P&R 05-06-99CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torte Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone (408) 777-3200
PRC#208
Approved
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, May 6, 1999, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission called to order at 7:03 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present:
Staff present:
Jelinch, Lowenthal, Shaikh, Stein, Wang
Stephen Dowling, Director of Parks and Recreation
Pamela Eggen, Recording Secretary
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
1.
Director Dowling outlined information regarding the Regional Trail Route. He advised the
Commission to look at "spur" trails not listed in the General Plan of 1993. Mr. Dowling pointed
out that within the next decade we will be relying on alternative ways to commute other than
automobile. He then asked the Commissioners for their comments, observations and
suggestions.
Commissioner Jelinch asked if we needed pemfission from the railroad to allow the trails to go
through.
Mr. Dowling said Union Pacific owns the right-of-way and we do need their permission.
Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned the Advisory Committees from Los Gatos, Campbell and
Saratoga will be attending an inter-city meeting on June 174 in Los Gatos regarding the De
Anza Trail.
Mr. Dowling stated the minimum cost on a trail system is $400,000 per mile. He also stated this
was a good investment beyond recreational use and served as alternative transportation.
Chairperson Stein asked if there was a deadline date for the commission regarding this
information.
Mr. Dowling stated the commission will be reviewing the General Plan in August.
Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of May 6, 1999
Page -2-
Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned that there is a shorter-texm item, which is the Stevens
Creek Trail. He stated there was a proposal by consultants to do an engineering development
plan for the trail. He said it was a wonderful resource and will mn through some of the most
beautiful parks of Cupertino.
Commissioner Shaikh asked if there was a study on alternative routes for the location of Foothill
Boulevard down to Stevens Creek Boulevard.
In response, Commissioner Lowenthal said there is now a preferred route that follows Stevens
Creek Boulevard starting at Stevens Creek Boulevard up to Foothill. He said there was a "spur"
route (to Varian Park from Stevens Creek Boulevard) and would be part of the proposal as well.
Mr. Lowenthal also had a concern regarding a bike trail on Cristo Rey. He also added there will
be a meeting on May 20~ regarding pedestrian issues as well as bikes.
Director Dowling and Commissioners discussed criteria for prioritizing the routes listed below:
· Feasibility
· Timeliness
· Multi-uses
· Visibility
· Traffic reduction
· Acquisition oppommity (Stocklmeier)
Commissioner Lowenthal moved to recommend to City Council that $80,000 be added to the
Capital Improvements Program budget for this coming year to get a plan done for the Stevens
Creek Trail in Cupertino and Vice Chairman Shaikh seconded the motion.
MOTION 5-0
Commissioner Jelinch moved and Vice Chairman Shaikh seconded the motion to approve the
minutes of the March 4, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. All in
favor.
MOTION .5-0
Director Dowling mentioned that Cupertino Day at Blackberry Farm was a huge success.
Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned he went to the planning session for the Trail Blazer race
scheduled for October 3, 1999. He stated the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department will
be sponsoring the children's race which occurs in Mt. View.
Commissioner Shaikh mentioned the City of Sunnyvale was far behind and against the linkage
of the trails.
Minutes 0fthe Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting 0fMay 6, 1999
Page -3 -
Commissioner Lowenthal said the reaches of the Stevens Creek Trail in Sunnyvale are all
designated along streets because of the resistance. He said this could change with time. He went
on to cite a positive examle in Cupertino whereby the citizens and city council are coming
together on the Barrington Bridge part of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Trail. He said
Sunnyvale has added a "spur" in the area of the Stevens Creek Trail next to the NASA facility.
None.
Commissioner Lowenthal mentioned the Teen Task Force meeting, May 14, 1999 from 7:30
a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Commissioner Jelinch moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission on Thursday, May 6, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at Cupertino City Hall, 10300
Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014. Commissioner Lowenthal seconded. All in favor.
MOTION 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
ATTEST:
·
APPROVED:
Chairpe~on