Sandra Yeaton, 10519 Sterling Boulevard, Cupertino, expressed concerns regarding increased foot traffic and vehicles in her neighborhood. Marc Auerbach, 18860 Bamhart Avenue, Cupertino, said he is directly on the path of the proposed trails. He has commuted from his house to Mt. View and felt Tantau Avenue is a natural way to get over 280 and a nice route to take. He mentioned Stevens Creek Boulevard needs enhancement and that Bollinger Road is a dangerous street to bicycle on even if it is enhanced. He prefers the ronte through Bamhart. He is in favor of the project and thought a community park in Rancho might solve the homeless problem. Ted Roberts, 10471 Sterling Boulevard, Cupertino, said he is on the Streamside Committee. His concerns are the homeless people living there and that a park in the area might be an improvemem. Vice Chairman Shaikh moved to adopt the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Master Plan as presented and Commissioner Lowenthal seconded. MOTION- 5-0 Director Dowling said this item would be forwarded to the City Council meeting of October 4, 1999. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 2. Vice Chair Chairperson Jelinch moved and Commissioner Lowenthal seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the July 8, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. All in favor. MOTION 5-0 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 3. Director Dowling presented the letter of request from residents regarding the Hyannisport Drive access gate to the Kennedy sports fields. The resident's request is consideration be given for a pedestrian opening on the Hyannisport Drive side of Kennedy Middle School. The condition in the Kennedy Master Plan, adopted by Commission and Council in 1992, stated that field users were to park in the school parking lot and no pedestrian access would be provided on Hyannisport. Last November, Council authorized a parking permit zone on the north side of Hyannisport, which would preclude anyone else from parking on that side of the street subject to a fine. This condition was enacted in February changing the conditions and now the youth sports residents are asking Commission to review this issue. Staff's recommendation to Commission is to review this request at the Parks and Recreation Meeting of October 7~. Chris Gatley, 11510 Well Spring Court, Cupertino, stated parking in front of the homes on Hyannisport is being managed by the parking permit program and has been working quite well. Mr. Gatley said lack of access to the fields impacts all families participating in baseball and soccer programs at the school, particularly at the north end fields. Commissioner Jelinch moved and Vice Chairman Shaikh seconded the motion for Item 3 to be placed on the agenda for the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting of October 7% 1999. MOTION .5-0 MONTHLY REPORTS 4. Review July and August Recreation Programs Monthly Report Director Dowling mentioned the summer programs this year were exceptional due to a very unique group of young people working well together with new ideas. Attendance was at an all time high showing the community is willing to pay for quality recreation experiences. Community Contacts Report Commissioner Jelinch said the Art & Wine Festival was excellent and went according to plan with record attendance and profit. He stated that staff and Shakespeare participants cooperated quite well. Director Dowling referred to a petition from Christensen Drive residents regarding impacts on their neighborhood as a result of the Art & Wine Festival. The neighbors have petitioned o City Council to prohibit festivals on the turf area behind the Quinlan Center. Staff and Chamber representatives will meet with neighbors to reach a consensus on reasonable use of the space. Their recommendation will be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the results of Commission input will go to Council. Commissioner Lowenthal said the Senior Volunteer Luncheon went well with Chairperson Edie performing a great job of presenting speakers. Also, the Kiwanis Club did a wonderful job. Shakespeare in the Park turned out to be a spectacular event. He stated the Lions Club event at Blackberry Farm turned out to be a dangerous situation when the lights in the picnic area did not come on. Director to follow up with staff. Vice Chairman Shaikh spoke for the McClellan Ranch Task Force stating most of the issues brought up regarded the safety of people working in the McClellan gardens. He thought the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works should work together to create signs for the garden area. He said the other issue they discussed was the Master Plan for the Stevens Creek Trail. He also reported on the Mayor's Breakfast stating the library project had some opposing views. In response, Mr. Dowling stated the library remodel concept had narrowed down to two options: (1) a new building between city hall and the library (portion of existing plaza) or (2) new building on existing library fields. Commissioner Lowenthal said he investigated the library expansion because of his involvement in soccer leagues. He said the facility is unique because it is not a permanent use where the other fields are all permanent use. He said other fields are on school grounds and people are not allowed to casually use those fields. Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned his participation in the Trailblazer Race event. He said the race benefits the Stevens Creek Trail Committee. The Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department, Peggy Ford and Tom Walters, participate by hosting the children's events. It will be held Sunday, October 3, 1999. Commissioner Jelinch moved to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday, October 7, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Tone Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014. Commissioner Shaikh seconded. All in favor. MOTION 5..0 ATTEST: City Clerk~~ ResPectfully submitted, Pamela A. Eggen, Recording Secret,3~d57 APPROVED: