BPC 03-07-05
CUPEIQ1NO
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION
Monday, March 7,2005
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Staff:
Greenstein (arrived 5:44 p.m.), Paulsen (arrived 5:33 p.m.), Walton, Wiant
Koski
Glenn Goepfert, Assistant Director of Public Works
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
Stevens Creek Corridor Status - Informational presentation by Parks and Recreation Director
Therese Ambrosi Smith
Assistant Director Goepfert introduced Parks and Recreation Director Smith. She distributed
copies of the presentation for the Parks and Recreation Commission study session, which
includèd additional information on restoration. She stated that the objectives for the meeting are:
1) To determine whether an east side trail alignment will be accepted, and if it will be a multi-use
trail (compacted gravel or natural soil binder); and 2) To get answers regarding revenue
generation at Blackberry Farm. The current schedule calls for the project to start in 2007, as
required by the Department of Water Resources, one of the funding sources. The Santa Clara
Valley Water District is also budgeting for their portion of the restoration in 2007. Blackberry
Farm will continue to operate as it has previously for the next two years. Construction would
begin in 2007 and the park would re-open in 2008. The golf course will remain untouched.
There is currently $680,000 in the Blackberry Farm fund balance, the profits made over the years
that weren't needed for Debt Service or the General Fund. This money has been banked until
needed for park renovation. One million dollars is needed for Blackberry Farm picnic area and
that has been secured by grants. The City has partnered with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District for creek restoration. The Water District is legally mandated to do restoration in Stevens
Creek and has matched a Department of Water Resources grant that is in process.
Funding for the Stevens Creek Trail is on hold until a decision is made on the type of trail
desired. If the staff s recommendation for an unpaved trail on the east side and one bridge is
approved, the cost would be around $750,00. The decision must be made soon as the deadline
for the Clean Safe Creeks grant is March 30. If the Council is willing to transfer the Blackberry
Farm fund balance, there is adequate funding. Parking will still be an issue; the plan calls for
125 spaces, 33 more than currently available.
The primary reason for restoration of the creek is to remove the barriers to fish passage. The two
ways of achieving this are:
1) Riffle and pool habitat- a self-maintaining design that requires a longer channel
and changing the creek to flow as it was originally (in the parking area). This
will reduce the parking area.
2) Weirs - engineered alternatives that can be accomplished within the existing
alignment, but need maintenance. The natural-looking structures are a series of
small step pools that fish can navigate.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District has three goals in this project. They need to see fish
passage, bank stability, and flood protection. They do not have a preference for either creek
restoration alternative. Within three years, well-established flood plain enviromnent is in place.
Director Smith stated that it is hoped that the City Council will make a decision at their March 15
meeting.
Chair Paulsen inquired about trail alignment. He was told that the nature trail along the creek at
McClellan Ranch would remain as it is. This new trail will come in at the far east side at
McClellan Road, which will include moving the 4-H pens.
Discussion followed regarding trail width. By consensus, the Commission agreed to support a
mixed-use trail with adherence to standards. The Commission would like it stressed that this
trail is a community resource that needs to be designed for and used by everyone, not just for one
neighborhood.
The'meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
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Carol Shepherd
Administrative Assistant
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