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Home My WebLink About07-16-2001 Park and Recreation Commission AgendasSaratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Adult Day Care Center 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga Monday, July 16, 2001 7:30 p.m. AGENDA I. OrQanization 1) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff 2) Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on July 12, 2001 3) Review of June 4 and June 25, 2001 Action Minutes. II. Administration 1) Update from Public Works Director John Cherbone IlI. Oral Written Communication (This section is for the public to speak on any item not on the agenda-3 minute limit) N. New Business 1) Host third community meeting for proposed Azule Park improvement project. 2) Review Capital Improvement Project Process as presented to Council at initial meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2001. 3) Master Plan Update. V. Old Business 1) Congress Springs Park Fundraising Campaign Update. VI. Commissioner Staff Renorts 1) City Hall Update by Staff Liaison Bloomquist 2) Commissioner Reports VII. Adiournment I Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Adult Day Care Center,19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga June 4, 2001 7:30 p.m. Revised Action Minutes I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff. Commissioners Absent: None. Others Present: Council member Nick Streit, Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan Pisani, Steve Kikuchi, Project Architect, Greg Ing Associates, Saratoga News reporter Oakley Brooks, Saratoga residents as follows: Kris Bakke, Yong Shen, Sue Zhang, Don Johnson, Laura Gloner, Jim Schindler, Joan Greene, Katie Alexander, Gary Wolf, Jim Stallman, Bill Estes, Carmen Estes, Tom Soukeys, Bob Luetz, Jackie Wescoat, Staff Liaison Cary Bloomquist. III. Renort on Postiug of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on May 31, 2001. N. Anproval of Minutes of Meetin�: May 7, 2001 Action minutes were approved via a motion from Commissioner Olsen, which was seconded by Commissioner Clabeaux, vote taken, motion carried 7-0. V. Administration: Update from Public Works Director John Cherbone. Budget for Congress Springs Park needs to be increased from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, a$200,000 increase due to the lowest bidder coming in over budget. June 25, 2001, the demolition phase of the Congress Springs Park project commences. A sample of the engraving to be used for donated bricks and Staff will obtain a donation status thermometer. Also requested is a summary of playground safety tasks (based on survey) completed and scheduled by city maintenance department. Commissioner Alberts made a motion to present to Council a recommendation for an amount not to exceed $1,400,000.00 from Park Development Funds to fulfill the budget requirements for the Congress Springs Pazk Project. Motion seconded by Dodge, vote taken, motion carried 7-0. Recreation Director Joan Pisani reported the Warner Hutton House Attic Project received a Grant from the Saratoga Rotary in the amount of $20,000.00. VI. Oral Written Communication: None. VII. New Business: Azule Community meeting held, Chair Fronczak recused himself due to conflict of interest at 8:20 p.m. Vice Chair Clabeaux assumed leadership of ineeting. Received feedback from public in attendance and reviewed Azule Park Survey conducted by City. Public in support of project, reacted favorably towards Survey as presented by Staff liaison Bloomquist. Motion made by Commissioner podge to move regularly scheduled July 2, 2001 Pazks and Recreation Commission meeting to June 25, 2001 and to hold a special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 16, 2001. Commissioner Ioannou seconded motion, discussion ensued, voted taken, motion carried 5-1-1, with recused Chair Fronczak abstaining and Commissioner Seroff opposed. Chair Fronczak resumed control of ineeting. Motion made by Commissioner Alberts to adopt resolution recognizing July 2001 as "Recreation Parks Month". Seconded by Commissioner Olsen, voted taken, motion carried 7-0. Trails subcommittee to outline approach for updating the Park and Trails Master Plan. VIII. Old Business: None. IX. R�e orts: Staff Liaison Bloomauist: None Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Ioannou gave a brief report on Congress Springs Park. Commissioner Albert gave feedback on Wildcat Creek Clean-up Event held on May 19, 2001. Nearly 600 pounds of refuse pulled from streambed and banks. Commissioner Clabeaux encouraged Congress Springs Park Project fundraising efforts. Challenged each Commissioner to bring in $1,000.00 dollars. Commissioner Seroff commented on fundraising efforts for Congress Springs Park Project. Commissioner podge gave feedback on Congress Springs Park Project fundraising efforts. Chair Fronczak gave general feedback on several topics, including Congress Spring Park Project fundraising efforts. X. Adiournment Commissioner Alberts made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. Vote taken and motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Prepared By: Cary Bloomquist, City Staff Representative Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga June 25, 2001 7:30 p.m. Meeting Minutes I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou Commissioners Absent: Olsen, Seroff Others Present: Council member Nick Streit, Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan Pisani, Steve Kikuchi, Project Architect, Greg Ing Associates, Saratoga residents Yong Shen, Jim Schindler, Joan Greene, Katie Alexander, Gary Wolf, Bill Estes, Cannen Estes, Tom Soukeys, Jackie Wescoat, Nick Feigelson, Bill Tomi Fatji, Bob Pauline Carlson, Bill Guthrie, John Mariko Samuelsen, Carl Sessler, Tom Holden and Jeannie Apostole. III. Reaort on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on June 22, 2001 IV. Aaaroval of Minutes of Meetin�: Review and approval of Action minutes from June 4, 2001 we deferred until July 16, 2001 meeting. V. Administration Update from Public Works Director, John Cherbone. Congress Springs Park Demolition started today (June 25) and will continue all week. At a preconstruction meeting, the scope of work was changed so that budget shortfalls for alternate bid items will not cause construction delays in the park. Project items subject to Deletions include: concrete in proposed corporation yard, storage building for equipment, fencing on Glen Brae. Additions and changes include: Portable restroom base, brick backstop base and curbs and gutters in the parking lot. So far $40-$SOK has been committed to the project, about l OK received. Park Safety: Commissioners are to talk to John about their adopted park. John will bring a list of park safety items, scheduled for completion during the next fiscal year, to the July Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Recreation Director Joan Pisani reported Park space in the city is being heavily utilized for summer camps. There is a softball program this summer� at El Quito. Pinocchio has 3 casts totaling 150 kids and will take place in Wildwood Park in August. Adult basketball is taking place at West Valley College. Work on the preschool is being completed this summer. The preschool raised $25K. A family attending the preschool is in construction and has donated a new c�eck to the school. VI. Oral and Written Communication None. VII. New Busioess Second Azule Community Meeting held on Master Plan review of Azule Park: Chair Fronczak recused himself due to conflict of interest at 8:12 p.m. Vice Chair Elaine Clabeaux assumed leadership of the meeting. Steve Kikuchi, project architect, presented Plan A/ Plan B options for Azule Park project noting the different ideas and layouts incorporated into each option. Future plans will take features from both Plan A and Plan B and also add comments received tonight. Public Hearing opened. Comments included: Volleyball court Move tennis courts away from wall (stray balls on highway) Add more trees against sound wall Have a wide walk with par course Make walkway go all around park for both bikes �u�d walkers Security Lighting Park hours? Close at Dusk? No fruit trees? Add benches along path Basketball court redundant Move play area in more, away from street Horseshoe Pits desirable School kids riding bikes from Kevin Moran need straight path to sidewalk Make sidewalk safe Plan review be the Sheriff for ease of surveillance Dogs on leash Noise survey undertaken Add park benches Covered picnic areas to be considered potential vandal targets. Commission Comments: Some same comments as public Need basketball court for family activity Blue Hills courts too far away Larger play areas. Do not limit type of equipment by size of area. Swings take a lot of room Get input from neighborhood on what type of play equipment they want Have John/Dave tag trees for removal Plan development to allow for basic infrastructure, consider postpone amenities. Maybe leave current sidewalk and landscaping. S Drawings will be available for review at Public Works Dept. Enter at Planning Department to review. John will insure that city receptionist know where plans are for all telephone queries to city. Additional comments on the plans need to be to Cary by 7/6 and to Steve by end of day 7/6. Next meeting 7/16 to review revised plan. Will start with costs. Nick Streit recommended a phased development approach for cost purposes. John has a placeholder in budget of $700K for development of Azule. Chair Fronczak resumed Chair at 9:30 p.m. VIII. Old Business Congress Springs Park Fundraising Commissioners should follow up, as convenient, with businesses after letter is sent from Chamber of Commerce to a11400+ Saratoga Business owners. Elaine/Sandra/John to create an"I have given to Congress Springs Park" sticker or store sign so others do not continue to request donations. Joan Smith, John's admin, had list of contributors and dollars. Send a letter of thanks, which also serves as a tax receipt. John to bring list of donors and dollars to next meeting. IX. Commissioner and Staff Reports Staff Liaison BloomQUist: absent Commissioner Renorts: Commissioner Ioannou gave a report of progress she and Commissioners Dodge and Olsen are making regarding the effort to update the Parks and Trails Master Plan. They expect to make a full recommendation to the Commission in September. They are also considering a Master Plan for land purchase. The commissioners would like each of us to think of each park we have and what we would like it to be in the future so we can brainstorm in August about the Parks Master Plan. Commissioner Ioannou also stated that she would like to see the UP trail go through and commented on some of the feedback received from public at the meetings. Commissioner podge stated that Teri Baron found a person who has a trailblazing machine who is ready and willing to help us with our trails. His cost is also reportedly reasonable. He will submit a proposal to the city if required. Council member Nick Streit mentioned that the P&RC must have all capital improvements items, dollars and priorities, to the council by August in order to be included in the 5 year Capital Improvement Plan. Council is starting tomorrow (Tuesday, June 26, 2001) to prioritize the list X. Adiournment t Commissioner podge made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Alberts seconded the motion. Vote taken and motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Prepared By: Judy Alberts, Parks and Recreation Commissioner for Cary Bloomquist, Staff Liaison C.I.P Ranking Per Initial Meeting on June 26, 2001 PROJECT Playground Safety Park Trail Repairs Azule Park Improvements Heritage Orchard Pony League El Quito Park Improvements Parker Ranch "Tank" Trail Imp. Kevin Moran Park Improvements Skate Park Project U.P.R.R. Trail Proposed Project ESSENTIAL: DEFERR.ABLE: RANK: 5 4 4 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 �0 �1 �4 �3 �3 �5 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Adult Day Care Center 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga Monday, July 16, 2001 7:30 p.m. AGENDA I. OrQanization 1) Roll Call: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff 2) Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on July 12, 2001 3) Review of June 4 and June 25, 2001 Action Minutes. II. Administration 1) Update from Public Works Director John Cherbone 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 1) Host third community meeting for proposed Azule Park improvement project. 2) Review Capital Improvement Project Process as presented to Council at initial meeting on Tuesday, June 26, 2001. 3) Master Plan Update. V. Old Business 1) Congress Springs Park Fundraising Campaign Update. VI. Commissioner Staff Renorts 1) City Hall Update by Staff Liaison Bloomquist 2) Commissioner Reports VII. Adiournment Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga June 4, 2001 7:30 p.m. Revised Action Minutes Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeawc, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou, Olsen, Seroff. Commissioners Absent: None. Others Present: Council member Nick Streit, Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan Pisani, Steve Kikuchi, Project Architect, Greg Ing Associates, Saratoga News reporter Oakley Brooks, Saratoga residents as follows: Kris Bakke, Yong Shen, Sue Zhang, Don Johnson, Laura Gloner, Jim Schindler, Joan Greene, Katie Alexander, Gary Wolf, Jim Stallman, Bill Estes, Cannen Estes, Tom Soukeys, Bob Luetz, Jackie Wescoat, Staff Liaison Cary Bloomquist. III. Report on Postin� of the Minutes: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on May 31, 2001. N. Aaaroval of Minutes of Meetin�: May 7, 2001 Action minutes were approved via a motion from Commissioner Olsen, which was seconded by Commissioner Clabeaux, vote taken, motion carried 7-0. V. Administration: Update from Public Works Director John Cherbone. Budget for Congress Springs Park needs to be increased from $1.2 million to $1.4 million, a$200,000 increase due to the lowest bidder coming in over budget. June 25, 2001, the demolition phase of the Congress Springs Park project commences. A sample of the engraving to be used for donated bricks and Staff will obtain a donation status thermometer. Also requested is a summary of playground safety tasks (based on survey) completed and scheduled by city maintenance department. Commissioner Alberts made a motion to present to Council a recommendation for an amount not to exceed $1,400,000.00 from Park Development Funds to fulfill the budget requirements for the Congress Springs Park Project. Motion seconded by Dodge, vote taken, motion camed 7-0. Recreation Director Joan Pisani reported the Warner Hutton House Attic Project received a Grant from the Saratoga Rotary in the amount of $20,000.00. VI. Oral Written Communication: None. VII. New Business: Azule Community meeting held, Chair Fronczak recused himself due to conflict of interest at 8:20 p.m. Vice Chair Clabeaux assumed leadership of ineeting. Received feedback from public in attendance and reviewed Azule Park Survey conducted by City. Public in support of project, reacted favorably towards Survey as presented by Staff liaison Bloomquist. Motion made by Commissioner podge to move regularly scheduled July 2, 2001 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to June 25, 2001 and to hold a special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 16, 2001. Commissioner Ioannou seconded motion, discussion ensued, voted taken, motion carried 5-1-1, with recused Chair Fronczak abstaining and Commissioner Seroff opposed. Chair Fronczak resumed contral of ineeting. Motion made by Commissioner Alberts to adopt resolution recognizing July 2001 as "Recreation Parks Month". Seconded by Commissioner Olsen, voted taken, motion carried 7-0. Trails subcommittee to outline approach for updating the Park and Trails Master Plan. VIII. Old Business: None. IX. Reports: Staff Liaison BloomQUist: None Commissioner Renorts: Commissioner Ioannou gave a brief report on Congress Springs Park. Commissioner Albert gave feedback on Wildcat Creek Clean-up Event held on May 19, 2001. Nearly 600 pounds of refuse pulled from streambed and banks. Commissioner Clabeaux encouraged Congress Springs Park Project fundraising efforts. Challenged each Commissioner to bring in $1,000.00 dollars. Commissioner Seroff commented on fundraising efforts for Congress Springs Park Project. Commissioner podge gave feedback on Congress Springs Park Project fundraising efforts. Chair Fronczak gave general feedback on several topics, including Congress Spring Park Project fundraising efforts. X. Adiournment Commissioner Alberts made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. Vote taken and motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Prepared By: Cary Bloomquist, City Staff Representative Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga June 25, 2001 7:30 p.m. Meeting Minutes I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. II. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Alberts, Clabeaux, Dodge, Fronczak, Ioannou Commissioners Absent: Olsen, Seroff Others Present: Council member Nick Streit, Public Works Director John Cherbone, Recreation Director Joan Pisani, Steve Kikuchi, Project Architect, Greg Ing Associates, Saratoga residents Yong Shen, Jim Schindler, Joan Greene, Katie Alexander, Gary Wolf, Bill Estes, Carmen Estes, Tom Soukeys, Jackie Wescoat, Nick Feigelson, Bill Tomi Fatji, Bob Pauline Carlson, Bill Guthrie, John Mariko Samuelsen, Carl Sessler, Tom Holden and Jeannie Apostole. III. Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2 the agenda was properly posted on June 22, 2001 N. Approval of Minutes of Meetin�: Review and approval of Action minutes from JunE 4, 2001 we deferred until July 16, 2001 meeting. V. Administration Update from Public Works Director, John Cherbone. Congress Springs Park Demolition started today (June 25) and will continue all week. At a preconstruction meeting, the scope of work was changed so that budget shortfalls for alternate bid items will not cause construction delays in the park. Project items subject to Deletions include: concrete in proposed corporation yard, storage building for equipment, fencing on Glen Brae. Additions and changes include: Portable restroom base, brick backstop base and curbs and gutters in the parking lot. So far $40-$SOK has been committed to the project, about l OK received. Park Safety: Commissioners are to talk to John about their adopted park. John will bring a list of park safety items, scheduled for completion during the next fiscal year, to the July Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Recreation Director Joan Pisani reported Park space in the city is being heavily utilized for summer camps. There is a softball program this summer at El Quito. Pinocchio has 3 casts totaling 150 kids and will take place in Wildwood Pazk in August. Adult basketball is taking place at West Valley College. Work on the preschool is being completed this summer. The preschool raised $25K. A family attending the preschool is in construction and has donated a new deck to the school. VI. Oral and Written Communication None. VII. New Business Second Azule Community Meeting held on Master Plan review of Azule Park: Chair Fronczak recused himself due to conflict of interest at 8:12 p.m. Vice Chair Elaine Clabeaux assumed leadership of the meeting. Steve Kikuchi, project architect, presented Plan A/ Plan B options for Azule Park project noting the different ideas and layouts incorporated into each option. Future plans will take features from both Plan A and Plan B and also add comments received tonight. Public Hearing opened. Comments included: Volleyball court Move tennis courts away from wall (stray balls on highway) Add more trees against sound wall Have a wide walk with par course Make walkway go all azound park for both bikes a��d walkers Security Lighting Park hours? Close at Dusk? No fruit trees? Add benches along path Basketball court redundant Move play area in more, away from street Horseshoe Pits desirable School kids riding bikes from Kevin Moran need straight path to sidewalk Make sidewalk safe Plan review be the Sheriff for ease of surveillance Dogs on leash Noise survey undertaken Add park benches Covered picnic areas to be considered potential vandal targets. Commission Coinments: Some same comments as public Need basketball court for family activity Blue Hills courts too far away Larger play azeas. Do not limit type of equipment by size of area. Swings take a lot of room Get input from neighborhood on what type of play equipment they want Have John/Dave tag trees for removal Plan development to allow for basic infrastructure, consider postpone amenities. Maybe leave current sidewalk and landscaping. t Drawings will be available for review at Public Works Dept. Enter at Planning Department to review. John will insure that city receptionist know where plans are for all telephone queries to city. Additional comments on the plans need to be to Cary by 7/6 and to Steve by end of day 7/6. Next meeting 7/16 to review revised plan. Will start with costs. Nick Streit recommended a phased development approach for cost purposes. John has a placeholder in budget of $700K for development of Azule. Chair Fronczak resumed Chair at 9:30 p.m. VIII. Old Business Congress Springs Park Fundraising Commissioners should follow up, as convenient, with businesses after letter is sent from Chamber of Commerce to a11400+ Saratoga Business owners. Elaine/Sandra/John to create an"I have given to Congress Springs Park" sticker or store sign so others do not continue to request donations. Joan Smith, John's admin, had list of contributors and dollars. Send a letter of thanks, which also serves as a tax receipt. John to bring list of donors and dollars to next meeting. IX. Commissioner and Staff Reports Staff Liaison Bloomauist: absent Commissioner Reuorts: Commissioner Ioannou gave a report of progress she and Commissioners Dodge and Olsen are making regarding the effort to update the Parks and Trails Master Plan. They expect to make a full recommendation to the Commission in September. They are also considering a Master Plan for land purchase. The commissioners would like each of us to think of each park we have and what we would like it to be in the future so we can brainstorm in August about the Parks Master Plan. Commissioner Ioannou also stated that she would like to see the UP trail go through and commented on some of the feedback received from public at the meetings. Commissioner podge stated that Teri Baron found a person who has a trailblazing machine who is ready and willing to help us with our trails. His cost is also reportedly reasonable. He will submit a proposal to the city if required. Council member Nick Streit mentioned that the P&RC must have all capital improvements items, dollars and priorities, to the council by August in order to be included in the 5 year Capital Improvement Plan. Council is starting tomonow (Tuesday, June 26, 2001) to prioritize the list X. Adiournment Commissioner podge made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Alberts seconded the motion. Vote taken and motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Prepared By: Judy Alberts, Pazks and Recreation Commissioner for Cary Bloomquist, Staff Liaison �r Z C.I.P Ranking Per Initial Meeting on June 26, 2001 PROJECT Playground Safety Park Trail Repairs Azule Park Improvements Heritage Orchard Pony League El Quito Park Improvements Parker Ranch "Tank" Trail Imp. Kevin Moran Park Improvements Skate Park Project U.P.R.R. Trail Proposed Project ESSENTIAL: DEFERRABLE: R.ANK: 5 4 4 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0� 0 0 0 0 1 4 3 3 5 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 s Azule�P,ark plans narrowed to two Landscape architect Steve Kikuchi, of Greg G. Ing and Associates, has drafted two site plans for the renovation of Azule Park. Both group specialized play areas around a central lawn. A basketball court and playground are mapped out in both plans, with two tennis courts appearing in just one design. Both plans are available for public viewing at the city's building department. The next rrieeting on Azule will take place during the parks and recrea•tion commis- sion's gathering on ]uly 16 at the Adult Day Care Center. Contact Cary Bloomquist with Public Works at 408.868.1258 with any ques- tions about Azule. City considers trail a low priority By G[.ORIA I. WANG A proposed tra�l along a local railroad could potentially s,erve as a transportation conidor for commuters. The project's consultant saidtfiat since the trail would run near popular hubs, such as De Anza and West Valley col- leges, asd the proposed light rail station in Los Gatos, it could be used for more than just recreational purposes. The proposed 8.7-mile-long trail would parallel a portion of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. While a study of the proposed trail is moving along as planned, the project faces hurdles, which include public opinion, design logistics, funding and, greatest of all, the railroad itself. The trail, which would nin through Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga and Cuperti- no, was discussed in LosGatos at a June 21 public meeting held by the project's con- sultants, who are conducting a feasibility study. Only a handful of people showed up, the majority being Los Gatans, includ- ing Councilman Steve Glickman. Cupert�ino held its own public meeting June 7, which drew a larger crowd, pri- marily of Cupertino residents. According to George Hudson, trail consultant frnm Alta Transportation Consulting, the gen- eral opinion at that meeting was to leave the existing—albeit illegal—trail alone and not spend money on improving it. The trail would run from Winchester Boulevard in Los Gatos on the south, and stop at the Hanson �Permanente Cement Company plant, near Highway 280 and Foothill Boulevard, on the northernmost end. The trail could be extended to reach Rancho San Antonio on the north in the future. People now walk and bike along the railroad line—illegally. The land is owned by Union Pacific and is formally restricted from public use. Union Pacific, however, acknowledges that the trail is being used, but will not be held liable in case of an acci- dent because members of the public are trespassers on their property. "I don't know what the cards hold for this," Hudson said. Although Union Pacific is generally against the public using adjoining land as trails, "railroads gener- ally don't like being bad neighbors," Hud- son said. The deciding factors? Money—f�ow much the cities will pay Union Pacific for acquisition rights to the right-of-way— and the dynamics between the negotia- tors. "It boils down a lot to personalities," Hudson said. The four cities plan to transform the strip of d'ut road into a designated public trail, allowing for commuters, exercisers and nature lovers to ride or walk along the railroad line. Similar "rails with trails" projects have been done in the Lafayette/Moraga area, Oregon and Pennsylvania. Hudson said that there are 60 such lines in the United States, with 50 .L.....__�... �JIIIVII �'1�1�1: 11111i1 �U11.Ct il, ��:�J[ ing to Hudson, is with the increased liabil- ity. The railroad's concern, Hudson sai is that it would "irrvite people on the trai and allow for more accidents. Only two lawsuits, however, have resulted from the existing 60 trails, Hudson said. So far Union Pacific representatives have met with Director of Public Works Ralph Qualis once. Two more ineetings are scheduled. Other constraints of the project include problem spots along the railroad line. There are five creek crossings that are part of the trail—at Calabazas, Saratoga, San Tomas, Vasona and Stevens creeks—that bring environmental issues such as the potential endangerment of fish and.frog species. There is a 20-foot-wide tunnel nearFoothill Boulevard that is too nacrow to allow for Union Pacific's requirement o[ 25 feet between the railroad and the trail. There are street crossings that may require pedestrian bridges, such as Pollard Road in Los Gatos. There is also the matter of funding. While the project wilt most likely be fund- ed through a mixture of VTA transporta- tion moneys, other county contributions and allocations from each city, nothing has been set in stone. At a recent discussion of improvement projects that the city of Saratoga wili be funding over the next five years, the Saratoga City Council deemed the proposed trail project a low priority. "It's so far off in the future at this point," said Saratoga Public Works Director John Cherbone. Hudson said that acquisition of railroad trails usually costs between one and two dollars per year. "Ballpark figures" for development are $500,000 to $600,000 per mile, and $6,000 per mile each year for maintenance. The project cost—including acquisition, development and mainte- nance—is expected to total $9 million. Hours of operation, and surface mater- ial—such as asphalt, gravel or dirt— depend on funding. If federal transporta- tion funds are offered for the trail, the development will be geared toward com- muters. The trail would be open 24 hours a day, and would consist of a bicycle- friendly surface. Hudson's feasibility study is set to con- clude in October. In the meantime, Hud- son will continue gathering input, drawing designs and_location options, specifying costs and holding more public meetings. "We're asking if it's possible, asking i( it's usable, and then drawing some ways it can be done," said Hudson's associate John Ciccarelli, speaking on the purpose of the feasibility study. Hudson said that a"quick turnaround' of the project would be for completion i five years: A more reasonable expectatiot would be 10 years. During the Los Gatos meeting, ar inquiry was made regarding public partic- ipation in the project. In addition to fillin� out an Alta Transportation survey found on www.altaplanning.com, Hudson saic that an official grassroots organizatior. formed by residents would be helpful. "It takes some key citizens," Hudsor said, suggesting a"Friends of"-type grouF �,.........,._..tio ..o .............o,� �.-�:i CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK IMPROVEMENT DONATION SUMMARY As of 7/16/01 Donor Name AYSO Menard Famity Mark Linsky Kathleen King Mark Stark Beth Kingsley Thermond Family SAS Design Group Jennifer Macdonell Nick Streit Menard Family Finley Family George Roupe Ducote Family Judy Coulter/Mail Boxes Etc. Scott Lewis Robb Kundtz Mary Robertson Julie Galvin Ray Martino W endy Baab Spang Family Seroff Family Sandra Dodge Raymond Zapata Phil Rehkemper Pack Family Kamiar Fariba(Future Assets) Joan Smith Iveta Harvancik Gary Angel Elaine Clabeaux Ebertin Family Dave Anderson Cary Bloomquist Bernie Sun Barbara Olsen Azita Saghafi Balma Family Holiday Cleaners Donation Item 8 Pairs of Soccer Goals 1 Bench 4 Paving Stones w/ Name 1 Flag Pole 1 Flag Pole 1 Paving Stone w/ Name-$950 Gen. Project Fu nd 2 Paving Stones w/ Name-$400 Gen. Proj. Fund 1 Bollard 5 Paving Stones w/ Name 4 Paving Stones w/ Name 4 Paving Stones w/ Name 4 Paving Stones w/ Name General Project Fund General Project Fund 2 Paving Stones with Name 2 Paving Stones w/ Name 2 Paving Stones w/ Name 2 Paving Stones w/ Name 2 Paving Stones w/ Name 1 Paving Sttone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/ Name 1 Paving Stone w/out Name Amount $16,000.00 $1,700.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $300.00 $250.00 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $150.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $10.00 Total Donations($) $25,110.00 BREAKDOWN OF DONATIONS: 55 Paving Stones 8 Pairs of Soccer Goais 4 Donations to General Project Fund 2 Flag Poles 1 6' Bench 1 Bollard $2, 710.00 $16,000.00 $1,600.00 $3,000.00 $1,500.00 $300.00 HIGHI v�Y SS Greg G. tng t ASSOCiateS 4ndncape �rch'tecture •�aaa 5an .bife. 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