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.
Printed on recycled paper.