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P&R 02-03-05 APPROVED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CITY OF CUPERTINO REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2005 1. CALL TO ORDER Chainnan Brown called the regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to order at 7 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Commissioners present: Jeanne Bradford, Roger Peng, Rod Brown, Frank Jelinch, Cary Chien None Therese Ambrosi Smith, Director; Mike O'Dowd, Supervisor, Blackberry Farm; Marie Miller, Administrative Assistant Mike Waller, Hexagon Transportation; Jana Sokale, Environmental Planner Commissioners absent: Staff present: Others present: 4. SELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2005 A. Chair ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously made to select Commission Jelinch as the Chairman for 2005. B. Vice Chair ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously made to select Commissioner Cary Chien as the Vice Chairman for 2005. 5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING A. Regular meeting of January 6, 2005: it was noted that Sally Lieber's name was misspelled. ACTION: A motion was made, seconded and unanimously made to approve the minutes of January 6, 2005, as amended. 6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 2 of 10 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Stevens Creek Corridor Park - Review the traffic engineer's recommendation for the amount of parking needed to serve the proposed park and programming: Mike Waller, Hexagon Transportation, reported his findings on parking demands associated with existing and proposed activities in the Stevens Creek Corridor at three parking areas: Blackberry Farm Golf Course/Blue Pheasant Restaurant, Blackberry Fann Picnic Grounds, and McClellan Ranch Park. Currently, the golf course parking lot has 91 spaces, the picnic grounds has 1,100, and McClellan Ranch has 31 spaces. He stated that survey results showed that there may be deficient parking spaces at the Stevens Creek Blvd. lot and expansion of that lot is being recommended. In contrast, the Blackberry Fann Picnic Grounds lot has an excess of spaces, so it is being recommended to reduce this area to 200 spaces, using the residual land for other park purposes. At McClellan Ranch, parking should be adequate, but school events may require the use of the Simms land for overflow parking or the use of shuttles from Monta Vista High School from time to time. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Bradford questioned the low survey numbers for parking demands and stated that being conservative about traffic demands is important; she does not want to under plan for the amount of expected cars. Specifically, she believes the McClellan Ranch Saturday Parking Demand seems too low. Mr. Waller said that the number is low because most of the facility is closed and only the trail and grounds are open; during the week, with workers and programs, there is more of a parking demand and the statistics reflect this. Commissioner Peng stated his concern with the seemingly low parking demand numbers. Mr. Waller explained that people arrive over a period oftime and leave at different periods of time; all of the participants are not on site at anyone given time. Director Smith also added that the total participant number for programming does not assume that every participant arrives in a car because a lot ofthe day camps and activities will be the result of groups. Director Smith stated that the Commission may decide that 200 spaces at the picnic ground site will not be enough spaces and more parking will be needed, but that will come at the expense of restoration. Commissioner Brown asked for clarification on the methodology. He stated that he too felt that the five-car peak demand for Saturday parking at McClellan Ranch seems too low, especially if increasing the number of programs is being considered. He would like to see some updated numbers in this regard. He asked how much the parking area has been reduced at the picnic ground parking lot. Director Smith said she would get the square footage for the March 7 meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 3 of 10 Director Smith explained the details of the drafted architect's drawing of the proposed parking layout. He stated that accuracy in supplying parking spaces is important to him and he does not want to over pave any of the parkland. Commissioner Chien stated that he had the same concerns, specifically about the McClellan Ranch parking demands. He believes the number should be 23 and not five. He would like the consultant to take another look at the statistics. Public Comments Art Robertson, Oak Dell Place, stated that based on a head count last Friday evening, the number of cars he counted was 150+ at the Stevens Creek Blvd. parking lot, Phar Lap and other nearby areas. He does not believe that bumping the parking up to 134 is a big enough increase. His basic concern is with the parking demands òfthe Blue Pheasant Restaurant/Bar. Robert Levy, Wilkinson A venue, supported comments by Commissioners who believe that the Saturday parking demand for McClellan Ranch is not adequate as proposed. From his work experience, the noon mealtime has the highest demand in parking. He believes the parking demand for Blackberry Farm is way under estimated. As for the Stevens Creek Blvd. parking area, with the addition of the parking demands for the Center for Living History and the. Stevens Creek Corridor Park Trail, he believes the demand will be higher than what is being proposed. Director Smith added for clarification that the 500-person picnic facility has been designed for high demand times (special events), such as when the Lions Club does an event or CCS has a barbeque, but the day-to-day demands are expected to be about 200 people. She stated that the goal is not to provide parking to serve two days a year. The plan is designed for 200 participants fixed in pods sized for 50 participants; and the pole barn, with folding tables and chairs on special event days, can accommodate up to 300 more participants when needed. Craig Breon, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, stated that currently there is parking for everyone; three, four, or five cars are typical. Anytime there is any sort of event, parking starts to get crowded, but people do not seem inconvenienced. Most people will park at the private golf course across the street, or go to the Simms property's front area to park; this happens six to 10 times a year between all the different events. At McClellan, he suggested that not much more paving should be added, but identify one or more areas where parking could be expanded in the future if it is found that parking is getting squeezed. He suggested this idea for the other two parking areas - start low, but identify possible future parking expansion areas. Deborah Jamison, Rumford Drive, likes the way the park is evolving and that it is moving toward her group's submitted vision plan. She likes the idea of the trail Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 4 of 10 originating at Stocklmeir and using that driveway as a trail. She believes parking at Stocklmeir for staff and volunteers needs to be included. She likes the idea of the Stevens Creek Blvd. parking lot being maximized without encroaching into the green space. She would like to see more restoration work done at the Simms property. She would like to have a bus pullout identified for McClellan Ranch on the Simms side. Don Bautista, Scenic Court, raised his concerns about preventing traffic and parking on Scenic Circle, which backs up to Blackberry Farm. He would like the commission to consider some way of preventing traffic and parking on this street to preserve the neighborhood as it is today. Rhoda Fry, San Fernando Avenue, believes that there is overflow parking for the Blue Pheasant Restaurant/Bar on Byrne Avenue and that staff may want to take a look at this. She hoped that handicapped parking would be included at Stocklmeir. She would like to get the buses from coming down San Fernando Avenue. She would like a bus tumout on Stevens Creek Blvd. to get buses out of the neighborhood. She believes that the entrance on San Fernando is not up to road standards; but if it is considered a driveway, it is up to standards. At this time a fire truck and cars could not use the road at the same time. She would support a bus turnout for the McClellan Ranch area. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Bradford summarized that she is comfortable with the 200 slots at Blackberry Fann, that's its reasonable, and it's an 80 percent reduction in current parking spaces. She is not comfortable with the estimates at the Stevens Creek end. She believes that the projections need more work. She would like to remove the main-entrance feel on San Fernando and spread the traffic across three different areas. At McClellan Ranch, she believes that 31 sounds like a good number with the Simms property handling any overflow needs. Director Smith stated that the comments are well taken and revisions will be made for the March 7 meeting. She reported that there is updated infonnation on the Blue Pheasant Restaurant business in that there is another prospective buyer coming to talk to the City on Friday, February 4. She also stated that much of the activity that is creating the traffic problem for the Phar Lap neighborhood is associated with the nightclub. Though the current owners signed an agreement stating they would close at 11 p.m., they have not honored the agreement; the issue is currently involved in a lawsuit. To plan the park around the Blue Pheasant seems unwise because she doesn't believe it represents the future. Commissioner Brown agrees with Commissioner Bradford's comments in providing updated data for the next meeting. He likes the idea of the bus turnout at Simms and would like to see this addressed at the March 7 meeting. He Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 5 of 10 thanked staff for the update on the Blue Pheasant and the idea that current usage is not necessarily reflective of future usage. Chainnan Jelinch stated that no one wants to increase the parking beyond what is being proposed; no one wants to pave over any parts of the park. B. Stevens Creek Corridor Park - review of prior trail alignment recommendations: Ms. Jana Sokale, Environmental Planner, gave a PowerPoint presentation that outlined: current park operation, the two alignment concepts studied in the feasibility report, outcome of the community visioning process with respect to the trail alignment, influences of the creek restoration and parking layout concepts with respect to the trail alignment, and the benefits to trail planning from community visioning and current design work. On the Proposed Parking Lot Layout map, she pointed out some potential restoration sites: the golf course side ofthe creek, and everything within Blackberry Farm. She talked on some of the possible restoration efforts for the creek: removal of low-flow crossings, debris, and invasive and nonnative plants. She also spoke on the possibility that the alignment of the creek was moved at some point in the past and this is being investigated further; there is consideration of returning the creek back to its original alignment. She spoke on other possible in-steam solutions that are being considered. Public Comments Linda Wegner, Hillcrest Road, stated that she was impressed by all the work done on the plan and with what she had heard at the meeting. She liked the Stocklmeir entrance. She's looking forward to the trail and was hoping the plan could move forward faster so that she could enjoy it sooner; she would like a multiuse trail. Steve Moody, Scenic Circle, said he was impressed by what he saw in the diagrams. He likes the east trail alignment. Bill Walster, Dean Court, stated his concern about the offset between the trail and the Meadows properties because they were assured that there would a 100- foot offset. He does not like the use of the words trail or path, as he believes the trail will become a bicycle racecourse. Lonnie Toensfeldt, Fitzgerald Drive, and Rolling Hills 4-H Club, stated that she liked most of what was presented. She did state her concerns about allowing bicycles on the trail. She likes the idea of a trail connecting the two parks. She stated concerns about a proposed trail near the 4- H pens and the possible threat of loosing what the organization currently has. Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 6 of 10 John Buenz, Dean Court, stated the concern ofthe Meadows homeowners over the proximity of the trail. During the trail feasibility meetings, the homeowners association had asked for a 100- foot distance between the trail and the property line of the property owners. He thought that the map displayed showed that the trail was too close at one point. Ms. Sokale stated that the layout was an early conceptual layout and what was agreed upon during the trail feasibility study will be honored. Mr. Buenz thanked Ms. Sokale and stated his appreciation for her consideration in keeping the trail at least 100 feet from their boundary and honoring the privacy of the residents. Dale Compton, Stocklmeir Court, stated that the Meadows is on record with the Commission and City Council as opposing the multiuse trail; they would much prefer a meandering, slow pedestrian-only trail through the Corridor. They have no objection to the trail being in the orchard, as long as it honors the commitment of keeping the trail at least 100 feet away from their properties. Aaron Grossman, Mountain View, works part-time at McClellan Ranch, stated that he would love to be able to bicycle all the way through the Corridor. He thinks that the plan has been well thought out and minimizes conflicts. Robert Levy, Wilkinson Avenue, believes the design is interesting. He asked if the plan assumes that the residents of Scenic Circle will no longer be able to get to Blackberry Farm from their side ofthe creek. He would like consideration to be given for the part of the trail that goes through the 4-H pens, as it appears the area is too steep and could cause problems for the handicapped or strollers. He believes a better idea is to bring the trail along the creek side of the community gardens, where there is already a firebreak, into the parking area from that side rather than from up on the hill and around the pen. Deborah Jamison, Rumford Drive, showed photos of multiuse trails that are used by dirt bikers. She warned the commission this is the type of activity the trail will get if bicycles are invited into the Corridor. She does not support a multiuse trail through the Corridor, especial in McClellan Ranch. She provided a copy of her comments for the Commission. Rhoda Fry, San Fernando Avenue, does not support a trail by the 4-H pens, as she believes the area is too steep for strollers. She supports the 100-foot offset between the trail and the Scenic Circle properties and all other homes. She thinks that the picnic areas look too close to homes. She would support pedestrian access to the west side of the creek. She does not support running buses through the neighborhoods. Craig Breon, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society at McClellan Ranch, stated that his board is adamant about the issue of the trail in McClellan Ranch Park. He said that there is a great concern that the more that is added to McClellan, the Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 7 of 10 more compromise there may be of what people like about the preserve, which is wildlife and a low intense atmosphere. The Audubon Society would like a trail design that goes through McClellan that has people walking, strollers, etc. and route the bicycles around McClellan Ranch Park in some manner. He supports the idea of providing access by bicycle from Stevens Creek Blvd. to the hills, but there are several risks, he believes, associated with bringing them through McClellan Ranch Park. Though he supports an environmental classroom, he stated that he also realizes that will increase the number of people visiting the park. He suggested that an alternative route to developed in case it is found that bicyclists are creating problems at McClellan Ranch. In closing, he stated that the plan should allows bicyclists be able to get through the corridor, while bypassing McClellan Ranch as much as possible. Ms. Sokale Comments Regarding the suggestion of providing a west side access in the restoration area, she did not have an answer; there are pedestrian bridges. If there is a significant amount of restoration, there might need to be some type of access to maintain the restoration, and whether there would be public access in that area, she did know. She would like to take more comments on this good idea as the rest of the plan unfolds. Regarding the 4-H's concern about the trail going through their area, Ms. Sokale stated that as the environmental education center comes online, she does not know that the alignment in that area is set in stone - whether it might go around the community gardens on one side or the other. She does know that if the backside (or hillside) of the 4-H area were used for the trail, there would be no loss to the 4-H facility; there would probably be improvements to that facility. She further stated that any design in that area would have the input and support of the 4-H organization to site pens, animal areas, and accesses. Director Smith Comments At this point, $1.4 million has been raised toward the effort. On Monday, March 7, 7 p.m., there will be a number of issues addressed at a joint City Council/Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Items for discussion at this meeting will be: - Trail alignment - What the revenue stream will look like compared to the current Blackberry Farm set-up - Get pennission to use a fund balance from years of successful operation to start constructing the environmental classroom - Detennine a date where the operation of Blackberry Farm, as we know it, ends Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 8 of 10 The City Council has given the authorization to go ahead and dream without the revenue stream from Blackberry Fann Picnic Grounds. The golf course is being retained, as this is a good source of revenue. Mike Q'Dowd is working at putting together future budget projections for a presentation on the March 7 meeting. At this time, the timeline is: Blackberry Farm will operate as it has for the 2005 and 2006 season. In October 2006, it will close for good, and construction will begin in spring of 2007 on the realigned creek, new rest rooms, pole barn, new picnic area, new maintenance area, and new parking lot. Project completion is estimated to be fall of 2007. Applications for grant funds continues Commissioner Comments Commissioner Bradford encouraged the interested public to continue to attend meetings, as this is a public process; she asked the public to invite their neighbors to get involved as well. Regarding public comments about not wanting a bicycle raceway, she agreed fully. She stated that the trail task force was very specific in their recommendations, and the commission also unanimously recommended to the City Council that the multiuse trail not be asphalt for that very reason to minimize the type of bike activity. She stated that her priority is to create a multiuse trail that is used more by families; she is not interested in creating something for fast bicyclists. Regarding the McClellan Ranch concerns, she believes that many of those issues will be worked out in the design elements and believes there are ways to slow people down and keep people in specific areas. She liked the idea of developing alternate routes. Commissioner Peng asked if speed limit signs would work. Ms. Sokale said that speed limits signs are important, but she would not want a traffic sign in Blackberry or McClellan as she sees this as the wrong image, look and feel for the park. Ifthe trail goes multiuse, it will need to be meandering, maintained trail, which may need low split rail fencing on either side, and it will need to be patrolled. Any time a new trail is opened, the first six months are critical, she stated, and having people who are helping educate, the public is important to the long-tenn success of the trail. Commissioner Chien reported that he recently had taken a tour of the parkland. He supports the plan to maintain the pristine and unique McClellan Ranch Park. He supports a multiuse trail because he does not want to discriminate against users, but he also understands the need to design details to protect the parkland. He also mentioned that restoration means leaving things as they are, but also bring things back to where they were. He wanted the residents to know that at some time soon they are going to start seeing work happening and that residents should not be alarmed; in order to achieve the restoration that the City is looking for, large equipment will need to be brought in. Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 9 of 10 Commissioner Brown thanked staff and the consultants for all their hard work. He is excited that the plan is getting closer to completion. He sees the park and the trail as being a lower-traffic version of what is seen at Rancho San Antonio Park. He asked ifthe area they are looking to relocate the creek is that the best location; what other alternatives were considered? Ms. Sokale stated that they are still in the process of looking at this issue. She expects additional geomorphic work looking at the creek upstream to get a better stream profile, so she will have more information on this question in a month or two. Director Smith stated that another study that has been initiated is an archeological study; this is another area of concern before defining the creek channel, as they want to know a little more about what they may find archeologically. Chainnan J elinch recognized that Cupertino is fortunate to have this natural, unique area. He believes the parkland will be the jewel of Cupertino. He encouraged the public to attend the March 7 meeting with City Council and continue to be involved in the process. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Annual report from the Cupertino Tennis Club: Mr. Grant Gower, past president of the Cupertino Tennis Club, reported on the club's successful year. Highlights of his report: there were 275 club members in 2004; 220 are involved in USA league tennis, up about 50 players from 2003 and they are new pass holders of the Cupertino Sports Center. They expect an increase in members and in league plays in 2005. They will be fielding their first super senior teams - new competitive leagues for people over the age of 60. The 2004 summer classic was a huge success, attracting 312 participants and top players from northern California; participation was up 40 percent. It is expected that the 2005 summer classic will be named one of three tournaments of the year by the Northern California USTA. A new social program was created for non-club members and non-pass holders, which was an enonnous success, and spreads community through tennis; 2005 programs will be doubled. He gave credit to the excellent Cupertino Sports Center facility, its wann and friendly atmosphere, and the excellent customer service received by City staff. 2. MISCELLANEOUS - NO ACTION REQUIRED A. Written Communications - Director Smith infonned the commission that a written communications, relating to item 7, were given to them prior to the meeting. B. Staff oral reports - Director Smith reported that due to the work furlough day, there were not enough work hours for Teresa Mo to make her presentation on Senior Center programs; she will present at a future meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission February 3, 2005 Page 10 of 10 C. Community contacts: a. Chainnan Jelinch announced that he is going to Washington DC in February to represent the California Association in a lobbying effort before Congress along with hundreds of other parks and recreation staff and citizen board members to try to get more money and programs for parks and recreation. 3. ADJOURNMENT - Chainnan Jelinch adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 7l(~ ~ Marie Miller, Administrative Assistant Minutes approved at the May 5. 2005, meeting.