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P&R 06-03-99CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torte Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone (408) 777-3200 PRC#209 Approved MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Thursday, June 3, 1999, 7:00 p.m. 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: Commissioners absent: Staff present: Lowenthal, Shaikh, Stein Jelinch, Wang Stephen Dowling, Director of Parks and Recreation Pamela Eggen, Recording Secretary ORAL COMMUNICATIONS UNFINISHED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Director Dowling presented the request for fencing the play structure at Monta Vista Park. He said the park was master planned in the early 1980's and the major renovation occurred in the mid-eighties. The area in question sits in the northwest comer of the park. In the early design phase, a 3 fi. fence ran down Woodridge Court and down McKlintock Lane. However, that was removed at the request of residents because they wanted an open park rather than a school yard image. Director Dowling presented slides of Monta Vista showing the close proximity of the play structure to the street and the boulders that defined the play space. Some of these boulders had been removed because of new standards for fall zones and playground structures. Residents that are close to the structure object to installation of any fence material. Mr. Dowling, referring to slides, pointed out the fences in the play areas of Creekside Park and Jollyman Park. He said the purpose of the fence is not meant to fully enclose the apparatus, but to help define space so parents can relax while their children play. The installation cost of a 3 ft. vinyl coated chain length fence is $1,800. The neighbors that would view the structure felt they did not have an opportunity to, as residents, to discuss the issue and are asking the item be continued. Commissioner Stein asked the commission if they had any questions. Commissioner Lowenthal asked what height the fenced needed to be. Director Dowling said the standard height for this type of fence is 36 - 42 inches. The purpose is to keep the children from running out. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 3, 1999 Page -2- Commissioner Lowenthal wanted to know if there were any other ideas. Director Dowling stated a more natural way to provide a barrier could be through intensive landscaping that would create a sense of enclosure without blocking site lines into the park. Mr. Dowling said more boulder material could be used and a solid 18 to 24 inch hedge as a "living fence". Commissioner Shaikh asked if there were any safety issues. Director Dowling stated there have been no incidents at any of the parks. Chairperson Stein asked the audience if they had any questions. Boching Chen, 22603 Woodridge Court, expressed a strong opposition to any fencing material in the area stating the street was a "dead-end" street. He said the a 2 ft. shrub would be adequate as far as visual appearance and safety issues. Mr. Chen stated there was not enough time for the neighbors to meet, but they have scheduled a block meeting on July 4th. He asked if the commission could postpone this item until the neighbors had a chance to discuss the issue. He thought a natural approach would be more acceptable. Mary Trostle, 858 Brent Drive, expressed concern for the safety of the children in the play area. She felt there were safety issues regarding the removal of the boulders. She said the suggestion of shrubs would be a good idea but to be careful of the type of shrubbery as certain types attract wasps. Her major concern was the play area located next to the street. Barbara Pollock, 11261 Catalina Court, stated the YMCA on Quito Road had wasps invading their shrubs which the results of children getting stung. She thinks we should have shrubbery that would not attract bees. Commissioner Lowenthal thought this item should be continued as requested. Commissioner Shaikh thought residents should have more time to discuss the issue. Chairperson Stein agreed and said no action would be taken. Mr. Dowling stated he would meet with the Public Works staff regarding plant material and the Sheriffs Depamnent regarding safety. He stated he would also like to meet with the residents before the next commission meeting. He asked the commissioners if they would prefer a fence or a natural barrier. The commissioners agreed on a natural barrier and continued the item to July 8~. Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of June 3, 1999 Page -3- Commissioner Lowenthal moved and Vice Chairman Shaikh seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the May 6, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. All in favor. MOTION 3-0 3. Director Dowling said the catering service at the Quinlan Center has been very successful. Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned he attended the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail Meeting the month of May. He toured the race course for the Cupertino sponsored portion of the program which is the kid's run. Commissioner Shalkh mentioned he attended the McClellan Ranch Park Task Force Meeting and said the group was dedicated to maintaining a very natwal habitat and natural alignment in the park and said that the Task Force will also participate in the discussion of the Stevens Creek Trail. 5. None. Director Dowling said the City Council reviewed the budget and endorsed the Stevens Creek Trail feasibility study and the concept of master planning the front portion of Blackberry Farm. The Council also endorsed a master plan from Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road, including Blackberry Farm, all of McClellan Ranch and the Simms Property. They also approved all of the operation requests. Commissioner Shaikh moved to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. to the adjourned special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday, July 8, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at Cupertino City Hall, 10300 Torte Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014. Commissioner Lowenthal seconded. All in favor. MOTION 3-0 R?l:l)ectfully submitted, Pamela A. Eggen, Recording S~r~mry ATTEST: City~-~/i'- APPROVED: Chairperson