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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2000 Park and Recreation Commission Agendasf Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting City Hall Administrative Offices 13 7 7 7 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga Monday, June 5, 2000 7:30 p.m. AGENDA I. Orszanization A) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff B) Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on March, 2000 C> Approval of March, 2000 Minutes II. Administration A) Report from Christina Ratcliffe, City Planner, regarding Chao property and Howell and Mc1Vei1 Development Subdivision-Commission recommendation requested for Chao property easement issue. B) Update from Recreation Director Joan Pisani C) Update from Recreation Director Joan Pisani —Community Center short-term repairs. III. Oral Written Communication This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda IV. Old Business A) Review of Action Matrix B) Subcommittee Reports: Trails Creeks Congress Springs C) Discussion of disbursement process for $29,500 in Trail Improvement Funds D) Follow-up discussion regarding Heritage Orchard Telephone Poll/Saratogan Tear Out Survey. E) Adopt-a-Park individual Commissioner Reports V. New Business A) Approval by Council at May 17, 2000 meeting for the allocation of $1,175,000.00 in Park Development for the redevelopment of Congress Springs Park. B) Discussion vote regarding change/cancellation of July August PRC meetings. l T VI. Commissioner Staff Reports A) City Hall Update by Staff Liaison Bloomquist B) Commissioner Reorts VII. Adiournment Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Administrative Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga May 1, 2000 7:30 p.m. Action 1VUnutes I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Seioff Commissioners Absent:Olsen Others Present: Norman Koepernik, Robert Peepari, Joan Pisani, I�ara Chalmers, Cary Bloomquist III. Report on Postinst of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on April 27, 2000. IV. Approval of Minutes of MeetinQ: Motion by Commissionei Clabeaux to approve April 3, 2000 Action Minutes seconded by Commissioner Ioannou, motion carried (6-0). Motion by Commissioner Ioannou to approve April 10, 2000 Action Minutes seconded by Commissioner podge, motion carried (6-0). V. Administration: (A) Recreation Director Joan Pisani Update: Director Pisani gave an update on the various recreation programs and their high level of public participation. Director Pisani indicated over 1500 tickets wei sold for the Cinderella Production. Director Pisani also mentioned the softball program at El Quito Park is under way again. Director Pisani indicated the Youth Commission is presently recruiting for new members. (B) Update on Community and Senior Center short-term repairs: Director Pisani reported Bids are coming in for various Items including portable buildings. The portable buildings will be located between the Community Center and the Corp. Yard. (C) Follow-up discussion from joint meeting with Council on April 25, Z000: Meeting went well; the Council honored the recommendation for the allocations of funds. Only follow-up issue is pertaining to the Parker Ranch "Tank Trail" segment. Eventually will need to bring back to Council for direction. Liaison Bloomquist to follow up with Acting Public Works Director John Cherbone regarding the role of the City in overseeing the trails improvement work to be performed with the recent $29,500.00 allocation. (D) Recognition of cleanup efforts by the Girl Scouts of America at El Quito and Wildwood Parks: Chair Alberts suggested sending a letter of recognition to the Girl Scouts of America for their clean-up efforts at El Quito and Wildwood Parks. Motion made by Commissioner Ioannou, seconded by Commissioner Clabeaux, motion passed (6-0). (E) Park Development Fund-Review Finance Department Report: Liaison Bloomquist gave a brief overview of report upon request of Commission. Commissioner Clabeaux gave feedback regarding specific allocations. Liaison Bloomquist indicated he is not prepared to review the report at that level of detail, but could request informarion from Finance Department Staff if necessary. No further action required. Upon reviewing report, the Commission decided to discuss the Kevin Moran and Gardiner Park projects. A motion was made by Commissioner Ioannou to approve the additional $68,000.00 required to fund the Kevin Moran Gardiner Parks playground equipment projects. Commissioner Clabeaux seconded the motion, motion carried (6-0). Oral Written Communication: None VI. Old Business: A) Discussion regarding possible usage of Park Development Funds for Community Center Renovations: Discussion ensued among the Commissioners regarding the allocation of PD Funds for Community Center renovations. Some Commissioners questioned if PD Funds were depleted by cost overruns, would the fund be replenished by a transfer of funds from the General Fund. Chair Alberts indicated the answer is "Yes" per discussions at previous Commission Meetings with our Council liaison Nick Streit. Recreation Director Joan Pisani volunteered to research and report back to the Commission if CDBG funds would be available for the Community Center renovations and what the amount of the allocation would be. Liaison Bloomquist indicated approximately $171,000.00 in CDBG could be allocated to the project. B) Discussion and review of ineeting with Heritage Commission on April 11, 2000: Chair Alberts provided the Commission with a brief overview and summary of the meeting. At this meeting, the Heritage Commission decided to follow-up with Recreation Department regarding the possibility of having educational programs regarding the Orchard at the Orchard sponsored by the Recreation Department. C) Follow-up regarding funding from passage of Propositions 12 13: Liaison Bloomquist gave an overview of the present status of the funding allocation process and timetable. Funding allocation for Proposition 12 is uncertain, but may be as early as FY 00/O1. Proposition 13 funding allocations are still far off, FY 01 /00 is likely timeframe. Liaison Bloomquist will keep the Commission updated as information becomes available. D) Follow-up report from Commissioner Seroff regarding Heritage Orchard "Advisory Vote": Commissioner Seroff contacted the Library Commission to determine how the process works. The deadline for submission is August 11, 2000 to get an item placed on the Ballot. The cost is $2500.00 per question, with a recommendation of 3 questions. Commissioner Seroff presented the Commission with the three questions for the Ballot for the Commission's consideration and review. A second option for determining the "Pulse" of Saratoga regarding the Heritage Orchard Park would be to hire a professional telephone survey company to conduct a scientific survey of 10% of the population. The cost of this would be approximately $10,000.00. E) Discussion ensued among Commission members with Commissioner podge offering her support for a telephone survey but indicating she prefers not to develop the Heritage Orchard. Commissioner Clabeaux requested clarification regarding the status of the Heritage Orchard: a) Is it a Park oi• a Heritage Orchard? b) Under which jurisdiction does it fall under-The Parks and Recreation Commission or the Heritage Commission? The response was the Heritage Orchard is a City Park with a Heritage Orchard contained within its boundary. In this instance with the proposed development of the Heritage Orchard, both Commissions have legitimate jurisdictional claims as to who makes the decisions regarding the disposition of the Orchard. Recreation Director Pisani gave information regarding the Council Newsletter and how the tear off section could be used to gather information regarding Saratoga's resident's opinions on the usage of the Orchard. Commissioner Seroff made a motion to recommend a scientific telephotle survey with demographics polling 10% of the population of Saratoga in an effort to attain information from the residents of Saratoga regarding possible recreational uses of the Heritage Orchard Central Park. Commissioner podge seconded the motion. During the discussion phase, Chair Alberts indicated what a difficult issue this is, and without moi�e information on the telephone survey, is not able to vote. Discussion ensued. Motion passed by vote, Commissioners Seroff, Dodge, Fronczak, Clabeau� supporting, Commissioner Ioannou opposing, Chair Alberts abstaining (4-1-1). Discussion regarding Wildcat Creek Clean-up, May Z0, Z000. Chair Alberts Stated the pre-creek walk will be Tuesday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the site of the creek clean up. Kevin Moran Park-Discussion of tree removal. Liaison Bloomquist requested 1-2 Commissioners be present during the tree removal phase of the project to respond to questions the public may have. Commissioner Clabeaux agreed to be in attendance. VII. New Business: A) None. VIII. Reports: Commissioner Reports: Ioannou-Indicated she would like to be the City Liaison for the Trails sub- committee. Requested that "Publicity for Parks Trails" be placed on the next Agenda. Clabeaux-Gave brief on web page. Dodge-No report. Seroff-No report. Fronczak-No report. Alberts-No report. Liaison Bloomquist gave a brief overview of Action Matrix and gave feedback to Commissioner Seroff regarding maintenance at Brookglen Park. IX. Adiournment Commissioner Seroff made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner Fronczak seconded the motion. The motion carried (6-0) and the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P.M. Prepared By: Cary Bloomquist City Staff Representative Agenda item PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ACTION MATRIX, June 5, 2000 Follow-up Action Required Trail Easement on Mt. Eden Road, APN 503-09-008 Parker Ranch "Water Tank" trail segment Congress Springs Park-Playfields improvements timeline. Staff Responsible Due Date Completion Date Trails Subcommittee Ongoing timeframe Bloomquist Trails Subcommittee Public Works Dept. investigated repair options. Too costly to pursue at present time. Temporary impassible barriers placed on trail by public works to keep user groups off trail while closed. Targeted Completion, July 2001. Design awarded to Greg Ing. Assoc. Next planning meeting June 15, 2000 8:30 a.m.. Targeted July/August 2000 N/A and Turf Bloomquist Park Restroom Improvements-Wildwood, El Quito and Bloomquist Congress Springs Parks. Targeted July/August, 2000 Propositions 12 13 —Allocation of funding. Bloomquist Ongoing Ongoing Kevin Moran Gardiner Parks Play Equipment Bloomquist Targeted July 2000. Duration should be projects. Bids opened on approx. 6 weeks. Distribution: City Council, City Manager, City Manager's Secretary, City Clerk, Director of Community Development, Director of Admin. Services, Acting Director of Public Works, Director of Recreation, Senior Administrative Analyst Targeted July, 2001(subject to change) March 28, 2000. Targeted completion Lowest bid was July 2000 $268K Distribution: City Council, City Manager, City Manager's Secretary, City Clerk, Director of Community Development, Director of Admin. Services, Acting Director of Public Works, D'uector of Recreation, Senior Administrative Analyst �1 COST PROPOSAL Description of Services (As Related to our Proposal dated Feb. 16, 2000) Based upon a Pro,ject Budget of 1 million doflars 1.0 Project Organization and Schedufe Meeting wistaff Chart illustrating schedule/timeline 2.0 Design Development Review existin� information Conduct visual analysis of the site Identifv Opportunities and Constraints Conceptual Design Plans 3,000 ea.) Field Survey/Topographical Map Public Presentations (Min. 5@ 4hrs. ea.) Includes a total of 5 project coordination mtgs. C: May 1, 2000 Estimated Fees 2,500.00 30,000.00 7,500.00 5,000.00 3.0 Construction Documents Landscape Architectural/Engineering Construction Documents All plans wil! be submitted to the city for a review at 2�%, �0% 1 DO Along witlz construction cost estimates at each review. l. Demolition Plan 2. Site Layout Staking Plan 3. Grading Drainage Plan 4. Electtical Plans (pathway lights, outlets conduit locations for future field lights) 5. Irrigation Plans 6. Planting Plans 7. Construction Details (backstops, fencing, walks, etc. 8. Specifications 35,000.00 4.0 Includes a total of 3 project coordination mtgs. Bidding 2,500.00 5.0 Includes a total of 2 project coordination mtgs. Site Construction Observation Construction Staking One set of rough grade stakes for new ballfields. One set of alignment and grade stakes for stonn sewer lines and inlets. 5,000.00 Two weeklv site visits for 12 weeks 12.000.00 TOTAL FEE 99,500.00 1. COST PROPOSAL CONT. SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Services not included in this proposal are as follows: a.) Soils testing or Geotechnical engineering b. Boundary Survey c.)- Water system design d. Retaining wall engineering e. Structural engineering f.) Field lighting electrical engineering g. Any permitting fees h. ProjeCt Adm1I115tiatloII (To be de�ermined ripon completioii of co�rstruc�ivn docr�melrrs� ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Any additional services beyond the scope of this agreement and our proposal dated Feb. l6, ?000 will be performed only under written approval by both parties, prior to proceeding with �vorl:. Anv revisions to the final drawings, calculations or specifications will be consider additional services and will be billed on time and material basis in accordance with the attached hourl�� rate schedule. If an_v additional sub-consultants are necessary they will enter into contracts directl�' �vith Cinr of Saratoga. PAYMENT SCHEDULE: The balance will be billed monthly as percentage of work is completed, all invoices are due upon receipt. Upon 14 days after invoice date, the invoice will be considered past due and accrue interest at the rate of 1-1/2% per month or 18% annually. All �vork will stop after 14 days past due. 2. Direct expenses are in addition to the compensation for professional services, and shall include the actual exgenditures made by GIA in the interest of the project at cost plus 30%. Direct expenses include the following: Blueprints, photocopies, postage and shipping, fax and long distance phone calls and mileage at .36 mile. 3. Should any litigation be commenced by either parry hereto, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to reasonable attomey's fees and costs as determined by the court of jurisdiction. 4. Limitation of liability is.the compensation paid to GIA "Landscape architects are licensed by the State of California." 2. COST PROPOSAL CONT. SCHEDULE: We are available to begin work within working days of a Notice to Proceed or upon signing of a contract. This proposal is good for 30 working days from the date of this letter. If you have any questions regarding this cost proposal, please feel free to call upon us. Respectfully submitted, Greg G. Ing Associates G `�v J. Kikuchi Architect #2066 3. PROFESSIONAL SERVlCES TO BE PROVIDED: Landscape Architecturai: Work Program 1.0 Project Organization and Schedule During this phase, the consultant-client team will clarify the project's goals and objectives, develop a succinct time line and schedule. It has been our experience that these initial project organization sessions are critical to the success of any project. The perceptions of the involved parties as to the intent, application and fimitation of the design effort must be identified early in the process to ensure that the expectations of all parties are realized in the project. Products Meeting w/staff Outline of final work program Chart illustrating schedule/timeline 2.0 Design Development Our intent is to first confirm all design components for the new design, relative to the 9.8 acres that comprise the park, with you and the City of Saratoga, prior to commencement of the construction/engineering documents. This part of the work effort is what we call Design Development. This is an extremely important first stage, it is to make sure that all facilities and park components developed wilf be pertinant and within budget expectations. This Design Development effort is to redesign the park, and to confirm and clarify the components of the park relative to the physica! opportunities and constraints of the site and budgets. Products: Review existing design and background information that the city has in its possession. Conduct site and visuai analysis and identify opportunities and constraints of the site in relationship to the park components. Meeting w/staff to review information. 3. 3.0 Construction Docume�ts and Specifications The construction documents consist of the following document:. Products: A. Landscape Architectural/Engineering Construction Documents 1. Demolition Plan 2. Site Layout 8� Staking Pian 3. Grading and Drainage Plan 4. Irrigation P{an 5. Planting Plan 6. Construction Details a. Site fumiture (bieachers, benches, etc. b.} Fencing c.) Misc. site construction details B. Specifications and Bid Package Meetings and reviews of the construction documents at 50%, 90% and 100% at completion. 4.0 Bidding Prepare a list of bid items to be included in the bid package, prepare the special provisions and detail specifications, and prepare the estimate of construction costs. We will assist the city in obtaining competitive bids, attend the pre-bid conference and clarify any issues contractors and suppliers may have regarding the project. Also, we will make any necessary addendums to the plans. And, �eview the construction contract with the City of Saratoga in awarding the contract. 4. 5.0 Site Observation During the construction we will make periodic site visits to review the progress and quality of work to determine, in general, if the work is proceeding in accordance to our construction documents and specifications. Any shop drawings, samples and other submittals by the contractor will be reviewed by us. Change orders will be issued when necessary and we provide the necessary inspections and final walk through at the compfetion of project. C�{ENT or CITY'S RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. The City will provide consultant with access to city maps, existing construction documents, records, studies, plans and other documents relating to project. 2. The City render decisions pertaining to the project promptly (projecting a 14 day turn-around time) to avoid unreasonable delay in the progress of consultanYs work. 3. The City shall administer the call out to bid and assemble and print all construction documents and bid documents to prospective bidders. 4. The City shall prepare and execute the contract with the contractor for the project construction. 5. The City shall provide the administration of the construction contract including: construction staking, construction inspection, and any special inspection required. 6. The City will provide all environmental clearances and permits required for the project. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NOT PROVIDED: 1. Construction Administration 8� Management 2. Any Agency fees or permits 3. Construction staking 5. Greg G. Ing Associates SCHEDULE OF HOURLY RATES Effective from January 1, thru December 31, 2000 The foiiowing rates are applicabie professional services to hourly rate contracts, extra work items, and per diem accounts: Classification Principal/Project Manager Senior Landscape Architect Associate Landscape Architect Computer Technician Clerical Hourlv Rate 125.00 115.00 95.00 75.00 65.00 7. KEY PERSONNEL AND SUBCONSULTANTS Listed beiow are the firms and the key personnel assigned to this project, each team member is available to dedicate the time necessary to complete this project by iYs deadline. Greg G. Ing 8� Associates 1585 The Alameda, Suite 205 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 947-7090 Greg G. Ing, Landscape Architect 2444 Steven J. Kikuchi, Landscape Architect #2066 Ron Wade, Landscape Architect #2863 Kathyrn G. Stickland, Lan�lscape Architect #2843 v �ulys;� f TASK 1. Field Survey Topographical Map 2. Conceptual Design Plans (Min. 10, Indicate price per plan) 3. Final Desiga Plans, including Design Construction Details (25%) 4. Final Design Plans, including Design Construction Details (75°l0) 5. Final Design Plans, including Design Construction Details (100%) 6. Irrigation Pians, iacluding Design Construction Details (50%) $30,000 $35,000 7. Irrigation Plans, including Design Construction Details (100%) 8. Construction Specifcations (50%) 9. Construction Specifications (100%) 10. Construction Cost Estimate (25%,75%,100% 11. Public Presentations (Min. 5@ 4 hrs. EA.) $5,000 12. Project Coordination Meetings (7 2 hrs. EA.) 13. Construction Observation (Includes all necessary site visits, material approvals, and shop drawing approvals) l4. Construction Surveying 15. Project Administration Total Page i S-+r e�-� S o�j c�o h e �Io ch e $7,500 5 Inc. in Task 2 2 Inc. in Tasks 3-10 $12,000 $5,000 Inc. in Tasks 1-14 $94,500 �SG��i L. r y ,B� �l� s I Beals 55,400 S13,000 59,800 �8,770 �6,160 �3,060 $1,930 �1,320 $720 $2,120 $4,440 �3,150 $19,270 $6,000 $9,000 $94,140 r Additioaal Services As Proposed TASK 16A. Project Start Up 17A. Planting Plan and Details 18A. Bidding Administration 19A. Construction Administration Total Additional Grand Total In� $2,500 Iac. in Tasks 3-10 $2,500 Inc. in Task 13 $5,000 $99,500 Beals $1,780 �1,200 �5.580 $5,920 $14,480 $l 08,620 Page 2 MEMORANDUM Date: June l, 2000 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Cary Bloomquist RE: Wildwood Park Other restroom projects The information I have as of today indicates the Wildwood Park Restroom project will be completed by the middle of July 2000. This estimate is based upon information provided by Jason Chou of Public Works. The delay is partially due to unexpected change orders involving the contractor including an unanticipated special order item that will arrive in approximately 5 weeks. Construction on the other restroom projects will commence once the Wildwood project has been completed. MEMORANDUM Date: June 1, 2000 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Cary Bloomquist RE: Update on Kevin Moran Gardiner Park Playground Equipment Improvement projects I spoke with Jason Chou from Public Works today regarding the timeframe for the commencement of demolition for the above projects. As of today, Jason does not know when the contractor, Playgrounds Unlimited, will begin the demolition phase of the project. Both Jason and I have placed several telephone calls to Mike Alteri, the project manager, regarding the start date, with no return telephone call. I anticipate the demolition phase will begin within the next week, but this is pure speculation. I will keep the Commission updated as I receive further information. Coun arks offer one �Y p da of free admission To celebrate the beginning of the park season, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department has named June 3 as "Go Outside and Play Day." Visitors to any of the county's 28 parks may visit them on that day and pay no vehiculaz entry fees. These parks hold more than 40,000 acres of diverse activities, including hiking, camp- ing, bird-watching, playgrounds, biking, boating, kayaking, trap and skeet shooting, horseback riding and motorcycle riding. The two county parks in Saratoga are Sanborn-Skyline and the property around Villa Montalvo. Neazby Los Gatos offers Lexington Reservoir, Vasona Lake and Los Gatos Creek. The other parks are Almaden Quicksil- ver, Alviso Marina, Andecson Lake, Calero, Chesbro Reservoir, Chictactac-Adams, Coyote Creek, Coyote Hellyer, Coyote Lake, Ed R Levin, Field Sports, Joseph D. Grant, Motorrycte Park, Mount Madonna, Penitencia Creek, Rancho San Antonio, Santa Teresa, Stevens Creek, Sunnyvale Baylands, Upper Stevens Creek, Uvas Canyon, Uvas Creek and Uvas Reservoir. As part of Go Out and Play Day, park personnel will give away Frisbees and bumper stickers and will sell Venture Pass- es for cars and boats. The S50 passes allow unlimited access to all county parks for a full year, beginning from the date of purchase. For more information, call 4083583741, or visit www.parkhere.org on the Intemet. Streit sugg�sts to Ghamber, r By Katu CH�Rs City Council members took no action on the draft budget for fiscal years 2000- 2001 and 2001-2002 at their meeting May 17, but councilman Nick Streit took the opportunity to make some suggestions. He said thatincreasing the city's yearly payment of a3,400 to the Chamber of Commerce for visitor services to 510,000, as the Chamber has requested, could ben- e6t the city. The city pays the Chamber this amount every year, since there is no other tourist office in Saratoga. But there has been no formal contract between the city and the Chamber since 1997. The 53,400 is cur- rently included in the section of the bud- get labeled "general government," according to Mary Jo Walker, the city's director of administrative services. Streit said the Chamber could help the city by being a link between the economic wordinator the city plans to hire and the city's businesses.'Ihe draft budget includes a first-time allocation in its section called "community services" of $100,000 per year that would partly be used to hire an eco- nomic coordinator to focus on recruiting and retaining retail businesses in Saratoga. Interim City Manager Bill Norton said that if the city enters into an agreement with the Chamber, performance criteria should be part of the agreement. Criteria could include new businesses, an increase in business license tax revenue or an increase in sales tax revenue, he said. "I think if we give them additional money, we should have performance cri- teria," Norton said in a later interview. "Otherwise, there's no way to know whether we're using our money wisely." Councilman Evan Baker asked that the matter of the contract with the Chamber and the increase in funds be placed on an agenda for a future meeting when all council members are present. Council- woman Ann Waltonsmith and Mayor Stan Bogosian were absent on May 1�. According to Norton, the budget will be changed to include 510,000, but that sum will not be spent until the council approves a new agreement with the Chamber at a future meeting. Streit also brought up Congress Springs Park's renovations and how to fund the giving money ecreatlon ept. rising cost of the project. The city's Parks and Recreation Commission had allocat- ed 5600,000 from the over S2 million Park Development Fund, for the park renova- tion. It looks as if that amount won't come close to covering the total. Acting public works director, John Cherbone, estimates that the whole project will now cost closer to $1.2 million. Streit said that in talks with the Parks and Recreation Commissionecs, they agreed to transfer PDF money for the community center to cover the Congress Springs Park project Since the city is now looking at a large-scale project entailing the communi- ty center, senior center and the whole civic center azea, the 51.3 million that the com- mission allocated for the community cen- ter would not be enough. Walker said she would change the budget to indicate that the total funding for Congress Springs Pazk's renovation will come from the PDF. Lasdy, Streit raised the issue of the ciry's Recreation Department offering some programs that, while fun, were not bring- ing in revenue. He said he wanted to allo- cate money in the budget so that the department could again offer the hikes and tours that it used to. Joan Pisani, the d'uector of recreation, said that the recreation department used to offeraheritage bike tourin oonjunction with the Heritage Preservation Commission, where people would tour heritage homes and Madronia Cemetery on bicycles. "Those are things we'd never consider doing now," Pisani said. The council will address this issue at a future meeting aswell. a000rding toNorton The draft budget provides for many capital improvement projects, including the Quito Road bridge replacement, park development projects, Saratoga-Sunny- vale Road enhancement and the library's expansion. While no amount was budgeted for mare playfields, a gym or a civic center area remodel. which are all projects that the city would like to pursue over the long-term. about 5280,000 is allocated for short-term fizes for the community and senior centers. On June 21, there will be a public hear- ing on the budget. By then, staff will have updated the draft to iucorporate any changes and the council will most likely adopt the budget. SUSD established a dangerous precedent Oops, did it again! Congratuiations to the School District on cutting down that dirty. old Eucalyptus tree. Heck, it was just getting in the way. I guess the precedent to cut first and notif�� the city later is now well established. Am I mistaken, but didn't a 1ot of hun- dred-vear-old oaks, nestled on a lovely hillside, get bulldozed a couple of years ago b�� an o�erzealous builder. We sleep while thev cut, but who cares, the econo- my is good. I guess its now open season for any Saratoga homeowner who wants to tidv up the ole property. Timber. Looh Out Below! Hey. "mistakes were made"'. The mantra of the 1990's lives on. I hope the Schoo! District doesn't have any "con- trolled burns" planned for the fall. But, maybe the Eucalyptus tree didn't die in vain. There still is time to save our Her- itage Orchard from tho�e stealth, trigger- happy lumberjacks. We don't need any Please turn to page 31 Continued from page 30 ridiculous, expensive surveys to evaluate if we need another gymnasium or the like, replacing the orchard. The City is going to sQend $10,000, we've been promised, on an unbiased telephone poll. Just say no to the Parks and Recreat�on Commission's scheme to modify Heritage Orchazd. I think I'll go hug my trees tonight while I still can. IEFFREY B. NICKEL Via Ranchero Drive Orchard should be kept for next generations Having owned property here since 1934, raising our children with wonderful spring flowers in the orchards, and now being able to watch my grandchildren play making a�ails in the mustard fields in the only orchard left by the library—I feel very disheartened to have the Heritage Preservation Commission try to take our heritage away from us. A poll would not find a significant amount of peo- ple, like myself, who would really miss the orchard if the last one were to go. Our orchards and beauty of the mountains is very precious. We have so little left. Please help maintain this for our children and children's chiidren as we are doing with open space. Please help me maintain this! It would be very unsightly to have a basketball court there. I would be unhappy to see more con- crete and asphalt in place of the orchard. LORI WORTLEY Park Drive Sarato ans g for V�'i�dcat By Knw� cH�s al� to show u P Greek c_eanu P Judy Alberts was disappointed, as were other dty officials, with the nunout of Sazato- gans for this year's National River Qeanup Day event at Saratoga's Wildcat Creek. 'The Parks and Recreation Commission Chair was a site coordinator for the May 20 cleanup sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. From 8 a.m. to noon, she and 12 others pulled 450 pounds of trash from a one-mile section of Wild- cat Creek behind the Community Center. Four of the 13 volunteers were children under seven years old. "They were very young and they did great," Alberis said. Councilman Nick Streit and his seven- year-old son, Nicholas, came to help out. So did Planning Commission Chair Chuck Page, his wife, Mary, and their two daugh- ters, Lindsay, 6, and Megan. 4. Parks and Recreation Commissioners Elaine Clabeaux and Sandra Dodge participated, as did Alberts and her five-year-old daughter, Rebecca. Two Sunnyvale residents and a San Jose resident, whadiscovered through the Inter- net that the Saratoga clean-up site was clos- est to their homes, joined the effort, as weU. "There are so many peopie who are vocal about things that are wrong and here is an opportunity to contribute aad the only people that were not politically affil- iated were residents of another city," Atberts said. Alberts, who had enough gloves. trash bags and bandannas for 100 people, said she understands that Satur- days are "tough" due to demands of soc- cer, Little League games and other activi- ties, but she 6ad hoped formore people, even if they stayed only a short time. "I was surprised and disappointed at the number of people--the Lack of people— that we had assisting," she said, and added that realistically, she hoped for between 20 and 30 people. "People just can't sit in their chairs and complain about the way things are going." According to Alberts, all citizens should help keep the city's many creeks clean. "One person and one group can not do it alone," she said. Streit echoed A1berYs sentiments. He said the turnout was poor and that the city will try to do a better job getting the word out next time. Page also said the low tumout was unfortunate. "IYs funny how many people claim they are so pro-environment in this city, but we do something like clean up a creek and only a handful of people show up," Page said. "It was a shame." While the water district did most of the advertising, the ciry staff liaison to the com- mission, Cary Bloomquist, sent a notice of the event to all membets of ciry staff, all city commissioners and City Councii members, Alberts said. She aLso said she gave out 8y- ers for distribution to teens at the W arner Hutton House and posted a flyer on the kiosk at City Hall. City staff liaisons aad Interim City Manager Bill Norton men- tioned the.clean up at city commission meetings and at City Council meetings. Alberts heads the Parks and Recreation Commission's subcommiitee on creek cleanaps, which is how she found out about National River Cleanup Day. She went twice to Kelley Park in San Jose for site coor- dinator trauung and to pick up supplies. A few days beforehand, she and commission- er podge did a preliminary walk through the creek to wt back and [abeI poison oak—and a dangerous spike—with caution tape. T'he volunteers found parts of lawn- mowers, pipes, poles, fireplace grates. pokers, rugs and aluminum and glass aloo- hol containecs in the creek aad vicinity. "I was definitely surprised at the sheer quantity of junk that was in that creek," Alberts said. Luckily, the group did not find any chemicals, paint cans or needles. "I con- sider it extremely successful. To see what we accomplished—as few people as it was—is just amazing." Alberts said. While this was her 8rst clean up, she said it wouldn't be her last. The California Coastal Commission clean up, which includes all the cteeks and streams in Saratoga, will take place in Se� tember. Alberts said she will use her left- oversuppliesthen. "We really did have a good time," she said. "It was a bond between different oom- missions and that part was very rewarding.^ CITY COUNCIL OKS EXPEI�TDITURE FOR RECONSTRUC'TION OF CITY'S TRAILS Park Development Fund providing the financing Trail segments targeted By LEIGH ANN MAZE ome of Saratoga's ailing trails are about to get a facelift.'Ihe City Coun- cil unanimously approved $29,500 for trail reconstruction in a joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 25. Mayor Stan Bogosian and Vice Mayor John Mehaffey were absent. The money comes from the $2,442,000 Park Development Fund, $100,000 of which was earmarked for trail reconstruc- tion by the council in October. The fund may be spent on trail reconstruction and improvement only, not maintenance. �e approved money will be used for the reconstruction of eight trail segments in the Mt. Eden Road and Parker Ranch areas Six trail segments in the Parker Ranch area will have brush cleared, foliage trimmed, erosion controlled, signs posted and damage fixed that is believed to have been caused bymoun- tain bikers, who are not allowed on the vaiLs. Two trail segments in the Mt. Eden area will have drainage repaired, areas re-grad- ed, brush cleared and signs posted. The city's public works department will oversee the trail work. The Trail Center, a Los Altos based nonprofit organization that promotes trails, is expected to begin work this summer. Some work will likely be contracted out as well, according to pub- lic works director John Cherbone. Please turn to page 24 Saratoga Trails Continued from page 1 The network of ailing traiLs in Saratoga has been maintained for the last 10 years mainly by community voluntee�. People, such as Saratogan Teri Lynn Baron who created the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts and its 200 members, have coordinated many volunteer efforts to maintain the trails. Sheila Ioannou, a parks and recreation commissioner, is happy that the city will help its trails. "As a city we should take some responsibility for our trails," Ioan- nou saici. "Saratoga's trails are important and the volunteers who have taken the helm over the last 10 years should not be expected to do it all." Ioannou is on the three- member parks and recreation com- mission subcommittee formed in Febru- ary to specifically address trail needs. Working with the Saratoga Trail Enthusi- asts, they identified those segments of trail in most need of immediate repair. Also at the Apri125 meeting, the parks and recreation commission recommend- ed that the city put aside money every year for trail maintenance, since the Park Development Funds cannot be used in that way. They asked that E20,000 be bud- geted for the next fiscal year, based on The Trail Center's estimate for weeding and cutting back brush twice a year at 50 cents per linear foot o( trail. The recommended $20,000 for trail maintenance was included in the city's 2000/2001 fiscal year proposed budget, which was presented to the council on Apri125. The final budget will be decided on by the council in June. Commissioners also recommended that the city evaluate the Tank Trail in the Parker Ranch area, which has been closed since last yeac because of a slide area. According to interim city manger, William Norton, the city already had an engineering firm look at the trail. The firm estimated that it would cost between $100,000 and 5120,OQ0 to fix the trail. "That's a lot of money to spend on one portion of one trail," Norton said. "Right now we're reviewing the estimate and determining the best way to go." According to Ioannou, the commission is hesitant to spend the entire $100,000 in one or two areas of Saratoga, when the trai! money should go to improving trails throughout the city. The commission will postpone budgeting the rest of the $100,000 until more user groups, besides the Trail Enthusiasts, come forward with project ideas. In addition, the commission operates a trail grant program. It allows trail users to receive grants for materials to help improve the trails they personally use. A group may come to the commission and ask for amounts of less than �5,000. Amounts over $5,000 require council approval. In fact, the commission has already spent about $800 of the E100,000 in a trail grant to the enthusiasts group, according to Ioannou. The Parks and Recreacion Cornmisslon invites comments on trails fiom hikers, bik- ers and equestrians. The comrnission also encourages trai! users, or any members of che public, to attend iu mon[hly meetings, held thehrst Monday of each month. Con- tact city staf/'liaison to the commission, Cary Bloomquist nr 408.868.1258. C�ommisslon will recommend poll on the Heritage Orchard BV KARA CHALMERS The Parksand Recreation Commiscion voted to recommend that 510.000 from the city's general fund be spent on a pro(es- sional poll o[ Saratogans. The poll would ask them if they would consider using any part of the He�itage Orchard for other recreational uses. The City Councii will discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting. On May 1. Parks and Recreation Com- missioner Nick Seroff gave fellow commis- sioners logistical intortnation on taking an advisory votc o! Saratogans on the orchard—an idea Seroft came up with in April. A[ter some debate, the commission voted to recommend that, instead of an advi- sory vote on November's presidential elec- tion ballot, the City Council should fund a quantitative telephone survey of residenl5. 7'he commission also discussed usu�g the tear-o[f card in the city's newslctter as an option. But while both the newsletter card and an advisory vote would be less expensive, the commission decided that a poll would be the most scientific choic;e and therefore, the best. "Tha opinion poll would probably be the basis (or the use of the orchard for the next five years or so."Sero(f said laler in an inter- view. "So we want it to be as aaurate as pos- sible. That is why we ended up recom- mending a professional company to do it." A poll would survey a"statistically sig- nificant cross-sampling of the communi- ty," auording to Serof[. It would take into account di[(erent ages, neighborhoods and family size. forcxample. The commission agreed a surveyshould address three basic conccpts: whethcr cit- izens would considcr using thc orcharJ at all: and, if so, how much lhcy would pre- serve: and i( not, would they pay [or morc properry for new play (iclds or a gym. Professional pollstcrs would word thc questions so lhat thc rcsults wuuld nol bc skewcd, which is onc morc rcasan Io con- duct such a poll. according to Scro(f. "I don't want to skcw thc answcrs at all," he said. "1 really want to know the opinion of thc majority of Saratogans." In Apri1, Seroff pro�c�ud an advisorv vrnc so that thc commission would possess hard data on howcitizens fcelabout thcorchard. Scro(f thinks Ihal sincc citizcns.such as councilman Nick S�rcit, brcwght thcir ideas for using thc orcherd to thc commis- sion's attention. the commission necds to find out what perccnlagc of residcnls would bc opposcd lo using cvcn a small part of the orchard. Streit suggested in February buildingan indoorgym for the city on a parccl of the orchard. The city's Heritage Preservaiion Commission was opposcd to thc proposal. According to Seroff, every time the commission discusses a proposcd usc,- such as �he gym, it is difficult to come lo a conclusion since commissioncrs don't know the will of aIl.Saraiogans. 7'he commission voted 4-] -I to recom- mcnd the proposal to thc council. Com- missioner Sheila loannou votcd against it andchairwoman Judy Albertsabstained since she said she did not feel comfortable �iving an absolute yesor no vote. She said tha� whilc she's not sur� that it is the com- mission's place to make a recommenda- tion, she doesn't believe that askine citi- zens how they teel would open the orchard up fordevelopment. "I'm really torn," she said at the meet- ing on May 1. Albens said that while part of her wants to find out how people feel about the orchacd, at the same time she dcesn't want to know. She also said she expects this issue to be controversial since any talk of changing the orchard in the past has inflamed pas- sions in Saratoga. "I hope it's not seen as a controversiai issue, but more of an informative issue," she said later in an interview. Seroff said that all a poll would do is set the direction !or the Parks and Recreat ion Commission's future planning, if a gym or a play fields idea comes up again. "Everyone wants to prtse�ve it if we can." he said of the orchard, butsaid he thiril:s it is important to establish the prioriry of the cit izens regarding an orchard versus the need for recreational (acilities in the �tiry. "Personally, I think that we have needs in Saratoga and 1 do think that as an orchard, it is not vcry wcll utilizcd." Scroff said. Hc suggests that the city could make the orchard more usable by perhaps adding ben�hes, more walking trails and proper irrigation, so peoplc can walk through it all during the year, not just ia[he spring. "If we don't value the onchard, than let's do somelhing we do value," he said. Serot[, who was appointed to the commis- sion in Decemtxr, su�ested the Heritagc Orchard as a possible site for play (iclds in 1995, as a residen(. Hcritagc I'rescrvation Commissioner Rohcrl t'ecpari, who attended the Parks and Nccrcation Commission mceting, docs not support using Ihe orchard in any way othcr lhan as an orchard. Hc does not think a poll is a gooJ idea. "I don't think 10 percent would really be rcprescntativc of the majority of Saratoga residents, so 1 wouldn't put a real value on that."he said in a tclephone interview. "The orchard nceds a little work on it. Ten thou- sanddollarsc�ould lx: txltcrs�xnt byputting it towards maintcnancc o( thc orchard." Hc said he would guess his fellowmmmission- ers woulJ (ccl the same way. although they have noi vet had a mceting to dixuu thc poll. S�rc�f( cuun�ers that a poll could hc a mcchanism to save thc orchard from fuwrc dcvclopmcnt. "lf thc fcclings of thc Heritagc Com- mission actually represent the (eclings of the majoriryo[Saratogans, thcn the survcy will indced preserve thc orchard." he said. Commissioner Sandra Dodge in April oppo�cd an advisory vote since she said it would bc a call to action for people who want to change the orchard. She said that a pro(essional poll is a good idca. The commission needs to find out what Ihe pcople want. Thc City Council should hcar thc rcc- ommendation on May 17, or possibly at a Junc mecting. In April. Albertsdirected Seroff to find out thc cost and deadline for an advisor�• vote. and tocome upwith suggcsted word- Please rurn lo pagc 1 b' Heritage Poll Con�inued from poge 16 ing. Seroff looked into costs and found that the deadline for the November ballot is Aug. 11 and that each question would cost about 52,500. The polling firm Seroff contacted to get the $10,000 figure, Nichols Research, sug- gested that a poll of 10 percent of Sarato- ga's population, taking demographics into account, would be sufficient to gauge the will of the people. The firm said that its fee was middle of the road, Seroff said. He first heard of Nichols when the firm con- tacted him to participate in a radio station survey in the past. He said he found them extremely professional. 1��]�WS BRIEF�� Help clean�up-- c�ty. s Wildcat:- Creek�ay 20. National River CJean up Day 2000. sponsored by the Santa Clara. Valley Water District; -is May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.. �Saratoga's Paiks ar�d �Recreation com- missioneis will leadthe effort to clean up Wildcat Creek. On -May 2Q; come with friends�orfamity aad a lot of energy to Saratoga Commu- nity Center on Allendale Avenue. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, sturdy shoes, gloves and sunscreen. Ca11408.256.2607 a 2238 for more information. In Los Gatos on the same day, volunteecs will clean up Lenihan Dam at Lexington Reservoir. For diredions and a map. visit www.scvwd.dst. ca.us/adoptc/crkconn.htm: Playground equipment to be installed at parks Play equipment will be installed at Kevin �vioran and Gardiner parks in the next few months. The city opened bids to coatractots on March 28, and the lowest bid was $268,786. The play equip- ment will be funded by the Park Development Fund, which provides money to be used for improvements to parks or parks buiidings. The City Council awarded Playgrouncis Uiil�ited of Sun- nyvale the construction con- tract at its meeting A.pril 5. Once the company has retumed theoontracz. work can begin, aocording to Cary Bloomquist, thedry staff liaison to the Parks and Recreation Commissian. Tt�e duration of the project should be about siz weeks, Bloomquist said City of Saratoga HERITAGE PRESERVATION CO1��MISSION AGENDA Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2000, 9:00 a.m. Place: Warnei Hutton House, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue 'I�pe: Regular Meeting I. Routine Organization A. Roll Call B. Approval of minutes from 4/ 11 /00 C. Posting of the Agenda Pursuant to Government Code Section 94954.2, the agenda was posted on Thursday May 4, 2000 E. Oral Communications F. Written Communications II. Old Business A. Open space in Saratoga (see memo) B. Heritage Orchard discussion of Parks Recreation Commission meering on May 1, 2000 C. Plaque policy (Plaque of the Hyde House 11995 Walbrook Drive D. Bellicitti house (see brochure) III. New Business A. 20251 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road (File No. SD-00-002) demolition of residence B. Street name proposal for the Azule Crossing subdivision C. Appeal of plaque requirement for St. John's Episcopal Church (14700 Sixth Street) D. Ausrin Way possible designation as a Heritage Lane IV. Items Initiated by the Commission A. Discussion of Mills Act. B. Application for a state "Point of Interest" for the Heritage Policy V. Items Initiated by the Secretary A. As of 4/ 12/00, the Heritage Resource Inventory is on the City's web site. B. Meeting location in July and August VI. Adjournment 9:00 a.m. Tuesday June 13, 2000 Warner Hutton House City of Saratoga HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION SITE VISIT AGENDA Date: Tuesday, May 9, 2000, 8:30 a.m. Place: Meet outside the Warner Hutton House, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue 'I�pe: Site Visit We will meet outside the Warner Hutton House at 8:30 a.m. and take the City Van to visit the following sites. 1. 20251 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road SARATOGA TRAIL ENTHUSIASTS 19830 Via Escuela Dr. Saratoga, CA 95070 408 741-0954 fax 408 867-6100 e-m811 tlbaronna.aol.com May 15, 2000 Rhonda Douglass VIA FACSIMILE RE: Villa Oaks Lane Dear Rhonda: I just wanted to let you know that the trail improvements done on your lot are truly appreciated by the community and myself. We have been waiting so long for this and it is wonderful to see it completed. Every time I ride the trail, I will think of all your efforts. It was really nice meeting you and I wish you luck in the future. I hope all goes well with your sale. Sincerely, Teri Lynn Baron Representing 200 members! Cc: Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission VISI4N FOR SARATOGA Saratoga is a Community Where the common good prevails; Where the natural beauty of the City and its hillsides is preserved; Where historic assets are preserved and promoted; Where local commerce provides a vibrant presence in the Village and the other commercial areas; Where the orientation is toward the family; Where homes and neighborhoods are safe and peaceful; Where government is inclusive and values community involvement; Where desirable recreational and leisure opportunities are provided; Where quality education is provided and valued; Where value is placed on an attractive, well maintained and well planned community; Where government provides high quality, basic services in a cost effective manner; Where a small town, picturesque, residential atmosphere is retained; Where the arts and cultural activiries which serve the community and the region are promoted; Where neighbors work together for the common good; Where leadership reflects community goals; and Where, because of the forgoing, the citizens and the families of Saratoga can genuinely enjoy being a part of and proud of this special community. M WINbiZY APPEAL Subject: MT WINERY APPEAL Date: Wed, 24 May 2000 11:26:31 -0700 From: Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts <SaratogaTrailEnthusiasts@TheLindyGroup.com> To: "Adda Quinn (E-mail)" <aquinn@epri.com>, "Alex Hose (E-mail)" <mariont@pacbell.net>, "Amanda Ealson (E-mail)" <mealson@worldnet.att.net>, "Ann Marshall (E-mail)" <Steve555@aol.com>, "Barbara Dutra (E-mail)" <bdutra@apr.com>, "Bill Norton (E-mail)" <cityman@saratoga.ca.us>, "Bonnie Mclntosh (E-mail)" <bonnie mcintosh@yahoo.com>, "CARY BLOOMQUIST (E-mail)" <cityhall@saratoga.ca.us>, "Chuck Reed (E-mail)" <chucla�eed@aol.com>, "Cindy Smith (E-mail)" <horseducks@aol.com>, "Connie Berto (E-mail)" <cberto@juno.com>, "David Mary Miljarak (E-mail)" <mmilj@aol.com>, "Dean Mazkley (E-mail)" <dean@deanmarkley.com>, "Don Newman (E-mail)" <Newmandnld@cs.com>, "Donna Hare (E-mail)" <DBHare@aol.com>, "Farshid Zarbakhsh (E-mail)" <fz@cadence.com>, "Gary Lisa Fritz (E-mail)" <gfritz3515@aol.com>, "Geoffrey Skinner (E-mail)" <gskinner@stanford.edu>, "George Susan Goepel (E-mail)" <SJGoepel@aol.com>, "Godfrey Suzanne Sullivan (E-mail)" <SSu112@aol.com>, "Hans Inge Stellrecht (E-mail)" <hstellrec@worldnet.att.net>, "James Teri Baron (E-mail)" <TLBazon@aol.com>, "James Walgren (E-mail)" ywalgren@saratoga.ca.us>, "Jan Garrod (E-mail)" <glazyf@aol.com>, "Jim Stallman (E-mail)" <Jstall@aol.com>, "Jo Barrett (E-mail)" <calypsol@ix.netcom.com>, "John Cheri Keenan (E-mail)" <john@ald.com>, "John Brazil (E-mail)" <john.brazil@bos.co.scl.ca.us>, "John Mehaffey (E-mail)" <mehaf@gedanken.com>, "Judy Alberts (E-mail)" yjalberts@hotmail.com>, "Judy Etheridge (E-mail)" <misxfire@aol.com>, "Kathy Horner (E-mail)" <redgl6@aol.com>, "Kathy Norton (E-mail)" <kathy.norton@globalstar.com>, "Katrina Deane (E-mail)" <Kdeane@cellmania.com>, "Kristina Loquist (E-mail)" <Kristina.Loquist@bos.CO.Santa-C1ara.CA.US>, "Lili Hakanson (E-mail)" <martinyak@worldnet.att.net>, "Lisa Killough (E-mail)" <lisa.killough@mail.prk.co.santa-clara.ca.us>, "Lisa Maryon (E-mail)" <cnspots@pipeline.com>, "Maureen Kelly (E-mail)" <makelly@cisco.com>, "Megan Horner (E-mail)" <scibleimp@aol.com>, "Mike Jane Wilson (E-mail)" <72164.2353@compuserve.com>, "Nancy White (E-mail)" <Phlames@aol.com>, "Nick Seroff (E-mail)" <prc@worldnet.att.net>, "Nick Streit (E-mail)" <nstreit@cpa-online.com>, "Pat Doris Van Munn (E-mail)" <redwooddental@worldnet.att.net>, "Rhona Scherber (E-mail)" <RScherber@dlaccess.com>, "Richard Rebecca Hall (E-mail)" <Hallstevens@aol.com>, "Robert H. West (E-mail)" <hossman@best.com>, "Ross Heitkamp (E-mail)" <ross@juniper.net>, "Sandra Dodge (E-mail)" <sdodgeqt@aol.com>, "Sandy Gifford (E-mail)" <Sandygi@aol.com>, "Shannon Diana Paboojian (E-mail)" <spabooj@inreach.com>, "Sheila Daly (E-mail)" <Sdalegria@aol.com>, "Sheila Ioannou (E-mail)" <ioannou@msn.com>, "Stan Bogosian (E-mail)" <sbogosian@aol.com>, "Sue McFarland (E-mail)" <smcfrind@aol.com>, M'I WINEKY APPEAL this issue. We can provide you with the material to cover in your address to the BOS. Since we only have a limited amount of time to cover the points of our argument, we'd like to be sure that each person has a single specific point to make and that the various speakers do not get repetitive. Dennis Paboojian The Lindy Group <mailto:Dpabooiianc�thelindvaroun_com> DpaboojianQthelindygroup.com 408-255-4300 3 of 3 Once the orchard is gone, it is gone forever There are many reasons each and every one of us chooses to live in Saratoga and stay in Saratoga. Some o p�e �d the high academic rating� yet other people live here for the quality of Iife and the beauty of Saratoga. Of couise. heauty is different things to different peo- ple, but in my peisPearve (and I am sure the persper,tive of many other Saratogans) this includes the gardens, the There ore i�is ness of our community• imperative that we preserve and protect the few environmental attributes that remaio-- specifically Heritage Orchard. Once the orchard is gone, it is goae forever. I have voted affirmatively for the school bond issues (even though Ms• Mary Gard- ner remains aloof in her communicauon (s) and does as she sees fit--trees be damned), the addition to the Gbrary. and the new fire station. These services are for the good of the community as a whole. IN addition to not wanting the Heritage Orchard used for recreational usage, as a t�rpayer, I also do not want to pay for new playfields or a gya►. Our schooLs are already being expanded in these same azeas. If a new recreaaonal cen- Nibbling at orchard will destroy ambience Instead of polling Saratogans about the Heritage Orchard, why doesn't t�e City Council poll prospe�tive home buye� who want to•buy a piece of the ambience of Saratoga and are willing to pay a high price for it. Tear dovm the orchard, nibble away at the ambience, replace history with ugly "recreational concrete" and watch prop- erty values diminish. HENRY KAPLAN Sevilla Lane ter dces move fora►ard (and hoPefullynot at this_location) will it aLso iaclude full �ncials�pOrt and u�dated faca�itiesfor seniois? If so, the rerrcatianal auter might be far more aocepcable to the majority of the catizens of Saratoga. Along these �ines. I find it appalling that our current senior center is run as a non•profit agency surviv- ing tluough grants. Pn"a�e donations, and interest from an endowment. If a telephone survey is commissioned, it should include key questions—wilt the users of the recreational center be willing to pay for its usage on a montlily or case by case basis, ie. classes, seminars. etc.? And, should a recreational center be created which focuses on playing fields and gyms or expanded to include baby boomers, up- comingseniors, and senior citizens? 1 do not believe the city should cater to special interest groups, but should focus on the communy�' as a v►'hole and suive to maintain its ranking as one of the most desirable places to live. This requires long- range planning and vision. As a conse- quence, I am farwarding a letter such as this one to everyone that I believe may have some decision-making authority regarding aU of the above issues. A[3DREY CHAPMAN Aloha Avenue BRIEFS City takes Heritage Or�chard survey The second quarterly issue of the city's newsletter, the Saratogan, will contain a tear- out survey, which asks whether residents would be willing to use patt of the Heritage Omhard for anything other than an orchazd. It asks if Saratoga needs more playfields for soccer and baseball or another gymnasium, and whether residents would sup- port using the orc6ard for either of these two uses. Final- ly� the survey askswhether r�- idents would support a bond measure to 5nanve more play- fields or a gymnasium• The tear-out card will have paid postage,saidBillNorton,inter im city manager. Norton hopes that Saratoganswill reoeive the newsletter by June 1. uity should preserve orchard in perpetuity My husband and i feel strongly that our Heritage Orchard should be preserved in perpetuiry, except forthat portion already approved for the Gbrary expansion. When I spoke with.Councilman Nick Streit on the phone, to voice concern about chipping away at our orchazd for a playing field or gym, he said I needed to realize the demographics (in Saratoga) have changed and we need to consider the young chil- dren. I couldn't agree more. We need to educate children about our agricultural past when our pristine village and sur- rounding orchards were part of the Valley of Heart's Delight. What better way than to leave the Heritage Orchard for young and old to view in spring when the sheer beauty of mustard and blossoms almost brings tears to our eyes? If other towns, li4ce Sunnyvale, can maintain Heritage Orchard parks, surely Saratoga can. The Parks and Recreation Commission now believes we need to gauge the wiU of the people to see if we would prefer not to leave the orchard intact. Several options were discussed in a Saratoga News article in the May 10 issue, �iie most eapensive being a$10,000 professional potl of 10% of Saratogans. If such a poll were used, I would hope that the questions posed aze fair and unbiased. I don't see, however, that asking in that survey if residents would be willing to pay for more property for playing fields or a gym is a fair question to determine how people feel about maintainu�g the orchard. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Nick Seroff was quoted in the above arti- cle as saying that he dces not think that as an orchard ours is vety well utilized. Rather than utilize the orchard, I prefer to leave it as is—a sacred space connecting us to the earth and our past. If we must utili2e this beautiful orchard to save it, we could educate the increasing number of children, perhaps through a pro- gram with our new library. Or, as Library Commissioner Anne Cross suggested to me, if people feel a need for an historical aspect to the orchard, a drying shed like one she remembers from her growing up yeats might be an idea. She said, "The Heritage Orchard is the most beautiful and central part of Saratoga and should be preserved as it is in its natural state." Councilman Streit was quoted in a Saratoga News article in thc Aptil 12 issue as saying. ".IE:s time for the Gty Counci! �to be� proactive, not reactive, when i t comes to the orchard." I believe it's also time for all Saratogans to be proactive—before it's too late. We urge otheis who 6ave coneeemc or feel as we do to act now. What can you do? Talk to others. Write to the SnRA'roow NEws. Express your ideas to the City Coimdl at, or prior to, its June meeting when thep will probably discuss th'ss issue. Together we can preserve this beautiful heritage. IEAN (AND MACI BARRI Cal i f orn+a Association of Park and Recrention Comr�nissioners and 6oardr�ner�nbers invites Commissioners, �oard Members nnd Profess+onnls to Attend A Trai n+ng Workshop hosted by City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Depnrtment Saturday, July 8, 2000 s:3oam 3 :40pm nt City of �oster City Cormmunity Center Wind Room 1000 E. �illsdale 61vd, Foster City, CA 94404 This workshop offers new and experienced Commissioners and Board Members an opportunity to be more effective-- learn new skills, sh4re ideas and network. Professionnls have the opportun+ty to learn how to use the resources of their Commissioners and Bonrd Members. Warkshop Topics J Understanding the 8rown Act J Role of Commissioners nnd Board Members J Working with Stnf f �J Legislnt+ve Issues J VIP Presentation Registration: $40 per person by �une 30, 2000. $45 on-site reglstration. For Directlons to Foster City, ca11650-286-3380 or If you have questions, call M. Braxcon 510-233-0777 Clip and Mail this Coupon Name: Agency; Address; Telephone; Fax E-Mail Lunch Inclu�Jed wltli ReRistraliura ..,.r.. .,....r„ ..,.,,,,�re n�„ A..� r',�n:�nlcclnner.t and Bue►J M�mhtra o►uf ntatl (o: Anne Wowtell i�z� �ne�n w�, Ouk/aaJ, CA 94611 0 v �1����� C�� O� 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 •(408) 868-1�00 Incorporated October 22, 1956 NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLAR.ATION COUNCIL b�MBERS: Evan Baker Stan Bagosian John MehaHey Nick Streit Ann Waltonsmith AND TO UPDATE THE SARATOGA GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT From: Ciry of Saratoga Date: May 19, 2000 Subject: Circulation and Scenic Highway Element Update Project Description: Saratoga's Community Development Department staff is updating the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City's General Plan. The document will act as the Ciry's long-range traffic management plan. It was last updated in 1983. The update is intended to assess eYisting traffic conditions and to develop a goals and policies document to address changed conditions. The City is currendy holcling public workshop meetings to present the Element srudy objectives, findings and recommendations and to solicit public comment. Preliminary community workshops were held in Fall 1949 prior to developing the draft Element. An environmental initial study and subsequent Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. The initial study concludes that the Elemrnt update will nat result in sigrvficant adverse impacts on the environment and that a Negative Declaration can be supported. The Circulation and Scenic Highway Element update provides Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures to reduce traffic impacts already felt by the community. The document does not contain any Goals, Policies or Implementation Measures that are growth inducing or �affic inducing. Suggested physical improvements to roadways are noted as potential means to mitigate future anticipated traffic congestion that would occur as regional popularions increase. If and when any of these potential unprovements are pursued, project specific envirorunental analysis would need to be done to assess that particular project's unpacts. This notice is being published to inform interested parties of the City's intent to adopt a Negative Declaration and update the Element and to provide the opportunity for public participation and input. The 30-day Negative Declaration review period will begin Monday, May 22 and end Wednesday, June 21, 2000. If you would like to receive a copy of the environmental initial study or the draft Circulation and Scenic Highway Element, or for furrher information, please contact the Community Development Department at (408) 868-1222. 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