HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2010 Agenda Packet
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA
DATE: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall
Warner Hutton House
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order
Roll Call
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was
properly posted on May 5, 2010.
Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2.
Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any
matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up three minutes. Commissioners may not
comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the February 23,
2010 meeting.
Old Business:
1. Election of Chair & Vice Chair
Issue: The terms of the current Chair and Vice Chair expire May 2010. Per the City of Saratoga
Municipal Code, the Commission is required to select a new Chair and Vice Chair.
Action: PRC will select a new Chair and Vice Chair, who will assume their positions immediately.
2. Nesting Box Project
Issue: At the January 2010 meeting, the PRC received a presentation from a member of the
local chapter of the Audubon Society on bird nesting boxes. The Commission agreed to
work with the Audubon Society to place nesting boxes in Saratoga parks.
Action: Discuss status of the project and develop a plan for moving forward with placement of
boxes in the future.
3. Tree Planting
Issue: At the November 2009 meeting, the PRC invited Vice Mayor Jill Hunter to speak about
the 2015 by 2015 program. At the time, the Commission indicated it was interested in
supporting the effort of the Heritage Tree Society to plant 2015 trees by the year 2015.
Action: Discuss opportunities and make a decision on how to support the Heritage Tree Society’s
2015 by 2015 program.
New Business:
4. MOVE‐IT Saratoga Update & Outreach
Issue: At the City Council’s joint meeting with the PRC in March 2010, the Council authorized
the PRC to move forward with plans to challenge the public to walk/run a marathon or
bike a century in Saratoga between May and September 2010.
Action: PRC will discuss status of MOVE‐IT Saratoga and plans for outreach.
Commissioner & Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is
informational only; no actions will be taken.)
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ June 22, 2010 (note that this meeting takes the place of the July meeting)
Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability‐
related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at
408.868.1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business
day before the start of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Note:
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Parks
and Recreation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City
Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the
posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are
distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Certificate of Posting of Agenda:
I, Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the
meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on May 5, 2010 at the office
of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that
location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
DATE: Tuesday, February 23, 2010
TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall
Administrative Conference Room
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order – 6:34 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Bruno, Goldberg, Johnson, Soukup
Absent: Wilson
Staff: Morrow, Taylor
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was
properly posted on February 16, 2010.
Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2.
Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any
matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up three minutes. Commissioners may not
comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
‐ Kathleen Casey, public speaker, indicated that she is concerned about the name of the property
referred to as the Tollgate property, because the property is not near Tollgate Road. Casey
suggested the Commission review the City’s lease with the Hakone Foundation and plans for the
Hakone Visitor Center. Casey also suggested that the City make funds available to purchase
property as it becomes available for park development.
Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the January 12,
2010 meeting.
‐ Johnson noted that under item 3 “label tree species” was listed twice and he asked that the
second listing be removed.
‐ SOUKUP MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES WITH THE CORRECTION
‐ BRUNO SECONDED THE MOTION
‐ APPROVED 3‐1‐1, WITH GOLDBERG ABSTAINING AND WILSON ABSENT
Old Business:
1. Arbor Day Planning
Issue: During the PRC’s meeting with Youth Commission representatives in November 2009, the
two groups indicated an interest in working together to coordinate the City’s 2010 Arbor
Day event. At the January meeting, Youth Commission subcommittee returned to
further develop event plans. The PRC’s Arbor Day subcommittee was authorized to
continue working with the Youth Commission to coordinate activities for Arbor Day.
Action: PRC will discuss plans for the 2010 Arbor Day, scheduled to take place on April 22, 2010
at 4:00 p.m. in Azule Park.
‐ Goldberg shared that the date of the event is set for April 22 at 4:00 p.m. The Arbor Day
subcommittee has not yet been able to set a meeting with the Youth Commission’s Arbor Day
subcommittee.
‐ Morrow added that the City will be handling basics for the event, including refreshments and
tree planting.
‐ Goldberg said that the subcommittee is going to try to arrange a meeting with the Youth
Commission subcommittee.
2. Update on Park and Trail Capital Projects
Issue: At the January 2010 meeting, the PRC requested an informational report on park and trail
capital projects including Ravenwood Park playground improvements, Azule Park
petanque court, Joe’s trail, and the Tollgate property.
Action: Informational only, no action necessary.
‐ Kathleen Casey, public speaker, said that if the PRC is asked to make recommendations on
capital projects then she would suggest that the City wait to do anything with the Tollgate
property as it should be preserved as open space.
‐ Bruno asked that this item be added to the next meeting agenda.
‐ Morrow indicated that she would ask John Cherbone for an update on the projects and would
email the information to the Commission.
New Business:
3. Soccer Net Storage
Issue: At the January 2010 PRC Meeting, Commissioner Johnson requested that the Commission
schedule discussion on storage of soccer nets at parks used by soccer leagues for games
or practice. Commissioner Johnson has reviewed soccer net storage options and will be
presenting his findings at the February meeting.
Action: PRC will discuss current soccer net storage at City parks and make a recommendation to
the Public Works Director if necessary.
‐ Kathleen Casey, public speaker, asked if there are moveable objects in City parks and if these
items can be stolen or damaged. Casey then asked if there are storage areas at parks and if any
Saratoga residents participate in soccer leagues.
‐ Johnson provided a report on portable soccer nets used by Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale’s storage
technique.
‐ Soukup asked Johnson how sturdy the portable nets are.
‐ Johnson said that the nets meet regulation size and strength requirements.
‐ The PRC discussed the increasing number of soccer nets used at El Quito Park and the storage of
soccer nets at El Quito and other City Parks.
‐ JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR JOHN CHERBONE REVIEW
THE SOCCER NET STORAGE PROPOSAL, SEE IF IT WOULD BE FEASIBLE AT CITY PARKS WHERE
SOCCER LEAGUES PLAY GAMES OR PRACTICE, AND IF SO, SUGGEST THE SOCCER NET STORAGE
OPTION TO USER GROUPS TO SEE IF THEY WOULD BE OPEN TO INCLUDING IT IN THEIR USER
AGREEMENTS. THEN SUGGEST THE OPTION WITH THE USER GROUPS AND SEE IF THEY WOULD
BE OPEN TO INCLUDING THIS STORAGE METHOD IN THE USER AGREEMENTS
‐ BRUNO SECONDED
‐ APPROVED 4‐0‐1, WITH WILSON ABSENT
4. Update on City Council Retreat
Issue: During the January meeting, the PRC requested an informational report on the City
Council Retreat that was held on January 29, 2010.
Action: Informational only, no action necessary.
‐ Morrow and Taylor reviewed discussion at the City Council Retreat.
‐ The Commission discussed the City Council Retreat staff report on things other cities have done
to promote health and wellness.
‐ Goldberg indicated that she liked the idea of encouraging residents to walk a marathon over
several months. She added that the PRC could track the mileage and advertise in the Recreation
Activity Guide, the Saratogan, and local paper.
‐ The Commission agreed to add the idea to the work plan under the Healthy City goal and agreed
to call it either Move it Saratoga or Saratoga Miles. Participants would be asked to track their
mileage and walk a marathon between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
‐ Goldberg also indicated an interest in a photo scavenger hunt at City parks.
‐ The Commission discussed options for a photo scavenger hunt and agreed to add it to the
Healthy City goal category.
5. City Council Joint Meeting Agenda
Issue: The PRC will be holding a joint meeting with the City Council on March 3, 2010 at 6:00
p.m. The Council has asked that Commissions develop an agenda for joint meetings and
seek approval of Commission work plans.
Action: The PRC needs to develop an agenda for the meeting, which must include presentation
and request for Council approval of the Commission’s specific work plan.
‐ Goldberg noted that the Commission would need to present its work plan to the Council at the
Joint Meeting.
‐ The Commission agreed to add Saratoga Move It/Saratoga Miles and photo scavenger hunt to
the Healthy City goal category, remove environmental lectures from the Celebrate Nature
category, asked that Arbor Day support include a note that the PRC would be collaborating with
the Youth Commission, and requested that community event participate under One Saratoga be
grouped together as “Participate in and attend community events”.
Commissioner & Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is
informational only; no actions will be taken.)
‐ Morrow noted that Mustard faire is on March 7, event organizers are looking for volunteers if
anyone is interested. Organizers for the July 4th event are also looking for volunteers.
‐ Taylor shared that the Recreation & Facilities Department is introducing new branding for health
and fitness programs in the spring activity guide.
‐ Bruno noted that Foothill Park and Blaney Plaza look good.
‐ Johnson said he would send his park report to Morrow next week.
‐ Soukup said the parks he visited looked good. He asked for an update on the oak tree that
recently split at Kevin Moran Park.
‐ Goldberg shared that he City has applied for a grant to pay for design of the Village Creek Trail.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ May 11, 2010
Adjournment – 8:03 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga – City Manager’s Office
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: May 11, 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Selection of Chair and Vice Chair
Per Municipal Code 2‐12.080, all City Commissions are required to select a Chair. The terms of
the current Chair and Vice Chair expire in May 2010. The Chair and Vice Chair are selected by
the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Once selected, the new Chair and Vice
Chair will assume their positions immediately.
The term length for both the Chair and Vice Chair is 12 months. No Commissioner can serve
more than one term as Chair during his or her term as Commissioner.
The Chair has special responsibilities and privileges, which are listed below. In the event that
the Chair is unable to attend a meeting, the Vice Chair will be asked to fulfill the responsibilities
of the Chair.
Overview of Responsibilities of Chair:
− Call Meeting to order
− Lead meeting and preserve order
− Call for the vote and announce decision
− Decide questions of order, in regards to Saratoga’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
− Declare opening and closing of public hearings
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: May 11, 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Nesting Box Project
At the January 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting, Michael Azevedo from
the Santa Clara County Chapter of the Audubon Society made a presentation on the group’s
efforts to help native bird species through placement of nesting boxes. During the presentation,
Azevedo discussed:
‐ Bird species that are native to Santa Clara County;
‐ How the Audubon Society helps native bird species;
‐ How the Audubon Society uses nesting boxes to track native bird species;
‐ How nesting boxes are used and monitored by volunteers; and
‐ Different methods for placing nesting boxes.
At the time, the Commission agreed to identify 3‐4 nesting box locations in the San Marcos
Open Space area with approval from the Public Works Director. Before nesting boxes could be
placed, however, volunteers would need to be recruited to monitor the nesting boxes. It was
unclear if volunteers could be recruited and trained in time to place the boxes before the
nesting season. The PRC did authorize the Audubon Society Subcommittee, which includes
Commissioners Soukup and Johnson, to work with the Audubon Society to place nesting boxes
in the San Marcos Open Space should volunteers be identified.
The PRC can begin preparing for the next nesting season now by developing a plan for nesting
box placement. This project is included under the Commission’s goal “Celebrate Nature”.
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: May 11, 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Tree Planting
At the November 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting, Vice Mayor Jill Hunter
presented information about the Heritage Tree Society’s efforts to plant 2015 trees by the year
2015. During the discussion, the Commission indicated an interest in supporting efforts of the
Heritage Tree Society. A definitive plan was not established, however, some ideas were
discussed. These ideas included:
‐ Acorn collection and distribution (pass out acorns with a note that reads “Please plant
an oak” or toss acorns along hillsides or trails)
‐ Encourage residents to plant trees
‐ Grow and give away sapling oak trees
‐ Give presentations to elementary schools on how to care for trees and the importance
of trees
Additionally, the Commission proposed several locations in the City to plant trees. These
suggested locations included:
‐ Fruitvale Avenue
‐ Joe’s Trail
‐ Congress Springs Park
‐ Along Glen Brae Drive
‐ North Campus
‐ Christa McAuliffe School boundary
‐ Beauchamps Park
‐ Azule Park
‐ Greenbrier Homeowners Association entrance at Cox Avenue and Seagull
‐ Highway 85 corridor
‐ Tank Trail
‐ Lawrence Expressway where it meets Quito Road
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: May 11, 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: MOVE‐IT Saratoga Update & Outreach
During the City Council’s joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC), the
Council authorized the PRC to move forward with plans for MOVE‐IT Saratoga. Essentially, the
program challenges the public to walk/run a marathon (26 miles) or bike a century (100 miles)
within Saratoga. Information about the program being led by the PRC was included in the spring
issue of The Saratogan. Additionally, the public can find information, sign up, and report miles
online at www.saratoga.ca.us/moveit. A half page flyer has also been prepared for outreach
purposes. As of May 5, 2010, a total of 11 people have signed up for the MOVE‐IT Saratoga
challenge.