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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-1998 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes Saratoga larks and Recreation Commission Meeting Administrative Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga October 5, 1998 7:30 p.m. Action Minutes I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:40p.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Crotty, Friedrich, Olsen, Swan, Whitney Commissioners Absentc Clabeaux, Ioannou Others Present: Terri Baron, James Baron, Judy Alberts, James Walgren, Lisa Payne, John Cherbone, Joan Pisani, Irene Jacobs III. Report on Posting of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on September 30, 1998. IV. Approval of Minutes of September 8, and September 22, 1998 Meetings: Commissioner Swan made a motion to approve the minutes of September 8, 1998 with corrections. Commissioner Swan pointed out that that under item V, the minutes currently read as, "Ms. Baron .... the standards for this site were not completed to the standards that had been outlined in the Parks and Trails Master Plan." Commissioner Swan requested that the minutes be changed to reflect the fact that the trail that Ms. Baron is referring to in the minutes had never been started. Commissioner Crotty seconded the motion and the motion carried. (5/0) Commissioner Swan made a motion to approve the minutes of September 22, 1998 as read. Commissioner Crotty seconded the motion and the motion carried. (5/0) Administration: Staff passed out the most recent financial reports that had been compiled by the city's finance department that reflected the activity and balance of the Park Development Fund. Oral & Written Communication: The Chair informed the Commission that she had been copied on a letter sent to the city by Bill Brooks, former Parks and Recreation Commissioner and trail advocate. In his letter, Mr. Brooks explained his understanding of a situation that was discussed at the joint meeting with the PRC and the City Council on September 22, 1998 differed to what he understood to have been discussed. The discussion that Mr. Brooks referred to in his letter revolved around the abandonment of certain trails in the Mount Eden Estates area. Commissioner Freidrich made a motion to attend to New Business items first and then return to Old Business in order to accommodate those members of the public who had attended the meeting to discuss the items listed under New Business. Commissioner Whitney seconded the motion and the motion carried. (5/0) VI. New Business: A)Trail Easement Request for Peck Property: At last month's meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a memo received from the Planning Department asking if the Commission had any modifications to make regarding Trail Improvements near the Peck Property located on Mount Eden Road. Last month, the Commission agreed with the Planning Department's recommendation to have the developer improve the existing trail which connects to Villa Oaks. In addition, the Commission approved to amend their previous recommendation to the Planning Department by requesting that this portion of trail be added to the City's Trails Master Plan and therefore require that these trails be developed to the standards outlined in the Trails Master Plan. James Walgren, Community Development Director, attended the meeting to share a little background of the request regarding the Payhe's Property and to clarify any questions that the Commission might have regarding trails and the development process. There was discussion among the Commission, and those members of the public present, regarding the concerns that had been raised by Terri Baron about the trails behind lots 11, 18 and 23 (the Payne property is lot 18) that she reported as not having been developed. Discussion revolved around the history of the trail section and the limitations that the city has in requiring improvements since certain sections that property have already been developed and completed. Commissioner Friedrich made a motion to have the Parks and Recreation Commission receive input from the property owner, the equestrian and trails advocates and staff and come to an agreement outside of the meeting that was agreeable to all parties regarding width, length, materials that was ultimately acceptable to all parties. These recommendations would then need to be approved by the Parka and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Swan seconded the motion. When the chair opened the motion up to discussion, there was some concern shared that the proposed motion would hold up construction for the property owner who would appreciate no further delays. Commissioner Freidrich then modified his original proposal recommending that the Trials Sub-Committee be given the "blessing" of the Commission to outline the specific requirements for the Payne portion of the trail and these specifics, once decided upon by the sub- committee, would have the approval of the entire Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Whitney seconded the motion and the motion carried. (5/0) B) Teen Task Force Representative: Commissioner Ioannou was unable to attend the meeting but on her behalf, staff reported that Ms. Ioannou had volunteered to be the Commission's representative on Teen matters. This issue was discussed because concerns were raised by some members of the community that the city was not sufficiently addressing teen issues and that a group of concerned parents were informally meeting to see if some joint efforts could be made to address their concerns. Commissioner Whitney made a motion to accept Commissioner Ioannou's offer and appoint her as the Commission's representative to any and all groups that would meet within the conununity to discuss teen issues. Commissioner Swan seconded the motion and the motion passed. (5/0) VII. Old Business: A) Hayfield Task Force Update: An update was given on the project by those present at the meeting that also served on the Playfield Task Force. Staff passed out the new scheduled of meetings that would take place now that the Beals Group's original scope of services had been modified and expanded. All Commissioners were encouraged to attend the Public Input Meetings that had been scheduled to share schematic plans with neighbors of the proposed development sites. B) Joint Meeting with City Council: On September 22, 1998, the commission had attended a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss various projects where the commission was currently focusing their efforts. There was general discussion among the commission members about the meeting and the overall sense was that the Council was supportive of their current efforts in all areas although the commission would like to continue working on improving relations with staff in all departments. Commissioner Friedrich reminded his colleagues that the commission needed to lead by example and that they should remember to abide by Robert's Rules of Order and not speak out of term. VII1. Reports: Commissioner Reports: There were general updates and comments made by all Commissioners on an array of various issues related to Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Freidrich recommended that the Commission make an effort to physically visit the sites that were to be discussed at Commission meetings in order to be able to better understand the issue at hand. It was decided that those members of the Commission who could, would meet on Saturday, October 17th to visit the Mount Eden Estate area and see the trails that were in question at tonights meeting. The group would meet at Saratoga Bagels, located on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road at 8:30 a.m. City Hall Update: Staff discussed some initial plans with the Commission regarding the traditional holiday party that was scheduled to take place in December. Recreation Department Status Report: Joan Pisani shared with the Commission the various unique and exciting trips that were available through the Recreation Department. She also reported to the Commission that work was in progress on the Community Center Needs Assessment and also, that she was now overseeing facilities city-wide. IX. Adjournment Commissioner Whitney made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Friedrich seconded the motion. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. (5/0) Prepared By: City Staff Represent~ave