HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-2000 Park and Recreation Commission AgendasSaratoga Parks and Recreation Comrnission Meeting
City Hall Administrative Offices
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Monday, October 2, 2000
7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
I. Or�anization
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
September 28, 2000
C) Review of September 11, 2000 Action Minutes
II. Administration
A) Update from Public Works Director John Cherbone:
1. Saratoga Park Improvement Committee meeting
2. Overview of Wildwood Park
B) Update from Recreation Director Joan Pisani
C) Summary on meeting with City Manager Dave Anderson
III. Oral Written Communication
This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda(3 Minute Limit)
N. New Business
A) Review list of improvements for Saratoga Parks
B) Commissioner Recognition Dinner, Saratoga Country Club, Thursday October
19, 2000 at 6:30 p.m.
C) Park Facilities Rentals (Wildwood El Quito Parks)
V. Old Business
1) Review of Action Matrix
2) Subcommittee Reports:
a. Trails
b. Playgrounds
VI. Commissioner Staff Renorts
A) City Hall Update by Staff Liaison Bloomquist
B) Commissioner Reports
VII. Adiournment
Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Administrative Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
September 11, 2000
7:30 p.m.
Action Minutes
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Seroff
Commissioners Absent: Ioannou, Olsen
Others Present: Council Member Nick Streit, Public Works Director John
Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan Pisani, Staff Liaison Cary Bloomquist, Kara
Chalmers with Sazatoga News, James Baron, Teri Baron, Bob Joyce, Mark
Linsky, Linda Dias Golobic, David Mighdoll
III. Reaort on Postin� of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the
agenda was properly posted on September 8, 2000.
N. Aaproval of Minutes of Meeting: Motion made by Commissioner Fronczak to
approve August 7, 2000 Action Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Clabeaux,
motion carried 5-0. Motion made by Commissioner Seroff to approve August 21,
2000 Action Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Fronczak, motion carried 5-0.
Motion made by Commissioner Seroff to Approve August 28, 2000 Action
Minutes with minor corrections to section VII., seconded by Commissioner
Dodge, motion carried 5-0.
V. Administration:
A) Chair Alberts introduced City Manager Dave Anderson to the Commission.
Mr. Anderson indicated he is looking forward to working with the
Commission and meeting the challenges in his new position.
B) Public Works Director John Cherbone gave an update on the Congress
Springs Pazk Project. Mr. Cherbone stated restroom at Congress Springs is
92% complete. Park projects at El Quito, Gardiner and Kevin Moran should
be completed by the end of October. Mr. Cherbone reported present
negotiations with West Valley College and Saratoga High School are going
well, and securing practice fields for A.Y.S.O. and a tournament field for
Pony League baseball look promising.
C) Recreation Director Joan Pisani reported all programs going well with high
levels of participation.
VI. Oral Written Communication: James Baron of the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
addressed the Commission regarding Mountain Winery issues centered on the
C.U.P. E.I.R. Mr. Baron indicated the need for a trail to be developed on the
front of the mountain winery property to link the Stevens Creek Park and
Sanborn Park trails to form a continuous segment to the coast. Mr. Baron
reported the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts have filed an appeal against the Santa
Clara County Board of Supervisors with the Superior Court. Bob Joyce and
David Mighdoll of C.Y.S.A. briefly addressed the Commission with their
concerns regarding the development of Congress Springs Park and the needs
of C.Y.S.A. soccer being met.
VII. New Business:
A) C.Y.S.A. issues discussed by Public Works Director John Cherbone. Mr.
Cherbone suggested looking at existing parks within Saratoga to find more flat
grass areas and to look into improving pla�elds at Saratoga Schools, such as
Blue Hills. Bob Joyce and David Mighdoll reported for C.Y.S.A., the largest
group served is 12-16 year olds. Azule Park was mentioned by C.Y.S.A as a
potential area for flat grass development. It was suggested that a special task
force or committee be formed to address the issues of City Park Improvements
and of improvements to local school fields. Members of the committee are:
Norbert Froncak, Elaine Clabeaux, Nick Seroff, Bob Joyce, Linda Dias
Golobic, Mark Linsky, David Mighdoll, John Cherbone, Cary Bloomquist.
VIII. Old Business:
A) Action Matrix was briefly reviewed.
B) Subcommittee reports were brief with no new information reported.
C) Staff Liaison Bloomquist reported business card and name plates will be order
for the Commission by the City.
IX. Commissioner and Staff Reports:
Citv Hall Undate: No update.
Commissioner Renorts: Clabeaux supported sending a thank you letter to the Boy
Scouts of America for their work at Kevin Moran Park. No other reports.
X. Adiournment
Commissioner Alberts made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Commissioner
Seroff seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 and the meeting was
adjourned at 10:14 p.m.
Prepared By:
Cary Bloomquist
City Staff Representative
emo
Ta John Cherbone, Public Wortcs Director
Fronr Dave Mooney, Parks Supervisor
CC: Dave Anderson, Ciry Manager
CarY BloomQuist, Public Waks Analyst
Dat� 09/20/2000
Rx Today's incident at Wikiwood Park
John,
Ay approximately 7:30 A.M. the city crew responsible for Wildwood Park came irrto my office and
reported to me that they were kept from e�te�ng the paric by sheriffs' investigators who expfained to the
c,rew that the park was a crime scene. They were asked by the investigators 'rf abso�ent could be
brougM badc to Gean up blood that was in the parlc. I accompanied staff back to the paric and
introduced mysetf to one of the investigating officers (Sergeant Larry Lopez). Through Sergeant Lopez I
was able to obtain the names of two officers from our sut�station who will be handling the ongoing
investigation. They are, Detedive R. Bynum and SergeaM Burgess. He also mentioned that if any
additional infortnation was needed o� our paR that we could atways corrtact Captain Mifes. {n further
discussion with the investigators I was able to leam that at some poiM the following evening or eacly
moming deput;es were invotved in a shooting inside the park with an individual who was brandishing a
gun that tumed out later to be a toy gun. I leamed that the park had several groups of people in it even
though 1he partc had been Gosed for quite some time as is Gea�iy posted. This is of dear concem to rre
because of the fad that any one of these individuals couki have been seriously hu�t or worse if the gun
this person was brandishing we�+e real or if they had been hit by rounds fired by o�cers. This only
shows again the need for more presence from the sheriffs department to end this ongoing problem.
This parlc continues to be the after hours gathering place for groups interrt on using it to consume
alcohol, take and se�l drugs, and act in a way that makes it a hazard for merri�ers of the public who
want to use it for its proper purpose. It is my hope that this incident will be the catalyst that is obviously
needed to get the type of help we need from our sheriffs' sub-station. Any additional help you can think
of will be greatly apprec+ated.
SincerEly,
David Mooney, Parks Supervisor
Lairy LOpeZ 1222
Sergeant
Office of the Sheriff
counry of Santa Clara
00-�.e3� fl5`� 1-S
ss w. Younger Avenue
Lourie Smiih. San Jose. Calilorn�a 951 i O
SheriJJ �a08i 299-2623
Office of t6e Sheriff
County of Santa Clara
SS Wcat Younger A�anue
San Jose, Coliforni� 9S 110-1721
(408) 299-2101 F�x (408) 283-0561
September 20, 2000
00-263-541
Sh�raf�Laurie Smith
OFFICER IIWOLVED SHOOTING AT SARA�OGA P�I�
On ?uesday, September 19, 2000, at 12:30 p.m., deputies responded to a call of a suspici�us pers�n �vith a
weapon at Wildwood Park, in the City of Seratoga. Wildwood Park is located on 4'� Sveet, north of Big Basin
Way. A witness at the park was stating that a white male subject at the park had a pistol aa�d was threatening to
shoot everyone.
Deputies arrived at the park and found a subject near the restroom area. A deputy illumi�aged the subject with
his flashlight and saw him holding a chrome handgun. Deputies identified themselves and ordered the subject
to drop the gun. The subject raised the weapon and was then shot by one of the deputies.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the subject was shot in the left hand. The bullet exited the lef3 hand
and grazed his right chest and rib area. He was transported by paramedics to Sama Clara C�unty Valley
Medica] Center. He was treated and booked into the Sama Clara Coumy Main Jail.
The investigation revealed that the subject was carrying a chrome semi-automatic replica h�ndgun. Shane
Leyden, 23, of San Jose, was booked for felony drawing and exhibiting a firearm at a peace officer and for
drawing and exlubiting a firearm with the intent of resisting or preventing of arrest by a p��e officer.
The name of the deputy is being withheld at this time pending the investigation. The deputy as 15-year
veteran of the Sheriff's Office and is assigned to patrol in the City of Saratoga.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Randy Bynum or Sergeant Karen Burges� �408) 867-971�.
Information may also be given to the Sheri�s Office Web site at www.sccsheriff.otg.
Prepared by Sgt Johtt Hiuokawa, Sheriffs PIO (408) 294-ZIO2, .Pagero (408) 488-0338
Page Z of 1
PI�E',SS MEDIA I�'LE.�1SE
Officer shoots un-wavin
g g
p
erson in Wi�dvvood Park
By KARA CHALMERS
Things got wild at Wildwood Park in
Saratoga on Sept.19.
At 11:30 p.m., after receiving a call
about a suspicious person who was
aliegedly waving a pistol and threatening
to shoot peopie, three Santa Clara Coun-
ty Sheriff's deputies and a supervisor
arrived at the scene to find Shane Leyden,
23, of San Jose near the restroom and
holding what appeared to be a gun,
according to Sgt. John Hirokawa, the
Sheriff's public information officer.
One of the responding officers, Deputy
Pat McGrady, shone his flashlight on Ley-
den, identified himself as working for the
Sheriff s office and yelied out to the other
offioecs that the suspect had a gun, Hirokawa
said. McGrady said he ordered L,eyden to
put the weapon down, but instead, Leyr..
raised the gun. At that point, McGrady shot
Leyden in the hand. The bullet exited Ley-
den's hand and grazed his chest. Leyden was
treated and released from the Santa Clara
County Valley Medical Center.
Hirokawa said that Leyden laughcd
after beingshot, and told the officersome-
thing to the effect of "Nice shot."
The toxicology report to determine
whether Leyden was under the influence
of anything will not be available for a few
weeks, but the responding deputies think
Leyden might have been.
The weapon Leyden possessed is actu-
ally either a pellet gun, also known as a BB
gun, or a semi-automatic replica handgun,
but because it is a silver-chrome color and
has a hole in the barrel, it resembles a real
gun, Hirokawa said.
The public Wildwood Park, which clos-
es one-half hour after sunset, is located on
Fourth Street. On the night of the incident,
there were at least two witnesses from San
Jose, Hirokawa said, who were not with
the suspect. One called from a phone at the
restaurant Btue Rock Shoot on Big Basin
Way, saying that a suspicious person with
a gun looked as if he was going to shoot.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers
parlced outside, and walked into the park
from different directions.
While the catl came at 11:3U, the
deputies found Leyden at about 11:40.
After shooting him, the officers hand-
cuffed Leyden and called paramedics. Ley-
den was conscious, and there was no resis-
tance after he was shot, Hirokawa said.
McGrady is a 15-year veteran of the
sherifCs office and is assigned to patrol in
Sa� atoga. Since the incident, he has been
given administrative leave with pay, which
is an automatic action that the sheriff's
office takes when an officer is involved in a
shooting, Hirokawa said. There wiq be two
investigations, as is procedure—an inter-
nal affairs investigation and a criminal
investigation in regard to the charges filed.
Hirokawa said the investigation has
begun, since the office has the suspect's
gun in possession. Pan of the investigation
will entail talks with the other responding
officers, he said.
Leyden was booked into the Santa Clara
County Main Jail on two felony charges:
felony drawing and exhibiting a firearm at a
peace officer, and for drawing and exhibiting
a firearm with the intent of resisting or pre-
venting of arrest by a peace officer. Leyden
could end up in state prison, Hirokawa said.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ACTION MATRIX, September 11, 2000
Agenda
item
Follow-up Action Required
Parker Ranch "Water Tank" trail segment
Congress Springs Park-Playfields
improvements timeline.
Staff Responsible
Bloomquist Trails
Subcommittee
and Turf Bloomquist
Park Restroom Improvements- El Quito and Congress Bloomquist
Springs Parks.
B.S.A. Thank You letter Alberts
Propositions 12 13 —Allocation of funding. Bloom4uist
Kevin Moran Gardiner Parks Play Equipment Bloomquist
pro�ects.
Creation of Website for Saratoga PRC
Clabeaux
Due Date
Public Works Dept.
investigated repair
options. Too costly
to pursue at present
time. Temporary
impassible baniers
placed on trail by
public works to
keep user groups
off trail while
closed.
Targeted
Completion, July
2001.
Projects to be
completed in
phases, final project
completed
September 2000
Fall 2000
No new info.
Targeted September
2000.
On�oing
Completion Date
N/A
Targeted July, 2001(subject
to change)
Targeted September 2000
Ongoing
Dedication ceremony
targeted for late September
Elaine will update
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
Gounci= commits to keeping
the Heritage
Orchard as is
By ICAru cw�.n�rts
On Sept. 6, the Saratoga City Council
went on the record that it won't consider
using the Heritage Orchard for anything
but an orchard. The council, with the
request of Mayor Stan Bogosian, unani-
mously passed a resolution recognizing
the orchard.
While the resolution cannot prevent
development from ever occurring on the
orchard, it is a sign of this council's com-
mitment to preserve the orchard exactly
as it is, according to community develop-
ment director James Walgren.
Coincidentally, the council on the same
night authorized city staff to send an appli-
cation for the orchard to be designated a
California Point of Historical Interest to
the state's Historical Resources Commis-
sion. The city's Heritage Preservation
Commission recommended that the city
apply for this designaaon.
In 1984, the ciry designated the orchard,
whic6 is one of the last remainuig in Sarato-
ga, a Heritage Resource, which means that
it is listed on the city's Heritage Inventory.
The inventory is a means by which the ciry
acknowledges the historical importance of
a property to the community.
Heritage preservation commissioner
Beth Wyman prepared the application
and historical narrative of the orchard.
The designation as a point of interest
wouid not legally protect the orchard �om
future development. Bu� according to ciry
staff, it would help heighten public aware-
ness of the orchard as a unique communi-
ty resource.
If the orchard receives the designation,
there will most likely be a sign or plaque
displayed at the new library.
El Quito Park is a park for
every resident of city
Aher reading about yet another neigh-
borhood protest against building a play-
field in a public park, along with the pro-
posal to spend $20,000 to help relocate a
Patrick James store to the village, it
occurred to me that what the vocal part of
the community is consistently insisting
upon is: retauung the orchards that are left
unless they can be developed into some-
thing more profitable (as opposed to
something more useful to the communi-
ty), keeping the "neighborhood" parks
and playgrounds exclusive to the neigh-
borhoods that they happen to be in, keep-
ing the school fields in substandard condi-
tion so they won't be used, and bringing in
businesses �with narrow appeal, while
keeping out businesses with broad appeal.
But why not go one step further? What
about the orchards that were destroyed to
build the parks, schools and homes? What
about the shortage of real estate offices
and gentlemen's clothing stores in Sarato-
ga? Why can't Saratoga stay just the wa}�
it was when I got here?
I have a suggestion that might solve all of
these problems. Instead of spending $1.2
million to improve Congress Springs Park
for playfields, why don't we convert it into
an orchard? Betteryet, why not replace all
of the parks and schools with orchards or
housing developments, spruce up the vil-
lage with a few more real estate offices and
gentlemen's clothing stores, then send all
of the families with school-age children to
live in Cupertino, Sunnyvale. Santa Clara,
or San Jose (why don't they all just leave)?
We can use the money we save to replace
all of those pesky septic tanks.
This should substantially reduce the
demand for and price of housing in Sarata
ga, and at the same time reduce the uaffic,
uash, noise, sewage and parkingproblems
at the parks, schools and in the village.
After a while "market forces" wi11 cause
the entire village to be converted for resi-
dential use. Then we can slap up a Sun Ciry
sign, outlaw cars and turn the entire city
into a retirement village. After about 30
years or so, there will be no more residents
and we can restore the area back to the
way it was before the fruit growecs started
plowing everything under.
GORDON SPENCER
Michaels Drive
State of Eaistin� Parks Within the SaratoQa Svstem.,
Tlus report is intended to update you on the current condition of the infrastructure of Saratoga Parks,
and to relay to you the nead to make repairs and or improvements to that uifrastructure in order for those
areas to remain a safe and eajoyable place for resideats, e�nployces, and other asers.
Following is a site by site suma�ary that includes a brief history of original development, reoent projects
and improvements, foQowed by a projact/oosts breakd�wn listing repairs nocessary to maiatain those sites
in the aforementioned oondition
Consequenoes of not addressing these areas of conoern, would be the oontinued clegeneration of porks
�nfrastrucxure. increased staS' man-hours w maintain those areas, and possible litigation against the Ciry.
Wildwood Park. Z0764 Fourth S�
The 4.1 acres that is now Wildwood Paric were aoquirod in 1968 ai a oost of 581,400.00. Four years later
in 1972, three of t}wse acres were deveioped at a oost of 561,250.00. Thai original development included a
stage/ amphitheater, restroom with adjoining storage area, play area and equiPment, Pa�'ed Pathp'ays with
�nimum securih' liShtin& picnic areas with barbecues and tables, as well as a tnrf on the flat open, and
sloping areas. Later develop�ent addad group picnic am.�s, volleyball court, and hoise.shoe pits.
The most recent projects aad improvements were the oonst�uction of the pedestrian footbridge, and
replacement of decl�ng on the stage/amphitheater in 1992. As well as improvements made to the play,
and picnic areas during Capital Impmvement Project No. 955 in 1995/96.
Needed improvements. Estimated Costa
1). Pathways
I Restroom
V
1,800� 53.25 per S.F.
1(a� �100,000.00 ea.
55,850.00
S 100,000.00
3). River rock walls (caps, 205')
4). Tree work
5). Imgation upgrades
6). Drinldng fountain
'n. Maw strips
8). Drainage (6" perf.) closed system
9). Park siga
10).Pathway Lights
11). Redwood retaining wall (4X108)
12). Garbage enclosures
2 days 51,200.00 ea.
$2,400.00
533,000.00
$5,000.00
�6,790.00
16,500(a� 52.00 per L.F.
2� 52,500.00 ea.
485(a� 514.00 per L.F.
275(a3 $8.00 per L.F.
1 52,800.00 ea.
S� �2,500.00 ea.
13 5850.00 ea.
13). Bike rack 1@ 5650.00 ea.
�2,200.00
52,800.00
512,500.00
11,050.00
5650.00
Kevin Moran Park. 12415 ScuIW Avenue.
In 1970, the Ciry gurchased 10.3 acres for 5236,572.00 and in 1973, developed 4.0 of those acres at a
cost of 570,642.00 into what is now Kevin Moran Park. Original developmeni consiste� of an open twf
area encircled by paved walicways with lighting, Play ar�ea, and general landscaping. Plans to develop the
remaining 6.3 acres were part of the master plan buc were never completed In 1974, the pathway lights
were vandalized and it was decided that they would not be repaired at that time. Recent improvements
were the 1991 reinstallalion of pathway lighting, and the remwal and replacement of elements of the play
area d�ne in 1995.
Needed improvements.
1). Planters (14' diameter)
�`'2j. Play area (demo old poor new)
I /3). Benches
1
4). Mow suips
5). Exercise scation
6). Drinldng fountain
'n. Irrigation upgrades (w/oontr+oller)
8). Picnic tables
9). Bathrooms
10). Garbage eaclosures
11). Bike radc
12) BBQ's
1,200(a) 58.00.00 per S.F.
6(a� 5600.00 ea.
2973@ 514.00 per L.F.
1 (c� 53,000.00 ea.
i �2,500.00 ea.
177,898Q 52.00 per S.F.
6@ 5900.00 ea.
1 5100,000,00 ea.
9(a� 5850.00 ea.
1 5650.00 ea.
2�a �200.00 ea.
Estimated costa
�9,600.00
53,600.00
541,622.00
53,000.00
52,500.00
5356,200.00
�5,400.00
S100,000.00
$7,600.00
�650.00
a400.00
El Quito Park, 12855 Paseo Presada
In 1973, the City developad 4.0 of the 6.3 acra leased from the Moreland School District one year
earlier. That initial developme� included grading, irrigation and drainage systems, tuif and minimal
landsraping. In 1978, after some revisions to the master plan, the 5na12.3 acres were developed These
im�olved additional grading, irrigation and drainage systems, a P�Y P�'� P�a'�3'. �uP ��g
area (partial), one experimental light and limited landscaping. Later, as per the master plan the group
sitting area was oompleted, along with picnic areas, horseshce pits, a voUeyball cowt, game area and
baseball diamond Soon after these were oompleted, the community gardens were constn�cted, and in 1986
bathrooms were installed Most receM imgrwements include the 1989 up�ades W the baseball diamond,
installation of a new "El Quito Park" sign, metal fencing along the parks perimeter with Paseo Presada,
and the 1990 removal and replaceme� of existing play e�uipment
(Et Quico rartc, cont.)
Needed imprnvements
1). Bathroom (partitions)
2). Turf renovation
3). Imgation upgrades
4). Mow strip
Exercise station �e
6). Tables (ga.me area)
7). Continnation of inetal fence
8). Garbage enclosures
9) DriulQng fountain
�2�
q i
o
S6,OOO.00L.S.
199,140@ S 1.50 per S.F.
199,140@ 52.00 pe�r S.F.
675@ S 14.00 pet L.F.
1 aa S3,000.00 ea.
2 5800.00 ea.
10 Q 5850.00 ea.
2 52,500.00 ea.
10) Benches 3� 5600.00 ea
5��
1 l) Picnic tables 3@ 5900.00 ea.
l2) way lights 4� a2,500.00 ea.
Congress Springs Park, 12970 G1en Brae Drive
r
G�
����r
Estimated costs
56,000.00
$298,710.00
$398,280.00
59,450.00
53,000.00
S 1,600.00
54,750.()0
55,000.00
S 1,800.00
52,700.00
S 10,000.00
Over a seven year period, beginning in 1969, ihe City acqair�ed 9.8 acres of land on Glen Brae Dr. that
was adjacent to the State owned transportation comdor for a price of S187,000.00. In 1974, development
began with the vonstruction of a baseball diamond by Saratog� Little L,eague on 3.2 acres of that land, the
Ciry then entered into an agc�aement which allawed Little Leagu�e to have the exclusive use of that field
from April to July of each year. For their part little league and all other �ser grou�s would pay a portion of
incurrad maintenance costs. In 1976, due in part w ffie demand for additional playing fields, the City
leased from the State approximately 10 acres of traasportation corridor land on the Parks northem
bovndary. This was a renewable frve-year lease for 5200.00 per year, with a clause allowing for
cancellation with a 90-day notice. This would allvw for the a000mmodation of two ad�tional baseball
5e1� and fow soccer 5elds, thus meeting public needs of the time.
1479 saw the completion of a Master Plan that was the combined effons of area residents, representatives
from baseball and socaer leagues, and the Parks and Recreation Commissioa. Ia 1986, appmval was given
to go to bid on the revised plans for Congress Springs Pa�ic. These included the oonst�uction of a
restroom/concession staad strucaue, tennis and baslaetball oouzts, field imgrovemeats i.e. (fences, dugouts,
bleachers), landscaping and additional parldng.
More re�entty, in 1989, the lease the City had with the State for use of laad locatsd within the freeway
corri�r expired malQng it necessary to reoonfigur+e the athletic fields. New play eqaipment�vas installed
in 1990. In 1994, Saratoga Litile League was given permission to make additional improvements to tY►eir
fields that included construction of a cinder block scorekeepers building, a grass infield, covered dugouts,
bleacher expansions aad b+illpens. Later new elements had w be adde� w tl� play azea after vandals set
fire to We existing ones.
i
L
�al,�
S�-
w
bw''�
(Congress Springs, con�)
Needed imprnvements
1). Complete turf reno�vation
2). Irrigation upgades
�9�-Badm�ms (partirions)
basketball oourts (90X90)
5). AC pathway (tennis courts)
6). Repairs to backstop fencing
"n. Gartiage enclosures
8). Benches
9). Picnic tables
272,000@ S 1.50 per S.F.
272,000� �2.00 per S.F.
54,900.00 L.S.
1,680@ 53.25 per S.F.
3(a3 S6S0.00 ea.
19� 5850.00 ea.
14� 5600.00 ea.
1@ 5900.00 ea.
Eatimated costs
�408,000.00
5544,000.00
�4,900.00
55,460.00
1,950.00
16,150.00
58,400.00
$900.00
�Brookglen Park, 12734 Brookglen C�
Acquired in 1972, for a price of �38,000.00, the park shares boundaries with an access road to Brookside
Tennis Club on the east, and private residences to the north and south. Development was oompleted in
1975 and included a wrf area, picnic table, play area with equipment, automatic irrigation system,
landscaping and deoomposed granite pathways leading to a half baslcetball cauri. In 19�8, with the
cooperarion of P.G.BtE. additional lighting was inatalled. Since thai time, tt�e basketball oourt surface was
paved, play equipment was replaoed and a new irrigarion controller was installed
Needed improvements
1). Resurface basketball court (Aspbalt) 3,024@ �3.25 per S.F.
2). Paved pathways (Asphalt) 3,690@ $3.25 per SF.
3). Drinldng fountain 1� 52,500.00 ea.
4). Irrigation upgrades 11,761@ �2.00 per S.F.
5). Picnic tables 2@ 5900.00 ea.
6). Benches 2(� 5600.00 ea.
'n. Garbage enclosures 3(a� 5850.00 ea.
8). Mow strips 290@ 514.00 per L.F.
q� �l� �G
Estimated coste
59,828.00
11,992.50
52,500.00
523,522.00
51,800.00
1,200.00
52,550.00
54,060.00
r;
Gardiner Park, 19085 Portos Drive
The site for this park was aoquired aver the oourse of six years in twro phases, the first bcing 1.8 acres
donated by the Gardiner famity in 1965, then the purchase of an addidonal.4 acres in 1970/71. A master
plan was completed and development began in i974. Thai development incluaed grading, drainage and
irrigation systems, Pla3' area (without equipment), wrf areas, Pa�'ed Pathways and land.�aping. A year
later 52,000.00 donated by the Saratoga Rotary, was used W p�uchase and install play equiPment. Over
tune, a small picnic area was added, and elements of the play area were replaced.
Needed improvements
1). Benches
f 2). Mow strips
3). Drinking fountain
2
5). Irrigation upgrades 23,087@ 52.00 per S.F.
6). Gar�age enclosures 4� 5850.00 ea.
7). Tree work 2� 51,200.00 per day
g�.
Historical Park, 20450-Z0460 SaratogalL,os Gatos Raad
Development of Historical Park began in 1973, when members of the Saratoga Historical Foundation
were given permission to relocate the James McWilliams House onto the existing site of the village
library. In 1975, Saratoga Planning Depertment staff finished the master plan and the Swanee Building
(another hiscorical building scheduled for demolidon) was brought to the �operty. Initial development
began in 1976 and imolved, redirecting a natural creek that ra� through the a�+ea, grading and drainage,
limited parldng area with entrance and exit driveways, foundations for both the McWilliams and Swanee
Buildings and tandscaping. In 1977, the imgation system was completed, and the courtyard area with
landsc�aping was finished one year laier. More reoently, bricicwork in front of the museum was continued
up to the front entrance of the McWilliams house, the handicap ramp was oompleted on the museum, and
both buildings were repainted and had their roofs repaired or replacecL
3 5600.00 ea.
735(a� 514.00 per L.F.
l S 2,500.00 ea.
Eatimated cosLv
S 1,800.Q0
S 10,290.00
S2, 500.00
-3'
546,174.00
53,400.00
S2,400.00
Needed improvemcnts Estimated costs
1). Replaoe arbvr
2). Replace fence
3). Trce woric
4). Pathway headers
54,800.00 L.S.
54,800.00
52,200.00
S3,600.00
�5,200.00
51,700.00
�2,200 L.S.
3@ 51,200.00 per day
800� �6.50 per L.F.
5). Garbage enclosures 2(�u 5850•00 ea•
Y--
1
Blaney Plaza aad Memorial Park, Hwy. 9 and Saratoga/I�os Gatos Rd.
Little information oould be found in either the SaraWga Paric lustory files or within the parks and trails
master plan reg,�rding the acquisidon and early development of these two sites. It is laiown that in 1982,
the lighting was changed aver from gas to elearic, and that in 1993, after being alerted to the dangerous
condition of one of the existing pine traes, it becaa�e ne�,sary to devise a means of bracing that tree to
eliminate aay contiaued leaning. This was socomplished with the 000peration of Saratoga Tree Service
and Lou Leto Constructioq who along with City staff, developed and er�ected a brace made with two
12"X 12"X 16' redwood timbers. These timbers were joinefl Wgether at the top using threadad rod, this
was then attached to the trce itself with 12` lag screws. Ai the bottom the timbers were secured with plates
to a 10'X 4%:' footing that in tnrn was joined to piers snnk S' deep. At that time it was determined that
this would be sufficient to keep the trae from listing auy further if a regulaz pnuung program were
initiated to continually re�ce end weight on larger branches.
Needed imprnveme�s
1). Benches
2). Drinking fountain
3). AIItomated irrigation system
4). Tree worlc
5). Garbage enclosures
10(d� 5600.00 ea.
1� 52,500.00 ea.
10,890Q a2.00 per S.F.
2 �1,200.00 per day
2 5850.00 ea.
Estimated costs
56,000.00
52,500.00
�21,780.00
$2,400.00
51,700.00
h __en e �ount
h slasts c a
ral� nt u g y
By Ka.w+, cH,�ms
ow that Santa Clara County has
approved a use permit for the Moun-
tain Winery in Saratoga, the Sazatoga
"I�rail Enthusiasts plan to file a complaint in
state Superior Court, the first step in challeng-
ing the ruling of the county's board of supervi-
sors, according to enthusiast James Baron.
"The enthusiasts are a nonprofit advocacy orga-
nization for the city's trails.
T'he use permit allows the winery to keep
functioning as it has been for the past 40 years—
as a concert and wedding venue, a site for con-
ferences and business meetings and as a restau-
rant. Supervisors gave approval on Aug.15.
The permit will also allow the conceptual
expansion of the winery—specifically a
750-seat increase in the concert bowl.
The county planning commission approved
the winery's permit in March, but the city of
Saratoga and the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts
both appealed the commission's decision to
the board of supervisors.
At the time of its appeal, the city held that
traffic, noise, traiLs and parking concerns were
not dealt with adequately and that the permit
should cover only current uses, not future
expansion plans. While the city reached agree-
ment with the winery before the use permit
was granted, the Trail Enthusiasu did not. In
approving the permit Aug.15, the supervisors
denied the enthusiasts' appeal.
According to Baron, the enthusiasts' com-
plaint incorporates all the points of contention
with the entire environmental impact report
(EIR), which he says contains flawed and inac-
curate data. A consulting firm selected by the
county and paid for by the applicant prepared
the EIR.
The Trail EnthusiasLs have already retained
land use attorney Robert Logan, who is the
city attorney for Monte Sereno, as their lead
counsel. Logan will file the complaint, or writ
of mandamus, on the enthusiasts' behalf.
Baron added that the enthusiasts hope to
obtain a stay on any progress with the project.
The enthusiasts wanted the winery to grant
a trail easement on a portion of winery prop-
erty located in Saratoga, alongside Pierce
Road. Pierce Road is the narrow mountain
access road to the winery facility and iu length
is in the ciry limits. The road, as with others in
the city, is curving in keeping with the rural
character of Saratoga.
T'he trail segment is part of the city's master
plan developed in 1991 for trails.
The enthusiasts say the easement is a neces-
sary mitigation measure since winery-associ-
ated traffic on Pierce Road impacts the bikers,
pedestrians and equestrians who use the road
since there is not a trail that runs parallel to it.
When denying the Trail Enehusiasts' appeal.
the supervisors held that they could not
require the winery to grant the easement
During the many hearings on the use permit.
Pierce Road residents and other nearbv resi-
dents testified to the dangerous situation on the
narrow, winding road, and how it would only get
worse when the winery expands. They tried to
make a case for a trail alongside the road, so that
Pierce Road
Continued from page 9
they would not have to use the road itself.
Because of the traffic on the road trav-
eling to and from the winery, the many
hikers, bikers and horseback riders fear
for their safety, according to the Trails
Enthusiasts.
"I think that there is a real fear of that
and a perception among users that there's
a problem because people coming to and
from the winery for events are frequently
drinking," Baron said. "Statistics have
indicated it is a dangerous road and any-
one who doesn't believe that should j ust
go up and walk the road for a half a mile."
Accident data was compiled by trat'fic
engineers chosen by the county and paid
for by the winery, and, according to the
firms, there is no correlation between the
accidents and the winery. But the enthu-
siasts think otherwise. Baron said that the
traffic data in the EIR that addresses acci-
dents on Pierce Road, on which the super-
visors based their decision, is inaccurate.
"The tru[h is, we don't know how many
accidents have occur because we don't
have all the data," he said. "IYs a danger-
ous road at the best of times and the win-
ery traffic doesn't help it."
According to Baron, he doesn't under-
stand the winery's strong resistance to a
trail and why they would risk losing the
whole project and spending money in
legal fees.
The Trail Enthusiasu had also asked for
a different trail easement on the part of the
winery located in the county's jurisdiction,
not Saratoga's. In June, the winery volun-
tarily agreed to grant that trail easement
along the Juan Bautista de Anza National
Historic Trail.
The winery has said in writing that it
recognizes that when the portion of the
winery located in Saratoga is subdivided
in the future, the city will require the ded-
ication of a trail there as a condition.
However, ihe letter does not represent a
binding agreement. According to Mayor
Stan Bogosian, he will push to require the
trail dedication if and when the owners
submit plans to subdivide, and if he is on
the council.
Please turn [o page 13
SEPTEMBER 13, 2000 SARATOGA NER'S 9
COUNCIL. MEMBERS
SEEM INCLINED
TO PROCEED AT
CONGRESS SPRINGS
Publlc suppo�s plan,
�ants Pon1� League field
Council to �ote Sept. 20
B\' KARA CHALMERS
Because of a clerical glitch. the Saratoga
Citv Council could not vote on a proposed
renovation plan for Congress Springs
Park—that the park's improvement task
force recommended its meeting on
Sept. 6. But a11 council members voiced
their enthusiastic support for the plan any-
wa}�, as did many members of the public.
"I think this is a very exciting plan and I
think the council should go forward with it
as soon as possible, without more delay,"
said 7�ony Marsh. a Ronnie Way resident
who has coached soccer and Little League
and has children who have played those
sports, as well. "We need to fix that field; it
is in terrible shape."
Congress Springs Park, a 10-acre city
park that hosts organized sports such as
baseball and soccer for kids, will undergo
a$1.2 million renovation next summer, to
maximize the number of playfields at the
park and to make the fields safer. The task
force—made up of representatives of
Saratoga Pony League, Saratoga Little
League, the American Youth Soccer Orga-
nization, the city and the architects and
consultants hired to design the new park—
Please rurn to page 12
Congress
Continued from page 1
came up with a recommendation to best
use the fields that already exist.
The plan calls for eight soccer fields, and
when not in use for soccer, the pazk could
hold three Little League baseball fields,
two semi-permanent Litde League fields
and ta+o T-ball fields. according to the plan.
The option, which includes eliminating
the basketball court and tennis court at
Congress Springs today, but keeping the
playground, restrooms and parking area,
was the best compromise between base-
ball and soccer, Cherbone said.
The city's Parks and Recreation Com-
mission voted on Aug. 28, to recommend
this plan to the council.
But the plan does not include a field for
Saratoga Pony League, comprised of 39
players, ages 13-14, that aow uses the
baseball field closest to Glen Brae Drive
at Congress Springs.
Acoordingto]ohn C�erbone, Saratoga's
pubGcworksdirector and Congress Springs
task force member, the task force partly
chose to replace the current Pony League
field with a Little League field since there
are more Little League piayers—between
450 and 500—in Saratoga Little League.
ALso, a Pony League field, which is smaller
than a high school baseball field but larger
than a Little League fieid, would encroach
into the soccer fieid planned for that loca-
tion. Finally, baseballs might be hit onto
Highway $5 from the now substandard out-
fields of the Pony League field, creating a
potential liability for the city.
But Cherbone said at the meeting on Sept
6, that the task force was exploring the use of
fieids at Saratoga High School and W est V al-
ley College for relocating the Pony League
field, and that the city has written use agree-
ments with Little League and AYSO only.
He said that he feels confident that Pony
League will have a new home next season.
Matt Durket, the director of the Pony
level for the League, noted at the Sept. 6
meeting that Pony League is a major feed-
er for high school baseball athletes and the
city would experience a great loss if there
was not a league in Saratoga. He also said
that Pony League, while it would like to
stay at Congress Springs Park, would not
mind moving to another city park.
Some speakers at the Sept. 6 meeting
chastised the city for proceeding with a
plan that did not provide a definite loca-
tion for a Pony League field.
"I'm here again like most others to sup-
port this project but most importantly to
underscore the importance of finding a
home for this Pony League," said resident
and Little League coach, Dave Bayl}�.
"'I'his is an excellent program;we can not
pull the rug out from under these kids."
In Aug�ut, the task force and the parks and
recreation commission decided to recom-
mend tuming the field at El Quito—today
used for adult softball--into a Pony League
field. B ut neighbors of EI Quito oppose.d the
-plans so the commission dismissed the idea
of moving the field to El Quito.
"I guess what I'd like to challenge is the
notion that neighborhoods have complete
say over how the parks are used," said
Michaels Drive resident, Gordon
Spencer. "Those parks and playgrounds
are there for the use of the city of Sarato-
ga, not just the people who live nearby."
To applause from the audience, resi-
dent Peter Fletcher noted his longer-term
concerns that he has about the lack of
facilities, parks and fields to support sports
for children in Saratoga.
"We are told that there are no parks
available, that there's no land available to
build on," Fletcher said. "I don't buy that."
One new development is that the Cali-
fornia Youth Soccer Association, CYSA,
desires to have dedicated practice fields at
Congress Springs, something they do not
have now. Some of the speaicers at the
council meeting on Sept. 6, urged the coun-
cil to support the Congress Springs plan,
but not to forget the needs of CYSA, a soc-
cer league that is a bit more competitive
than AYSO.
Since the park agenda item was acci-
dentally marked "informational only,"
and ttie mistake was not caught in time to
post a revised agenda, the council could
only hear public testimony and discuss the
plan. The council will vote on it at the
meeting on Sept. 20, and, if the Sept. 6 dis-
cussion was any indication, the council will
vote favorably.
�lean and Tidy
Some 55 volunteers turned out Sept. 16, to help clean up trash along Saratoga
Creek near Prospecl High School as part of Coastal Cleanup g7ay. P�mong lhe
volunteers were (from left) Doug Wells, Sahil Najeeb, 3ared Tranherg and
Aaron L.evy, members of Cuh Scout Pack 325, Webelos I�cn Approximately
400 pounds of trash were collected from lhis site alone, according to Sheila
Tucker of the West Valley Clean Water Program, who coordinated [he Coastal
Cleanup Day efforts in the Los Gatos and Saratoga arcas.
Phutograpn ay �amy ue i.a orr�
Parks restrooms
almost done
Restrooms at three of the
city's parks—Wildwood, Con-
gress Springs and EI Quito--
have been renovated or are
expected to be within the next
few weeks, according to the
city's public works director,
John Cherbone. The restroom
renovation project is one of
five projects that was approved
by city's parks and recreation
commission and the city coun-
cil almost a year ago that will be
funded with the city's park
development fund.
Saratoga Parks Recreation Commission
Trails Subcommittee Meeeting
City Hall Administrative Offices
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
Thursday, September 21, 2000
7:30 a.m.
AGENDA
I. Oreanization
P A. Attendance: Ioannou, Dodge, Seroff, Waltonsmith, Baron
B. Report on Posting of the Agenda:
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted
on August 19, 2000
y •i
III. Oral Written Communication
This Section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda (3 minute limit).
IV. Old Business
A. Status of Existing Trails' Physical Condition
Review of Trail Map
B. Status of Existing Trail Rules
C. Status of Reconstruction of Mt. Eden Area Trails
D. Status of Annual Maintenance Contract for Trails
E. Discussion of Appropriate Publicity for Trails;
Possible Organization of Trail Hike
F. Discussion of Appropriate Trail Signage Obtaining Funding for Same
G. Discussion of Easement Encroachment
V. Ltew Business
A. Report on Status of Trail Enthusiasts activity re: Mt. Winery
u
��n
Saratoga Parks Recreation Commission Trails Subcommittee Meeting
13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
September 21, 2000
7:30 a.m.
Action Minutes
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:42 a.m.
II. Roll Call
Members Present: Baron, Bloomquist
Members Absent: Council Member Waltonsmith, Dodge, Ioannou, Seroff
Others Present: None
III. Report on Posting of the A�enda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the
agenda was properly posted on September 19, 2000.
N. Approval of Minutes of Meeting: None
V. Administration: None
VI. Old Business:
A) Status of existing trails physical condition-review of trial map-Map was not
available for review.
B) Status of existing trail rules. Is it necessary to post signage on trails
themselves since few trailheads exist in Saratoga? Aesthetic considerations
are critical when considering the placement of signs along trails and should
most likely be avoided whenever possible.
C) Status of reconstruction of Mt. Eden area trails. Presently in process. Lot 1
on Villa Oaks is nearly complete.
D) Status of annual maintenance contract for trails was discussed. Teri Baron of
the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts is exploring the possibility of having the
Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts do the necessary repair work on the trails. City
Staff liaison Bloomquist will provide information to Teri Baron regarding City
requirements for contracting with groups such as the Saratoga Trail
Enthusiasts.
E) The organization of trail hikes and publicity for trails was discussed briefly
and the direction is to publicize the trails when they have been improved.
Organized trail hikes can be done at any time.
F) Discussion of appropriate trail signage and obtaining funding for this was
previously discussed in item B. Funding exists for present signage
requirements.
G) Discussion of easement encroachment. The City has recently increased efforts
in enforcing easements and preventing encroachments. One area of concern is
the violation of the City fencing ordinance, which prevents the enclosure of
hillside property in excess of 4000 feet. City needs to be aggressive in
enforcing the ordinance.
VII. New Business:
A) Teri Baron of the Saratoga Trail Enthusiasts reported litigation has been filed
against the Mountain Winery.
VIII. R�e orts:
None
IX. Adiournment
Meeting was adjourned at 8:26 a.m.
Prepared By:
Cary Bloomquist
City Staff Representative