HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&R 06.04.1992 Minutes I
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1 CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA PRC # 129
' 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 Unapproved
Telephone (408) 252-4505
MD,XTT'FS OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COWIISSION
June 4, 1992
Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
1. Regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission called to Call to
order at 7:03 p.m. Order
SALUTE TO THE FT- C
2• Flag Salute
ROLL CALL,
3. Commissioners present: Hopkins, Lohmiller, Colman, 'Throne, Roll Call
Hendrickson
Commissioners absent: Condon, Quinlan
Staff present: Stephen G. Dowling, Director
Julia Lamy, Recreation Supervisor
INTRODUCTIONS
4.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
5.
Chairman Hopkins requested to go to item 7 on the agenda before item 6.
NEV BUS INESS
7. Director Dowling said that this is the second installment on City ( Renovation &
of Cupertino's cooperative effort to improve school grounds. He Improvement
introduced two members of the Task Force Committee, O.E. of Eaton
Fullerton and Richard Matthews, both from Cupertino Union School school
District. He stated that tonight we were reviewing Eaton, Lincoln grounds
and Regnart Schools and then turned it over to Architect Jay
Beals for his presentation.
Architect Jay Beals presented the existing conditions at Eaton
School and then presented the long range master plan and
implementation plan.
For the record Director Dowling mentioned that "we received a fax
from a resident Martin Belles expressing his concern about the
jogging path and its close proximity to residential property
lines."
t
PRC # 129 �.
P. 2 Commissioner Throne inquired by saying, "what was his concern?" '
Eaton Director Dowling replied, "he felt the integrity of the buffer zone
school should be maintained. Historically, there has been 25-40 feet of buffer
grounds between program space and residential property lines and I believe in
(cont'd) some cases this jogging path comes closer then that, and that's his
objection."
Commissioner Throne asked, "are the properties that back up to the school
and jogging path fenced on the back?"
Architect Jay Beals answered by saying, "they are good neighbor type
fences. Scme have openings and gates that come through to the school.."
Commissioner Colman asked, "How would the usage change as a result of
this new design?"
Architect Jay Beals answered, "the use would change considerably from the
standpoint of availability to youth sports and neighborhood organizations
from the standpoint that we, would have an additional field. Regarding the
practice fields, we've actually decreased by one."
Commissioner Colman questioned if "the hours will actually increase or
just the volume of play."
Architect Beals explained, "the hours would not increase, they may run
two games instead of one like they are doing right now for practice."
Commissioner Hendrickson asked, "the jogging path, was it primarily put
in not so much for the use by the school but for use by the community?"
Architect Beals remarked, "No, it is the other way around. It is part of
the school criteria and even though this particular site is not in use as
a school right now, part of the Physical Education r p ogram is to provide
a jogging track for the students during school hours and after school, so
what's called for is a "perimeter jogging trail". The idea is that
neighbors and other people could use it as well, but it was designed to
accommodate a school program."
Chairman Hopkins opened it up for public comment.
Resident Darlene Thorne stated she had a short note from her next door neighbor,
Darlene Elizabeth Bates which read, "Please place the jogging path as far away as
Thorne possible from the fence."
Darlene Thorne continued by saying, "the concern that I have is that I am
a home based business with a license in Cupertino and work very long
hours. We enjoy the serenity and privacy of our back yard. I've lived
there for 28 years. We can understand the need for soccer fields, we're
excited to have that. The concern I have is the jogging path and where it
is placed. I believe it should not meander in and out of trees, I believe
that's very dangerous for two reasons. If someone should lose their
balance they are going to bang into a tree and people can hide behind
trees. If everything is on the inside per ureter then it can be more
clearly seen from the school yard. We just replaced our fences, if we
knew this was happening, I think the City should have been kind enough to
give us a variance for a 8 ft. fence, so we could maintain the privacy
that we've had for so very long."
Resident Ceda Campbell commented, "we are concerned too about PRC # 129
P. 3
the path. I have children and they play in the backyard and I
just don't like strangers running so close to our home. They can Resident
probably look over our fence and it will take our privacy away. Ceda
I have dogs and they make alot of noise when people are around. Campbell
Chairman Hopkins asked for any other comments and then brought
the discussion back to the Connnission.
Commissioner Colman inquired, "what alternatives were looked at
for the trail? Obviously, you said you couldn't move it in
because there wasn't enough room."
Architect Beals replied by saying, "what we looked at was
basically this alternative with some minor variations to the
soccer fields themselves. We did hear some of these comments
during the public meetings. I may be actually hearing them
stronger this evening then before. Is it possible to move it out
on that one side? It is possible. And to still maintain the
integrity of the design, I think it would be less interesting,
but it would be possible to sneak it through here between:
this tree and that corner. It could interfere with the corner
kick. Because of where these trees are located it will come out
here and narrow the size of the soccer field or necessitate
pushing the soccer field closer to the edge of the asphalt. On
this particular side to get two fields in, there is no
opportunity to move it further from the fence then we have right
now. We did explore what would happen if we didn't have the
parking and when we went through alternatives and pushed all of
this over to try and gain that, if you extend this line of the
soccer field, and push it any further over the soccer field
itself gets too close to existing trees and to the neighbors
property. It was really quite a squeeze."
Resident Phil Devin remarked, "the soccer playing field is turf, Resident
my question is what is the position of the path and how does Phil Devin
it differ from the soccer playing field?"
Architect Beals replied by saying, "the pathway is called
decomposed granite otherwise known as infield fines. It is the
same type of material you would see on an infield or a track.
It's soft and a very fine material. It's not asphalt, it's not
concrete, it's not dirt or rocks that can be thrown."
Phil Devin interjected saying, "and therefore is not suitable to
be on the edge of a soccer field."
Beals replied, "that's correct."
Devin continued saying, "another one of our concerns is that
this is quite a playground for children today and there are a
number of kids who climb in the trees and build tree houses.
They have a lot of fun in the midst of the trees behind the
properties, but potentially exposing the joggers back in the
inward part of the trails to some level of danger or anxiety as
the tree houses get built. I think we are all in agreement we
can move the trail at least to the edges of the trees rather
than putting it back in so close to the fences themselves."
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PRC # 129
P. 4
Commissioner Colman remarked, "it doesn't seem like there are any,
Eaton lights on this field."
School site Director said, "definitely not.,,
(cont'd)
Commissioner Colman said, "so the usage of the trail would only be
until sunset, which during the summer is a little longer,the winter could be 5:00 m, but during
that." Director replied, "no one after nobody wwould be on the trail after
Commissioner Lohmiller explained, "I've been a member of the
committee, as YOU know, and this site was given a lot of attention
and concern' because trying to fit the soccer field in and have the
Perimeter trail is a problem. I think .lay has done a pretty good
job. I think the concern of the neighbors is the concern that all
neighbors have at every school site that got addressed. It's
somethi-ng different, I don't think it's a paved road that is going
to be getting a whole lot of traffic, but hopefully it will be used,
that's the Purpose of it. At one time, I know Jay pushed it out here
and there and tried to keep it as far from the fences as possible,
with the soccer limitations and the width of that area. You can see
it's not a rectangular site which makes it a bit of a problem. The
soccer interest was interested in a field of this size. For
practicality, games would use only the large field. The smaller
field is probably only for a practice site. As the neighbors are
concerned with the trail, I think it has been pushed out as much as
it can and still keep the integrity of the field by still having a
useful size field. It's kind of a
haw much the Pam, and none of us can predict
Jagging Path would be used. I think it's a nice feature
of the comrninity. I know, as a jogger, I run along school sites, I
don't think the trees are a problem. The fact that the trail has
been put through there, I think is a real asset to the site. I don't
think the trees are a threat to anybody and certainly with the
City's maintenance of the area, there wouldn't be any tree houses up
there. The trees are high enough, as they are in school sites, where
they aren't going to be a hazard and no one can lurk behind them. I
Personally think we have got the best ecupranise for the area. If
there was any roan to move it out, I would certainly be inclined to
see that happen. I do like the overall plan, and I think it's the
best we can do and still keep the elements in there."
Commissioner Throne addressed his comments to Architect Beals,
regarding the winding of the path in the southern part of the
trail, from an architectural standpoint you want to wind it down
there because it makes it more interesting. However, given the
concern of the neighbors, you could move it to the inside of the
trees as long as it doesn't became a hazard for the soccer field. My
recommendation would be to move the path as far away from the
neighbors as possible without impinging on the playing surface of
the fields."
Architect Beals said, "and as I pointed out there are two critical
spots, the rest of it is fine, I don't know if the intent is to move
it in front of all the trees, because sane of the path is out 40
feet and there are still three or four trees in front of i t, and I
think that is acceptable."
Commissioner Throne also stated, "I'm just thinking of those PRCS#129
areas that it dips down, if it's possible to move it in and P�
still satisfy the playing requirement, I think that would be my Eaton
recommendation. I also agree with Dick, I don't think we should School
remove an element."
(cont'd)
Commissioner Hendrickson expressed, "I feel I should apologize,
I'm not familiar with this site, and if anything, I wish I had
visited it. I don't have a feel for the concerns the homeowners
have, ncr do I have a feel for what is being proposed. I would
have preferred to visit the site before I give an opinion. I
apologize."
Chairman Hopkins said, "this seems to be a situation we find
ourselves in when trying to approve a plan when there are
different ideas on how the plan should be implemented. We
certainly are sensitive to community concerns about anything we
are about to approve or disapprove and so it's a real hard
balance that we have to try to maintain in looking at these
kinds of things. Preferably we would like to see the concerns of
the neighbors eliminated and sometimes we are able to do that
and sometimes we are not. Certainly, in this situation, I agree
with Darwin that if this element is not to be removed then we
need to find a way to at least maximize the distance between the
fences and the path way where feasible, without infringing on
the fields."
Architect Beals remarked, "since the neighbors are here in front
of the Commission, there is one question that I have. We tried
not to remove any trees so the soccer field, the pathway and
everything else respects that. One of the things that needs to
be considered in trying to reach this compromise position is,
should moving this away and keeping this, be dependent on
removing a tree? Is that a consideration? If your recommendation
comes down to what you just said, I think we would want to hear
from the Commission as to what your position may be on that."
Commissioner Throne said his question to the neighbors would be,
"would you rather see the path further away by sane of the trees
being taken down?"
Resident Darlene Thorne answered, "it depends on how many trees Resident
aL e men down, and naturally we don't want the trees to be Darlene
taken down."
Thorne
Resident Phil Devin said, "once a year P.G.&E. comes in and Resident
clears the trees after a storm." Phil Devin
Richard Matthews from Cupertino Union School District commented, Richard
"I've been here for 32 years. The jogging path has been there Matthews
for years and it was always behind the trees."
Resident Darlene Thorne declared, "if there was a track there,
nobody used it. . .We understand there is a need to improve. I
don't consider myself ever to be against new things coming in.
However, the concern that we do have, is for the peace and
serenity of the neighbors that we've enjoyed for 28 years and we
don't think that's asking too much by moving a path in 5-10
feet."
PRC # 129
P. 6
Eaton Resident Phil Harris explained "I've
School years• . .and if the been a resident here for 17
(cont'd) a Y open the school back up, I think the path needs to be
measured distance' either a quarter mile or half mile.
or against moving the path, I'm not in favor
( I just feel there needs to be visual access
seen the school building to all parts of that path so the kids can be
Resident Resident Carey Campbell said, "I have Carey have had much serenity. . .Zt is v �� a resident for 14 years. We
Campbellover your fence as they run along Y disconcerting to have people looking
to the dogs. Basically, I'm a dust checking out things. It's annoying
we're all in favor of hav' 7�er and this would be a great plan and
Please let's make it scarha �� a nice place to run on that field. But that works for all of us. It's much more
conducive to jogging if it's pretty much on a straight. I think it's a
great plan, and I'd love to see it happen, but I think it can be
acc Omodating to the needs of all of us."
Commissioner LAhmiller explained, "this is an elementary school site and
trees have to be maintained and if the
maintenance problem. The measured distanceY are not, then that's a
all the school sites. It's is a situation that exists at
do a handled differently at each school. One is to
cured area and cone it off at certain distances. The small
practice field is a variable that can be moved around To utilize the
site as a semi-regulation size field, the width of this site is a little
narrow. I don't have the solution to the problem, I think overall it's
the best that can be done to keep both elements there."
Chairman Hopkins asked for any more comments from the audience before he
brought it back to the Commission.
Motion CcxrIInissioner Throne made a
motion to accept the recommended plan for
Eaton school with the direction to the Architect that they try and
maximize the distance between the fence and the jogging path without
compromising the playing field. The motion was seconded
Lohmiller. All were in favor with by Commission.
(Commissioner Hendrickson abstained Commissioner sin Hendrickson abstaining.
site and there was because since he hadn't visited the
visit the site to concern voiced from the neighbors, he needed to
make a decision)
Director Dowling stated "this item goes on to the Tuesday evening for action. The school. Board next
and that will be added to the report
Commission's s recommendation is advisory
port on Tuesday,
Lincoln Director stated, "the next school we are discussing tonight is Lincoln."
Elementary
Y Architect Jay Beals presented the existing conditions at Lincoln
Elementary School and then presented the long range master- plan and
iaplementation plan.
Chairman Hopkins asked if anyone had any questions.
PRC# 129
p. 7
Commissioner Lohmiller remarked, "at the previous meetings, the I Lincoln
neighbors were very complementary of the plan. There were folks that school
had some concerns but they were upset with the school when they did (cont Id)
their remodeling construction. During the construction they felt
they were inconvenienced. But Jay had shown them that there would
certainly be dust and noise but not the inconvenience they had
before. We had a pretty good representation of the neighbors."
Commissioner Hendrickson said, "I have been to this site and I think
the additions are very attractive."
Commissioner Hendrickson made a motion to accept the recommended Motion
plan for Lincoln school as presented. Commissioner Throne seconded.
Motion approved.
Director Dowling said, "the last school we are presenting tonight is
Regnart School."
Architect Jay Beals presented the existing conditions at Regnart Regnart
Elementary School and then presented the long range master plan and School
implementation plan.
Commissioner Colman asked, "what was the reaction of the neighbors
at these meetings?"
Commissioner Lohmiller replied, "most of these neighbors were very
supportive. There were a number of people at both neighborhood
meetings."
Chairman Hopkins asked for comments from the audience.
Director said although she doesn't wish to come to the podium, he
introduced the principal of Regnart School, Joy Weiss.
Commissioner Throne moved to accept the proposed master plan for Motion
Regnart School as presented. Commissioner Colman seconded the motion
and motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS
6. Director explained, "this is an old business item that the general
Commission discussed at the last meeting and raised some very plan
legitimate concerns about a very guarded statement going into the statement
general plan. I put a statement in your packet for you to look at. gym/pool
At this point I will turn it back to the Chair."
Commissioner Throne remarked that he felt the statement reflects all
that was discussed at the last meeting.
Commissioner Throne moved to accept the proposed statement to the Motion
general plan regarding the gymnasium/swimming pool. Commissioner
Lohmiller seconded the motion. Motion was approved.
PRC # 128
P. 8 NEW BUSINESS
Posted 8. Director said, "we currently have a cityord'hours for that all City finance that specifies
par ty Parks shall be closed between 10:0o p.m. and 6:00
a.m. That worked in the 1970's when all of our parks were
neighborhood parks. But the variety and scope of our parks have
changed. So we need to have some different language. We have
grouped our parks into three categories based upon their
facilities. Group A includes the six parks which have no
opportunity for night time programs. Group B includes the four
parks that have recreation facilities for night time use. Group C
allows for building utilization beyond 10:00 P.M. by permit. I
will now turn it back to the Clair."
Director Lohmiller moved to accept the staff recommendation of the
modified hours of public access to City parks. Commissioner Colman
seconded and motion was approved.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Motion
9. Commissioner Throne moved and Commissioner Hendrickson seconded a
Imotion to approve the minutes of the May 7th Parks and Recreation
meeting. Motion approved. (Colman abstained)
` WRITTEN CLOMMUNICATIONS
10. There were no written communications.
MONTHLY REPORTS
11. Director reported as of May 18, we are extending business hours at
Quinlan Community Center. He mentioned that City Manager, Don
Brown served as auctioneer at the seniors "Walk a Golden Mile and
Auction". They generated $2000 for needy senior programs. Director
reminded Commissioners of the fireworks on 4th of July evening and
that there would not be the daytime activities as in the past. The
annual 4th of July pancake breakfast put on by the Optimists will
be at the Quinlan Center. Director will note in future what
activities are coming up, if Commissioners should attend and if
their help is needed at these activities.
12. Chairman Hopkins community contact included visiting the Trail
Center reported they went over what has been happening with St.
Joseph property.
MISCE.LANDOUS
13. There was no legislative update report.
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14. Chairman Hopkins reported on the May 11th Mayor's luncheon.
15. There were no staff oral reports.
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16. There was no school site master plan status report.
AWOURNMENT PRC # 129
P. 9
18. At 9:10 p.m. Connissioner Colman moved and Commissioner
'Throne Adjournment
seconded a motion to adjourn to the regular scheduled meeting on
July 2, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. , Council Chambers. Motion approved.
Respectfully submitted,
M. Tagergren,
AT=: APPROVED:
City Clerk Chairperson