HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2000 HPC Minutes City of Saratoga
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2000, 9:15 a.m.
Place: Warner Hutton House, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Type: Regular Meeting
I. Routine Organization
A. Roll Call
Present: Peck, Peepari, Wyman, King, and Koepernik
Absent: Anderson (Note: Jill Hunter has been appointed and will begin in May)
Staff: Erik Pearson, Assistant Planner;
Guests: Judy Alberts, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair; Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst;
Ann Waltonsmith, Council member
B. Approval of minutes from 3/14/00
Robert Peepari noted that he would like to have the manufacturer and model number of the proposed
home on the Bellicitti property. It was agreed upon by the Commission that all future references to the
Pike Estate should include the name "Old Grandview Ranch" in parenthesis.
The minutes were approved 5-0
C. Posting of the Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code Section 94954.2, the agenda was posted on Thursday April 6, 2000
G. Oral Communications
Commissioner Peepari noted that he went to the last Parks and Recreation Commission where the
Heritage Orchard was discussed. He read from the minutes of that meeting which discussed putting
the idea of developing the Orchard for recreation purposes on the ballot. Commissioner Peepari noted
that he opposes putting the issue before the voters.
Commissioner Koepernik commented that building a museum with a gymnasium in the Heritage
Orchard is not necessary because Saratoga already has a museum and does not have the budget to
maintain two museums. He added that parking would be an issue and that a bridge over the creek
would have to be large enough to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Commissioner Koepernik added
that Saratoga should better utilize school facilities in the area.
Commissioner Peck commented that a vote would serve as a guide for the City Council and may be
helpful.
Commissioner King noted that when the City voted on the Highway 85 interchange, it didn't help
much as when it was built people were not happy. She noted that the population changes over time
and that people change their minds. Commissioner King thought the decision should be up to the City
Council.
Commissioner Wyman found it interesting that the City of Sunnyvale is currently trying to recreate an
orchard while Saratoga is considering developing a portion of the Heritage Orchard.
Commissioner Koepernik handed out his notes (see attached) and discussed several things the
Commission and the City could do to learn more about the history of the Orchard and to better utilize
the Orchard.
Judy Alberts explained to the Commission that Council member Nick Streit came to the Parks and
Recreation Commission as an individual with only an idea. The Parks and Recreation Commission did
vote on the idea, but only as an advisory. She noted that the City already has agreements with all
schools in the City for sharing playfields. One problem is that schools limit the number of soccer games
and practices due to the increased turf maintenance required. Alberts agreed that the City should
promote the Orchard and that if it is better utilized, people will be less likely to see the land as available
for development.
Commissioner Koepernik commented that instead of putting money into new development of the
Orchard, put the money into maintenance of existing playfields.
Council member Waltonsmith commented that not only should we be debating what to do with
existing City-owned property and open space, but that the City should try to increase the amount of
open space. Waltonsmith noted that Saratoga only has three acres of open space per thousand people.
Commissioner Wyman commented that we should hear from the old-time orchardists in the area to
educate the City on the history of orchards in Saratoga. She will follow-up by trying to set up a class or
lecture to be held at the library. Commissioner Wyman directed staff planner Pearson to report back to
the Commission on what the three acres per thousand people figure includes (e.g. railroad property).
Alberts, Bloomquist and Waltonsmith left the meeting.
H. Written Communications
The following letters were noted:
Letter from Robert Peepari to City Council regarding the reappointments of Norman Koepernik and
Willys Peck.
II. Old Business
A. None
III. New Business
A. 14700 Sixth Street- St. John's Episcopal Church
Commissioner Peepari excused himself from the discussion due to a conflict of interest.
Commissioner Peck noted that the house had been changed a lot over the years. He moved to approve
the demolition of the structure.
Commissioner Koepernik commented that the house does need a lot of work, but that it has a lot of
charm. He would like to see it restored.
Commissioner King seconded the motion with the conditions that the Commission review the new
proposal for the site and that a plaque be posted at the site to the satisfaction of the Commission.
Approved 3~ 1. Koepernik opposed.
B. 20355 Orchard Road - Review of wall under construction along Saratoga Avenue (a Heritage
Lane). Two stucco walls are proposed to match the color of the house.
Commissioner Koepernik moved that the wall be approved with the condition that vines be planted at
the base of the tall wall and that at least one oak tree be planted adjacent to Saratoga Avenue.
Commissioner Peck seconded the motion. Approved 5-0.
C. 14195 Saratoga Avenue - Design Review application to demolish all existing structures and build a
new single family residence, detached garage and second unit.
The Commission agreed that existing trees and vegetation at the front property line should be
maintained to the maximum extent feasible.
Commissioner Wyman moved that the Commission recommend to the Planning Commission that the
proposal be approved with the requirement that significant trees be preserved and that the planting of
additional oak trees be encouraged if feasible. Commissioner Peck seconded the motion. Approved 5~
O.
IV. Items Initiated by the Commission
c. Discussion of Mills Act was continued to the regular meeting in May.
D. "Adopt a Tree" idea for the Heritage Orchard was mentioned during Oral Communications. The
Commission decided to first focus on hosting a lecture or class.
E. Commissioner Peck told the Commission that he knew of a man who lives on Austin Way and is
concerned about preserving the brick surface on Austin Way. The Commission decided that
Commissioner Peck should invite the person to the next meeting to discuss the possibility of
designating Austin Way a Heritage Lane.
F. Commissioner Peck noted that he will be writing an article about the Heritage Orchard for the City
newsletter.
G. Commissioner Wyman said that she would bring an application for a state "Point of Interest" for
the Orchard to the next meeting.
V. Items Initiated by the Secretary
c. Plaque of the Hyde House - 11995 Walbrook Drive.
Commissioner Koepernik commented that the shop in the Los Angeles area that used to make the
plaques is out of business. He will follow up to try to find the template.
Staff Pearson agreed to find the City's policy on when we require plaques, how many are out there and
where they are.
This item was continued to the regular meeting in May.
D. Grant application for State Office of Historic Preservation
Staff Pearson presented the grant application for State Office of Historic Preservation.
Commissioner Koepernik commented that he would like to pursue a grant to fund projects for the
Heritage Orchard.
Commissioner Wyman noted that the grant amounts are typically in the range of $2,500. The
Commission decided that more money would be needed and that other funding opportunities should be
considered.
VI. Adjournment
11:00 a.m. Tuesday May 9, 2000 - Warner Hutton House
Respectfully Submitted by,
ErikJ. Person, i-IPC Secretary
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