P&R 02-04-99CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone (408) 777-3200
PRC#205
Approved
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Thursday, February 4, 1999, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission called to order at 7:01 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
1. Commissioner Shaikh moved to elect Commissioner Edye Stein as Chairperson for 1999.
Commissioner Wang seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED
Commissioner Jelinch moved to elect Commissioner Saleem Shaikh as Vice Chairperson for
1999. Commissioner Lowenthal seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2. Director Dowling asked that the review of San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail Master
Plan be continued to the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of March 4, 1999.
3. Director Dowling introduced Consultant Barnett Pearce of the Public Dialogue Consortium,
and Macy Armstrong, Teen Facilitator.
Barnett Pearce presented to the Commission a brief description of the steps taken as a result of
the Task Force findings as highlighted below:
Using the wisdom of the comlllunity
· Teen Advisory Committee (comprised of people from community)
Research using survey and focus groups
· Identified choices with Teen Advisory Committee
· Held public meeting in which choices were deliberated - heard from public what
their likes and dislikes were
Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of February 4, 1999
_Page -2-
Criteria that Teens say they would apply to any facility or activity:
1. Accessibility This is an important issue, particularly for the majority of Teens who do
not drive or do not have access to their own car.
2. Safety This is important for the Teens, and they want a place that their parents feel is
safe so that they will be permitted to use it
3. Open channels of communication The Teens were explicit in their concern for
ongoing communication between themselves and the sponsors/supervisors of the
facility or activity
4. Cost They want a place that is inexpensive
5. Respect and Support Teens described themselves as sensitive to the way they are
perceived; they want the place or activity to express respect and support for them
6. "Cool" adult supervision The Teens recognize the need for adult supervision but want
this supervision to be provided by "cool" adults
7. Inclusion They want Teens to be involved at every step of the process of developing a
place or activities for them
"Choicework" was the final phase of the public dialogue process.
Some of the choices the teens expressed · Club-Like Facility for Teens After School, Nights, and Weekends
· A Facility for Organized Activities
· A Facility for Unorganized Activities
· Promote Current Activities
Barnett Pearce added that food, music, and furniture was among the more important topics
along with a "hang-out" together atmosphere.
Macy Armstrong pointed out that school dances were not up to their expectations. He said
teens need atmosphere, privacy and "freedom". For example, the Cactus Club had more
atmosphere than the Quinlan Community Center. The Teen Center "look" needs more
commercialism and privacy.
Barnett Pearce stated up to 30% of teens would like a skateboard facility, even though the
percentage is small, he stated these teens are very interested in having a facility.
Commissioner Wang questioned the safety issue regarding the dances.
Barnett Pearce answered that teens want their parents to feel secure when they are at
supervised events.
Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of February 4, 1999
Page -3-
Listed below are findings of residents regarding final suggestions and results:
· Anything that is done needs to be "By Teens, For Teens"
· Make it "cool" to be there, otherwise Teens will not use it
· Make it easy to find
· Make it well-publicized
· If you do a skate park, do it well
· Make it cheap for the users
· Start small, and test it out-be adaptable
· Make it a place with good channels of communication (bulletin boards, work with school
announcements, mass bills)
· Include teens in the design, implementation, and operations
· Keep the attitude that you will solve the problems that arise as they arise - something can
be done
Commissioner Jelinch inquired if there could be a governing structure that would phase in student
control and keep adults to a minimum.
Macy stated teens wanted the ability to make decisions along with adults. He said teens have the
ability to work with government issues as proven in the schools.
Commissioner Lowenthal moved to endorse the Teen Task Force Final Report. Commissioner
Shaikh seconded the motion.
MOTION 5-0
ITEM NOT ON AGENDA
Mr. Dowling reviewed the McNair Property previously heard by Parks and Recreation Commission
and then Planning Commission. After Planning Commission held a hearing they gave direction for
the Parks and Recreation Commission to explore other alternatives for access to the property.
Mr. McNair presented the driveway altematives to the commissioners, pointing out concerns for the
Simms House and tree issues. The first suggestion would be to use the existing Simms driveway as
access for the Mcnair Property coming in from down below the property which would require the
garage be placed below as well. The second option was to skirt along the embankment near
McClellan Ranch by McClellan Road, follow that embankment then head up into the side of the hill
behind the Simms house and install a garage in that area. The negative aspects of these approaches
will intqrfere with the Simms driveway and the future uses of the McClellan Ranch Park.
Bob Hendricson, 10535 Mira Vista, expressed concern regarding safety issues on Mira Vista.
Commissioner Jelinch moved to reject the
Commissioner Shaikh seconded the motion.
MOTION 5-0
driveway alternatives of the
McNair Property.
Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of February 4, 1999
Page -4-
Director Dowling presented the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program stating the purpose
is to identify projects that have a value of $50,000 or more in a lifespan of 5 years or more.
Mr. Dowling pointed out the following:
Acquisition of Property fronting Creekside Park Site: To provide better visual access into the
park the homes fronting Miller Avenue should be purchased as they become available. Three
properties have been acquired - four remain.
Park Renovation Program: To program over several years renovations of existing playground
equipment that is in need of upgrade to meet current acceptable standards. Priorities will be
established. Monta Vista/Wilson Parks programmed for 98-99.
Acquisition of Stocklmeir Property: 5 Acres adjacent to Blackberry Farm. It is part of the
General Plan Open Space Acquisition Plan. Available for acquisition and will be negotiated to
acquire in either 97-98 or 98-99.
Portal Park Expansion: Expanding Portal Park would enhance meeting the neighborhood park
standard of 3 acres per 1,000 population. This would require Cupertino School District's
approval to utilize said land. The amount shown reflects physical improvements only.
Blackberry Farm Picnic Area Bridges: The recent flooding damaged or removed 2 pedestrian
bridges and 2 low water vehicular crossings. It is advisable to replace these with 2 permanent
pedestrian and vehicular bridges and 1 pedestrian only bridge.
Senior Center Expansion: Current programs and services have maximized building utilization.
To respond to the needs of this growing population additional program space must be added.
Total of approximately 15,000 square feet.
Blackberry Farm Repairs: In order to bring Blackberry Farm up to current codes and remain
commercially competitive, significant improvements to existing structures and facilities must
be made over the next several years. Funding comes from excess revenues generated by the
picnic grounds and golf course.
Sports Center Fimess Expansion: In response to the growing demand for fitness programs, the
Cupertino Sports Center must be remodeled to achieve more space for fitness equipment areas.
ADA 91: Americans with Disabilities Act - Civil Rights for disabled to have access to public
facilities. This has been an ongoing program and staff has prioritized the work. Sports Center
to be upgraded in current fiscal year.
McClellan Ranch Park: City Council had endorsed a long-range master plan for utilization of
the buildings and grounds for environmental, historical and agricultural preservation. The
McClellan Ranch Task Force is recommending a prioritized building improvement plan
phased over 2 years.
Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of February 4, 1999
Page -5-
Commissioner Lowenthal suggested the "Skateboard Park" be programmed into the Five Year Plan.
Mr. Dowling asked for a consensus of the commission to include the "Skateboard Park" into
the Plan. The commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Lowenthal motioned to fast track the Stevens Creek Trail Plan. Commissioner
Shaikh seconded the motion.
MOTION 5-0
Commissioner Jelinch moved and Commissioner Shaikh seconded the motion to approve the
minutes of the January 7, 1999 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as submitted. All in
favor. Motion carried.
MOTION 5-0
In reviewing the January Monthly Report, Mr. Dowling mentioned the City of Cupertino hosted the
California Parks and Recreation Society District IV Banquet and received high praise from other
public recreation professio~a[q about the quality of the Quinlan Community Center facility.
7. None.
8. None.
Mr. Dowling reminded Commissioners Stein and Jelinch of the Four Seasons Comer Meeting
on Wednesday, February 24th, 4:00p.m., to review applicants' for public art aspect of the
project. He mentioned the city received 44 applications.
10.
Vice Chairman Shaikh moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. to the regular meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission on Thursday, March 4, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at Cupertino City Hall, 10300
Tore Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014. Commissioner Lowenthal seconded. All in favor.
MOTION 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED: