Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRC 08.06.1992 Agenda CITY OF CUPERTINO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 10300 Torre Avenue 408-252-4505 August 6, 1992 7:00 p.m. AGENDA ttsststttststttsssssssss*ssssssss«ss«s«s*«sssssssssssrssssssss•«ssssssss«s«s««ssssss« CALL TO ORDER 1. SALUTE TO THE FLAG 1 ROLL CALL 3. INTRODUCTIONS 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 5 Members of the audience regarding matters not on the agenda. OLD BUSINESS 6. NEW BUSINESS 7. Review goals and objectives for McClellan Ranch Long Range Master Plan Comm)ttcc MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 8 Approval of July 2, 1992 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 9. MONTHLY REPORTS 10 Review July Recreation Program Monthly Report I l. Community Contacts Report MISCELLANEOUS - NO ACTION REQUIRED 12 Legislative Update 13 INayor's Luncheon 14 Staff Oral Reports ADJOURNMENT 15 Adlournmcnt to regular scheduled muting of Parks and Recreation Commission on September 3, 1992, 7 00 p m , Council Chambers Mn 1wh,4 109: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Date: NAME ADDRESS August 6, 1992 Robert Hopkins, Chair Parks and Recreation Commission City of Cupertino 10300 Torres Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 Dear Chairman Hopkins, Re: Letter to Ruth Shriber, Project Manager Stevens Creek County Park Master Plan Please find attached a copy of my input regarding the Stevens Creek County Park Master Plan and the hearing that was conducted by the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department on July 21, 1992. 1 wanted to forward this to your attention as a formal request for the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission to determine the feasibility of my two suggestions: First, is the designation and subsequent planning and development of Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road as a recreational gateway into Lower Stevens Creek Park. Secondly, is to pursue the possibility of having traffic diverted away from Redwood Gulch Road over to Highway 85 via Big Basin Way and De Anza Boulevard -once Highway 85 is opened. The current review and ultimate development of the County's Master Plan for Stevens Creek Park provides the City of Cupertino an unique opportunity to facilitate the ability to provide the residents of our community additional open space and recreational resource within close proximity to our residential neighborhocxis. And, at the same time provide safer access. Please let me know if you require any, additional information regarding this request to the Commission. Sincerely, Stcvcn Haze 22681 San Juan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 July 21, 1992 Ruth Shriber, Project Manager County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department 298 Garden Hill Drive Log Gatos, CA 95030 Dear Ms. Shriber RE: Draft Program Report for the Stevens Creek County Park Master Plan Thank you for providing the public an opportunity to offer input regarding the Stevens Creek County Park Master Plan. There are two items which I would like to address at this time as it relates to the Draft Report: First I am very interested in knowing more about the level of cooperation between the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department -and the City of Cupertino as it relates to access to the park via Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road within the City of Cupertino. I would like to propose that your Agency work with the Cupertino Parks and Recreation Director of Cupertino to determine the feasibility of developing a Recreational Gateway Concept Plan for Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road. This concept would allow for master planning road improvements that emphasizes various recreational modes of access into the park. I have attached a map that I believe illustrates that there is sufficient right of way to create a DG (decomposed granite)pathway for multi-mode access such as running, mountain biking and hiking with adequate setback away from the existing roadway. Additionally, 1 believe that Stevens Canyon road could be minimally improved to add approximately three feet of asphalt - with painted bike lane designation on both sides of the road in which to accommodate touring cyclists . I would like to contrast this concept with what has already transpired on Cristo Rey Drive - which is the major recreational "gateway" into Rancho San Antonio County Park. In that particular case the City of Cupertino unilaterally widen the road and constructed a sidewalk-curb-gutter improvement that is typically found in urbanized areas. This road "improvement" totally ignored what the primary purpose of the roadway and setback areas could have been. As a result the park user only convenient and safe means of entering the park is by automobile. My second suggestion is that Redwood Gulch Road is closed to thoroughfare traffic at some future date. I am recommending that the closure coincide with the opening of Highway 85 between the cities of Saratoga and Cupertino. Most, if not all commuter traffic from the Skyline area could be redirected to enter Highway 85 at De Anza Boulevard in Cupertino. Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comment relevant to your Stevens Creek County Park Matter Plan Task Force effort. Sincerely, Steven Ham 22681 San Juan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 Tel: (408)2554;823 fn scP.rkoI 9 �4� Z o ! F O R a 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 252 4;0 Summary Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Item Number 7 Agenda Date August 6 1992 SUBJECT AND ISSUE Review goals and objectives for McClellan Ranch Long Range Master Plan Committee. BACKGROUND Attached for the Commissions review is a draft of the McClellan Ranch Ad Hoc Committees' goals and objectives. The six goals set the parameters that will guide the master plan process and future utilization of McClellan Ranch Park. Also included is a copy of Resolution No. 4429, which established in 1977 the use guidelines for this nature preserve. Over the past eight months, the Ad Hoc Committee has been evaluating how McClellan Ranch Park might best be utilized to meet today's environmental and historical needs. A member of the Ad Hoc Committee will be present Thursday evening to present these ideas to the Commission. STAFF RECOMNIENDATION Parks and Recreation Commission endorse the McClellan Ranch Park goals and objectives. DRAFT McCLELLAN RANCH PARK "The mission of McClellan Ranch Park shall be to maintain and protect the ecology of the area, conserve the natural features and scenic values, expand community awareness and understanding of natural history and the environment, and provide enjoyment of the resources present consistent with their preservation." Goall: To foster stewardship of the earth through the provision of environmental education, leadership, and resources. Obiectives: 1. Encourage appropriate community use of the site and its resources. 2. Continue to develop a partnership with community schools, businesses and other agencies. 3. Provide a center for environmental resources and leadership. 4. Provide the Cupertino Environmental Center (McClellan Ranch house) for use by environmental groups. 5. Maintain and enhance farm, garden, environmental and historical education programs. Goal Il: To protect and preserve for the people of Cupertino the natural habitat and rural property. Obiectives: 1 . Develop a sound management plan for the resources of the park to include identifying any necessary limitations on use of the area. 2. Work with city officials to minimize visual, noise, and ecological impact that the surrounding area has on the park. 3. Limit construction at McClellan Ranch Park to that consistent with the Mission Statement for the park. McClellan Ranch Park Draft - 8/6/92 Goals and Objectives Page 2 4. Work with Santa Clara Valley Water District and other jurisdictional agencies to protect and enhance the quality of the Stevens Creek watershed. 5. Control invasive exotic plants and work to re-establish native plant communities where appropriate. Goal III: To utilize this rare riparian environment for enjoyment and study. Obiectives: 1. Conduct study to assess the ecological status of the creek. 2. Maintain and enhance existing trails for use of the public. 3. Expand trails to connect with other open space areas and trail systems. 4. Work with local schools and other agencies in establishing study projects of the area. Goal IV: To share the rich history of this site with the community. Objectives: 1. Conduct a study to assess the historical significance of this site. 2_ Preserve all historic assets including buildings, grounds, and artifacts. 3. Develop a management plan for the buildings and the historical collection relating to this site. 4 Provide activities, programs, displays, and classes depicting historical events relating specifically to site and generally to historical Cupertino (defined as pre-European settlement through the 1960's). 5. Provide through print, audio and visual media, and dramatization, an interpretation of the history of the site and Cupertino history. McClellan Ranch Park Draft - 8/6/92 Goals and Objectives Page 3 Goal V: To provide appropriate care and management for site and structures. Obiectives: 1. Provide a detailed map and document describing physical features of site and structures. 2. Develop a building and site use plan. 3. Implement recommended improvements consistent with use plan. 4. Ensure an adequate level of funding based on regular assesment of physical needs in order to safeguard the City's investment. Goal VI: Identify mechanisms to fulfill the stated Goals. Objectives: 1. Seek sources of supplemental funding, in-kind services, and volunteer effort. 2. Determine the feasibility of forming a standing organization for McClellan Ranch Park. /It 7-23-92 ',GOALS MRP • RESOLUTION NO. 4429 • A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF C'.:PERTINO FORMING A POLICY OF REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF McCLELLAN RANCH PARK WHEREAS , the Parks and Recreation Commission has determined that there is a need to form a policy for the use of McClellan Ranch Park; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the attached regulations and guide- lines for McClellan Ranch Park presented by the Parks and Recreation Commis- sion shall be adopted as the policy for the use of said park. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this Sch day of April 1977 , by the following vote: Vote :Members of the City Council AYES : Jackson, Mevers, Nellis, O'Keefe, Frolich NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None APPROVED: /s/ Donald A. Frolich Mayor, City of Cupertino ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR. MCCLLLL UA R A:'= n.ic' K In accordance with section 13.04.202 of the Municipal Code, the following regulations and guidelines for the use of the McClellan Ranch ?ark Nature and Rural Preserve are herebv established. These regulations and guidelines shall, where inconsistent therewith, take precedence over ary general regulations contained in Chapter 13.04 of the uuniciaal Code. The very concept of a nature and rural preserve implies that, as such as possible , things should be left as they are -- in their natural state. Yet, the secondary objective of a nature and rural preserve is to provide the opportunity for people to observe, study, and enjoy the preserved environ- ment, which implies that there is a risk the environment may be damaged by the observers. Since these two concepts are basically at odds with each other, regulations are necessary to preserve the Natural environment during the use. Regulations must, therefore, be compromises. Certain areas listed below are designated as use areas and guidelines for their usage are: NATL RE -RAI' 1. Rustic markers and an interpretive guide booklet assist in the public usage. Only areas designated as a trail are to be used, basically, along the creek; along a firelane around the field with one loop extending through vegetation in the meadow area; through the garden area; and, finall•:, the building area. 2. The trail is to be rustic. 3. Plantings along the trail to include things to eat , t,- smell, and to attract wildlife. CREEK: 1. The creek should remain in its natural state, not :-annelized or lined. 2. access to creek will be limited to designated areas for special activities , the nature trail , and educational purposes. This will allow for continuous vegetation growth. `1EADO w 1. This area is to be retained as an open natural area including native plantings for wildlife food and cover plants. 2. Fence rows within the meadow area are to remain until no longer needed, due to the growth of cover plants. Fire lanes, if necessar•:, are to be disced along the fence rows only and along the perimeter of the meadow. ORGANIC GARDENS: 1. ;:sage is by availibility and assignment, and is limited to designated areas of the park. 2. Classes in proper methods of organic gardening is a requirement a. plot holders. Jther classes, demonstrations, or the exchanging of ideas relative to gardening, canning, composting, winemaking, pre- serving, etc. , are to be scheduled periodically or at special everts. ;. An area se: aside by resolution and a joint agreement has been established within the park for use by a w-H club. Tours of this area _an be given by .4-H club members only. 2. The raising of animals in this area shall be limited to beef cattle, sheep , swine, poultry, rabbits , and goats. 0 RC HARD: 1. This area shall be used as a demonstration orchard area. This is the only area of park where pesticides may be used to preserve the trees. Maintenance of trees will be City responsibility. BU'.LDI::GS : 1. All buildings should be preserved and used for activities appropriate to the park. 3. No additional buildings shall be placed within the park without approval of Parks S Recreation Commission unless unique to the concept of the park (Charlie Baer blacksmith shop and water tower has approval prior to this regulation adoption. ) PAPI;::;G 6 ROADS : 1. Parking and general vehicular access is limited to the area Near the quonset hut , milk barn and office area. Parking will be limited to 30 vehicles. Space shall be provided for a school bus turn-around and consideration given to the safety of children in area. 2. Special event parking shall be located at the Konta Vista High School parking lot. GENERAL REMAR::S : 1. There are to be no concessions or commercialism in the park without proper authority. 2. an area designated by the Parks and Recreation Department is to be set aside as a caretaker's area to house the mobile hone of the caretaker. 3. The Department's Naturalist should have authority to make decisions within the park with the approval of the Parks and Recreation Director. 4. Department activities , environmental classes and tours will be under the supervision of the Naturalist. Limitations are to be established in order to maintain the ecology and philosop:!v of the nature and rural preserve. 5. No picnic facilities will be constructed within the park. 6. Use of insecticides, pesticides and/or herbicides is forbidder. unless approved by the Parks and Recreation Director, within the park to en- courage ecological ;,reservation.