HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-1993 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes MINUTES
8AP~TOG~ PARKS AND RECRF~T~,0N COI~ISBION
TIME: MONDAY, JUNE 28, 1993 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: HAKONE JAPANESE GARDENS - 21000 BIG BASIN WAY
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL - Present: Clark, Crotty, Dutra,
Miller, Pierce, Swan
Absent:
Barnard
Staff: Rizzo, Pisani, Trinidad
B. MINUTES - Approval of Minutes of 5/3/93.
Pierce/Miller. 6/0.
C. POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting
was properly posted on 6/23/93.
II. OLD BUSINESS
None
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. Hakone Foundation - Bons~ GaTden - Future Plans
Don Miller, outgoing President of the Hakone Foundation
introduced members of the Golden State Bonsai Federation,
North,(GSBFN). He then presented a brief background and
overview of the Bonsai garden project.
Bill Hashimoto, President, told the Commission that the Club
is organized to promote Bonsai with educational programs. The
GSBFN has chosen Hakone Gardens as a possible site to display
100 Bonsai plants, 50 at at time, and to raise approximately
$100,000 to construct a display garden at Hakone Gardens.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meetinq Minutes
June 23. ~993
Paae 2
John Thompson, GSBFN, reviewed the overall Master Plan for the
proposed Bonsai Garden. He discussed the purpose of the dry
pond which will act as the drainage system. He discussed
proposed security, fencing with a solid 6' high fence, the
drip irrigation system, ADA requirements for the entry and
main Garden, and use of the Old Barn and proposed service
area.
The Commissioners enquired about the following:
- 20% reduction in parking spaces, could be reconfigured
to handle more, or small shuttle bus service
- Gravel surface is traditional surface for walkways
- Shading for sensitive plantings
- Removal of trees to allow more light
- GSBFNwill be responsible for all maintenance
- GSBFN will provide staffing during hours of operation
- Money collected for special events will go to Foundation
- No admission charge
City gardenworkers, Jack Tomlinson and Teru Ishihara, shared
concerns that Bonsai Garden is not in Master Plan for Hakone
Gardens. They were also concerned about the security.
It was motioned that it be recommended to Council to proceed
with their negotiations and review of the GSBFN Bonsai Garden
Master Plan. Pierce/Crotty. 6/0.
At this time, the Helen Stanley letter regarding the proposed
shrine at Hakone Gardens was discussed. The Commission
decided to wait for an opinion from the City attorney as to
whether to view it as a piece of art or a religious symbol.
III. B. Wildwood PaNk R~nta!s - ~!imiDation of Weekend Staffing
Secretary Trinidad and Superintendent Rizzo gave a brief
overview on the budget and how overtime hours have been
eliminated from the 93/94 budget. Commissioner Miller
motioned to try the new procedure of users cleaning the area
after their activity for a six-month period and then evaluate
its effectiveness at the end of that time. Miller/Pierce. 6/0
ParKs & Recreation Co~ission Meetina Minutes
Pa~e 3
June 23. 1993
C. E10uito park Re~9~-~at~on ~nd use Policy
secretary Trinidad reported that in order'to make the E1 Quito
Park picnic area more accessible to all, staff recommends that
this new reservation procedure be adopted. Rizzo stated that
many calls have been received requesting this convenience.
Motion toapprove - Miller/Crotty. 6/0.
D. Adopt-A-Park Program
Rizzo reported that this program is designed to have group
volunteer participation in the maintenance of City parks.
The need for this program is due to budget restrictions being
imposed upon the City and Council's direction as a result of
the Policy Development Conference. Rizzo also pointed out
that recognition would be received in news articles in the
Saratogan and receipt of Certificates of Appreciation from the
City Council. Motion to approve - Clark/Pierce. 6/0.
IV. COMMISSION AND ~TAFF REPQ~TS
A. Monthly Report On cpunci~Mee~gs
Commissioner Clark had Council Meeting duty for the month of
June. He reported that, at the meeting of June 16th, a few
members of the public voiced concern for the unsafe play
equipment at Kevin Moran Park and requested that it be replaced.
Secretary Trinidad stated that the play equipment may be old and
outdated, but it is safe and regularly checked by the Park
staff. Commissioner Crotty added that she and her children have
used and enjoyed the equipment and that she found it to be safe.
At that same meeting, the Council requested a priority list for
park development from this Commission for the November Joint
Meeting. The Commissioners agreed that the Parks & Trails
Master Plan already states the priorities for development.
Revised schedule for Commissioners' attendance at Council Meetings:
July - Pierce
August - Miller
September - Swan
October - Crotty
November - Dutra
December - Barnard
Parks &~ecreation Commission Meetinq Minutes
JuBe 23. 1993
Page 4
B. Joan Pisani reviewed the 1993 Summer Activity Programs,
Day Camp Programs, and Teen Center Programs. She also
reported on the upcoming Celebrate! Saratoga in September.
C. Status of H~kone I~riqatigD system Installation
Bob Rizzo reported that the City Council awarded this project
to Clay Landscape Contractors on June 16 and that construction
should begin in July.
D. City Budget and Its Effect on Parks
Secretary Trinidad reviewed the City budget for Fiscal Year
93/94, its impact on the Parks Department and that there was
a total reduction in salaries of 10.8%. It is a balanced budget.
Secretary Trinidad informed the Commission that the election
for Chairman and Vice Chairman should be held in August. Also,
at that time, Bob Rizzo could be appointed new secretary upon
Dan's retirement, if the Commission so desired.
Commissioners Crotty/Dutra reported on the Creek Beautification
Program. They received information on Santa Clara Valley Water
District permits for cleanup activities. A dump truck can be
provided to haul away trash. Saratoga Creek, near Wildwood Park
will be cleaned up on Saturday, July 31st from 9-12:00PM, and on
Saturday, August 28th from 9-12:00PM.
Chairman Swan informed the Commissioners that she had received a
letter from the Planning Commission regarding the setup of an
historical committee called Honor Saratoga for Saratoga,
California and Saratoga, New York.
Adjournment. Miller/Pierce. 6/0. ~
~Da~ri~dad, Secretary
mt