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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