HomeMy WebLinkAbout103-Update of the Blaney Plaza Banner Policy and Consideration of a Use Policy and Fee Schedule for Reserved Use of Blaney Plaza.pdfSARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE June 20, 2007 AGENDA ITEM:
ORIGINATING DEPT: Recreation CITY MANAGER:
Dave Anderson
PREPARED BY: Michael Taylor DEPT HEAD:
Michael Taylor, Interim Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Update of the Blaney Plaza Banner Policy and Consideration of a Use Policy
and Fee Schedule for Reserved Use of Blaney Plaza
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution to update the existing Blaney Plaza Banner
Policy and consider establishing a use policy and fee schedule for reserved use of Blaney Plaza
and direct staff accordingly.
REPORT SUMMARY:
Blaney Plaza
Blaney Plaza is a 9,000 square foot (approximate total) triangular median at the intersection of
Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and Highway 9 (Big Basin Way) entering
Downtown Saratoga. The site of a Memorial Arch, “holiday tree,” and flagpole, the Plaza is used
for many City ceremonies. The Memorial Arch splits the Plaza into two areas; the upper section
being about 1,500 square feet, the lower approximately 2,500 square feet. The rest of the area is
landscaped, dominated by 3 large trees, an oak and two stone pines. The Plaza was renovated in
2006, following the installation of the Memorial Arch, which was moved from the Fire Station
across the street about three years prior. All landscaping and irrigation was replaced, and the
hardscape areas were either replaced or repaired. The upper section has 3 benches, 3 chess tables
(2 chairs each) and a bike rack, and the lower section has 1 bench, 4 chess tables and a drinking
fountain. All of these amenities were newly installed during the 2006 renovation project.
The Plaza is an open public space used for casual recreation, small group gatherings, as a general
meeting place, and for the previously mentioned City functions. When City functions occur, the
side street (outside Starbucks) is closed off to vehicles, allowing for easier access and overflow
of people into the street. This street closure makes it possible to hold larger City functions at the
Plaza.
Blaney Plaza is currently not available for reserved exclusive use by the public. It has been
suggested that the Plaza be designated as an area that could be made available for reservation
with a rental fee established for exclusive use.
A concern of designating the Plaza as available for group rental is the limited space at the site
and vehicular traffic distractions, making it a difficult place to hold a permitted function by
outside groups without street closures. Depending upon the intended use of the space by a rental
group, additional use permits may be required.
The City has established policies and procedures for the rental of other public facilities. Rooms
at the Community Center, large and small picnic areas, volleyball courts, etc. at the City parks
are available to rent. Perhaps the most comparable facility presently available is the Wildwood
Park stage. A use policy and fee of $45 per day for residents ($55 per day for non-residents) is
currently in place for the stage.
Banner Policy Update
The City of Saratoga adopted a resolution establishing rules and regulations for hanging banners
in Blaney Plaza in June 1983. The policy was refined in May of 1985. The policy was updated in
June 1990 and revised in July 2005. Changes to the rules and regulations must be approved by
the City Council. The City currently offers the site for hanging public announcement, non-profit
event banners for a fee of $300 per week. The Recreation Department manages the banner
program by scheduling the plaza, collecting the fee, and hanging banners approximately 32
weeks per year.
Current policy (Attachment A) requires organizations to deliver and pick up their banners at the
City’s Maintenance Corporation Yard Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 3:30pm. With the “off
Fridays” and the 3:30pm closure, this has not been convenient for community groups.
Staff recommends revising the existing policy to allow banners to be handled by the Recreation
Department at the Community Center. The Community Center is open more hours, is not closed
on Fridays, and is therefore more accessible to the public. A proposed policy is attached to this
report as Attachment B.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Minimal revenues may potentially be realized through a fee charged for reservation for exclusive
use of Blaney Plaza. There is no fiscal impact of the proposed change in the banner policy.
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED ACTION:
If Council does not approve a use policy and fee schedule, the use of Blaney Plaza will continue
as a public place without the option of reserved exclusive use.
If Council does not approve an update of the Banner Policy, internal inefficiencies will continue.
2 of 3
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
N/A
FOLLOW UP ACTION:
If approved, staff will return to Council with a resolution and policy for accepting reservations
and collect fees for the exclusive use of Blaney Plaza.
If the banner policy amendments are approved, staff will revise practices and procedures for
hanging banners at Blaney Plaza.
ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT:
Agenda was posted in compliance with the Brown Act.
ATTACHMENTS:
A – Current Blaney Plaza Banner Policy
B – Proposed Banner Policy
3 of 3