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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-1993 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA PARK8 AND RECREATION COMMISSION TIME: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1993 - 7:30 P.M. t PLACE: SENIOR DAY CARE CENTER 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting/Public Meeting I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL - Present: Barnard, Clark, Crotty (7:40), Dutra, Miller, Pierce Absent: Swan Staff: Trinidad, Pisani, Tare B. MINUTES - Approval of Minutes of 12/7/92. Pierce/Barnard C. POSTING OF THE AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on 1/27/93. Vice-chairman Donna Miller called the meeting to order at 7:34. III. A. CARNELIAN GL~ TRAIL IMpROVEMENTS/PUBLIC MEETING Secretary Trinidad reviewed the background of the Trail System, Carnelian Glen Trail, and the Trail Map with the Commissioners and approximately thirty residents in attendance. He explained the Landscape Architect's role in inadvertently eliminating this trail from the trail map in the final draft of the Master Plan, and that the trail was specifically included in the City Council's resolution. The completion of this trail was a priority for the Commission. He further explained that this workshop was being conducted to glean information from the residents and to exchange ideas. The following comments were made by proponents of the trail: 1) Sally Stream - Moved into area in 1973 and uses trails. Stated Saratoga/Los Gatos Road residents used trails. Also provided history back to Mrs. Pace intending that there be a trail. 2) Annette Woolsey - Her children used the trails years ago and it would give her access to Swim Club now. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 1992 Page 2 In addition to the letter from Michael and Shelley Nagle included in the packet, opponents to the trail connection produced a 39 signature petition and a letter from Jeffrey and Marlene Kalb expressing resistance to the proposed improvements. Following is additional dialogue in approximate sequence: 1) Adrian Stanga - Crossing or walking along main road is dangerous. Easement has not been acquired through a certain section of private property. Opposes opening up Carnelian Glen to State Highway. This same proposal was defeated in 1983. Development of other creek pathways were defeated last year. 2) Jim Martin - Doesn't want pathway through private property. Believes we live in dangerous times. 3) Commissioner Barnard questioned if Mr. Martin was aware of the easement when he purchased his property. 4) Commissioner Clark asked if trails were being used now and was told it was, by neighbors. 5) Ron Naymark - His is one of the major homes involved. There is no one using trail behind his home now. There is a natural slope down to the creek so must stabilize, possibly add railing, which is costly. 6) Michael Nagle - He is impacted most. His bedroom window is 25' from the proposed trail. His family room is next to the fence. He wants peace and quiet and this would ruin his enjoyment of the area. His neighbor was robbed from the rear yard. When working, concerned about access to his home. 7) Commissioner Barnard asked if the trail was shown on his title policy when he bought the house. 8) Spencer Ozawa - Concern for motorcycles which use some paths now. They jump their bikes over the obstructions. 9) Alfred Hasler - Pathway would disturb his privacy. Concerned with safety, danger and disturbances. Moved there for these reasons. Would sell house if neighborhood changes. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 1993 Page 3 ====== 10) Anonymous - Opening up the trails to Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road, especially when #85 is open, would be a disaster. People from distant areas would eventually learn of trails in Saratoga and everyone would have access to them. 11) Unidentified - Trail goes behind her house and her dog barks and so will other dogs. Agrees with Jim Martin. 12) John Barber - Walks to village 5 times a week down Douglass Lane and has not walked Carnelian Glen. Would walk on a street path if it was developed. 13) Carol Harris - She was aware of the easement in her title. Opposes because of danger along the creek. Money is needed to clear and fix pathway. People do and can walk and jog along street. There is a section of private property with no easement in way of trail. 14) Secretary Trinidad explained that the City would have to acquire the easement on private property. 15) Kristin'Bowman - Lives there. Was robbed from rear yard last year. Access was gained from Douglass pathway. She was gone only one hour. Is worried about safety of her property. Children crossher property now to get to Redwood and that is o.k. She is concerned that someone else having access could watch children's patterns and could abduct or molest where no one could see. 16) Allen Harris - Concerned with people's private property. Fears that maps will be distributed and ultimately open area up to everyone. He moved to Saratoga to have privacy. 17) Commissioner Barnard asked if he was aware of Parks & Trails Master Plan and suggested he obtain copy. 18) Adrian Stanga - Chamber of Commerce is constantly asked for maps of Saratoga Trails by visitors. Saratoga is highly travelled and it would be even worse with trail maps. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 1993 Page 4 ===========~=~===~ ------ 19) Gerald Hodnefield - Opposes trail and sympathizes with those having trails behind their homes. 20) Commissioner Crotty thanked the residents for their input and stated that we would not have to publicize this trail. She also mentioned that in Marin, there are areas with expensive homes that have pathways alongside and residents enjoy it. She wants staff to get information from Marin and have someone give residents a presentation on their program. 21) Commissioner Clark stated that he lives in that area and he would use the improved trail. He welcomes the input from the neighbors. 22) Vice-Chairman Miller voiced concern for the children's safety, isolation of the pathway and loss of neighborhood privacy. 23) Commissioner Pierce motioned that staff further investigate the feasibility of the trail taking into consideration the Sheriff's records of incidents in the area, safety of users, topographic issue, protecting trees, cost of construction and maintenance, alternate trail on the roadway, noise factor, etc. Directed staff to report at the next meeting a schedule on completion of the investigation and on further public meetings. Barnard 2nd. 5/1(Miller) 24) Commissioner Barnard suggested that everyone get copies of the Trails Master Plan and that, as the residents, they will have to live with what the City decides. 25) Unknown resident applauded the City's concern for controlled areas for teens - Teen Center, and encouraged continuance of controlling activities. Worried that improvements to this pathway will give them isolated place for activities. All residents expressed definite interest in being notified of the next step in the process. Public Meeting portion was closed. II. A. Rave~wood Park Report Secretary Trinidad introduced the staff report scheduled for the City Council Meeting of February 3, 1993 for the Commission's information. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 1993 Page 5 III. B. Policy Development ~onference Agenda Items 1) Commissioner Crotty believed that the City "missed the boat" on soliciting volunteers for Beauchamps Park, citing Ravenwood Park's volunteers as an example. Secretary Trinidad mentioned that the City has a very pro-active Volunteer Department and that the Ravenwood budget was small and volunteers were helpful. Coordination is very difficult during large construction projects such as Beauchamps Park. He will look to the neighborhood for maintenance volunteers. 2) Commissioner Clark mentioned Wildwood Park Resrooms for the disabled and it was decided that if monies were not awarded through CDBG, the Commission would request that Council consider it again. 3) Joan Pisani requested that the Commission support the extra staffing needed for both the Recreation and Maintenance Departments due to new programs with schools, additional parks, medians and the Warner Hutton House. 4) Commissioner Dutra questioned the method of evaluation of applications for the Grants for the Performing Arts awarded earlier this year. 5) As per the letter in the packet from Little League, the Commissioners support a special assessment district. III. C. BicYcle Advisory Committee Vice-chairman Miller, being active in bicycling, was unanymously appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Committee. IV. Commission and Staff Reports A) Commissioner Clark reported on what he perceived to be the main issues at Council Meetings the past month, which were: 1) Creek pollution 2) 24-Hour Nautilus Some discussion was held on the 24-Hour Nautilus issue as Commissioner Barnard lives in the neighborhood. Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 1, 1993 Page 6 Communications A) All Commissioners wanting to go to the CPRS this year were notified that they would be able to attend. B) Joint Council/Commission meeting minutes were attached to the packet. It was requested that we make note in our minutes that Chairman Swan questioned the status of the rollerblade facility at the meeting. D~f' Tr~ff'i~d, Secrt ~tary mt